Summary
Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House burst onto the literary scene in 2019, marking the author's first foray into adult fiction. This dark fantasy novel, set against the backdrop of Yale University's secret societies, quickly became a New York Times bestseller and garnered praise from renowned authors like Stephen King.
The book introduces readers to Galaxy “Alex” Stern, a young woman with a troubled past and the ability to see ghosts. As she navigates her unexpected admission to Yale, Alex becomes entangled in the occult activities of the university's clandestine organizations. Bardugo's own experiences at Yale heavily influenced the novel's setting and atmosphere.
Ninth House has received numerous accolades, including winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Fantasy in 2020. Its success has led to a sequel, Hell Bent, and plans for a television adaptation by Amazon Studios, with Bardugo set to executive produce.
Plot
Galaxy “Alex” Stern, a 20-year-old high school dropout and sole survivor of a horrific multiple homicide, unexpectedly receives a full scholarship to Yale University. Upon arrival, she learns she's been tasked with monitoring the activities of Yale's secret societies, known as the Houses of the Veil. These eight windowless “tombs” are gathering places for the future elite, but they also engage in sinister occult practices.
Alex discovers she possesses a unique ability to see ghosts, referred to as “Grays.” This power makes her valuable to Lethe, the mysterious ninth house responsible for overseeing the other eight. As she navigates her new life at the prestigious university, Alex must balance her academic responsibilities with her secret duties, all while grappling with her traumatic past and trying to uncover the reason behind her recruitment.
The novel delves into the dark underbelly of Yale's secret societies, revealing their involvement in forbidden magic, raising the dead, and occasionally preying on the living. Alex finds herself embroiled in dangerous situations as she investigates the occult activities taking place within the tombs. Her investigations lead her to uncover long-buried secrets and face powerful adversaries who will stop at nothing to protect their interests.
As the story unfolds, Alex must confront her own demons while trying to survive in a world where ancient magic and modern power intersect. The novel blends elements of dark fantasy, thriller, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of privilege, power, and the supernatural within the seemingly illustrious halls of an Ivy League institution.
Themes
Power and privilege in elite institutions
Dark magic and the occult
Trauma and survival
Class divisions and social inequality
Redemption and second chances
The supernatural existing alongside reality
Corruption and moral ambiguity
Setting
Set in the present day, Ninth House unfolds primarily on the prestigious campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The story immerses readers in the shadowy world of the university's secret societies, whose activities extend beyond the typical collegiate pursuits into the realm of the occult.
The novel's setting is deeply rooted in the real-world geography and architecture of Yale, with particular emphasis on the societies' windowless “tombs” scattered throughout the campus. These secretive buildings serve as focal points for the dark magical practices that form the core of the narrative.
Characters
Galaxy “Alex” Stern: The protagonist and unlikely Yale freshman with the ability to see ghosts. Alex is a high school dropout and sole survivor of a multiple homicide who gets a second chance at Yale. She's tasked with monitoring the secret societies' occult activities as part of Lethe, the mysterious ninth house.
Daniel Arlington “Darlington": Alex's mentor and fellow Lethe member. Darlington is a well-connected, charismatic senior who goes missing early in the story. His disappearance becomes a central mystery for Alex to unravel.
Pamela Dawes: Lethe's faculty advisor and Yale's Dean of Admissions. Dawes is a stern but supportive figure who helps guide Alex in her new role.
Dawes: Lethe's groundskeeper and Pamela's grandfather. He assists Alex with various tasks and provides valuable information about the societies.
Detective Turner: A New Haven police officer investigating a murder on campus. Turner becomes suspicious of Alex's involvement and her connection to the secret societies.
Mercy Zhao: A student whose murder triggers the main events of the novel. Her ghost becomes an important ally for Alex.
North: A dangerous ghost who haunts Alex throughout the story. He represents a constant threat and reminder of her traumatic past.
Hellie Randall: Alex's roommate at Yale. She provides a glimpse into normal college life, contrasting with Alex's secret world.
Quick facts
It is Leigh Bardugo's first adult novel, departing from her previous young adult works
The book was inspired by Bardugo's own experiences as a student at Yale University
Stephen King praised it as “the best fantasy novel I've read in years"
It won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy in 2020
The audiobook version features narration by Lauren Fortgang and Michael David Axtell
The “ninth house” in the novel is based on a real Yale secret society headquarters
Amazon Studios acquired the TV adaptation rights just two days after the book's release
It is the first book in a planned series called Alex Stern
The novel has been banned in some school districts in Florida and Texas
A sequel titled Hell Bent was published in January 2023
About the Author
Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author best known for creating the Grishaverse, a fantasy world that spans multiple book series including the Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology. Born in Jerusalem in 1975 and raised in Los Angeles, Bardugo graduated from Yale University with an English degree in 1997. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in journalism.
Bardugo's debut novel Shadow and Bone was published in 2012, launching her career as a fantasy author. Her works, which blend elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance, have gained a massive following among young adult readers. In 2019, Bardugo published her first adult novel, Ninth House, which won the Goodreads Choice Award for best fantasy novel that year. Her books have been translated into 22 languages and published in over 50 countries.
The Grishaverse has expanded beyond books, with Netflix adapting Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows into a television series. Bardugo serves as an executive producer on the show. Additionally, Amazon Studios has announced plans to adapt Ninth House, with Bardugo also executive producing. These adaptations have further increased the author's popularity and introduced her work to new audiences.
Outside of writing, Bardugo is an associate fellow of Pauli Murray College at Yale University. She has been open about her experiences with osteonecrosis, which inspired the character of Kaz Brekker in Six of Crows. Bardugo continues to be a prominent figure in the fantasy literature world.
