A review by yomireads
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

challenging 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

5.0

I've never read a series quite like this. It's genre bending and mind boggling. Definitely sci-fi fantasy, but also clearly a mystery, and a thriller, tinged with hints of romantic intrigue without ever really becoming romantic. It's often confusing as the writer keeps so much in the periphery of the reader's understanding, but never so confusing I wanted to stop reading. Most jarring was the 2nd person narrative which was also, bewilderingly, first person, but even as I want to fault it for this, the disconcerting narrative works in perfect tandem to the disjointed nature of the protagonists mind. Its a genius tonal move on Muir's part.

I initially felt tempted to rank this at a high 4 stars, but my hang ups with the writing were such intelligent choices that I ultimately loved it. I started the book confused, I ended it confused, yet, somehow, it was absolutely perfect.