The Ancient Nine: A Novel

I Really enjoyed the history interwoven throughout the book. Highly recommended for a solid read, entertaining and fast moving. Very good.

I liked the book but it was a little too long.

Amazing!!!!!!

This novel, set in 1988 in Cambridge Massachusetts, is a thriller about one man's initiation into one of Harvard's exclusive final clubs. Delphic, a secret society so reserved that many Harvard undergraduates do not know it exists or what it is, is the plot's focus— a search to find the fate of an intruder long ago into its sacred precincts. Thoroughly researched and claiming to be based on real events, the book features a romantic subplot, a sports subplot, and a shifting MacGuffin. There are several loose ends and implausibilities which slightly mar the book's page-turning readability. There is simply too much book here, but the author's ability to weave clever and fascinating episodes into his story is enough to carry you through to the end. The author, a doctor and himself a member of Delphic as a Harvard undergraduate, is well known for his many diet books and regular TV appearances. He is the model for the appealing protagonist, Spenser Collins. Spenser is a poor black boy from Chicago navigating the world of eastern wealth, sophistication, and secrecy. It's quite likely the treatment of women as available sexual objects will bring fierce criticism—a too casual attitude towards fraternity style sexual adventure does not match current public attitudes and seems extraneous to the plot.

I enjoyed this story very much. I had been looking for a book with a topic like this, but knowing Dr Ian Smith’s history with Delphic made the topic all the more interesting and thought provoking. I can’t talk to much about what I liked best about the story without giving the story away, but Dr. Smith should seriously consider continuing this book with a series. Even if it’s a spin off series, that talks about further adventures of Spensor Collins in the Delphic

I was not expecting the story to turn the way it did. Nicely written tale of belonging where people don't want you to belong.

I liked Ancient Nine because it was different in style and approach from the many formula books out today. Subject matter was captivating with the secret societies of Harvard and other power players. An interesting, but not riveting ending. That kept this book as a 4 instead of 5. Loved the history of the story as well as the players.

This is full of secrets and suspense. I am thoroughly blown away by the fact that it is based upon actual events!!! My hair still stands up when I think of the graveyard, various ceremonies, and just his life now. Great book and I was still trying to figure it out at the very end.

I enjoyed the university frat house setting, & mysterious Dan Brown vibes

The book I received did not have the graphics on the front cover as it appears. It is a flat black book front and back with the name of the book inscribed on the side panel. Very very disappointed. I would not even pick a star if I had a choice.