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Plot Summary

The Emperor's Murderous Night

Harrow faces impending doom

Harrowhark Nonagesimus, a newly minted Lyctor, is thrust into a perilous situation as the Emperor warns of an imminent attack. Despite the danger, Harrow insists on her capability, refusing Ianthe Tridentarius's offer of protection. The tension between Harrow and Ianthe is palpable, as Harrow grapples with her fears and the looming threat. This night sets the stage for Harrow's journey, highlighting her determination and the complex dynamics between the Lyctors.

Harrow's Unraveling Mind

Harrow's mental state deteriorates

Harrow's mind is a battlefield of confusion and hallucinations, haunted by the Body, a mysterious figure from her past. Her dreams are filled with cryptic advice and unsettling truths, causing her to question her sanity. As Harrow struggles with the weight of her responsibilities as a Lyctor, her grip on reality slips, revealing the deep psychological turmoil she faces. This chapter delves into Harrow's internal conflict and the haunting presence of her past.

The Lyctor's Training Begins

Harrow learns the Lyctor's path

Under the tutelage of the Emperor and other Lyctors, Harrow embarks on a grueling training regimen. She learns the intricacies of necromancy and the responsibilities of a Lyctor, pushing her to her limits. Her relationship with Ianthe is strained, as they vie for the Emperor's favor and grapple with their insecurities. This chapter explores Harrow's growth and the challenges she faces in mastering her new role.

Secrets of the Mithraeum

The Mithraeum's mysteries unfold

Harrow delves into the depths of the Mithraeum, uncovering the history of the Lyctors and the Emperor's past. She learns of the Resurrection Beasts, monstrous entities threatening the Nine Houses. The Mithraeum is both a refuge and a prison, filled with echoes of those who came before. Harrow's curiosity leads her to forbidden places, revealing unsettling truths about her existence and the world she inhabits.

The Resurrection Beast Approaches

A new threat looms

The Lyctors are alerted to the approach of a Resurrection Beast, a powerful revenant that feeds on entire planets. The Emperor and his Lyctors must prepare for battle, knowing that failure could mean the end of the Nine Houses. Harrow is thrust into the heart of the conflict, her training put to the ultimate test. The tension mounts as the Lyctors strategize and brace for the impending confrontation, each aware of the high stakes and potential for devastating loss.

Harrow's Forbidden Love

Harrow's secret obsession revealed

Harrow's love for the Body, the mysterious figure from the Locked Tomb, is a forbidden obsession that consumes her thoughts. This love is both her greatest strength and deepest vulnerability. The Body represents everything Harrow has sacrificed and hopes to protect. Her devotion drives her actions, even as it threatens to unravel her mind and compromise her mission as a Lyctor.

The Emperor's Hidden Fears

The Emperor's vulnerabilities exposed

Despite his divine status, the Emperor harbors fears and regrets. He confides in Harrow, revealing the burden of his immortality and the weight of his past decisions. The Emperor's vulnerability offers Harrow a glimpse into the man behind the god, deepening her understanding of her role and the complexities of the world she inhabits. This revelation challenges Harrow to confront her own fears and the expectations placed upon her.

The Sleeper's Sinister Awakening

Canaan House's eerie transformation begins

Harrow finds herself in a Canaan House that is changing in disturbing ways. The once-familiar halls are now filled with strange, organic growths, and the weather has turned hostile. Teacher warns of a monstrous presence, the Sleeper, that threatens to awaken and consume them all. Harrow and her companions must navigate this treacherous environment, where the very walls seem to pulse with malevolent intent.

Harrow's Haunting Encounter

A ghostly revelation shakes Harrow

Harrow encounters Camilla Hect, a figure she believed dead, alive and well on a distant planet. Camilla reveals her connection to Blood of Eden and carries the fragmented skull of her necromancer, Palamedes Sextus. Harrow is tasked with confirming Palamedes' spirit within the bone, challenging her understanding of necromancy. This encounter forces Harrow to confront the possibility that her reality is not as stable as she once believed.

