Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

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.

Reviewed by littleread1 on

5 of 5 stars

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Reread 8/31/2020: Not even a little ashamed to say I loved it just as much the second time. Partly because I already kind of knew who everyone was and was better able to follow along and just enjoy the ride vs. trying to keep track of who was who and where they were and what they were doing.

Bloody ... well, bloody. But also bloody excellent. So damn good. If I try and tell you why it is good, it is going to sound somewhat stupid. But let me try anyway? Lesbian necromancers in space and also sword-fights and superb insults and murder mystery and gruesome magic. I actually laughed out loud a few times in my car listening while driving. Not just a chuckle or a giggle, but a full on belly laugh. The narrator did the characters spot-on, and the delivery was beautiful. So good. Still SO many questions left unanswered, and I have dozens. You bet I will be watching for the next book like a necromancer watches someone dying so they can play with the corpse.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 31 August, 2020: Finished reading
  • 31 August, 2020: Reviewed
  • Started reading
  • Finished reading
  • 31 August, 2020: Reviewed