2.5 stars

This is a decent enough start to a series; the Authors bio and note describes at length the authors cinematic background, which seems why specific book choices were made. Additionally, it's clever for a first person narrative to have past/future abilities for her clairvoyant powers, because it furthers plot/narration/characters without clunky exposition. I didn't like the potential love triangle but it was set up decently, very True Blood-esque. Chico was my main concern a decent portion, so I will say the author knows her audience!

Blake is nice enough, although a bit sheltered but I was happy to see her angst not coming from parents in denial and no friends. Please don't make Scarlett ever a villain (that felt slightly telegraphed in this book) because of "jealousy" of her beautiful special friend. She was a nice, complex, protective bff and it'd be nice to flesh out her arc so she comes into her own without conflict with the characters closet to her..

Let's see where Book 2 takes us. Also coffee is better than tea.

Amazing. Solid 4.5 out of five for me. I havent binged a YA book the way i devoured her novel in a long time. Even though it isn't set to release until Oct?(iirc) i already cannot wait until book 2! 💖💖💖

The Nine: Origins follows Blake as she discovers that she is not the only person with special gifts. As she is introduced into this secret society, she learns how valuable her skills are and how far those in power will go to get her on their team.

I enjoyed the structure of the magic system within the novel. The division of gifts was clear and the levels of ranking within them helped to ascertain who was most powerful. There were also clever historical references throughout that added realistic context to the backstory. I am very curious to see more about the governmental system, which I assume will come more into play in the next installment in this series.

Overall, I found this to be a fun and quick read that definitely kept my interest. I look forward to reading the sequels!

Thank you to Owl Hollow Press and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owl Hollow Press for an advanced copy of the Nine in exchange for an honest review.

Eighteen-year-old Blake Wilder usually hides her ability to see pivotal moments in other people’s pasts and futures, but when a premonition compels her to save a classmate’s life, she’s drawn into a centuries-old paranormal society on the brink of civil war.

I enjoyed this book, I thought it was entertaining and the characters were easy to like. There is also a romantic triangle which I'm eager to see play out and I'm curious about the FMCs growing magical capabilities. The only critique I have is that I thought it went a little longer than necessary and I was a bit disappointed in the resolution of the mystery. It had been building and building but then became a background story to the focus on the magical society. Still, I recommend this book if you like:

- Characters discovering their magic abilities
- Underground magical societies
- Will they/wont they romances
- Build up to magical tournaments

Oh wow, what a nice surprise! Even though this is somewhat a fantasy novel, it’s completely based in the real world of today, rather than involving some weird future society, or something like that. Blake is a great character and I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes her. Does anyone know when book 2 comes out?

Much like the cover, the contents of this book seem very cool at first, but, after closer inspection, are just a bit more juvenile than you would expect. I was convinced the MC had originally been written as a 14-15 year old and then aged at some point because it would be easier to put a co-ed in certain plot situations, but then I started looking at this cover and the little moon and overly precise looking stars, just like the cover of this journal I loved when I was 12...and the whole thing began to feel just slightly out of touch.

***Thank you to NetGalley and Owl Hollow Press for the free ARC. My opinions expressed below are honest and voluntary.***

What I liked about the book:
1. I liked the idea behind this book. I love secret societies and I love watching people bumble through newfound abilities, especially if it looks like they’re going to be the “chosen one”.

2. The writing style flowed really well, the pace was quick, and it was a pleasurable read.

3. I enjoyed the political intrigue of this story. I can’t really get a read on anyone at this point, but I think it’s pretty obvious she has to end up with Jessie romantically.

What could have been better:
1. I felt this book was a pretty unevolved version of every other fantasy book about a young person coming into a new life and being part of a love triangle.

The magic seemed very interesting to me but was not really dove into much more than necessary to move the plot along (which is not why I read fantasy in the first place). The plot was pretty unoriginal and thus was very predictable. The characters were copy and paste versions of characters from better books (why have the copy when you can have the original, right?)

Overall, I just felt something was missing.