The Lyctors' Desperate Strategy

A plan to face the Beast

The Lyctors gather to devise a strategy for confronting the Resurrection Beast. Mercymorn outlines a plan to engage the Beast in the River, a chaotic space where the Lyctors' powers are at their peak. Each Lyctor is assigned a section of the Beast to attack, with Harrow tasked with remaining flexible. The plan is fraught with uncertainty, as the Lyctors must rely on their wits and skills to survive the encounter. The stakes are high, and the outcome is far from certain.

The Final Confrontation Looms

The stage is set for battle

As the Lyctors prepare for the final confrontation with the Resurrection Beast, tensions run high. Harrow grapples with her own fears and doubts, knowing that the outcome of the battle will determine the fate of the Nine Houses. The Lyctors' plan is set in motion, and Harrow must summon all her strength and resolve to face the cosmic threat. The stage is set for a battle that will test the limits of their power and the bonds that hold them together.

The Emperor's Shocking Revelation

Harrow learns the Emperor's secret

In a tense confrontation, Harrow discovers the Emperor's hidden truth: his power is linked to a figure named Alecto, not the sun, Dominicus. This revelation shakes the foundation of the Nine Houses, suggesting the Emperor's power is not as divine as believed. The Emperor's vulnerability is exposed, and Harrow is left grappling with the implications of this newfound knowledge, questioning her allegiance and the future of the Nine Houses.

Harrow's Desperate Decision

Harrow faces a life-altering choice

Harrow is confronted with a critical decision: to return to her body and live, or to remain in the River, risking madness. Haunted by the memory of Gideon Nav, her cavalier, Harrow struggles with the weight of her choice. Ultimately, she decides to return to her body, driven by the desire to honor Gideon's sacrifice. This decision marks a turning point in Harrow's journey, as she embraces her role as a Lyctor and the responsibilities it entails.

The Lyctors' Betrayal Unveiled

A shocking betrayal is revealed

The Lyctors, Mercymorn and Augustine, confront the Emperor with the truth about his past and their own betrayal. They reveal that the Emperor's power is tied to Alecto, a being he resurrected and then imprisoned. This revelation leads to a dramatic confrontation, as the Lyctors grapple with their own guilt and the consequences of their actions. The Emperor's trust is shattered, setting the stage for a climactic showdown that will determine the fate of the Nine Houses.

Harrow's Uncertain Future

Harrow faces an uncertain path

With the Emperor's resurrection and revelations about his power, Harrow is left to navigate an uncertain future. She must grapple with the consequences of her choices and the responsibilities of her role as a Lyctor. The path ahead is fraught with danger and uncertainty, as Harrow seeks to protect the Nine Houses and uncover the truth about the Emperor's power. Her journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, as she confronts the challenges that lie ahead and strives to forge her own destiny.

Characters

Harrowhark Nonagesimus

Determined, haunted, evolving

Harrow is a complex character, burdened by her past and the responsibilities of her role as a Lyctor. Her journey is one of self-discovery and adaptation, as she navigates shifting alliances and cosmic threats. Harrow's determination to honor Gideon's sacrifice and protect the Nine Houses drives her actions, even as she grapples with the consequences of her choices and the uncertainty of her future.

Ianthe Tridentarius

Cunning, ambitious, conflicted

Ianthe is a fellow Lyctor and Harrow's rival. Her cunning and ambition drive her actions, as she seeks to secure her position and gain favor with the Emperor. Ianthe's relationship with Harrow is marked by mutual distrust and competition, as they both grapple with their own insecurities and the challenges of their roles.

The Emperor (John Gaius)

Powerful, enigmatic, vulnerable

The Emperor is a god-like figure whose power is revealed to be tied to a mysterious being named Alecto. His vulnerabilities are exposed as the truth about his past and the nature of his power come to light. The Emperor's resurrection marks a turning point in the story, as he reasserts his control over the Nine Houses and confronts the consequences of his actions. His relationship with Harrow is complex, marked by mutual respect and a shared understanding of the challenges they face.

