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.
Ok, so...I didn't really know what to expect going into this, other than everyone raved about it and I usually end up not liking those titles. But...that turned out to not be the case here. It's such an unusual story, great characters and a lot of heart and snark (which work perfectly together), a bit of a mystery about the goings-on...
And while I'm talking, I have a bit of a bone (HA.) to pick. SO. MANY. described this book as "Lesbian necromancer", which gave the impression that there is a ton of romance among the dead bits. That is SO NOT THE CASE. *Much* more "necromancer" and WAY less "lesbian". I would go with "necromancers in space compete - and die - in a bid to serve the Emperor". Not as eye-catching, perhaps - but definitely more accurate.
Overall, it's a really good read. I'm already thinking of people who might enjoy it, and I'm REALLY looking forward to book two.
