Gideon the Ninth

By: Tamsyn Muir

Narrated by: Moira Quirk

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 out of the audio, 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.

©2019 Tamsyn Muir (P)2019 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Tamsyn Muir's absorbing storytelling and Moira Quirk's immersive performance create a richly imagined fantasy world.... Quirk is at turns antagonistic, vulnerable, and hopelessly helpful as she characterizes all the participants and stewards of Canaan House.... Listeners will eagerly anticipate the trilogy's next installment." (AudioFile Magazine)

The perfect mix of dark humor, fantasy, and sci-fi.

What a refreshing novel. The character driven narrative was fun, quirky, surprising, and often endearing (or silicious). I was really impressed at the way sexuality was acknowledged and normalized. It wasn’t weird. Thanks for writing a cheeky read I fell in love with. Can’t wait for the next installment!

Captivating!

I literally stumbled across this book while searching for a new title to listen to. I took the chance, made the random purchase, it is at the top of my favorites list! I will be listening to this again.The narrator captures your attention within the first 5 minutes. The story flows well. If you purchase this book, you will not be displeased. Truth be told- I found myself driving around taking the extra long way home just so I could listen more

Gothic fantasy

6/10 stars

Really stellar imagery, ideas, world-building, audiobook narration. Just didn’t strike any personal cords that makes me overly favor it or really desire to read it again. Am curious for the next installment coming.

All the characters were vivid and unapologetic. Writing was bald and graphic. Violence was graphic. Very gothic and creepy vibes. A horror, mystery, thriller of a sci-fi fantasy.

A hogwarts of necromancers and knights.

Audiobook narrator did a bang-up job.

An interesting whirlwind of a world

This is one of the more peculiar magic systems I have ever seen. The main two characters in the story really help hold everything together. It is, at times, a bit more graphical than I really need to know about; bodily fluids and miscellaneous gunk is mentioned at almost every possible opportunity.

Does as good job of making you wonder what the hell is going on. That I appreciated, though I feel like it also made some tense moments less impactful because, what the hell is going on?

I don't know quite what to make of the ending. Overall I enjoyed the book, but I wasn't left with a burning desire for any followup story. Moira Quirk was quite entertaining to listen to.

Remarkable

Perfect match of author and narrator. The book witty and lively. Play the free sample and you get a legitimate feel for the book.
I'll edit the review to include links to screenshots of the houses to help people keep track. There are a substantial number of characters, each with their own voice matching the personality. That was remarkable. However, people may be called by first name, by last name, or by their house.

The audiobook starts with a listing of the houses and people, but it is vastly easier while listening to tab over to a screenshot to confirm a name.

Bones!

Tamsyn's dialog and Moira's many voices animate Gideon and crew as well as any necromancer.

Amazing narrator

this story is a ton of fun and the narrator kills it (in a good way)

Refreshing story, expertly narrated

Great book, given life and substance through the excellent performance of Moira Quirk who managed to deftly navigate the juxtaposition of teenage coming of age and Lovecraftian horror.

I cheered, I cursed, I cried

honestly just a fantastic read, funny, suspenseful, heartrendingly ensnaring, I was enthralled start to finish

Good story if a bit drab

Great build up, solid ending with good questions left unanswered. Sad at times, beautiful at times... horrible and wonderful to behold. Not a romance... but a good depth to everyone. that said, You utter bastard, how could you be so cruel. now give me the next book, I want to see what horrible places you take me next.