Gideon the Ninth, Tamsyn Muir
Tamsyn Muir’s 2019 long fiction debut is the first book in a four-book series—the Locked Tomb, for which we are only awaiting the last one. The author from New Zealand has been delivering an epic adult science-fiction and fantasy series. Gideon the Ninth takes place in a strange world where an elusive Emperor rules over the nine Houses—nine planets—and he needs necromancers. Each House must send a necromancer from their ruling family to a strange manor. And what’s a necromancer without their cavalier! Gideon is a tall, sarcastic, and buff fighter who uses a great sword but grew up in a strange gothic place full of moving skeletons, very old people, and skull make-up: the Ninth House. She and Harrowhark Nonagesimus, bone magic genius, will try to succeed and survive the weird trials and unexpected tribulations of the space manor. Gideon’s witty and somewhat clueless narration, along with all the lesbian tension, will keep you hooked. And get ready for a bumpy ride as each novel has a completely different atmosphere: confusing but authentic narration, a captivating queer cast, and extraordinary talent are the only things the books share. A lovely queer SFF read perfect for Halloween but also every time of year.
Alecto the Ninth, the last installment of the series, should be coming out January 1st of next year, so it’s the perfect time to start reading!
