Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the e-Arc and this review is completely my own.
I really loved the premise of this book. I was instantly intrigued when I read the synopsis. The writing is simple and easy to follow but not in a way that takes away from the book; you can tell the author will grow stronger and more confident in her stories the more she writes. I read the book in one sitting and was really enjoying myself. The world-building was so descriptive and vivd that I could really picture the world that Trester has built. It was a bit melodramatic at times, but the majority of the book was pretty awesome. The plot is super good and really keeps you invested. I was sucked into this book and very intrigued by Blake’s journey with understanding her powers and the other members of The Nine. The cliffhanger was kind of predictable, but enough for me to know I’m going to read the second book when it comes out. It’s a fantastic beginning to a new series and I’m really looking forward to the rest of this world that Trester has brought to life.

I am doing a separate review than my goodreads so that I can include constructive criticism that are spoilers.

I -mostly- enjoyed this book. There was a very solid concept and a the writing style was easy to follow but didn't lessen the story. I liked the world that was built around the Nine and where the story is going with Blake, Jessie, Scarlett and crew.

My main problems with the story was the pacing of the last 3rd or so. It felt a little jumbled and took me out of the story. The first half I read in one sitting. It began to fall apart when Blake and Nicholas got together. It was entirely too soon and it felt stupid to me that she would fall for it...and get back together so soon after she found out about his girlfriend. Everyone was beautiful and everyone wanted everyone....which also made it a little obvious that the two people that didn't fit that convention where the perpetrators. Even though it was easy to guess who did it, it was still an interesting reveal.

Top things I would have liked to see:
1. More information about Alder House or just the order in general. I'm guessing more will come in future volumes but I don't think enough was given to be content until the next book.
2.More emphasis on the world at large and not just Blake's feelings for Nicholas.
3. If they do insist on him loving her so soon, could it be just slightly longer, or something that makes it feel less like he is obviously using her? I saw that coming miles away.


Good things about the book:
1. Quick, easy read. I finished this book in only a few days. I couldn't put it down.
2. I like the 9 concept. And the two factions deciding what is best for them.
3. Pretty likable characters. Even the ghost we barely see and the grumpy assassin.
4. Understanding parents and friends. I like that more or less she has support.

Overall it was a solid 3-4 stars. I could have used like 200 pages more with loads more detail but I know that isn't for everyone.

Also, some of the formatting for the phone was off. The beginning of the chapter letters flowed over the rest of the other sentences sometimes.

The Nine: Origins

First I would like to thank Netgalley, and the publisher for the eArc I received, which in no way bias' my opinion.

Wow, I don't know what to say other than that. Kes Trester has written a Contemporary fantasy that is young adult verging on new adult, and I stayed up way too late reading it! I can not wait for the sequel!

The Nine: Origins has a lot going for it with simple but understandable lore, a fantastic 1st person narrator, and a Female lead that readers will immediately relate with.

Set in modern day Santa Clara California, the story follows Blake, a college student/barista, as she discovers her supernatural ability, and the underground society of "The Nine". The magic system in this book is not breaking any new groud but is fantastic, cohesive, fun, and easily understandable.

The book starts fast, and keeps up that pace throughout with little downtime. If I can fault the book on anything it's comic relief. I may just be to old to get the jokes as well, but I will be recommending this book to all my friends with teenagers, and will be sending a copy to my mother! Anyone who enjoys solid writing, and a strong female lead will love this book! It wouldn't surprise me if it was on screen in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc. This review is wholly my own.

Easy read that wasn't horrible, but wasn't fantastic either. I likely would not recommend it.

The cover is gorgeous and gets you interested and also the fact that it appears to be book one in a new series, but other than that, it fell short of the genre. It was just very, very juvenile, both in the content and the writing style.

Characters were very stereotypical and lacked depth so it was hard to like them. The style of writing was also a bit odd.

I likely will not continue on with this series when new books are released.

I wanted more from this book, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I think the cover, the title, and the concept was amazing, something to look forward to, but I couldn't fully get into reading it.

An excellent start to an YA series.
This is a novel set in modern day world following Blake, a clairvoyant teenager. She's spent her life aware she's different but attempting to hide that part of her. Until the day she's forced to make a decision wether this is still the best option for her or if she should join The Nine, who seemed to know a lot more of her than she thinks.