2. I did not connect with any of the characters.

Our main character (who I frequently forgot her name) was very boring and a total Mary Sue. There was so much material there for Blake to be a bumbling wreck, and instead it focused on how inherently great she was with magic.

Blake’s best friend Scarlett was the stereotypical sassy friend who just wants the best for the FMC. Other than that, I forgot she was even in this book most of the time.

Blake’s love interests were basically a preppy, politician’s son who had proven himself untrustworthy (“but, he’s like, a total babe”) and an older, rogue Nine member who is creepy at best. OBVIOUSLY the preppy guy, Nicholas, is not my personal taste and dude is so shady I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him. I was sure I was going to love gritty Jessie by default. He’s older, he’s rough around the edges, he’s mysterious, he’s provocative. These check all my damn boxes, he should have been a shoo-in. WRONG! Jessie is that guy on ladies’ night sitting at the bar with his greasy hair, vape pen, and Keystone Light asking you how you like your eggs in the morning. Well, it certainly didn’t work for Jake two weeks ago and it’s not working for Jessie now.

The ONLY person who showed promise to me was Akim Silver, the Prime Sentinel (aka: grand judge) (Sentinel’s are immune to the gifts of the Nine, so would make perfect sense to be bodyguards and judges), and this was relayed through another character, Layla.

“What is it about him you like so much?”

A dreamy look stole over her face. “You mean besides the fact he’s absolutely gorgeous, incredibly mysterious, and could probably take down every other guy in this place single-handed?”

I’d never measured a guy’s attractiveness by whether he could fight off the other cavemen, but to each her own.

First of all, girl needs to update her standards on men then. Second of all, can we just shift the entire story to Layla and Akim? Please and thank you! Akim is definitely the guy who drinks Guinness and whispers rough nothings in your ear.

3. These people were supposed to be in college, but the whole thing felt like I was reading about high schoolers. A bit disappointing.

Final Thoughts:
Overall, this book was ok. It was enjoyable enough, mostly due to the writing style, but I likely won’t be continuing this nine-book series unless I hear that book two is completely amazing or something changes character-wise. That is too big of a commitment for this story for me currently.

This book was absolutely amazing!! I will be recommending this non stop and I am absolutely going to be buying a physical copy of this book because not only is the cover cool - I know I'm going to want this series on my shelf. I love everything about this story! The characters, the mystery and intrigue and alllll the questions I have about The Nine and Alder House. The universe of The Nine sucked me in from page 1 and Kes Trester's writing was truly cinematic and the flow of this story is the shining star. There was not a single dull moment. Every moment carried itself to the next and I needed to know where it was going and now I need to know what comes next in book 2. I can't wait to recommend this book!!

This cinematic story will instantly catch your attention as you are thrown into intriguing visions, introduced to enigmatic strangers, and witness how fate can change.

I felt immersed in Blake’s world while life as she knew it ignited in flames. When the truth behind Blake’s clairvoyant visions is revealed, she begins to realize that the secret society she has been thrown into only supplies more mysteries to be unraveled.

With perfect pacing, engaging characters, unique twists on old magics, and intrigue around each corner this new adult contemporary fantasy will be your next five star read!

I’m so excited that there will be Nine installments in this series! The waiting is going to be killer, just like Blake’s visions ;)

The Nine Gifts:
Elementalists- Those who influence the natural elements.

Empaths- Those who read or influence emotions in others.

Enchanters-Those who influence the thoughts, memories, and actions of others.

Evanescents- Those who channel living energy.

Materialists- Those who conjure from the material world.

Phantomists- Those who commune with the nether world.

Telekinetics- Those who move objects with their minds.

Telepaths- Those who hear the thoughts of others.

Voyants: Those who discern the future and/or the past.

Sentinels: Those who are immune to the Nine gifts.

I will try to write this review without giving away too much, as it won't be available for purchase until October.

