# Gideon the Ninth

By Tamsyn Muir · The Locked Tomb, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/gideon-the-ninth-ed2352dc/

Gideon Nav wants to leave the Ninth House and its claim on her life. Her route out requires helping Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the necromancer she has spent years resenting. Harrow needs a swordswoman beside her in an imperial trial where rival Houses compete for the chance at immortality.

## What makes it funny?

When an elderly marshal orders Gideon closer and threatens to kill her, she corrects his technique: a threat should give her an alternative. She also tries bargaining with a pornographic magazine, then admits she invented the title.

### The comedy at work

Muir surrounds Gideon with ceremonial titles, dead bodies and solemn authority. Gideon answers in the language of an irritated young woman who would like everyone to stop wasting her time. Her casual disrespect cuts through the gothic formality.

### Try this if…

Readers who enjoy necromantic puzzles, rival factions and a heroine who talks back in dangerous company. The science-fantasy adventure includes macabre humor and emotional stakes.

### Good to know

Expect body horror, threats of mutilation, profanity and sexual jokes. The antagonism between Gideon and Harrow is central to their partnership.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · Horror · Science fiction
- On the shelf: Gothic horror · Space opera
- Kind of humor: Banter · Dark comedy
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel
- Length: 448 pages
- Audiobook: 16 hr 50 min
- Published: 2019

## A few distinguishing details

- Necromancer and swordswoman paired for imperial trials
- An insubordinate voice in a solemn House of death

## Sources & further reading

- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781250313195)
- Publisher: [Publisher and opening excerpt](https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250313195/gideontheninth)
- Book information: [Apple Books audio](https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/gideon-the-ninth-locked-tomb/id1639587135)
- Library catalog: [Unabridged audiobook](https://carolina.overdrive.com/media/4942008)