Hell Bent
Book 2 of the Alex Stern series
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Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo continues the story of Alex Stern from Ninth House. Dark fantasy and occult mystery collide as she navigates Yale’s secret societies, confronting deadly supernatural forces, hidden agendas, and morally complex choices.
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo is the highly anticipated sequel to Ninth House, continuing the dark, contemporary fantasy saga set within Yale University’s secret societies. The novel follows Galaxy “Alex” Stern as she uncovers even deeper layers of occult magic, political maneuvering, and supernatural danger that threaten both the living and the dead.
Blending dark academia, fantasy, and suspense, Hell Bent explores themes of power, loyalty, trauma, and morality. Bardugo deepens the worldbuilding introduced in Ninth House, expanding the magical and secretive landscape of Yale while delving further into Alex’s personal struggles, resilience, and ethical dilemmas.
The narrative balances intense character development with fast-paced, high-stakes action. Alex confronts rivalries, deadly secrets, and the consequences of her choices, all while navigating morally grey alliances and supernatural threats. Readers experience a mix of suspense, occult horror, and emotionally charged drama that reinforces the series’ dark, immersive tone.
Recurring tropes in Hell Bent include secret societies, forbidden magic, occult mysteries, morally ambiguous heroes, mentorship with hidden motives, and dark academia. Bardugo’s skillful combination of contemporary fantasy, thriller, and supernatural intrigue makes the series appealing to both adult and young adult audiences who enjoy morally complex, high-stakes narratives.
Hell Bent is recommended for readers who loved Ninth House or anyone seeking immersive, character-driven dark fantasy with suspenseful plotting, occult intrigue, and rich worldbuilding. It showcases Bardugo’s mastery in creating morally complex protagonists and unforgettable fantasy mysteries.
Publication Details:
| Number of Pages | 496 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10 | 1473228034 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1473228030 |
| Published Date |
Other books in the Alex Stern series
She survived a massacre. Yale's full ride comes with dark secrets. Alex sees ghosts, monitors secret societies, occult magic. Bardugo's adult debut: Stephen King's favorite, Amazon series. Dark academia murder mystery.
About Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo is a bestselling fantasy author and creator of the Grishaverse, best known for Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows, and King of Scars. Her work blends rich worldbuilding, political intrigue, and morally complex characters.