Gideon the Ninth

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 off the page, 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.

Published in 2019, Gideon the Ninth reflects contemporary themes and storytelling that resonates with today's readers.

It sits at the crossroads of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Fiction, making it appealing to readers with varied tastes who enjoy stories that defy easy classification.

Available on Bookble for readers looking to explore Tamsyn Muir's work and build a focused reading list.

Tamsyn Muir's other works may not be in the current Bookble catalog yet, but the genre shelves below offer strong alternatives.

Within Science Fiction, readers who liked Gideon the Ninth often gravitate toward A Storm of Swords, Tress of the Emerald Sea, and Flowers for Algernon — each sharing thematic DNA while offering a different perspective.