Mercymorn the First

Fierce, emotional, conflicted

Mercymorn is a Lyctor known for her fierce demeanor and emotional volatility. Her betrayal of the Emperor is driven by a deep-seated guilt and a desire for redemption. Mercymorn's actions have far-reaching consequences, as she grapples with the weight of her choices and the impact they have on the Nine Houses. Her relationship with Augustine is complex, marked by a shared history and a mutual understanding of the challenges they face.

Augustine the First

Charming, detached, enigmatic

Augustine is a Lyctor with a charming exterior and a detached demeanor. His betrayal of the Emperor is driven by a desire to uncover the truth about the nature of their power and the consequences of their actions. Augustine's relationship with Mercymorn is complex, marked by a shared history and a mutual understanding of the challenges they face. His actions have far-reaching consequences, as he grapples with the weight of his choices and the impact they have on the Nine Houses.

Camilla Hect

Loyal, resourceful, enigmatic

Camilla is a former cavalier of the Sixth House, now aligned with Blood of Eden. Her unexpected reappearance and the revelation of her connection to Palamedes Sextus add layers of intrigue to the story. Camilla's loyalty to her necromancer and her willingness to challenge the status quo make her a formidable ally and a potential threat to Harrow's mission.

Gideon Nav

Loyal, courageous, self-sacrificing

Gideon is Harrow's cavalier, whose sacrifice plays a pivotal role in Harrow's journey. Her presence is felt throughout the story, as Harrow grapples with the weight of her loss and the impact it has on her choices. Gideon's loyalty and courage are a driving force in Harrow's actions, as she seeks to honor her sacrifice and protect the Nine Houses. Her relationship with Harrow is complex, marked by a deep bond and a shared understanding of the challenges they face.

The Body

Mysterious, haunting, beloved

The Body is a mysterious figure from Harrow's past, representing her forbidden love and the sacrifices she has made. Her presence is a constant reminder of Harrow's past actions and the weight of her responsibilities. The Body serves as a catalyst for Harrow's unraveling mind, driving her actions and shaping her destiny.

Plot Devices

The Resurrection Beasts

Monstrous, relentless, existential threat

The Resurrection Beasts are a central plot device, representing a monstrous and relentless threat to the Nine Houses. These revenants feed on entire planets, growing in power and size with each conquest. The Lyctors are tasked with combating these Beasts, using their necromantic abilities to protect the Emperor and the Nine Houses. The Resurrection Beasts serve as a catalyst for the story's conflict, driving the characters to confront their fears and push the limits of their abilities.

The Mithraeum

Sanctuary, mystery, hidden dangers

The Mithraeum is the Emperor's sanctuary, a place of secrets and hidden dangers. It serves as a central setting for the story, housing the Lyctors and the Emperor as they prepare for the impending threat of the Resurrection Beasts. The Mithraeum is filled with the echoes of those who came before, offering a glimpse into the history of the Lyctors and the Emperor's past. It is both a refuge and a prison, a place where the characters must confront their own fears and the mysteries that lie within.

The River

Chaotic, mysterious, otherworldly

The River is a mysterious and chaotic space where the Lyctors' powers are at their peak. It serves as the battleground for the confrontation with the Resurrection Beast, highlighting the characters' strengths and weaknesses. The River's unpredictable nature adds tension and uncertainty to the narrative, as the characters must navigate its challenges to survive. The River is a central plot device, driving the story's conflict and shaping the characters' journeys.

Alecto

Mysterious, powerful, central to the Emperor's power

Alecto is a mysterious figure whose connection to the Emperor's power is revealed to be central to the story's conflict. Her existence raises questions about the true nature of the Emperor's power and the extent of his influence. Alecto's presence is a driving force in the narrative, shaping the characters' journeys and the outcome of the conflict. Her connection to the Emperor is a pivotal element in the story, driving the characters to confront their fears and push the limits of their abilities.

