Hell Bent - Likewise Book Reviews

"It was better than the first one for sure. I think since everything had all been established, it meant you could get right into the plot. "

"Leigh Bardugo is such a master - this is excellent on every level. The world building is rich and unique. The plot is hugely complex, but all the pieces come together in the end. The characters are wonderful, nuanced and deeply flawed and yet you can’t help root for them. I love this series and I’m not even mad that this ended with another cliffhanger. Excellent audio, too, if that’s your thing. "

"This book was as good as 9th House. I consider this series and Six of Crows to be peak Bardugo."

"Alex and Dawes need to save Darlington. After a ritual goes wrong, they form a posse and go to Hell to rescue his soul. But one trip to Hell isn't enough...."

"It’s difficult when the things you loved about a first book in a series are not present in the books that follow, but does that make them “bad”? I think that’s the main debate in when it comes to Hell Bent. The peak behind the curtain into the secret societies of Yale were entirely gone as this story was focused most on the recovery of Darlington and the happenings of Lethe. The time jumps of Ninth House were replaced by a more linear style approach in Hell Bent. The will they, won’t they plot between Darlington and Stern was a heavy burn in this novel which is also very different from book 1. There is less world building in this novel as it is the second so I felt like the story line starts off right from page 1. The differences amongst these novels isn’t what I hoped when I jumped into book 2. There was much less mystery and much more fantasy, but I still enjoyed the story just in a different way and I think it was mostly due to the fact that I was already invested in the characters."

"And now I shall begin impatiently waiting for the third book in this series."

"It was a decent sequel, but everything took too long, it was discouraging. Satisfied with some of the closure but was just okay. May or may not read the third if it does get written. "

"Couldn’t put her books down. This book literally got me started into reading light fantasy which has led me to full on fantasy love. "

"The stakes were written perfectly. They felt just as high as they did in Ninth House and I was on the edge of my seat! I liked getting to know characters like Dawes and Trip and Turner better. With all the planning for the descent into hell I felt I understood them each more than I did in the first book. I was learning new things about magic right along with Alex and it made me feel more involved with the story. The only complaint I have is I think imagery and description were lacking when the scenes in hell took place. That was the perfect opportunity to expand and go in depth."

"I was super excited to jump back into this series after the last book ending. Loved to see a lot of the side characters back with more development. Alex (Galaxy) returns with more power. She and her gang go on a quest to retrieve Darlington from Hell. Great Reveal on Alex's character; we start to discover and understand who she is and the power she holds. things start to piece together from the first book as well. Starts off a bit slow, and then once it takes off the plot, is constant action packed to the end. Demons, vampires, grays, rituals, spells... so much happening! I found this book was more fantasy based then dark academia. I really wish there was more emotional connection found between Alex and Darlington. Feels like the plot thus far has been building up to something more with these two characters but just fizzles. (yes, the gleaming gold dick!) Why? the plot is definitely rushed, not much down time for these characters. Overall, it was very entertaining! Way too long; it could have been at least 100 pages shorter. I can see this being adapted to the screen/film. The writing is fantastic as usual with so much vivid imagery. Sometimes, too much detail, but it really takes you as a reader on a journey. I highly recommend reading the first book before picking up this second book. The plot and characters don't really give you much summary as you start, so things can get a bit confusing. some bits all over the place with the conflicts and plot. I actually struggled a bit myself to stay focused. Once I picked it up again and pushed on (about 60% through), i was hooked again. I will definitely read the next book!"

"At least as good as Ninth House. I also liked that with character backstories already established it jumps into action more quickly."

"An equally twisty sequel to Ninth House. While cleaning up some of her predecessors’ messes, Alex creates one of her own."

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

"It was tough to rate this one. I like the book and I would say my true rating is more like three and a half stars but by no means take that as a negative, again, I enjoyed this book. Is it in the elite level? No. Is it in that next level? Not for me but it is very close to it and Bardugo is an absolute gem. I do think the first book was better but I hope we get a third one in short order and I'm very much looking forward to the show. "

"I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book of the series. The storyline was more exciting and captivating "

"I need more books like this, or just a third book. I became so attached to characters, even Tripp, who I first thought was annoying as hell. I’m also glad we got to see more of Darlington, he’s my favorite character and I love that you just know whose pov each chapter is, the character voice are so strong and Leigh Bardugo never ceases to astound and inspire me! "

"Loved this series. Was sad to finish it as I have come to love the characters. I would most definitely recommend the series. I selfishly wished there was more between Darlington and Alex. Hoping we will get a 3rd to this one 🤞🏻"

"Somehow even better than the first book!"

"Closest to obsessed I’ve ever been with a book. Couldn’t read it fast enough and didn’t want it to end at the same time."

"An absolutely AMAZING sequel. I desperately want more. The writing was stellar, wonderful story building and I just have to say; give me more Stern!"

"Right now I really like fourth wing. "

"My favorite author does it again!"

"I really love how Leigh Bardugo connects fantasy with reality. The secret societies of Yale and the hunt for Darlington kept me hooked. "

"Even better then the first "

"I am deeply saddened to say that I did not like this novel one bit. I loved the first in the series, but this just wasn’t for me."

"I MUST HAVE MORE!!!!! I'm expending from thriller! Lol I was wrong! But once I started I couldn't finished! And after reading I see that I have read the books out of order but that's OK! Because I'm going to go find the 1st one and read that one!! I have never been sucked into a book that wasn't thriller this hard! And feel this upset that the book was over! I will find the the 1st one and read it to fully understand the second! <br/><br/>Sooo good!"

"i’m a little confuzzled, but i’m liking it"

"I found it a tad bit frustrating how it took the entire book for the protagonist to complete her mission. And I definitely would have loved to see more interactions between Alex and Darlington, but I definitely thought this sequel was a lot more engaging than the Ninth House. I enjoyed how the author dived into to new bonds. Overall I think this was a very good read."

"What can I say? This was awesome"

"These books ( there first and second) are good books. The story is really good but they are the furthest thing possible from a "light read" you have to really pay attention and think to follow it"

"darlington"

"I love darlington"

"*mixed media - aka - read and listened because I COULD NOT STOP. I hope there will be a third..."

"an incredible sequel. i can’t wait for the next installment "

"SLOWEST<br/><br/>BURN<br/><br/>EVERRRRRRRR!!"

"RHCP fans, prepare to be offended by Bardugo's latest entry in the Alex Stern saga. Those who enjoyed book 1, prepare to be delighted-- Hell Bent is even more fun than Ninth House. The balance of action, sarcasm and wit, and blissful occultism make for a tale that is worthy of entry into dark academia hall of fame."

"Ninth house, book of night, and hellbent … read like the best comic book world i’ve ever wanted. If you’re in it for mystery, imaginary, magic you’ve found a great new series… granted if I have to wait another four years I might have start a small fire… just to summon my own demons "

"“galaxy stern, i have been crying out to you from the start.”<br/><br/>LEIGH BARDUGO YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM MY LAWYERS AND THERAPISTS AND PARENTS AND EMPLOYERS AND TAX AUDITORS"

"<br/>Less ghosts, more demons this go around, but bardugo maintains an equally fantastically magical, disturbingly demented, and mundane collegiate world. Eagerly awaiting the 3rd installment - and her other debuts!<br/><br/>Thought provoker:<br/>“Why raise children on the promise of magic? Why create a want in them that can never be satisfied—for revelation, for transformation—and then set them adrift in a bleak, pragmatic world?”<br/><br/>prose: 5/5 ⭐️<br/>spice: a generous 1/5"