Fourth Read of Gideon The Ninth

Fourth read of Gideon the Ninth:  

Once again, I have flipped open the pages and disappeared into the world of The Locked Tomb trilogy to watch my heart be shattered all over again. Unsurprisingly, I continue to be in love with the characters, magic system, and world building Tamsyn Muir created in her stunning debut novel Gideon the Ninth. 

Gideon Nav is an eighteen-year-old girl living in servitude to the highly religious (and highly irregular) Ninth House, an epitome to the locked tomb that lies hidden beneath its surface, never to be opened. Gideon, desperate to escape, takes on the offer of her childhood enemy Harrowhark to become her cavalier on Harrowhark’s dangerous journey to become lyctor, a personal guard and soldier for the God Emperor himself. In becoming Harrowhark’s cavalier, Harrow promises Gideon her freedom if they succeed in the trials.  

The deal is made, and the story commences with two enemies working together against immense odds to succeed in their chances at freedom.  

Gideon the Ninth is a masterpiece of sci-fi/fantasy fiction that varies from hysterically comedic to tragically heartbreaking. Gideon, our main character carries this story with sassy comedy, brutish strength, and a heart that is open and available to all women (other than Harrowhark). Gideon is alive throughout this entire book- her vivid personality and emotions create a viscerally compelling plot that brings readers into her complex (but rather vulgar) mind.  

“Too many words,” said Gideon confidentially. “How about these: One flesh, one end, bitch.” 

Gideon’s counterpart Harrowhark thrives in this story as Gideon’s polar opposite- a dark, brooding, and formidable young woman with strong necromancer powers that does not wait around to be told what to do. Where Gideon can be aloof or comedic, Harrowhark is focused and driven. The combination of these characters makes for a compelling narrative driven by rivalry and secrets that never loses its grip on the reader.  

“Gideon marvelled that someone could live in the universe only seventeen years and yet wear black and sneer with such ancient self-assurance.” 

I have yet to have the same feeling I had of reading Gideon the Ninth for the first time with any other series- for me this book sits beyond 5/5 ratings or stars, it deeply holds a place in my heart that cannot be taken away.  

The plot, like its characters, is charming in the most disturbing manner. Muir does not hold the reader’s hand through this story- often leaving you feeling as breathless and confused as the characters in the maze that is the gothic castle they are lost in.  

When speaking to others about this book I often say that I recommend it, but not if you do not enjoy stories that are not straightforward or clear because this book is the furthest from that. Muir leaves a lot up to your imagination while piling on disturbing descriptions of gore and bone. Both books have left me with more questions than answers, but in a way that is not upsetting because the plot is all in front of you, you just do not see it yet.  

Upon rereading this book multiple times- I find that every time I go back, I notice random bits of foreshadowing hidden within dialogue and descriptions that would go completely unnoticed on your first or even second read-through. This foreshadowing and subtle hints towards answers is where Muir thrives throughout both books- and hopefully throughout Nona the Ninth as well.