Hell Bent Audiobook – Ninth House Series, Book 2

There’s something exhilarating about listening to a dark, twisting tale while the rain taps at my window, coffee in hand—especially when that story plunges you straight into the forbidden underworld of Ivy League magic. Leigh Bardugo’s “Hell Bent” felt like an invitation to leave the safety of my living room and wade alongside Alex Stern through Yale’s shadowy corridors and occult societies. As someone who relishes stories where monsters are both literal and metaphorical, this audiobook was absolutely riveting.

From the moment Lauren Fortgang gives voice to Galaxy “Alex” Stern—equal parts brittle bravado and aching vulnerability—I was drawn into her desperate quest. The stakes here are deliciously high: not only must Alex rescue Darlington from purgatory (an act officially forbidden), but she also faces mounting threats on campus as faculty begin dying in chilling ways. I loved how Bardugo doesn’t shy away from showing how power can corrupt even the most hallowed halls; it reminded me so much of my own college experiences, though with fewer secret rituals and hopefully no actual demons lurking behind library shelves! The themes of survival, sacrifice, and wrestling with one’s past all resonated deeply with me—a testament to Bardugo’s gift for creating flawed yet fiercely determined heroines.

What stands out most is the book’s immersive world-building. Every arcane ritual and cryptic artifact felt meticulously researched yet organic within this version of New Haven—a place teeming with secrets both magical and mundane. There were moments where I paused just to savor a particularly vivid description or clever bit of dialogue; Bardugo has such a keen ear for wit amidst darkness. Some scenes gave me chills (I’ll never look at old university buildings quite the same way), while others broke through with surprising tenderness among Alex’s ragtag team.

As for narration: Fortgang channels Alex’s grit beautifully, letting us hear every nuance—the sarcasm masking pain, flashes of hope cutting through cynicism. Michael David Axtell provides grounding counterpoints whenever he appears; together their performances make each character distinct without ever feeling forced or theatrical. It genuinely feels like listening to friends recount secrets over midnight coffee—if your friends happened to traffic in spells and unspeakable danger.

If there were any drawbacks for me, it might be that some sections became so densely packed with lore or shifting perspectives that I had to rewind once or twice—not necessarily a flaw if you enjoy intricate storytelling (which I do!), but worth noting for anyone new to Bardugo’s layered style. Still, those minor detours did nothing to lessen my overall immersion.

Ultimately, “Hell Bent” is more than just a sequel—it expands on everything that made Ninth House compelling while carving out its own identity: sharper dangers, deeper emotional stakes, richer mysteries. If you’re drawn to books where friendship means breaking every rule for those you love—or if you simply want an audiobook experience as addictive as your favorite dark roast—this is one not to miss.