A review by jaelynx
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

Another case of me being late to the party, the party in this case being lesbian necromancers in space.

This is a mix of Sci-Fi and Fantasy with a magical system based entirely around necromancy. The Emperor has called the nine houses to his world for trials; each house sending a necromancer and a cavalier. The Ninth House is in disarray and their cavalier is not in the best shape. Gideon, a disliked rebel-without-a-cause and indentured servant currently mis-escape with their stash of porn, is the only replacement available thanks to the small fact that most of the Houses’ children died many years ago.

Thus Gideon must play the part of cavalier for Ninth’s necromancer and Gideon’s nemesis, Harrowhark, and help her ascent to the emperor’s side. At least, that’s the plan before their dysfunctional relationship finds itself facing a murder mystery during the trials and secrets of necromancy that should remain hidden.

I can see why there is so much fan art and cosplay of this series as, while I was not that into the overall plot until late on, there is a lot of charm in these characters and the prose in general. It’s certainly an easy book to smile at, especially with Gideon’s rebellious wit. The Gideon x Harrowhark relationship is very much a slow burn but worth it by the end, and the world-building is light but interesting.