Anticipating the Third Installment: Our Wishlist for the Next Book in the Ninth House Series

Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the third installment of Leigh Bardugo’s Galaxy Stern series, as the TV adaptation of Ninth House by Amazon Prime is still in the works. Bardugo, renowned for her bestselling Grishaverse novels, introduced readers to the adult fantasy world with Ninth House, followed by its sequel Hell Bent. These novels follow the journey of Galaxy “Alex” Stern, who gets recruited by the secretive organization Lethe at Yale University. Lethe's main mission is to monitor the supernatural activities of eight Secret Societies, ensuring the safety of the student body and local community from dangerous magic.

In contrast to the magic system in Shadow and Bone, Ninth House presents a chilling portrayal of magic that serves to uphold the privilege of the elite. Through two books of unraveling campus disasters and delving into the depths of hell, Alex, along with her mentor Daniel “Darlington” Arlington and their comrades, now face a new threat - demons escaping into their realm. The outcome of this latest challenge will provide Amazon with more material for adaptation. Although Bardugo initially intended for the series to be longer, it appears that the upcoming third book will be the final installment (according to Goodreads).

The Supernatural Outside Lethe & New Haven

Alex Stern has yet to explore what magic looks like outside the town where the series takes place.

Royalty free image of the Yale University campuse - Alex Stern has yet to explore what magic looks like outside the town where the series takes place. - The Supernatural Outside Lethe & New Haven

Adding a supernatural practitioner from a different background other than Yale would definitely make Ninth House 3 even more intriguing. It would also help to further explore the mysterious esoteric practices of the Societies.

Alex Meeting Another Wheelwalker

Fans are eager for the third and final book of the Alex Stern series to explore more of the uncharted setting. New Haven is a hub of supernatural activity, influenced by the actions of key historical figures in the town. The presence of magical artifacts in Lethe's possession, acquired through colonial conquests, hints at magic existing beyond the university. Introducing a supernatural practitioner from a different location than Yale would add an exciting twist to Ninth House 3 and shed light on the Societies' mysterious esoteric practices.

Alex Stern only met one other person who shares her power.

Fanart of Alex Stern from Ninth House - Alex Stern only met one other person who shares her power. - Alex Meeting Another Wheelwalker

Alex, a Wheelwalker, possesses a unique gift to see ghosts known as Grays in this series. She has encountered only one other individual with this ability: a serial killer whom she defeats. It would be intriguing to witness her peacefully discussing this gift with another person who shares the same ability. The series hints that while this "gift" is rare, it can manifest randomly. Introducing another Wheelwalker into the series would naturally expand the Wheelwalker mythology. Additionally, Alex could potentially communicate with a Gray who was a Wheelwalker in their lifetime.

Darlington Promotes Dawes & Turner

Pamela Dawes and Det. Turner have gone above and beyond in their jobs.

Custom image of Ninth House art and actors who could play Darlington - Pamela Dawes and Det. Turner have gone above and beyond in their jobs. - Darlington Promotes Dawes & Turner

Pamela Dawes started at Lethe as a research assistant but soon found herself involved in more than she expected. Detective Abel Turner, the liaison for NHPD, has been part of Alex's plans on multiple occasions. While they may be considered minor figures in Lethe's hierarchy, they have valuable experience and have proven to be more effective at protecting people in New Haven than many others. With Darlington's return, it would be great to see him empower Dawes and Turner, allowing them to take on more responsibility and make a bigger impact.

Return Of The Bridegroom

A fan-favorite ghost will return to help Alex Stern with new threats.

Author Leigh Barugo revealed a Ninth House pilot exists, but no cast has been confirmed. - A fan-favorite ghost will return to help Alex Stern with new threats. - Return Of The Bridegroom

In Ninth House, the local Gray known as the Bridegroom is a key character, but he is missing in Hell Bent. However, there is hope for his return in the third book. Author Bardugo has assured fans on Goodreads that although he doesn't show up in Hell Bent, the Bridegroom will have a significant part to play in the upcoming installment.

Mercy Gaining A Position In Ninth House (Without Alex's Help)

With demons and vampires causing chaos, having a reliable supernatural ally for Alex would add depth to the story. A showdown between the Bridegroom and vampire Reiter is anticipated in Ninth House 3. Fans hope the character's return will bring Bardugo's signature dramatic touch, which will be reflected in the upcoming Amazon adaptation of Ninth House where Bardugo is closely involved.

