The fact that there are nine houses, each with a different way of manipulating necromantic powers, is truly mind blowing. Gore aside, the worldbuilding of a magical system entirely centered on death is incredible.

there is a lot of body horror in the story (skeletons galore, beasties and monsters made of bits of people), but Gideon’s upbeat personality makes it all bearable, and this is coming from a Very Squeamish Person. I am not, and have never been, a goth lesbian, but WOW does this book make a compelling case. Dulcinea! Palamedes! The aggrieved teens! Magnus and Abigail! Literally just everyone (except for you, Eighth House). And yet I love them with my whole shattered heart! Muir’s characterization skills are flawless, and with each additional character she just keeps showing off by creating unique, fully realized people. These girls! Gideon and Harrow are giant messes, and Harrow in particular is legitimately nasty. The second time through? I was all in, immediately! Still, it wasn’t until Gideon and Harrow left home for the challenges in Canaan House with other necromancers and cavaliers that I became fully invested. The first time through, it took me about 100 pages to be fully invested in the story, though Gideon’s brash attitude and compelling internal voice (and external, to be clear) endeared me to her immediately. Reading Gideon the Ninth for the first time is a chaotic dump of dense entertainment Rereading Gideon the Ninth is a masterpiece. Of course, some things are better left dead. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.

If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape.

Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit.īrought 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. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.

The ninth books