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.