Mercy Zhao could take on a more independent role in the next Alex Stern novel.

Fanart of Mercy from Ninth House - Mercy Zhao could take on a more independent role in the next Alex Stern novel. - Mercy Gaining A Position In Ninth House (Without Alex's Help)

Art by Alice Duke

Mercy coming back to Lethe on her own terms would be great to see and could lead to her rivaling the most powerful Shadow and Bone characters.

Alex confides in her best friend Mercy about Lethe after keeping her double life a secret from her roommates in Ninth House. Mercy then assists Alex in her mission to save Darlington in Hell Bent. However, their friendship seems to hit a rough patch by the end of the book. It would be intriguing to witness Mercy exploring the mystical world of Lethe independently, without being influenced by Alex. This could greatly enhance her character growth. If Mercy and Alex are not on speaking terms, Mercy could still strive to secure a position at Lethe by herself.

Mercy may feel compelled to take this step due to her experiences and observations. In Hell Bent, she functions as an unofficial aide, primarily there because of Alex's invitation. While there are no official vacancies in the Lethe hierarchy, it is evident that rules can be bent in the storyline. Witnessing Mercy return to Lethe on her own terms would be a captivating development, potentially positioning her as a formidable rival to the most influential characters in Shadow and Bone.

Alex Finds Out More About The Stern Family

Alex Stern's grandmother, or her father, might be important to the story.

Ninth House - Alex Stern's grandmother, or her father, might be important to the story. - Alex Finds Out More About The Stern Family

There are hints that there is more to Alex’s family history that she has yet to uncover. She ponders whether her ability to see Grays is linked to her unknown father or her late grandmother. The mystery surrounding her family may seem like a dead end, but if she feels it is important, she may need to confront her unreliable mother for more information. While Wheelwalkers remain a mystery in Ninth House, Alex may find the answers in her own ancestry.

Alex & Darlington's Relationship Hints Resolved

Alex and Darlington having a romantic relationship is teased, but is this the best thing for them?

Fanart of Darlington from Ninth House - Alex and Darlington having a romantic relationship is teased, but is this the best thing for them? - Alex & Darlington's Relationship Hints Resolved

Art by @ekbelsher

Some fans may be hoping for a romantic connection between Alex and Darlington, but their relationship could simply remain as friends. Despite being magically bound to each other, their dynamic personalities challenge and motivate them to excel in their roles. However, the idea of a romantic relationship between them could potentially lead to conflicts. A resolution where they acknowledge their significance in each other's lives but decide to remain platonic would be a satisfying conclusion to their story.

Alex & Co. Dismantle Lethe

Ninth House seems to suggest that Lethe's mission is beyond salvaging.

Fanart of the main characters of Ninth House - Ninth House seems to suggest that Lethe's mission is beyond salvaging. - Alex & Co. Dismantle Lethe

Art by Alice Duke

In the first two Alex Stern books, it appears that the Secret Societies’ supernatural activities may eventually be banned. As Alex delves deeper, she uncovers a history of exploitation, abuse, and violence that has fueled the Societies’ power for centuries. While she takes her job of monitoring the Societies seriously, it is clear that she lacks the authority to hold them accountable.

Alex will probably realize that this is necessary and will need to persuade Darlington to support her. Darlington joined Lethe out of curiosity about the supernatural, but it's uncertain if he still thinks Lethe can be a good mediator. This could be the conclusion of the series, but readers will have to wait for the next installment, or possibly a few more, of the Ninth House series.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming third installment of Leigh Bardugo's Galaxy Stern series, Ninth House 3, promises to bring thrilling twists and unexpected developments. Bardugo's skillful storytelling has captivated readers with the supernatural world of Yale University, where Alex Stern and her mentor navigate a complex society of eight Secret Societies and their dangerous magic. With the threat of demons escaping into their realm, the upcoming book will provide ample material for Amazon's TV adaptation.

Anticipation is high for the return of fan-favorite characters, including the enigmatic Bridegroom and the determined Mercy Zhao, who may take on a more independent role. Moreover, the possibility of exploring Alex's family history and the fate of Lethe's mission adds depth and intrigue to the story. Readers eagerly await the release of Ninth House 3 to delve further into this captivating universe and witness the conclusion of Alex Stern's extraordinary journey.