Gideon the Ninth: Act One: Free Ebook Preview

by Tamsyn Muir

Can't wait to discover the power of lesbian necromancers in space? Check out this free ebook preview of Tamsyn Muir's Gideon the Ninth . Read the whole first act of this epic science fantasy for free. The full book of Gideon the Ninth is available for pre-order now, and on sale everywhere September 10, 2019. The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit. 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 necromantic skeletons. 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. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Genres: Fantasy

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2019

About the author

TAMSYN MUIR is the bestselling author of the Locked Tomb Trilogy, which begins with Gideon the Ninth, continues with Harrow the Ninth, and concludes with Alecto the Ninth. Her short fiction has been nominated for the Nebula Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, the World Fantasy Award and the Eugie Foster Memorial Award. A Kiwi, she has spent most of her life in Howick, New Zealand, with time living in Waiuku and central Wellington. She currently lives and works in Oxford, in the United Kingdom.

Reviews

[Hélène Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so curious about this book, keeping seing it passing on Instagram, that I decided to read this free sample. Which I ordinary (never) do if the sequel isn't immediately available, in case that I love my read and couldn't read on...
Well, I wasn't prepare to like it so much, I just needed something to read on my Kindle at night, and as I said, I was curious.

Firstly, what the book isn't:

It's often sold as a lesbian book. For myself I rather like a splash of romance and love in my reads, and gay or not, I don't mind. I can only give my opinion for the part I read, but it's not heavy on sexe at all, much more about sexual tension and youngish perplexity. In a very humorous way. So, if you're looking after reading a lesbian romance, you may be disappointed. If you don't care about generous amount of romance and sexe in your reads, as I do (or don't?), I think you can read the book without hesitation.

Secondly: the gothic atmosphere. The story unfolds in a very distance future, possibly in another galaxy, and science (spaceships, planets) is mixed with a fantasy vibe, with necromancers. Skeletons abound, there are used as tools, as servants. The planet where the heroin lives is dark and inhospitable, but the main tonality isn't cruel, dreadful and very adult (the kind I'm not able to read anymore, with graphic tortures and rapes and so on), but vibrant, vivid and fun. So, if you're looking for some very dark and very adult story, you may be, again, disappointed.

in fact the main tonality is funny. The narrator's voice is awesome, a perfect mix of wry humor, irreverence and naivety: despite of her accomplishments (she's very bright, good at fighting, in love with her sword, and mollycoddles her "dirty books") she's very young, just eighteen, and it shows.
In some ways it's quite a Young Adult read, in the best kind of way.
The writing is great, an easy flow, very (as I must have said once or twice) funny and endearing. During the short part I read, I never had the temptation to stop reading, the narrative was quite addictive. The story is also very promising, with a rich background and plenty of orginal and detailed second characters.

To conclude, I've pre-ordered the book and it has sufficient personality that I probably won't have to re-read this beginning to continue my read! Which is saying, as my memory is weak and my readings plentiful...

[Angie McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that I could read this book for the first time again and again; I will have to settle for waiting enough months in between reads so I can pick up new details. Thank you thank you thank you Muir.

[erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was about.....See more

[Trent Mikesell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I about gave this up several times in the first 25% of the book, but I'm glad I stuck it out. My biggest complaint is there isn't a lot of exposition or world building. However, I liked the characters and the twists and turns.

[Lynda Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down and I am starting straight away on the follow-up book, Harrow the Ninth. It had a little bit of everything murder/mystery, scifi, magic, quests and I especially liked the humour running through the book.

[Dana Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book twice and was floored. GTN has action adventure suspense and humor. This is a must read. Can't wait for Harrow The Ninth.

[Jennifer Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super engrossing, this preview had be slingshot into the whole book. By the end of the night I'd completed a third already. The story is super engrossing and captivating, interesting and unique setting. I really enjoyed the dark themes and ideas explored, they made me feel things that I don't normally feel - and I liked it.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite my thing I'm afraid

[Nona the First · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Just wanted to dip my toes in this story again lol