The drama of seeing ghosts and solving crime
⭐️Overall rating: 5/5
Synopsis: Alex, who can see ghosts and has made some questionable life choices, ends up at Yale working with a secret society and trying to take easy classes to get through her freshman year. When a murder happens, Alex feels the need to investigate more than the police or school administrators want her too (especially on a funding year). Things go crazy from there, from things trying to kill Alex, working a murder investigation, to dealing with ghosts.
👍Pros: I personally liked that Alex was kind of a gruff character. While she did care about her friends, she wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty either. She had experiences with drugs, dealing, and violence. She pulled from her past experiences to work a murder case about somebody else who was on a similar life path as her - somebody who didn’t get help before it was too late.
I also liked the challenges to the victim blame-y attitudes that happens in college settings. It was directly called out and shot down.
🤔Notes: Just make sure to read the trigger warnings. There is mention and some depiction of drug use, murder, and SA in this book. While I personally think it isn’t added for shock value, the argument could still be made.
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Having just delved into Leigh Bardugo's 'Ninth House,' I wanted to share a deeper dive into the specific content warnings mentioned in my initial review, especially since so many of you are looking for this crucial information before picking up the book. This isn't just a list; it's about understanding the book's atmosphere and how these elements are woven into the narrative. First up, drug use. Alex Stern, our protagonist, has a past deeply entrenched in drug dealing and use. This isn't glamorized; it's presented as a raw, gritty part of her history that continues to affect her present. You'll encounter depictions of drug use and its consequences, which color Alex’s perspective and choices. It's integral to understanding her character and the dark underbelly of society she comes from, contrasting sharply with the opulent Yale setting. Her past experiences, including addiction, are not just background noise; they're critical to how she navigates the murder mysteries she stumbles upon within the secret societies. Then there's murder. The plot kicks off with a brutal murder, and while it's a fantasy novel involving ghosts, the crimes are grounded in a disturbing reality. Bardugo doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of violence and death. The investigation Alex undertakes reveals grim details and highlights the often-ignored victims within privileged environments. It’s not just a puzzle to solve; it's a commentary on those who fall through the cracks, even at elite institutions. My personal take is that these scenes, while intense, serve to underscore the stakes and the moral complexities of the world Alex inhabits, pushing the boundaries of typical dark academia. Lastly, the mention of SA (sexual assault). This is a sensitive topic, and it's handled with gravity in 'Ninth House.' It's not depicted gratuitously, but it is a part of the narrative, contributing to the harsh realities faced by some characters and adding layers to the historical mistreatment within the secret societies. As a reader, I found its inclusion to be impactful, driving home the pervasive nature of power and vulnerability within these hidden worlds. It’s a stark reminder that even in a story filled with magic and spectral beings, real-world horrors can linger. Understanding these content warnings is essential for a complete reading experience of 'Ninth House.' For me, knowing what to expect helped prepare me for the book's darker themes, allowing me to appreciate Leigh Bardugo's intricate world-building and complex character development without being blindsided. It’s a book that truly earns its Goodreads rating as a compelling, albeit heavy, read, immersing you in a world where the supernatural and the painfully real collide.
