Emma reviews the first book of a trilogy by a fantasy NZ author

Gideon the Ninth is a truly unique fantasy novel which manages to successfully blend contemporary and Lovecraftian style language, aesthetic, and horror. With the tagline on the cover "lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space", you don't quite know what you're getting yourself in to when you begin this niche sounding adventure.

The main story is that of Harrowhark Nonagesimus, heir of the Ninth House, who receives an invitation from the Emperor Undying to journey to his palace in order to train to achieve immortality. She must bring her Cavalier Prime to assist with the challenges in store. When this post becomes suddenly vacant, Harrow forcibly enlists the help of her childhood play thing and nemesis, Gideon.

If you enjoy intelligent plots, strong characters, witty dialogue, sword play, and a general air of creepy, this is the book for you. Tamsyn Muir is a masterful story teller who manages to convey emotional depth in her characters and relationships, while creating a vast universe that you can't help but need to explore further, despite the main story arc being set on one humble decrepit planet.

Thankfully the second instalment of the trilogy is slated for later this year. Watch this space!

Check out Gideon the Ninth on our catalogue.

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