Gideon the Ninth

By: Tamsyn Muir

Narrated by: Moira Quirk

Length: 16 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Mind blowingly good

Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gotchic palace in space is what first caught my attention. The rave reviews made me break down and use an audible credit to listen to it. Now I will buy a hard cover copy to keep in my safe so no one can ever ruin it and I will have it forever. From the get go, it grabs your attention and makes you root for Gideon. It makes you slowly fall in love with every character for different reasons, and just when you think it couldn’t get any better, it breaks your heart. This is one of the best books I’ve read in as long as I can remember, and I’ve now got four other people reading it just so we can have a discussion because I can’t NOT talk about this book. Seriously, it’s worth every penny and then some. This book will be a re read, and then I’ll read it again.

Fabulous Brilliant Devastating

Read this book! Listen to Moira Quirk's beautiful rendering and wait impatiently dor the next installment.

Such a Good Time

It's been a while since I fell in love with a book like I did with this one.
It takes a little while to rev up but once things start happening they really start happening. Excellent enemies-to-friends character arcs. Wicked cool setting. Lovably obnoxious characters. Swords! Skeletons! Wlw!!! what more could you ask for? It's very humorous throughout but also action-packed and suspenseful, and the ending was actually very touching. I could never predict where it was going and I cannot wait to see another installment.

The most possible fun, flawlessly narrated

I almost never like books pitched as comedy but this casually queer murder mystery space fantasy made me absolutely lose it, over and over. There’s quite a bit of gore, and it’s all about necromancy, so come goth or go home, but Muir also nerds out enough to make the whole grotty rainbow of necromantic specialties feel solid and internally consistent. Monstrous, sharp-toothed, grief-streaked, and funny as hell with an eloquent meathead protagonist whose bravado makes her even more appealing and a slow-burn feelings plot that doesn’t end in anyone breaking character. ALSO unbelievably good narration, Moira Quirk has all my respect, holy shit.

a necromancer's game of clue

9 necromancer's and 9 warriors embark to gain a new status and elevation in power. They arrive at an old manse facility of sorts and find themselves in a game of Clue.

Very weird

Almost stopped many times. understanding why they never did the next one. Give a shot if you have some free time.

A Must Listen (or Read)

A fantastic story filled with memorable characters in a well realized universe. I couldnt have asked for more. Moira Quirk’s narration brings it all to life perfectly.

Amazing work

I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time. Great writing, characters, story, and world building.

great creepy fun

Excellent worldbuilding and engaging main character. I had a little trouble keeping everyone else clear without a written Dramatis Personae to reference.
the only blemish is that the writing can be a bit too YA, too modern. if you can get beyond that, it is a terrific read, if not it will pull you out of the story.
The narrator was simply perfect.

Great book made greater by the narrator.

Enjoyed this immensely. Moira Quirk is so great with very distinct voices for each character.