Book review
4.5
I haven’t stopped talking about this book since I read it, but it’s become one of my favourite books of the year, my new obsession and, without a doubt, one of the most original and different stories I’ve read in my life.
Gideon the Ninth is the first instalment in The Locked Tomb, a scifantasy trilogy whose best definition is “lesbian necromancers in space” and that tells the story of Gideon, a servant of the Ninth House that only dreams of escaping that place full of bones and death. But when she’s finally going to do it, Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter and powerful necromancer, offers her a deal: if she pretends to be her cavalier and go with her to the First House, where the Emperor has summoned the other necromancers and cavaliers, she will grant her freedom.
To me, one of the things that make this book so unique is Gideon’s character herself, and it’s because she’s one of the most charismatic protagonists I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. She’s foulmouthed, insolent, a bit of an airhead and absolutely hilarious, all qualities we don’t see often in female characters and that felt like a breath of fresh air to me. Also, without spoiling anything, I loved her special relationship with Harrow and how they go from hating each other to death (literally) to having to trust one another. The rest of the cast, which is incredibly varied, doesn’t fall far behind – the mysterious twins from the Third House, the preteens with raging hormones from the Fourth, the necromancer from the Eighth and his cavalier who always dress in white and seem reluctant to talk to the others… They all hide something and help to maintain the intrigue until the end of the novel.
Of course, the plot is no small feat either. Since it’s narrated from Gideon’s perspective, who most of the time has no idea what’s going on around her, it’s understandable that the reader will be a bit lost too. But little by little, the mysteries that the First House and the rest of necromancers and cavaliers hide start to get revealed, as well the meaning behind the trilogy’s title. While it’s true that I would’ve liked to have more explanations about how necromancy works and about the world the story takes place in, you can still follow and enjoy it without much trouble, and I assure you the last chapters are a crazy ride and you won’t be able to take your eyes off the pages.
Last but not least, this book wouldn’t be what it is without Tamsyn Muir’s fantastic writing. I already said it when I read Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower and I stand by it: she has a very personal kind of humour that amazes me. But, just as easily as this woman can make me laugh out loud, she also knows how to break my heart in a few pages. Yes, because you will also suffer with this book (and a lot), so get ready.
In short, even though I don’t think it’s a story for everyone, it was definitely the perfect story for me and I recommend giving it a chance if you’re interested. Now I’m going to go scream in excitement until I can read Harrow the Ninth.
- Goodreads rating – 4.23
- REVIEW – Helena (helinabooks)