Plot Summary
Gideon's Escape Plan Fails
Gideon Nav, a rebellious servant of the Ninth House, meticulously plans her escape from the oppressive environment of Drearburh. However, her plan is thwarted by Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the cunning heir to the Ninth House. Harrow offers Gideon a deal: accompany her to the First House as her cavalier, and in return, Gideon will gain her freedom. Reluctantly, Gideon agrees, knowing it's her only chance to leave the Ninth House.
Harrow's Secretive Schemes
Upon arrival at the First House, Harrow immerses herself in secretive activities, determined to become a Lyctor, a powerful necromancer serving the Emperor. She explores the ancient halls of Canaan House, searching for clues and unlocking secrets. Meanwhile, Gideon navigates the unfamiliar environment, encountering other Houses and their cavaliers, each with their own agendas and rivalries.
The Mysterious Locked Doors
As Gideon explores Canaan House, she stumbles upon a series of locked doors marked with strange symbols. These doors pique her curiosity, but she is unable to open them. Harrow, obsessed with these doors, believes they hold the key to becoming a Lyctor. She spends her time mapping the house and attempting to unlock its secrets, often leaving Gideon to fend for herself.
A Dangerous Discovery
Gideon discovers Harrow unconscious in a hidden chamber, surrounded by remnants of a failed necromantic experiment. With help from Palamedes Sextus and his cavalier, Camilla, Gideon rescues Harrow and learns of the dangerous challenges she has been facing alone. Alarmed by Harrow's reckless ambition, Gideon demands to be included in her plans to prevent further harm.
Harrow's Reckless Ambition
Harrow's drive to become a Lyctor is fueled by her desire to save the Ninth House from decline. Despite Gideon's warnings, Harrow continues to push herself to the brink, risking her life in pursuit of her goal. Gideon, now aware of the stakes, insists on accompanying Harrow, determined to protect her and ensure their mutual success.
The Sixth House's Warning
Palamedes Sextus, a brilliant necromancer from the Sixth House, warns Gideon of the dangers lurking within Canaan House. He reveals that the ancient structure is filled with traps and challenges left by its original inhabitants, designed to test those who seek to become Lyctors. Palamedes urges Gideon to be cautious and to work closely with Harrow, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation.
Harrow's Dangerous Proposal
Harrow proposes a dangerous plan to Gideon: siphon Gideon's life energy to cross a deadly barrier in the facility. Despite the risks, Gideon agrees, trusting Harrow's determination and skill. This decision marks a pivotal moment in their relationship, as Gideon willingly offers herself as a tool for Harrow's ambitions.
Gideon's Painful Sacrifice
As Harrow attempts to cross the barrier, Gideon experiences intense physical agony, feeling her life force being drained. Despite the overwhelming pain, she holds on, driven by a sense of duty and loyalty to Harrow. Harrow successfully retrieves the key, but the experience leaves both women physically and emotionally exhausted, highlighting the brutal cost of their quest for power.
A Deadly Construct Unleashed
Gideon, Jeannemary, and Isaac explore the facility, searching for the missing Protesilaus. They encounter a massive skeletal construct, a terrifying amalgamation of bones and teeth. Isaac bravely attempts to fight it, but the construct overwhelms him, killing him in a gruesome display of power. Gideon manages to escape with Jeannemary, but the encounter leaves them traumatized and aware of the deadly forces lurking within the facility.
The Fourth House's Tragic End
In a devastating turn of events, Jeannemary is found dead, impaled by bone spears, with a chilling message left in blood. The deaths of the Fourth House teens send shockwaves through Canaan House, leaving the survivors reeling from the loss. Gideon is consumed by guilt and anger, feeling responsible for their deaths. The tragedy underscores the lethal stakes of the Lyctor trials and the presence of a malevolent force within the facility.
Secrets and Betrayals Revealed
As tensions rise, the remaining Houses grapple with the implications of the deaths and the competition for keys. Silas Octakiseron seizes Dulcinea's keys, revealing the ruthless nature of the contest. Harrow and Palamedes form a tentative alliance, recognizing the need for cooperation against the unknown threat. The revelation that there are limited keys intensifies the competition, forcing the necromancers to confront the reality of their situation.
