Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Series: The Locked Tomb #1
Release Date: September 10, 2019
Page Count: 448 pages
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis
The Emperor needs necromancers.
The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.
Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit.
Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.
Of course, some things are better left dead.
Review
Gideon the Ninth was incredible! I listened to the audiobook as I find it easier when it’s fantasy. And the narration is fantastic! This book is weird and funny and crazy and sad. It’s a truly great enemies to lovers and I absolutely loved the evolution from hate to respect and trust to love.
The world building is fascinating and the writing style unlike any other I’ve ever read. It takes a while to get used to the world and the first half can be a bit slow but then it really picks up the pace. Especially because of the murder mystery in the second half.
Gideon is one of my favourite characters of all time. She completely owns my heart. She’s snarky, witty, badass and an absolute riot. The sword fighting scenes are stunning. And Harrow is an amazing necromancer. Skeletons and sword fights and lesbians!! What more do you need?!
There’s a wide cast of secondary characters that will steal your heart too. Really great plot twists and I had a lot of fun listening to this book. The audiobook probably makes it even more hilarious. Definitely recommend it!
“Maybe it’s that I find the idea comforting . . . that thousands of years after you’re gone . . . is when you really live. That your echo is louder than your voice.”
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