A review by augustrogue
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

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

4.5

I am so conflicted about how to rate this, but the fact that it took me about a month to get through the first 25% because I had NO idea what was happening makes it so that I can't in good conscience rate it 5 stars. Because honestly.. I *think* I kind of know what was (and is) going on now, but in other ways I'm still incredibly lost. 

When this book is good, it's REALLY good. The dynamic between some of the characters like Harrow and Ianthe is amazing, and once some of the puzzle pieces start falling into place.. *chef's kiss* I ended up reading the second half of this book over a couple of days. 

The prose still strikes such an intriguing balance between being very serious and wordy, and extremely irreverent and meme-y. But sometimes.. I don't know, it almost seems like the author enjoys being as confusing and complicated as possible? Somewhat to the story's detriment, and I say that as someone who loves unique prose and story structures. Anyway, it may just be me. I'll keep reading this series and hope that some things become clearer as it goes...
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