Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir Summary

Gideon the Ninth follows eighteen-year-old Gideon Nav, a sword-wielding orphan trapped in the Ninth House, a decaying necromantic cult guarding a mysterious Locked Tomb. When rival houses gather for a deadly competition to serve the Emperor, Gideon becomes cavalier to her nemesis Harrowhark Nonagesimus, navigating lethal trials, bone magic, and political intrigue. The novel blends gothic sci-fi, dark humor, and queer romance amid skeletons and cosmic horror.

Fans of genre-blending stories will enjoy this mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Ideal for readers seeking LGBTQ+ representation (featuring a lesbian protagonist), intricate world-building, and witty dialogue. Those comfortable with nonlinear plots and necromantic themes will appreciate its uniqueness, though it may challenge readers preferring straightforward narratives.

Yes, for readers who enjoy bold, unconventional storytelling. While some criticize its convoluted plot, others praise its originality, dark humor, and emotional depth. The sequel, Harrow the Ninth, has stronger acclaim, making this a compelling entry into Muir’s Locked Tomb series.

• Identity and loyalty: Gideon’s struggle for autonomy vs. duty to Harrow.
• Isolation: The Ninth House’s decline and Harrow’s secret burdens.
• Sacrifice: Human costs of necromancy, explored through Harrow’s tragic past.
• Queer resilience: Gideon’s defiance and relationships subvert traditional tropes.

The novel merges gothic horror (haunted mansions, skeletal constructs), space opera (interplanetary politics), and dark comedy (Gideon’s sarcastic narration). Muir juxtaposes sword fights with necromantic puzzles, creating a tone both macabre and irreverent.

Some readers find the plot disjointed and world-building overly complex. The middle section drags before accelerating into a violent climax. However, its bold voice and emotional payoff polarize critics—hailed as “brutally imaginative” by fans but “messy” by detractors.

Harrowhark is the Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House, a genius necromancer burdened by guilt after her parents’ suicides. Her fraught dynamic with Gideon evolves from rivalry to reluctant alliance, driven by shared trauma and Harrow’s secret love for the Locked Tomb’s occupant.

The Tomb contains a mysterious figure Harrow idolizes, central to the Ninth House’s purpose. Its secrets tie into the Emperor’s immortality and a pivotal sacrifice involving Gideon’s past, revealed in the climax.

Gideon’s lesbian identity is woven organically into her character—highlighted through her crush on Dulcinea and wry observations. The novel avoids tokenism, presenting queerness as intrinsic to its world.

This tagline captures its premise: Gideon and Harrow’s enemies-to-allies arc unfolds in a cosmic gothic setting, combining swashbuckling action with necromantic rituals. The phrase emphasizes its unapologetic queer themes and genre mashup.

The shocking finale reveals existential threats to the Emperor and Harrow’s unresolved connection to the Tomb. Gideon’s fate leaves room for metaphysical twists in Harrow the Ninth, which expands the series’ scope.

Yes—its themes of resilience and defying oppressive systems resonate amid contemporary conversations about identity and power. The series’ cult following ensures ongoing discussions, aided by the 2024 Alecto the Ninth release.