Analysis

Exploration of power, identity, and sacrifice

"Harrow the Ninth" by Tamsyn Muir is a complex exploration of power, identity, and sacrifice. The narrative delves into the psychological turmoil of its protagonist, Harrowhark Nonagesimus, as she grapples with her responsibilities as a Lyctor and the haunting presence of her past. The book challenges the notion of divine power through the Emperor's vulnerabilities and the revelation of Alecto's role in his strength. Themes of love and obsession are intricately woven into the story, with Harrow's forbidden love for the Body serving as both a source of strength and a catalyst for her unraveling mind. The Resurrection Beasts and the River add layers of existential threat and chaos, pushing the characters to confront their fears and redefine their identities. Ultimately, the book is a meditation on the complexities of loyalty, the burden of immortality, and the quest for redemption in a universe teetering on the brink of destruction.

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FAQ

Basic Details

What is Harrow the Ninth about?

  • A Lyctor's fractured mind: The story follows Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the newly ascended Lyctor of the Ninth House, as she navigates life aboard the Emperor's space station, the Mithraeum. Plagued by memory loss, hallucinations, and a mysterious illness, Harrow struggles to understand her new reality and the cosmic threats facing the Nine Houses.
  • Training for an ancient war: Harrow is thrust into training alongside the Emperor and his ancient Lyctors, preparing to face monstrous entities known as Resurrection Beasts. This rigorous process forces her to confront her limitations and the unsettling truths about Lyctorhood and the nature of death itself.
  • Unraveling secrets and identities: As Harrow's mind unravels, she encounters figures from her past and present, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. The narrative explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the burden of history within the complex, often darkly humorous, universe of the Nine Houses.

Why should I read Harrow the Ninth?

  • Unique narrative structure: The book employs a distinctive second-person perspective and shifts in narrative reliability, creating a disorienting yet compelling reading experience that mirrors the protagonist's mental state. This structural choice is integral to the story's themes of memory and identity.
  • Deep psychological exploration: Beyond the space opera elements, the novel offers a profound dive into trauma, grief, and the human psyche under extreme pressure. Harrow's internal struggles and her relationship with her fractured mind are central to the narrative's emotional core.
  • Rich worldbuilding and complex characters: The Locked Tomb universe is expanded with intricate details about the Lyctors, the Emperor, and the history of the Nine Houses. The interactions between the ancient, often dysfunctional, Lyctors provide dark humor and reveal layers of history and trauma.

What is the background of Harrow the Ninth?

  • Post-Resurrection Empire: The story is set ten thousand years after the Emperor, John Gaius, resurrected humanity and established the Nine Houses, each specializing in a different form of necromancy. The Houses serve the Emperor and protect the galaxy from cosmic threats.
  • The Lyctoral process: Lyctors are immortal necromancers who have fused their souls with their cavaliers, gaining immense power but often at a terrible personal cost. Harrow is one of the newest Lyctors, and her struggle with the process is a key element.
  • Ancient, ongoing conflict: The Empire is constantly threatened by Resurrection Beasts, revenants of murdered planets, and the enigmatic Blood of Eden, an organization dedicated to the Empire's destruction. The events of the book are driven by the approach of a particularly dangerous Beast.

What are the most memorable quotes in Harrow the Ninth?

  • "Go fuck yourself.": Delivered by Harrow to Ianthe in the prologue, this line encapsulates Harrow's defiant and often abrasive nature, even in the face of perceived threats or unwanted offers of help. It sets the tone for their antagonistic relationship.
  • "One flesh, one end.": This phrase, appearing in a book found in Canaan House and later echoed by Gideon, symbolizes the ideal (and often failed) bond between a necromancer and their cavalier. It highlights the theme of sacrifice and shared destiny central to Lyctorhood.
  • "Hi, Not Fucking Dead," he said. "I'm Dad.": The Emperor's shocking and darkly humorous line to Gideon Nav near the end of the book reveals a pivotal familial connection and upends previous assumptions about Gideon's parentage and the Emperor's identity.

What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Tamsyn Muir use?

