Gideon the Ninth

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is a thrilling debut that melds the dark allure of gothic storytelling with the visceral excitement of science fiction. Set in a universe where necromancy and swordplay intertwine, the narrative follows Gideon Nav, an orphan raised in the Ninth House with only one goal—escape. Armed with her trusty sword and a collection of risqué magazines, Gideon is determined to leave behind the dreariness of her life among the undead.

However, the Emperor has a dire need for necromancers, setting the stage for a deadly challenge. Each of the Emperor's nine houses is expected to produce a necromancer and their cavalier. Enter Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the formidable and enigmatic heir to the Ninth House. She strikes a bargain with Gideon: aid her in a bid for glory and power, and in return, Harrow will grant Gideon the freedom she craves. But their alliance is fraught with tension, deceit, and unforeseen perils.

As they venture to a crumbling, haunted palace in the void of space, Gideon and Harrow face trials that test their intelligence, strength, and loyalty. The palace is not only a proving ground but also a labyrinth of deadly secrets, where each room holds new puzzles and dangers, and the stakes are nothing less than life and death.

The novel's richly crafted world is populated with unforgettable characters, each bringing their own motives and complex histories to the forefront. Tamsyn Muir's narrative is infused with sharp wit, gripping action, and a depth of emotion that keeps readers entranced page after page. With a sharp focus on themes of loyalty, power, and the intricate dance of life and death, Gideon the Ninth traverses new frontiers in the realms of science fantasy.

Endorsed by acclaimed authors and critics alike, Gideon the Ninth has garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal, BookPage, and Booklist. V.E. Schwab praises it as "unlike anything I've ever read," while Charles Stross succinctly describes it as "lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space!" These accolades are a testament to Muir's distinctive voice and the novel's captivating, darkly humorous energy.

Gideon the Ninth is not just a story; it is an experience—a heart-pounding journey through a brilliantly inventive universe where the dead do not rest easy, and neither do the living.