A review by the_book_tale
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

“I’ll keep it off you. Nav, show them what the Ninth House does.”
“We do bones, motherf***er,”

Oh please fill the hole this book has left in my heart.

Writing:
The narrative voice of Gideon the Ninth is unbelievable. It’s honestly like nothing I’ve ever read. You could feel Gideon’s personality in every word, in every page. She was not simply a character in a book — she was the book. Her confusion, pain, happiness, sorrow, want, and horror were a constant presence, perfectly represented. 
Quotes where Gideon is simply Gideon:
“It was incredible. It was exquisite. She wanted to throw up.”
“These aren’t just seriously old, they’re super unbelievably seriously old.”
“Gideon belatedly wished to be exploded, but reminded herself to act cool.”
Simply amazing quotes:
“She struck at spines with the mad fury and sudden belief that if she just hit and hit and hit — accurately enough and hard enough and well enough — she could rewrite time and save Isaac and Jeannemary; save Abigail, save Magnus.”

Characters:
Let’s start with Gideon. Oh how I loved Gideon. Scared, tough, determined, funny, caring — all around absolutely wonderful. She was the perfect main character for this weird fantasy/ sci-fi mystery. And then there is Harrow: the broody, brilliant, asshole every story needs. Good Lord, how I love Harrow. And together, Gideon and Harrow are perfect. Opposite sides of the same coin. They can’t imagine a world without each other and neither can I (ouch!). They are perfect for each other. The romantic relationship — love — it was slow and painful and real. There was no lust, it was just them existing as they were, loving each other completely. Now onto the other characters. Simply put: I love all of them. How the author was able to make every single character feel real… I don’t understand. I usually don’t care much bout side characters yet there were a dozen, well developed side characters who I cared about. Wow.

Plot:
The plot was, as was everything about the book, immaculate. This was probably the best plotted I’ve read since Six of Crows (and it was much darker). I loved every second. There was not a page where I wasn’t completely invested in what was happening. Gideon the Ninth was perfect. I have no critiques. And I am very judgmental of books. But this one is just… read it. Read it now. 

The Ending:
I am still in pain. The climax was brilliant and cruel. I could not peel myself away. I — Harrow’s grief — I cannot imagine. Having to take Gideon’s soul, never being able to move on from the death of the woman she lives. Having Gideon always there but never there. It’s tragic and heartbreaking. 
“I cannot conceive of a universe without you in it.”