Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is my second read of 2026! I listened to the unabridged audio version of this novel through Hoopla for a book club pick later on this month. 

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is a long listen at 16 hours, 15 minutes, which is very nicely narrated by Moira Quick.

Normally, I don't gravitate towards reading science fiction or fantasy reads. They're usually not my thing. However, this year, I decided to join a book club, which meets monthly and Gideon the Ninth was this month's pick to read and discuss.

There are pros and cons for for me in terms of Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. 

I loved the world building and the mystery involved in this novel. The writing is good overall. The narration for the audio edition is excellent. I also enjoyed the snarkiness of the leading character, Gideon. 

I disliked the fact that it was initially difficult for me to get onto this novel for two reasons. Reason one is that there were so many characters with odd names to keep track of and they had nicknames or were called by different names throughout the novel, that trying to keep track of who was who was a chore. At the start of the audiobook edition, there is a list of characters and who they are, but this is not easy to refer like it would be in a physical book or ebook. Additionally, I found it difficult initially to figure out the storyline for this science fiction/fantasy read, which was kind of a turn off for me. It wasn't until several chapters in when the storyline FINALLY became interesting to me.

Below is the publisher's summary for Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir from Chirp's website:

The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense. Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy. 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 be 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.

I am giving Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir is the first novel in the 'Locked Tomb' series. I will be skipping the rest of the novels in the series. It's a great read if you like great world building, mystery, fantasy or science fiction books. There just is not strong desire for me to finish this series.

Until my next post, happy reading!