A Desperate Alliance Forms
In the wake of the Fourth House's demise, the remaining necromancers and cavaliers realize the need to work together. Palamedes proposes a plan to investigate the facility and uncover the truth behind the deaths. Despite lingering distrust, the Houses agree to a temporary truce, pooling their resources and knowledge. This fragile alliance is driven by necessity, as they face the growing danger within Canaan House.
The Final Confrontation Looms
With the stakes higher than ever, the necromancers and cavaliers prepare for a final confrontation with the forces threatening Canaan House. Harrow and Gideon, their bond strengthened by shared trials, lead the charge. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the facility, they uncover secrets that could change the course of their quest. The stage is set for a climactic battle, with the fate of the Houses hanging in the balance.
The Emperor's Desperate Plea
Harrowhark Nonagesimus awakens aboard a ship, greeted by the Emperor Undying himself. He reveals the dire state of the Empire, besieged by ancient threats even he cannot face alone. Despite her grief over Gideon Nav's sacrifice, Harrow is offered a choice: return to the Ninth House or become a Lyctor and aid the Emperor. The weight of Gideon's loss and the Empire's need compels Harrow to accept the mantle of Lyctorhood, setting her on a path of duty and redemption.
Harrow's Newfound Resolve
With Cytherea defeated, Harrow is left to face the aftermath of the battle and the weight of her new responsibilities. The Emperor offers her a place among the Lyctors, a chance to protect the Empire and honor Gideon's memory. Harrow's journey is one of acceptance and growth, as she learns to wield her power and navigate the complexities of her new life. The chapter closes with Harrow's determination to fulfill her duty, guided by the memory of Gideon and the promise of a better future.
Characters
Gideon Nav
Gideon Nav is a strong-willed and rebellious young woman, indentured to the Ninth House. She is skilled with a sword and dreams of escaping her oppressive life to join the Cohort, the Emperor's military force. Despite her tough exterior, Gideon is deeply loyal and protective, especially towards Harrow, even as she resents her manipulative nature. Her ultimate sacrifice for Harrow highlights her selflessness and loyalty.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus
Harrowhark is the heir to the Ninth House, driven by her ambition to become a Lyctor and save her House from decline. She is highly intelligent, cunning, and secretive, often keeping her plans hidden from Gideon. Harrow's obsession with power and her willingness to take risks make her a complex and enigmatic figure. Her journey is one of acceptance and growth, as she learns to wield her newfound power and navigate the complexities of her new life.
Palamedes Sextus
Palamedes is the heir to the Sixth House, known for his intelligence and analytical mind. He is deeply curious about the mysteries of Canaan House and is determined to uncover its secrets. Palamedes is cautious and pragmatic, often serving as a voice of reason and warning to others. His willingness to collaborate with other Houses marks a significant shift in his character, as he navigates the treacherous path to Lyctorhood.
Camilla Hect
Camilla is the cavalier of Palamedes Sextus, fiercely loyal and highly skilled in combat. She is protective of Palamedes and serves as his confidante and partner in their investigations. Camilla is pragmatic and level-headed, often providing a stabilizing presence in tense situations. Her resilience and skill are tested, and her interactions with Harrow and Gideon highlight the themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
Dulcinea Septimus
Dulcinea is the heir to the Seventh House, known for her charm and wit. Despite her frail health, she maintains a cheerful and flirtatious demeanor, often engaging Gideon in conversation. Dulcinea's true motives and intentions remain a mystery, adding an element of intrigue to her character. Her acceptance of her own mortality provides a poignant contrast to the other characters' struggles for power.
Coronabeth Tridentarius
Coronabeth is the heir to the Third House, exuding charisma and confidence. She is a natural leader, often organizing events and gatherings among the Houses. Coronabeth is charming and persuasive, using her social skills to navigate the complex dynamics of Canaan House. Her journey reflects the broader themes of ambition and sacrifice.
Ianthe Tridentarius
Ianthe is the twin sister of Coronabeth and the co-heir to the Third House. She is intelligent and calculating, often serving as a foil to her sister's charisma. Ianthe is observant and strategic, always looking for opportunities to gain an advantage. Her interactions with other characters reveal her ability to manipulate and influence those around her, highlighting her role as a cunning adversary.
Cytherea the First
Cytherea's hatred for the Emperor and her desire for revenge drive her to destroy the Houses. Her centuries of pain and betrayal fuel her actions, making her a formidable adversary. Cytherea's complex motives add depth to the conflict, as she challenges Harrow to confront the moral implications of her own actions.
The Emperor Undying
The Emperor seeks Harrow's help to combat ancient threats that even he cannot face alone. His offer to Harrow is both a plea for aid and an acknowledgment of her potential. The Emperor's vulnerability and humanity are revealed, adding depth to his character and highlighting the stakes of the conflict.
Silas Octakiseron
Silas, the necromancer of the Eighth House, is driven by a desire for power and control. His willingness to exploit others and seize opportunities makes him a formidable opponent. Silas' actions reveal the darker side of the competition, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of alliances and betrayals.
Plot Devices
The Locked Doors
The locked doors within Canaan House serve as a central plot device, representing the secrets and challenges left by the original inhabitants. These doors are a source of intrigue and danger, as they hold the key to becoming a Lyctor. The doors symbolize the barriers that the characters must overcome to achieve their goals, both physically and metaphorically.
The Facility
The facility beneath Canaan House serves as a central plot device, representing the challenges and dangers faced by the necromancers and cavaliers. Its labyrinthine corridors and deadly constructs test the characters' skills and resolve, driving the narrative forward and revealing the secrets of Lyctorhood.
The Keys
The keys, each unique and tied to specific challenges, represent the characters' progress in the Lyctor trials. They serve as both a goal and a source of conflict, as the necromancers and cavaliers vie for control and access to the secrets of the facility. The limited number of keys heightens the stakes and forces the characters to confront the reality of their situation.
The Constructs
The skeletal constructs encountered in the facility are both a physical threat and a symbol of the unknown forces at play. Their presence underscores the lethal nature of the trials and the need for cooperation and strategy. The constructs challenge the characters' skills and force them to confront their own limitations and fears.
The Lyctor Transformation
The transformation into a Lyctor is a central plot device, representing both immense power and the cost of sacrifice. Gideon's selfless act allows Harrow to become a Lyctor, merging their souls and granting Harrow the strength to confront Cytherea. The transformation is both a gift and a curse, as Harrow must live with the burden of Gideon's sacrifice.
Analysis
"Gideon the Ninth" delves into themes of power, sacrifice, and identity, set against a backdrop of necromancy and political intrigue. The narrative explores the complex relationship between Gideon and Harrow, highlighting themes of loyalty, ambition, and the cost of power. The locked doors and the facility serve as metaphors for the barriers the characters must overcome, both physically and emotionally. The transformation into a Lyctor underscores the theme of sacrifice, as characters must confront the moral implications of their actions. The book challenges readers to consider the nature of power and the sacrifices required to achieve it, ultimately offering a story of growth, redemption, and the enduring bond between two unlikely allies.
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FAQ
Synopsis & Basic Details
What is Gideon the Ninth about?
- A dark, gothic space opera: Gideon the Ninth follows Gideon Nav, a swordswoman indentured to the Ninth House, as she reluctantly becomes the cavalier of the necromancer Harrowhark Nonagesimus.
- A deadly competition: They travel to the First House to compete in a deadly trial to become Lyctors, powerful necromancers serving the Emperor, where they face other Houses and their own inner demons.
- Secrets and betrayals: The story is filled with mystery, hidden agendas, and unexpected alliances, as Gideon and Harrow navigate a world of necromancy, political intrigue, and ancient secrets.
Why should I read Gideon the Ninth?
- Unique blend of genres: The novel masterfully combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and dark humor, creating a truly original reading experience.
- Complex characters: Gideon and Harrow are compelling and flawed protagonists, whose complicated relationship drives the emotional core of the story. Their motivations and inner conflicts are explored in depth.
- Intricate world-building: Tamsyn Muir creates a richly detailed and atmospheric world, filled with ancient lore, gothic architecture, and a unique system of necromancy.
What is the background of Gideon the Ninth?
- A decaying empire: The story is set in a far-future where humanity is spread across multiple planets, ruled by the Emperor and his powerful necromantic Houses. The Empire is ancient and decaying, with each House holding its own secrets and traditions.