What I enjoyed:
▪︎ Quick and easy writing
▪︎Interesting Plot
▪︎ Nice Cover
▪︎ The magic - really enjoyed this!
▪︎ The political tension

What I didn't enjoy that much:
▪︎ Love triangle cliche
▪︎ No standout character

I am looking forward to the continuation of this saga!

“Learning to navigate this bizarre new world might be the only way to survive it.”

Blake Wilder, an eighteen-year-old college student, has been cursed with an ability that has made her a social outcast in her childhood. Having the ability to glimpse into the past and future moments of others, she tries her hardest to live as normal a life as possible. However, one day, she witnesses a grim vision of one of her classmates and when she decides to intervene in his fate, she finds herself pulled into a paranormal society called The Nine. As she attempts to navigate this new world, she meets two men that are interested in her for unknown reasons —Nicholas, son of The Nine’s chancellor, and Jessie, a man with an ambitious nature. With
romance brewing, Blake is faced with an even graver challenge when she begins to have premonitions of a series of murders committed by an unknown killer. She must discover who the killer is before she becomes the next victim.

The Nine: Origins introduces readers to a fascinating paranormal world that coincides with our reality. Just like Blake, we are plunged into the world of The Nine. We are enticed to figure out the influences The Nine has had on society, and what it wants with our heroine. I personally enjoyed the little tidbits Kes Trester sprinkled in the story of famous historical figures having been either a part of or influenced by The Nine. Trester does a great job illustrating the magic systems in place. The name “The Nine” derives from the fact that there are one out of nine main powers a person can possess (although there are technically 10 powers mentioned in the book). I really enjoyed the way Blake’s voyant powers were illustrated, with Trester writing her premonitions in the third-person perspective. The writing flowed nicely alongside the first-person perspective of Blake, and I was constantly intrigued by her every premonition.

As much as I enjoyed the murder-mystery aspect of the novel, I was disappointed by the romance aspect. The relationships between Nicholas and Blake as well as Jessie and Blake felt very forced and superficial. Overall, Trester does an exemplary job illustrating Blake’s journey in discovering herself, and what she is capable of. I hope that in the sequel of The Nine: Origins the romance between Blake and her two love interests is explored more beyond just surface attraction.

The Nine: Origins releases on October 11 th , 2022.

(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*

This is a great start to what is a very promising series. My only concern is that it is set up as a nine book series - I worry there is not enough to it to be spread over that many books, but I'm keeping an open mind. I thought Blake made a good lead character and introduction into the world of the Nine. Not a huge fan of the back-and-forth with her, Nicholas, and Jessie because I don't think the story needs it. Based on her dating history I worry that her falling for these guys is just as much about them being the first guys to really show interest in her as anything genuine. I thought she took Nicholas on his word about the situation with his girlfriend a little too quickly - how many women have heard the "I'm breaking up with her" line before? The mystery part was interesting and a great way to learn about all the characters and their powers. The bad guy wasn't a complete surprise, but wasn't completely obvious either. I did feel bad for Scarlett because it can't be easy for everyone you love to have these amazing powers and you to have nothing. I see some possible future betrayal brewing from that unresolved resentment - but maybe I'm wrong. I really liked the cliffhanger involving Jordan and am looking forward to finding out more about what is going on with her.

A great addition to the YA Fantasy genre.
I always love new magic systems and different takes on common magics/skills like premonition etc.
Read really well and was easy to get through this book.
Wish there had been more to the main plot but overall really enjoyed it.
3.5/4 stars ⭐️

I see this one becoming an instant hit with YA readers, as another reviewer nailed, it most certainly reads like a CW show, and because of that I see it doing really well with the masses. I enjoyed reading it immensely, and will be writing up my review on Goodreads, Amazon and IG. Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC copy to review.

Fun, PG-friendly fantasy. For fans of magical realism there’s nothing here you won’t have read time and again in other series, but this is a well constructed beginning to what could be a successful run.

Blake Wilder has always been the odd kid. She has premonitions prompted by touch, and has felt like the town freak since she was a child. Now in her late teens she’s moved to the city with her best friend for college and to get away from the people who know about her visions. Then she meets a representative of The Nine and finds out that her ability is highly prized by the secretive society of people with powers and they want her to join.

