A review by vhispas
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

These books... it feels like they were written to be re-read. Both of them have to be read with intent and attention. I think they should be approached with openness, curiosity and tolerance for not being told things directly or quickly. 

In the first book I really loved how it is futuristic in setting but the language is archaic and obscure and I love the contrast. I think we see less rot in Harrow (which makes sense). I enjoyed the 2 points of view. I think it was very well done and adds to the story. It is a bit jarring to read in second person at first but I quickly adapted. 

I loved all the characters in this book. I enjoyed the fight scenes in this book better than the first. 

I was constantly asking myself questions (much like in Gideon’s) but at one point I didn’t even know what was true and what wasn’t. Once I physically got up and away from the book with a tiny weeny scream because a particular realization hit me and I just couldn’t contain the enthusiasm. This feels like an evolution of the first book.

I am fascinated about how different the book is to Gideon’s while at its core still having so many similarities. Almost like two particles of water going down the same stream (different but the same but different). And this also reflects Harrow and Gideon as characters. 
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