Blake was an average teenager, she had a normal teenage life, bullied by those around her due to being different. But Blake was different, she is a Voyant. Being a Voyant didn't make the fact that she just wanted to disappear and live her life, any easier. Taking a moment to step out of the shadows was really hard on Blake. Although she used her gifts quite regularly she didn't want to get too involved in other people's life, chalking it up to if she got involved then it would be changing the future. In walks Nicholas who shows her that she can be more, do more. That she can use her gifts to the betterment of others. The fact that he was gorgeous wouldn't make that much of a difference would it?! As Blake uses her gifts more, murders happen all around her, and it is up to her and The Nine to determine who is killing off innocent people.

The story is set in a modern-day world, so the world-building is already pretty fleshed out, there are some added elements to continue with the scenery and give descriptions as the story moved along.


I absolutely loved this! I couldn't put it down. It is incredibly creative. It gives nods to other Fantasy books, while completely holding its own as something new. I would have finished it in one day if I didn't have to do the necessary thing of sleep and eat 😉. Throughout the story I screamed WHHAAATTT? Gasping and feeling the frustration between Blake and other characters, as she tries to make her way through a world that she's just been introduced to. I am really hoping that there is a sequel. As the story concluded it seemed as if there was more to tell-- I won't say what as it was a part of the story, quite a cliffhanger.

Thank you to NetGalley who has given me this ARC to review.

From the description I was excited about this book, I love the idea of magical realism and political intrigue and this seemed like it would check all the boxes! I did really enjoy the take on magic and the origin story behind magic's beginnings, that felt really unique and fun, but it never really went further than that and I feel like as a reader I didn't get a lot of "origin" in a book titled "origins". I think unfortunately I ended up wanting to like this more than I did, but for me the description was more exciting than the book itself. The magic system seemed fun and the types of magic were great, but I lost a lot of that in the main character's ping ponging between stereotypical book men. Would have loved to see more depth of her character or actual political intrigue as that felt a little light and obvious. I usually love YA but this may be more for the Y crowd than the A crowd.

A quick, easy and fun read that I read in one short sitting. It was well written with good character development and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what happens next

Well this hardly seems fair... that we have to wait to find out what is going to happen next! I devoured this book, the characters were relatable and fascinating with rich development. The setting made the book even better in my opinion. I will not spoil it for you but READ THIS NOW!

Wow… when is the next one coming?

‘The Nine: Origins’ is such a fun and easy read with characters you are able to connect with and a storyline full of detail and mystery.

The aspect of this book is incredibly creative and the cliffhanger at the end, especially, is what’s making me want more. I would definitely recommend this book. ‘The Nine: Origins’ gives me vibes of other books I have read, and liked, whilst also being able to stand alone in its own way and showcase its differences.

Blake and Nicholas belong together, and I really wish that their relationship truly flourishes in the next book!

The premise for this story is great. Who doesn’t love a boarding school setting. This is clearly written to be the first in a series so it does end on a cliff hanger. This is a YA book clearly written for a YA audience.

wow! when is book 2 coming out as i seriously can’t wait.
i loved everything about this book, the characters, the magic and the mystery.
in my opinion if you love cassandra clare books you won’t want to miss out on any books by this author

Thank you so much to Owl Hollow Press for letting me read this early!

I went into this book not really knowing anything and was pleasantly suprised by how much I enjoyed it! I liked how there was an element of mystery mixed with fantasy which you do not see very often. it reminded me of the early days of YA and I enjoyed my time reading this!

Thank you netgalley for this book.. I kinda had low expectations from the novel after reading the description.. But the story actually blew up my mind.. The story is very engaging.. Our main character have ability to see disasters.. I really like her personality. Overall this book is amazing..

thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. i wasnt sure what i was going to think of this book, as i had not heard anything about this book or this author before, but i was pleasantly surprised. while it wasnt perfect, it was still an enjoyable read, and i loved every second of it. i really enjoyed everything from the characters to the plot, and how everything unravelled leading up to that ending. i cannot wait to see what this author does next. taking all of this into consideration, i am going to give this book 4/5 stars, and definitely recommend it!