There’s some sparks of romance, but nothing to earn this a spice warning. Blake herself is a likeable and engaging character, independent and yet slightly naïve. There were a few too many other characters introduced in this book for my liking, and I hope if they are to be developed as key players in the sequel that the author takes a bit more time establishing who they are.

I’ll keep an eye out for the sequel as I’d like to see where this goes, and hope that the author successfully builds on the framework established here.

"It was so much easier not to feel anything after Mum died, but you're so bloody alive it almost hurts, and it doesn't scare me anymore."

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this! I couldn't put it down because I was like…glued to the book. It is incredibly creative. It sometimes gave me Twilight saga vibes and X-Men movie vibes. Throughout the story I Gasped, irritated 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.

"The Nine: Origins" has a fascinating premise and a beautiful cover, both of which sparked my interest and compelled me to read this book. I liked the concept of the nine gifts and wanted to learn more about what they looked like in practice, who would be able to use them, and what they meant in terms of the overarching story.

But As I read the book, there were a few issues that I encountered. Even though it improved in later chapters many chapters were in an odd pacing. The description of Cindy and her boyfriend in was a bit judgmental at best. Many of the characters reflected stereotypes. But other than that I really loved this book. There will possibly be a love triangle? I hope so.

So many questions left unanswered that I can’t wait for the next book to come out but this also kinda has a satisfying ending?!

The Nine: Origins has so many of the things I love in books. There is a well thought out system of magic, a secret society, an intriguing mystery, and some Dark Academia vibes. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the rest of the series.

* I received a review copy from the publisher through Netgalley

3.5 ☆

The Nine: Origins is the beginning to a promising fantasy series. The plot is definitely captivating and the story keeps bringing you back into focus. It was easy to read since it radiates such a fun energy and mostly a nice time with a cool atmosphere that makes you want to find out more about that world and the magic system along with the main character.
However the writing does fall flat every now and then, the characters feel very two dimensional constructed based on stereotypes. The friendship bonds (which are usually my favorite part) felt a little weak and the best friend in this story only purpose is to be a best friend, which is such a shame cause i adore her character. The romance was very rushed and although some quotes won my heart i kept thinking about how fast that was escalating, insta love is really not my thing. I did predict the plot twist and I was a little disappointed by that, the villain was ? fine? i guess? i don’t know? could be better? yeah it could definitely be better.
Overall an incredible idea that could've been absolutely perfect with a little bit more attention on the execution, but kept me hooked from start to finish. It is a book i would recommend for sure and I am honestly very excited for the sequel. I am definitely interested in the paths of each character and their destiny and even more excited to get to know more about the side characters!

Thank you NetGalley for sending me the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The story has a solid foundation and interesting storyline, but I’m not in love with Blake’s character. When Nicholas told her to wear a dress and then picked what he wanted it definitely rose my hackles. Does she have no sense of self? Letting someone tell her what to wear and exactly what to wear. I get that it was written in to be a sweet gesture, but it definitely ended up feeling icky to me. I’m also not in love with the pacing of the story. Everything feels very condensed down and I want more details. Like when they went to eight, Layla was described as a pixie. Did she mean pixie like or an actual pixie? It was slightly confusing.

I do believe this story has promise. The characters surrounding Blake and interesting and definitely add to the story. The world of the Nines is really excited as well. I enjoyed learning about each of the different groups that make it up.

I say this with absolute kindness but reading The Nine: Origins was like watching a CW show. I couldn’t look away and kept coming back for more but I wouldn’t nominate it for an award by any means.

After 18 years of being able to keep her premonitions a secret from everyone except her family and best friend Scarlett, Blake Wilder is thrown headfirst into the deep end of a secret magical society called The Nine. Sent by his father, the Chancellor of The Nine, Nicholas is the first Nine to make contact with her and explain that she is a voyant, someone who can see into people’s past and future. Apparently, she’s the first one in a long time and one of a handful to ever exist. She’s asked to pledge allegiance to The Nine, who will protect her from those who want to abuse her power while also expecting her to use said power for their benefit.

With an underground magic society, a murder mystery, and a sprinkle of romance, this book seemed to have everything I could ask for. I am both delighted and disappointed that it read more like a Riverdale spin-off than I was anticipating. I thought that the plot was rushed in weird places and stretched out in other weird places. The plot twist and cliffhanger were easy enough to predict but I enjoyed them nonetheless. I do wish though that we had either more substance for the handful of primary and secondary characters OR less of them. It’s hard to get invested when you don’t know much about anybody.

