Gideon the Ninth (Locked Tomb, #1)

by Tamsyn Muir

The Emperor needs necromancers.

The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.

Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit.

Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.

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. The emperor has called his necromancers to action, and Harrowhark is set on Gideon attending her as bodyguard. If Gideon survives, she’ll be a hero, and a free woman. If not, she can look forward to eternity as a shambling bone-servant.

• ISBN10: 1250313198
• ISBN13: 9781250313195
• Publish Date: 10 September 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 5 April 2024
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: St Martin's Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 448
• Language: English

Reviews

[alindstadtcorbeax]

Star Rating: —> 5 Stars!

My heart hurts. It ACHES.

SO INCREDIBLE. I literally cried when it was over & as it was ending.

I mean that ending? And this whole damn novel? Brutal AF!

Perfection. Truly. Im so confused as to some readers’ complaints that this was extremely confusing & didn’t follow a solid plot line (incl. subplots) that made sense... hmm.

(You can skip over this part if you aren’t interested!)
***BUT! before I go into any more detail... I have stumbled upon the PERFECT way to experience this novel. Through suffering the flu & needing something to sub for physically reading when i felt too sick to, I found that the audiobook (which is one of the best I’ve ever listened to, btw, EVER) is an absolute necessity as a companion to READING the book! I know it isn’t the most cost effective way to read, BUT, it is SO. WORTH. IT WITH THIS BOOK; GUYS... It was SO WELL DONE & captures everything perfectly.
Plus, I don’t think I would’ve truly gotten to know Gideon, or Harrow, for that matter & be able to honestly say that I TRULY understand either of them as their unique selves, without listening to it! Plus if you’re someone who was or is having any sort of trouble with the book, I say give it a second chance with “my” method!

[empressbrooke]

I had so much fun with this one. It started off a little slow, but then delightfully turned out to what I can only describe as a science-fantasy haunted-ish house locked room murder mystery. Making things even better, the main character totally does not take any of it seriously. The whole thing was unusual and fantastic.

[Quirky Cat]

Gideon the Ninth is the first novel in the Ninth House series by Tamsyn Muir, and it is arguably one of the most talked about novels of the year. At least, it sure has been filling up my twitter feed.
There are two ways to sum up Gideon the Ninth. There's the simple way; a condescend description covering the bare bones (pun intended) of the novel. And a more detailed and complex explanation.
The short version: Lesbian necromancers in space. Yes, it sounds brilliant, does it not?
Now for the more complex version:
In a universe where necromancy is king, there live nine houses. But times are changing, and the Emperor is calling back the heirs to each house. The news is dire – for some. For others, it's the chance of a lifetime.
Gideon never wanted to be a member of Ninth House. She certainly never wanted to become an ossifying nun. Or have anything else to do with Harrowhark. She'd much rather spend time with her broadsword and girly magazines. Or run off and join the war efforts. But the universe hardly listens to what we want, now does it?
Harrowhark Nonagesimus is the Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House. And the only daughter. She carries all of their hopes and dreams on her small (but not frail) shoulders. And she can give back as good as Gideon – if not better.
Together these two are off on a quest, with the fragile hope that the other will maintain their end of the bargain. And neither know what is truly in store.

“Gideon marvelled that someone could live in the universe only seventeen years and yet wear black and sneer with such ancient self-assurance.”

I've heard nothing but good things about Gideon the Ninth for the past umpteen months. So naturally, I've been excitedly counting down the days to release. And I've got to tell you; it held up to all of those high expectations I set. That is no mean feat.
I just finished Gideon the Ninth, and I'll be honest with you. I'm still reeling from this one. It was so complex and beautifully written; full of the banter I so adore, and so much more. There's politicking, plotting, scheming, backstabbing, and a whole litany of other dilemmas for these two opposing souls to deal with.
This book was so deliciously rich. The dialogue alone is a treasure. But there was more than that, naturally. I'm fascinated with the world/universe, and even have a theory or two about the larger picture. I also found myself growing attached to several different characters along the way. Especially Gideon.
The hate/love/hate dynamic between Gideon and Harrowhark was both amusing and fascinating. I found myself curious about the cause for their strong animosity, while also enjoying the quips they tossed back and forth.
I honestly couldn't get through this book fast enough – I was desperate to find out what was going to happen next, to try and figure out the puzzle laid out before us. That is not to say that Gideon the Ninth was a quick read. I actually found myself re-reading paragraphs and events. There was enough detail to warrant additional readings at multiple points.
Gideon the Ninth is the first novel in the series, as mentioned above. I know that there are at least two more, and both already have names (Harrow the Ninth and Alecto the Ninth). And honestly? I'm already counting down the days for more news about them. So take that as the glowing recommendation it is.

Oh! And one final thing: I absolutely adored that they included a house guide at the beginning of the book. This was a nice touch, but also something I found myself referencing on several occasions.

For more reviews check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks