Gideon the Ninth

A snarky, sword-wielding heroine leads this original and gripping blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror

Necromancers and their weapon-wielding companions (cavaliers) convene in a crumbling castle, in a competitive quest to ascend in service to the Emperor Undying. If that sounds too vague or inaccessibly high-fantasy, know that this book is a feast of genre-blending: space technology, ancient rites, and grisly bone-based sorcery are all in ample supply. Main character Gideon is roguish and flawed and likable, filtering everything through a relatable—and often humorous—point of view. Atmospheric worldbuilding, distinctive characters, and evocative writing are highlights of this novel, the first in Muir’s Locked Tomb series. Recommended especially to readers who (like me) prefer a central relationship that is defined by its complexity and intensity, regardless of whether romance is involved.