A review by dlrosebyh
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Necromancers are required by the Emperor. We require a swordswoman for the Ninth Necromancer. Gideon has a sword, some questionable publications, and no time left for silly zombie talk. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir reveals a world of swashbuckling politics, lesbian necromancers, and swordplay. Her figures are as deftly alive as arcane revenants, springing off the page. As a consequence, a thrilling epic scientific fantasy is produced. 
 
Gideon is prepared to give up a life of slavery and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse after being raised by unpleasant, ossifying nuns, elderly retainers, and numerous skeletons. She gathers her soiled magazines, dirty shoes, and sword in preparation for her daring escape. But without performing a favor, her old enemy won't liberate her. 
 
The extraordinary bone witch and Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House Harrowhark Nonagesimus has been called to duty. The Emperor has summoned the heirs of each of his devoted Houses to a treacherous test of cunning and might. No necromancer may rise without their knight, but if Harrowhark succeeds, she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection. Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will perish without Gideon's sword. Undoubtedly, some things are best allowed to die. 
 
This novel falls under one of my favorite subgenres: gothic lesbians in space. This book in general was really perplexing. It was a one-star read for the first 150 pages. It was a three star for the first 250 pages, but at the end, no words can describe how much you'll enjoy this book. I'm not sure how the author came up with the idea for this novel, since there were plot twists after plot twists—I was SEATED. I'll be back in my seat for the next book. 
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