Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo follows Galaxy "Alex" Stern, a former drug addict with the ability to see ghosts, who is recruited by Yale's secret Lethe House to oversee its magic societies. Guided by mentor Daniel Arlington, or Darlington, Alex navigates the macabre rituals and power struggles at Yale while investigating a series of murders rooted in the secret societies' occult practices, ultimately uncovering dark secrets and corruption. Topics include substance use, sexual violence, and trauma.

Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House offers a dark, gripping tale enriched with a vivid setting and complex characters that have captivated many readers. The novel's intricate world-building and suspenseful plot are praised, though some criticize its pacing and dense prose. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of dark academia and fantasy thrillers.

Fans of dark academia, magic, and complex characters will relish Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. Similar in tone to Donna Tartt's The Secret History and Deborah Harkness's A Discovery of Witches, this novel blends supernatural intrigue with a gripping narrative, ideal for those who enjoy depth and a touch of the macabre.

- Ninth House is Leigh Bardugo's adult debut, showcasing her transition from young adult novels to more mature themes and darker elements.
- Bardugo's inspiration for the secret societies in Ninth House primarily came from her own experiences and observations during her time at Yale University.
- The book was not only a Goodreads Choice Awards nominee in 2019 but also gained significant attention for its richly detailed portrayal of a hidden world within New Haven, Connecticut.

**Galaxy “Alex” Stern**  
The protagonist with a complex background, Alex has a supernatural ability to see ghosts and is recruited by Yale’s secret society Lethe due to her unique powers.

**Daniel “Darlington” Arlington**  
A senior at Yale known as the “Gentleman of Lethe,” he mentors Alex in the supernatural realm and comes from a family with a historical connection to New Haven.

**Pamela Dawes**  
A graduate student and a member of Lethe, Pamela is initially at odds with Alex but shares a strong sense of justice and contributes significantly to the plot with her knowledge.

**Marguerite Belbalm**  
A professor at Yale and an unexpected antagonist, her true nature and dark past make her a central figure in the supernatural events at the university.

**Dean Elliot Sandow**  
A dean at Yale with a connection to Lethe, his seemingly fatherly demeanor masks deeper, darker ambitions related to the supernatural.

Leigh Bardugo

Adult

Novel

Alex Stern

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Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Ninth House and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Ninth House Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 3

Ninth House Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

Ninth House Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-11

Ninth House Chapters 8-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-16

Ninth House Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

Ninth House Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-24

Ninth House Chapters 20-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-27

Ninth House Chapters 25-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-32

Ninth House Chapters 28-32 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Ninth House Character Analysis

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Themes

Ninth House Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Ninth House Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Ninth House Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Ninth House Essay Topics

Ninth House

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Ninth House?

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Book Details