Gideon the Ninth

I find it funny the promotional blurb they chose to stick on the front of this book: ‘lesbian necromancers explore a haunted mansion in space'. Technically all the statements in that are true, but that really does not give an accurate picture of what is going on in this book. It's sensationalism manages to undersell the true brilliance of the book.

Gideon the Ninth is one of the rare breeds of books that manages to breath fresh air into the speculative fiction genre. The love/hate relationship between Gideon and Harrow is a thing of beauty. Gideon's snarky observation and the acerbic attitude of Harrow lend a wit to an otherwise unremittingly dark setting.

The universe created here is a dark and mysterious one, ruled over by a mysterious necromantic emperor. Nine houses of necromancers provide the structure which is used to rule (hence Gideon the Ninth, is a reference to her being from the ninth house), each necromantic house specialising in different aspects of necromancy. The relationships between these houses are complex. The central plot of the book revolves around a set of challenges to ascend to lictorhood - a kind of supremely powerful necromancer under the Emperor.

The world building, characterization and atmosphere are second to none here. This is a supremely accomplished piece of story telling. The interactions and the bitchiness of the characters are entertaining and the pervasive gloom of the setting is fantastic. I don't think I have read a world quite like this.

To return to that tagline: Yes, Gideon is a lesbian. This is one of the most minor details of her character. Yes, technically this is a space faring civilization. The vast majority of the book is taking place in one ruined palace though, so the sci fi is element is entirely incidental to the plot. The main element here is necromancers exploring that haunted palace. That is the central part of the plot and the exploration and murder mystery generated are what gives this book its drive and focus. And it is a brilliant drive and focus.

Read it. Now. You won't regret it.