Book Review: "Hell Bent" (Alex Stern, #2) by Leigh Bardugo
I’ve been a longtime fan of Leigh Bardugo’s evocative storytelling, particularly with her ability to weave dark themes into compelling narratives. So when I dove into Hell Bent, the second book in the Alex Stern series, I was buzzing with anticipation. The first installment, Ninth House, had gripped me with its haunting portrayal of Yale’s secret societies, layered with supernatural intrigue. However, while Hell Bent starts strong, it soon becomes a peculiar tapestry of engrossing ideas that struggle under the weight of its execution.
The Glimmering Allure of Demington
Let’s kick off with the enigmatic character of Darlington—now a demon, sporting shoulder-length hair, golden tattoos, and, notably, an “erect penis emitting a heavenly light.” As absurd as this sounds, this portrayal is quintessential Bardugo: a character designed to captivate TikTok girlies and fantasy enthusiasts alike. The allure is undeniable, yet I often found myself thinking, “Ah, Leigh Bardugo is just making shit up,” which yanked me out of the narrative. The deliberate campiness of his demon form, while amusing, conflicting with the urgent stakes of Alex’s quest to save him.
A World of Characters—Or the Lack Thereof
Moving on, we have Mercy Zhao, Alex’s roommate, whose existence often feels more like a plot tool than a fully realized character. In a scene that appears plucked from the realm of whimsy, she quickly accepts the existence of magic and effortlessly processes the catastrophic implications. Her reaction feels more YA novel than genuine, lacking the depth needed to anchor such intense revelations. It was almost surreal when she joked about Darlington while he’s poised to tear through the fabric of reality. Mercy’s role seems to exist solely as a counterbalance to offer flippant quips, making it hard to take her seriously during pivotal moments.
Pacing Pitfalls
The pacing of Hell Bent also plods at times, particularly during the HellQuest, which quickly becomes a series of failed rituals that reel the reader in, only to leave us treading water for extended stretches. After 400 pages of intricate steps, the resolution feels anticlimactic; Alex’s special abilities allow her to bypass the ritual entirely. The plodding setup creates a dissonance that undercuts the urgency of the plot, leaving me more frustrated than enchanted.
The Grit and The Tone
What truly confounded me was the tonal inconsistency. While Ninth House deftly tackled dark themes with purpose, Hell Bent feels like a jumble—a gritty scene of animal death stands stark against moments of playful banter that only distract from the weighty material. The serious themes of violence contrast sharply with quirky humor and lean into an almost disjointed vibe.
Final Thoughts
Despite these critiques, I believe Hell Bent has its audience. Fans of Bardugo who revel in her unique blend of fantasy and gritty realism might find joy in the chaos. It’s a tumultuous ride filled with shadows, sparks of humor, and characters designed to explore dark subject matter. For those seeking a tightly woven plot free from loose threads, this may not hit the mark.
In the end, Hell Bent left me with more questions than answers, making for an engaging yet perplexing read. Though it didn’t quite capture the spellbinding quality of its predecessor, it’s a worthwhile exploration for those eager to accompany Alex on her chaotic, often absurd journey. I left it divided—curious about what comes next, yet longing for a more cohesive exploration of its darker themes.
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