**Gideon the Ninth**
is a 2019 science fantasy novel by [New Zealand author Tamsyn Muir |](https://www.audible.com/blog/summary-gideon-the-ninth-by-tamsyn-muir). It's her debut novel and the first book in the critically acclaimed and best-selling **Locked Tomb series**. The book has been lauded for its unique blend of genres, characters, and writing style.

**Here's a breakdown of key aspects of Gideon the Ninth:**

* **Genre-bending:** It defies easy categorization, combining elements of gothic horror, science fiction, fantasy, humor, and even murder mystery. It's often described as a "necromantic space opera" or "lesbian necromancers in space". The novel is notable for its sharp humor and snarky dialogue, particularly from the protagonist, Gideon.

**The World:** The story is set in a vast and ancient Empire spread across nine planets, each ruled by a House that practices its unique form of necromancy. The Emperor, worshipped as a god, invites the heirs of these Houses and their sword-wielding cavaliers to a deadly trial at Canaan House, aiming to select powerful, immortal servants known as Lyctors.

* **Characters:**
* **Gideon Nav:** The witty and irreverent protagonist, a skilled swordswoman indentured to the Ninth House.
* **Harrowhark Nonagesimus:** The powerful, enigmatic necromancer heir of the Ninth House and Gideon's childhood nemesis.
* **Other Houses:** The story features heirs and cavaliers from the other Houses, each with their own unique abilities and personalities.
* **Reception:** Gideon the Ninth was a critical success, winning the 2020 [Locus Award for Best First Novel |](https://www.audible.com/blog/summary-gideon-the-ninth-by-tamsyn-muir) and receiving nominations for other prestigious awards like the Hugo and Nebula. It has been praised for its originality, characters, and writing style, although some readers found the initial worldbuilding and pacing challenging.

Fanart: The Houses - Gideon the Ninth. [fan art] by marceline2174

Trigger Warnings:
Age gap (18/27)
Body horror (graphic)
Death (including children)
Gore
Injury
Murder
Mutilation
Necromancy
Self-harm
Suicide (depicted and referenced)
Trauma
Violence

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