A review by justjacq
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

adventurous challenging dark mysterious slow-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? No

4.5

Holy moley. This was just so freaking unique. I am not even sure I could summarize it if I tried, but here goes nothing. Gideon (a swordfighter for the ruler of the planet of the ninth) and Harrow (the ruler of the ninth) are invited to compete in trials that might lead them to immortality, but the trials are mysterious and dangerous, and the other rulers and their swordfighters start getting murdered as the trials go on. I'll just stop there to keep any spoilers out of reach. You 100% have to just jump in and accept that you WILL be confused - I think I was nearing 100 pages until I finally got a feel for things. But, if you stick with it, you will absolutely be rewarded. The writing is phenomenal and so intelligent and witty - I laughed out loud at so many unexpected, sneaky one-liners. Gideon is honestly such an achievement as a character - dark, dry, and hilarious. The characters are what sucked me in. I had a little trouble imagining the world it took place in, but I chalk that up to it being unique because I do feel like the writing was superb and very transportative. Highly recommend the audio book - I switched to audio with about a third remaining and think I'll listen to all of them now. The narrator was phenomenal, and it helped with the world building... and the names I was dreadfully mispronouncing, lol. 
4.5/5⭐️s