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elizalaurenn 's review for:
Gideon the Ninth
by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this book has some of the best characterization I’ve read in a while. Gideon was incredibly endearing and her relationship with Harrow was incredibly unique. I think “enemies to lovers” has become a significant watered down trope in modern fantasy literature. I really enjoyed how Muir highlighted themes of abuse and guilt that poisoned Gideon and Harrows friendship/relationship for so long. Sextus and Corona were also big standouts in terms of characterization while I felt Dulcinea (lowkey) fell a bit flat compared to her importance later on.
Muir also does a wonderful job giving the reader information and clues that they have absolute no idea what to do with until the pieces are already falling into place. I had many moments where I went “oh THATS what was happing during *blank*”
I would say that the beginning of the book as well as the chapters during harrows absence following their arrival and Canaan house dragged more than they needed to. But I can recognize the necessity to slowly introduce the vast cast of characters this novel undertakes (lots of names and personalities to keep straight.)
Overall, this novel breathed some new life into YA fiction novels that I forgot the genre was capable of!
Muir also does a wonderful job giving the reader information and clues that they have absolute no idea what to do with until the pieces are already falling into place. I had many moments where I went “oh THATS what was happing during *blank*”
I would say that the beginning of the book as well as the chapters during harrows absence following their arrival and Canaan house dragged more than they needed to. But I can recognize the necessity to slowly introduce the vast cast of characters this novel undertakes (lots of names and personalities to keep straight.)
Overall, this novel breathed some new life into YA fiction novels that I forgot the genre was capable of!