A review by electrachet
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I liked Gideon the Ninth, but this sequel was an exhausting slog. The first 2/3rds dragged so much that I fell asleep five times listening to the audiobook. Harrow, who I appreciated more in book 1, was obviously different here, and while Gideon's quips were sometimes strange or out of place, I missed her humor. The amnesia/alternative events plotline felt like a frustrating stall tactic rather than genuine plot progression. Yes, the last quarter had some brilliant moments, but by then I was too drained to care at all. Muir’s ambition is undeniable, but the payoff didn’t justify the hours of muddled narrative that came before.
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