- Necromancy as power: Necromancy is a central element, a source of both power and danger. It is used for everything from raising skeletons to manipulating souls, and is deeply intertwined with the political and religious structures of the world.
- The Nine Houses: The story focuses on the Nine Houses, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and necromantic specialties. The Ninth House, in particular, is known for its grim and secretive nature, and its connection to the Locked Tomb.
What are the most memorable quotes in Gideon the Ninth?
- "You talk so loudly for chattel, Nav. You chatter so much for a debt.": This quote from Crux highlights the oppressive nature of Gideon's indentured servitude and the disdain she faces from the Ninth House.
- "Oh, Griddle! But I don't even remember about you most of the time.": Harrow's dismissive remark reveals her coldness and the power imbalance in her relationship with Gideon, while also hinting at a deeper, more complex dynamic.
- "I completely fucking hate you, because you are a hideous witch from hell. No offence.": Gideon's blunt declaration to Harrow encapsulates their volatile relationship, filled with both animosity and a strange, twisted affection.
What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Tamsyn Muir use?
- First-person perspective: The story is primarily told from Gideon's point of view, which is sarcastic, irreverent, and often humorous, providing a unique and engaging narrative voice.
- Gothic and macabre atmosphere: Muir employs vivid and evocative language to create a dark, gothic atmosphere, filled with decaying architecture, ancient secrets, and unsettling imagery.
- Non-linear storytelling: The narrative is not always straightforward, with flashbacks and shifts in perspective that gradually reveal the complex history and relationships of the characters.
Hidden Details & Subtle Connections
What are some minor details that add significant meaning?
- The recurring mention of "snow leeks": The skeletons in the Ninth House are often described as tending to snow leeks, a seemingly mundane detail that highlights the bleak and repetitive nature of life in Drearburh.
- Harrow's bone jewelry: Harrow's habit of wearing bone jewelry, including teeth and bone studs, foreshadows her necromantic abilities and her connection to death and the Locked Tomb.
- The descriptions of the Ninth House's architecture: The descriptions of the Ninth House as a "hole cracked vertically into the planet's core" and its "greasy dark" interiors symbolize the oppressive and claustrophobic nature of Gideon's life.
What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?
- The mention of Ortus's mother's family on the Eighth: This seemingly throwaway line foreshadows Ortus's escape with his mother and the significance of the Eighth House in later events.
- Harrow's comment about Gideon's magazines: Harrow's casual mention of Gideon's "nasty" magazines foreshadows the later revelation that she has been secretly observing Gideon's life.
- The recurring phrase "hard as iron": This phrase, used to describe the Ninth House, foreshadows the harshness and brutality that Gideon and Harrow must endure.
What are some unexpected character connections?
- The shared history of Aiglamene and Gideon: Aiglamene's past as a soldier and her role in training Gideon reveal a deeper connection between them, beyond their roles as teacher and student.
- The connection between Ortus and Gideon's mother: The fact that Ortus's mother is from the Eighth House, the same House where Gideon's mother may have originated, hints at a hidden connection between their pasts.
- The shared interest in old texts between Palamedes and Harrow: Their shared interest in old texts and forgotten knowledge hints at a deeper connection between them, despite their different Houses.
Who are the most significant supporting characters?
- Aiglamene: As Gideon's swordmaster, Aiglamene is a complex figure who represents both the harshness and the potential for kindness within the Ninth House. Her influence on Gideon's development is significant.
- Crux: As the marshal of Drearburh, Crux embodies the oppressive and decaying nature of the Ninth House. His interactions with Gideon highlight the power dynamics and the lack of freedom within the House.
- Palamedes Sextus: As the heir to the Sixth House, Palamedes is a brilliant and analytical necromancer who serves as a foil to Harrow's more impulsive nature. His warnings and insights are crucial to understanding the dangers of Canaan House.
Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis
What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?
- Harrow's fear of vulnerability: Harrow's constant need for control and her dismissive attitude towards Gideon stem from a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and a desire to protect herself from emotional pain.
- Gideon's desire for acceptance: Despite her rebellious nature, Gideon craves acceptance and recognition, particularly from Aiglamene and, in a twisted way, from Harrow. Her desire to join the Cohort is driven by a need to prove her worth.
