Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, with its gripping narrative filled with dark academia, mystery, and supernatural elements, has left many readers craving for more. This novel delves into secret societies and the underworld of Yale University, keeping readers on the edge of their seat until the very last page.
If you loved Ninth House and are on the hunt for your next read, you’re in the right place! This blog post will provide you with a list of book recommendations that fans of Ninth House might enjoy. We’ve considered books that share similar themes, feature strong, complex female characters, involve intricate world-building, and possess plots as riveting as Ninth House.
Let’s dive in and explore what your next literary adventure might be.
Characteristics of Books After Ninth House
Before we dive into our specific book recommendations, let’s first identify the key characteristics we’re looking for in our selections. Fans of Ninth House typically appreciate certain elements that make the book a standout. Here are the qualities we’ve targeted in our chosen books:
Complex and Strong Female Characters
Ninth House is renowned for its protagonist, Alex Stern – a character of depth, complexity, and strength. The books we recommend will likewise feature well-developed female characters who possess their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Dark Academia and Supernatural Elements
The dark academia theme, blending with the supernatural, forms the very soul of Ninth House. This combination provides a captivating, almost eerie, atmosphere that we aim to replicate in our chosen books.
Mysterious and Intricate Plots
The mystery and intricate plot twists of Ninth House keep readers engaged until the very end. Our recommendations will also be rich with mysteries and complex narratives that will leave readers guessing.
Secret Societies and Power Dynamics
The depiction of secret societies and power dynamics within Yale University is a distinctive aspect of Ninth House. The books we suggest will explore similar themes of secretive groups and the intricate power plays within them.
Each book in our recommendation list embodies some, if not all, of these characteristics, offering a reading experience similar to that of Ninth House.
Book Recommendations
Now that we’ve defined the key characteristics we’re looking for, let’s explore some book recommendations that echo the themes of Ninth House.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
In The Secret History, Donna Tartt presents a haunting story set in the backdrop of a New England college. It revolves around a closely knit group of six classics students and explores themes of dark academia and moral relativism. It is a masterful blend of intellectualism and suspense, similar to Ninth House. Unlike Ninth House, however, the supernatural takes a backseat, making way for more human, more tangible horrors.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Lev Grossman’s The Magicians is often described as “Harry Potter for adults.” It’s a book where magic is real, but it’s not as glamorous or as liberating as it seems. The protagonist, Quentin Coldwater, finds himself enrolled in an exclusive college of magic, but the underworld he encounters is far from a fairytale. It matches the dark academia and supernatural elements of Ninth House and adds a dose of reality that makes it starkly relatable.
The Likeness by Tana French
The Likeness by Tana French is a thrilling murder mystery with a gripping plot. It follows the story of detective Cassie Maddox, who goes undercover as a graduate student to solve a murder case. While it lacks the supernatural element of Ninth House, it offers an in-depth exploration of complex characters and group dynamics in an academic setting. It’s perfect for those who loved the mystery and dark academia aspects of Ninth House.
Books with a Different Twist
While the previous recommendations closely align with the themes and characteristics of Ninth House, there’s merit in branching out a bit to explore books that offer a different take. They might deviate slightly from the well-trodden path, but still resonate with fans of Ninth House in intriguing ways.
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
From the same author who brought us Ninth House, Six of Crows is a young adult fantasy that takes us on a thrilling heist journey in the Grishaverse. It doesn’t share the dark academia element but keeps the intricate plot twists and complex characters that Bardugo is known for.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic is a thrilling ride through multiple Londons with varying degrees of magic. It might lack the academic setting but makes up for it with a complex magical system, intricate plot, and compelling characters.
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins is a unique blend of fantasy, horror, and dark humor. While it moves away from the academic setting, it delves into themes of power, knowledge, and the supernatural, making it a fascinating read for those who appreciated the darker, more surreal elements of Ninth House.
Honorable Mentions
While the books listed above are our top picks for Ninth House fans, there are many more novels out there that deserve recognition. Here are a few more titles worth considering:
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
An entrancing novel set in the world of theater students, If We Were Villains explores the tragic spiral of friendship and obsession. It offers a unique perspective on group dynamics, mirroring the exploration of power dynamics in Ninth House.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
For fans of the supernatural, A Discovery of Witches is a captivating story of a historian-witch who unintentionally summons a bewitched manuscript and breaks the peace between witches, vampires, and daemons. While it lacks the dark academia vibe, the engaging plot and complex supernatural world are sure to interest Ninth House fans.
Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
A collection of unsettling stories, Her Body and Other Parties weaves elements of horror, comedy, and science fiction to explore the realities of women’s lives and the violence visited upon their bodies. While different in structure and genre, the themes of power and supernatural elements might resonate with fans of Ninth House.
Conclusion
We’ve journeyed through a range of novels, from those closely mirroring the themes and atmosphere of Ninth House to those offering a refreshing twist on beloved elements. These recommendations echo the dark academia, complex characters, intricate plots, and the sense of mystique that made Ninth House such an enthralling read.
Whether it’s the tantalizing mystery of The Secret History, the realistic magic in The Magicians, or the unique exploration of power in The Library at Mount Char, there’s something in this list for everyone. Each book offers a different flavor of what makes Ninth House so captivating, providing plenty of options for your next literary escape.
Now, it’s time for you to dive into these captivating worlds.
Happy reading!
