A Comfy Night in With Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo is a dark, atmospheric read that pulled me in from the very first page and never fully let go. Set in the secret societies of Yale, the story follows Alex Stern, a deeply flawed and compelling main character tasked with monitoring the occult activities hidden beneath the university’s elite surface.
The world-building is rich and unsettling, blending dark academia with magic, mystery, and morally gray characters. Bardugo doesn’t rush the story—she lets the tension build slowly, layering secrets, power, and danger in a way that keeps you constantly uneasy. The magic system feels fresh and disturbing, and the mystery unfolds in a way that kept me guessing.
What stood out most for me was the atmosphere and Alex herself. This isn’t a cozy or light read—it’s gritty, intense, and sometimes uncomfortable—but that’s exactly what makes it so effective. When I reached the end, I was left wanting more answers, more story, and more time in this world.
If you enjoy dark academia, complex characters, and stories that linger long after you finish them, Ninth House is absolutely worth picking up. It was easily my top read of January and one I won’t stop thinking about anytime soon.
⭐Rating: 4.5/5 Would Recommend this book to readers who love dark academia, morally gray characters, and gritty fantasy that isn’t afraid to get unsettling.