Hi Cara,
Today review is regarding the first book in The Locked Tomb series Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. The cover grabbed my attention and the synopsis reeled me in.
The Emperor needs necromancers.
The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.
Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit.
Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.
Of course, some things are better left dead.
Gideon the Ninth is an atmospheric story that brings together gothic aesthetics, humour, secrets and mystery.
I have learnt some great new insults, burns, threats and clap backs from and Gideon and Harrow, Some even made me laugh.
Below are some of my favourites;
“All you need to know is that you’ll do what I say, or I’ll mix bone meal in your breakfast and punch my way through your gut.”
“You egotistical foetus.”
“I hate it when you act like a butt-touched nun.”
“Surprise, my tenebrous overload.”
Another element of Gideon the Ninth that I enjoyed was the cludeo like mystery. Where you try to figure out who is the guilty party, meaning you can’t trust anyone. Throughout the story my opinion change I was forever guessing and then changing my mind.
Gideon the Ninth introduces us to the Nine houses and the Empire and the Emperor. Most of the book is introducing the difference between the houses the trial and the mystery. The main action, heart-pounding moments come in the last quarter of the book.
One of the houses has twins and there is one moment that perfectly sums up my relationship with my twin. As you can pick on your twin but no one else.
‘”If you talk like that to her again, Babs” said the golden twin, “I’ll destroy you. Beg her forgiveness.” ‘
Pick up Gideon the Ninth is you enjoy Sci-Fi, Necromancers and mystery.
I am looking forward to Harrow the Ninth comes out next year, especially after that ending.
My rating for Gideon the Ninth is 4.8 out of 5.
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Thanks for reading,