My biggest problem with the book was that Blake was kind of a brat? She was constantly unnecessarily judgmental to her coworkers and I know it’s how you get physical descriptions in books but when we would get Blake’s inner dialogue about someone the tone was always bitchy. She was lovely to Scarlett and other Nine’s but I couldn’t shake the mean girl vibes.

I will say that I am absolutely going to read any and all subsequent Nine books because I do love the intricate magic system and I am a sucker for a cliffhanger and hate myself just enough to commit to a series that doesn’t even exist yet. Oh well!

Solid 3.5⭐️ rounded down.

Thank you Netgalley and Owl Hollow Press for the eARC to read and review!!

CW: death, violence

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.

A little mystery, a dash of romance, political intrigue, and a cliffhanger made this a neat read.

**ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for honest review- all opinions are my own**

This was good and enjoyable to read- not the most amazingly written book I've read but I still found it fun and a light-easy read. The characters were likeable enough and the setting was interesting to read about. As a YA novel the romance element was a sub-plot and not overwhelming but still cute enough to have me shipping characters. The premise of this book is what initially drew me in- secret society of underground magical people!! The execution could have been a little better but I'm still intrigued to see where the plot will develop into and how the characters will grow. I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley

****CONTAINS SPOILERS****

This is an incredible start to a series!!

Once I picked it up I was immediately hooked and haven’t been able to set it down over the last 48 hours. I loved the magic concepts however feel as though Blake just suddenly deep dived into it. I think more of a learning curve should have been implemented having gone from rare visions to constant ones laced with meaning. She also could just suddenly will them to happen with no real knowledge or teaching to have enabled this.

Admittedly I found the Marcus confession really bad. It felt like an easy out to a problem that was initially created with no solution in mind. He also just openly admitted why he had killed everyone the very first time they asked?? It just didn’t flow and felt very unrealistic.

Overall thought this was an amazing book and I’m definitely looking forward to the next! Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with this arc!

A special thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this book in exchange for a feedback review. All statements and opinions stated in this piece are my own.

This is a origin book, a new one in the huge stable of books about people with super powers, extraordinary abilities, or to put it plainly magic. I loved the cover of this one and also the short description where the ability of the protagonist talks about premonitions and a power to see incidents before they happen, very Final Destination except here she has the power to see the future incidents.
What is good in this book is the way the powers, the nine are described so we have a big bouquet of different powers and various individuals who are able to control them at various degrees depending upon their level of strength; like in the X-men. The nine powers are well thought out.
The interest in the book would be to see how people use those powers and the book gives some very good situations for the various abilities.
The story is very easy going and one feels the inclination to continue reading the book not a compulsion but it seems to grow on you. I had a great love for fantasy books even before the Potter series and loved reading the books on SF and SFF with exotic storylines, locations and power centers.
Although this book is not exactly in the zone for me but it still has kindled some of my interest and I would be looking into further books in the series.
What did not work for me in this book is principally the characters, things seem to be happening very seamlessly like clockwork. Stories especially magical ones fraught with telling backgrounds and compelling characters should not be doing that. The protagonist has been keeping her power under wraps except sharing with her friend who knows all but when accosted by this representative of a new world of powers seems to cave in very quickly and has no mental blocks or doubts about the entire situation. The lady is supposed to be in college not a pre-teen like Harry when he was accosted by owls.
Our protagonist comes across as being unbelievably naïve and she bonds instantly with anyone who is willing too sweet-talk her. The book doesn't have characters interacting and bonding, they are not properly fleshed out and feel too 2-D. These are some things that could be worked into in the future books. I don't know maybe college goer's today are bonding without any depth almost like one does over social media.
The story line about two powers vying for supremacy within the magical community is also a tried tested formula, as is the knowledge that you are not alone in your predicament of being different, mutant, super-powered or a nine; subsequent books will show us how different this series is from the many others already in bookdom.
The story has enough bite for the YA audience it seems to be targeting and needs to be a little less obvious to reach a more mature audience. There is potential in this one.
I reserve my judgement here at 3 stars.