- Palamedes's hidden grief: Palamedes's seemingly detached and analytical demeanor masks a deep sense of grief and loss, particularly in relation to his connection with Dulcinea.
What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?
- Harrow's self-destructive tendencies: Harrow's reckless pursuit of power and her willingness to sacrifice herself highlight her self-destructive tendencies and her inability to cope with her own emotions.
- Gideon's internal conflict: Gideon struggles with her desire for freedom and her loyalty to Harrow, creating a constant internal conflict that drives her actions. She is torn between her desire to escape the Ninth House and her need to protect the one person she has a connection with.
- Palamedes's intellectual detachment: Palamedes's reliance on logic and reason often masks his own emotional vulnerabilities, making him a complex and somewhat detached figure.
What are the major emotional turning points?
- Gideon's acceptance of Harrow's offer: Gideon's decision to accompany Harrow to the First House marks a turning point in their relationship, as she chooses to embrace her role as Harrow's cavalier, despite her reservations.
- Gideon's near-death experience during the siphon: The intense pain and vulnerability that Gideon experiences during the siphon force her to confront her own mortality and the true cost of her loyalty to Harrow.
- The deaths of Isaac and Jeannemary: The tragic deaths of the Fourth House teens serve as a catalyst for Gideon's emotional turmoil, forcing her to confront the consequences of her actions and the dangers of the Lyctor trials.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
- Gideon and Harrow's codependency: Their relationship evolves from one of mutual animosity to a complex codependency, where they rely on each other for survival and emotional support, despite their constant conflicts.
- The shifting alliances between Houses: The alliances between the Houses shift and change throughout the story, as the characters navigate their own agendas and the growing threat within Canaan House.
- The unexpected connections between characters: The story reveals unexpected connections between characters, such as the shared history of Aiglamene and Gideon, and the hidden feelings between Palamedes and Dulcinea, adding depth to the narrative.
Interpretation & Debate
Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?
- The true nature of the Locked Tomb: The exact nature of the Locked Tomb and the entity it contains remains ambiguous, leaving the reader to speculate about its significance and the true purpose of the Ninth House.
- The origins of Gideon Nav: The mystery surrounding Gideon's birth and her mother's identity is never fully resolved, leaving the reader to wonder about her true origins and her connection to the Ninth House.
- The ultimate fate of the Lyctors: The ending leaves the reader to speculate about the ultimate fate of the Lyctors and the future of the Empire, as the characters embark on a new and uncertain path.
What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Gideon the Ninth?
- Harrow's treatment of Gideon: Harrow's manipulative and often cruel treatment of Gideon is a source of debate among readers, with some arguing that it is a necessary part of their complex relationship, while others find it deeply problematic.
- The morality of necromancy: The novel raises questions about the morality of necromancy and the ethical implications of manipulating life and death, with characters often making morally ambiguous choices.
- The nature of sacrifice: The concept of sacrifice is explored in depth, with characters making difficult choices that often have devastating consequences. The novel challenges readers to consider the true cost of power and ambition.
Gideon the Ninth Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means
- Gideon's sacrifice: Gideon's decision to sacrifice herself for Harrow is a complex act of love, loyalty, and self-destruction. It highlights the depth of her feelings for Harrow and her willingness to give up everything for her.
- Harrow's Lyctor transformation: Harrow's transformation into a Lyctor is a bittersweet victory, as she achieves her goal but at the cost of Gideon's life. Her new role as a Lyctor is both a source of power and a burden, as she must now carry the weight of her actions and the memory of her lost cavalier.
- The ambiguous future of the Empire: The ending leaves the future of the Empire uncertain, with the threat of ancient forces still looming. The novel suggests that the path to salvation may require more than just power, but also a willingness to confront the past and embrace the unknown.
Review Summary
Gideon the Ninth is a polarizing sci-fi/fantasy novel featuring lesbian necromancers in space. Readers praise its unique worldbuilding, dark humor, and compelling characters, particularly the snarky protagonist Gideon and her complex relationship with Harrowhark. The book's dense prose and confusing plot divide opinion, with some finding it challenging to follow. Many appreciate the Gothic atmosphere, creative magic system, and unexpected twists. While pacing issues and an abundance of characters are noted, fans eagerly anticipate the sequel, captivated by the series' originality and emotional depth.
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