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A review by olivyre
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
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
Spoilers!
I read Gideon the Ninth very disjointedly because of exams but still it retained my engagement and was very good honestly.
I loved the writing style and the humour, though some of the setting descriptions could probably have been toned down a little as I found it hard to understand what I was reading if I picked it up in such a section - but that was on me for only reading every few days. I did want to read more and I would have done if not for the timing.
I will definitely be reading Harrow the Ninth though, I was extremely disappointed that Gideon and Harrow did not admit feelings for each other and must find out if Harrow admits later. Of course they sort of share (?) a brain now so maybe they know. I’m also not sure how the universe works exactly as the world-building is very detailed and I cannot remember it all. I don’t think we were told everything either.
That one chapter where Harrow says she is undone without Gideon though was absolute perfection and just the best. I waited a long time for that.
The gore was probably fitting for a necromancer book. So much boiled fat for some reason.
‘’I have tried to dismantle you, Gideon Nav! The Ninth House poisoned you, we trod you underfoot – I took you to this killing field as my slave – you refuse to die, and you pity me! Strike me down. You’ve won. I’ve lived my whole wretched life at your mercy, yours alone, and God knows I deserve to die at your hand. You are my only friend. I am undone without you.’
I read Gideon the Ninth very disjointedly because of exams but still it retained my engagement and was very good honestly.
I loved the writing style and the humour, though some of the setting descriptions could probably have been toned down a little as I found it hard to understand what I was reading if I picked it up in such a section - but that was on me for only reading every few days. I did want to read more and I would have done if not for the timing.
I will definitely be reading Harrow the Ninth though, I was extremely disappointed that Gideon and Harrow did not admit feelings for each other and must find out if Harrow admits later. Of course they sort of share (?) a brain now so maybe they know. I’m also not sure how the universe works exactly as the world-building is very detailed and I cannot remember it all. I don’t think we were told everything either.
That one chapter where Harrow says she is undone without Gideon though was absolute perfection and just the best. I waited a long time for that.
The gore was probably fitting for a necromancer book. So much boiled fat for some reason.
‘’I have tried to dismantle you, Gideon Nav! The Ninth House poisoned you, we trod you underfoot – I took you to this killing field as my slave – you refuse to die, and you pity me! Strike me down. You’ve won. I’ve lived my whole wretched life at your mercy, yours alone, and God knows I deserve to die at your hand. You are my only friend. I am undone without you.’
… ‘ Too many words,’ said Gideon confidently. ‘How about these: One flesh, one end, bitch.’
…'One flesh – one end,’ Harrow repeated fumblingly, and then could say no more.’
…'One flesh – one end,’ Harrow repeated fumblingly, and then could say no more.’