  • Second-person perspective: The primary narrative voice addresses Harrow directly as "you," immersing the reader in her disoriented and unreliable point of view. This technique emphasizes her isolation and fractured sense of self.
  • Unreliable narration & memory manipulation: The story deliberately presents conflicting accounts and distorted memories, particularly through the Canaan House flashbacks, forcing the reader to question what is real. This reflects Harrow's self-inflicted memory wipe.
  • Dense, allusive prose: Muir's writing is characterized by complex sentence structures, specialized jargon (necromantic, military, religious), and frequent allusions (biblical, literary, pop culture), creating a unique, challenging, and rewarding reading experience.

Hidden Details & Subtle Connections

What are some minor details that add significant meaning?

  • The significance of eyes: Eyes are a recurring motif, symbolizing identity, perception, and the Lyctoral bond. The changing colors of Ianthe's eyes, the description of the Emperor's black-and-white eyes, and the eventual revelation about Gideon's eyes all tie into the nature of soul transference and hidden lineage.
  • The state of the Mithraeum: The station's description as a "screaming beacon of thanergy" and a "burning gyre of death" to other Lyctors reveals its true nature as a massive graveyard powered by the dead. This contrasts with Harrow's initial perception and highlights the scale of the Emperor's power and the cost of the Empire.
  • The recurring phrase "Is this how it happens?": This question, first posed by a skeleton construct at Canaan House and repeated by various characters (Dyas, Pent, Silas), subtly hints that the events unfolding are not the true or intended course of action, suggesting manipulation or a deviation from a predetermined path.

What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?

  • Ortus's poetry and the Noniad: Ortus Nigenad's constant recitation of his epic poem about Matthias Nonius, the legendary Ninth House cavalier, seems tedious at first but foreshadows Nonius's eventual appearance as a ghost in Harrow's River bubble and his role in fighting the Sleeper. The poem's meter and themes influence the River reality.
  • The Emperor's casual mentions of A.L.: The Emperor's seemingly offhand references to "A.L." and nicknames like "Annabel Lee" subtly foreshadow the revelation of Alecto's identity as his original cavalier and the source of his power, a detail initially missed by Harrow.
  • The presence of specific objects in the River bubble: The inclusion of items like the Sleeper's gun, the Sixth House skull fragments, and Gideon's sunglasses within Harrow's psychological construct hints at the real-world significance of these objects and the people associated with them, connecting the internal and external narratives.

What are some unexpected character connections?

  • Gideon Nav and Commander Wake: The revelation that Commander Wake, the leader of Blood of Eden and the Sleeper in Harrow's River bubble, is Gideon Nav's biological mother is a shocking twist. This connects the protagonist's cavalier to the Empire's greatest enemy and adds a layer of tragic irony to Gideon's sacrifice.
  • The Emperor and Gideon Nav: The final reveal that the Emperor, John Gaius, is Gideon Nav's biological father creates a profound and unexpected familial link between the divine ruler and the Ninth House cavalier. This recontextualizes their interactions and the Emperor's interest in Harrow.
  • Matthias Nonius and Ortus Nigenad: The ghost of Matthias Nonius, Ortus's ancestor and the subject of his poetry, appears in Harrow's River bubble and fights alongside Ortus's ghost. This connection, mediated through Ortus's memory and poetry, highlights the themes of legacy, duty, and the complex relationship between the living and the dead in the Ninth House.

Who are the most significant supporting characters?

  • The Body: This mysterious figure from the Locked Tomb, initially perceived as Harrow's forbidden love and a hallucination, is revealed to be Alecto, the Emperor's original cavalier and the source of his power. Her presence in Harrow's mind and her eventual disappearance are central to Harrow's psychological state and the plot's major revelations.
  • Augustine the First: As the oldest living Lyctor and a key figure in Harrow's training, Augustine provides crucial information about the River and Resurrection Beasts. His complex relationship with Mercymorn and the Emperor, and his eventual role in the Emperor's downfall, make him a pivotal character in the Lyctors' drama.
  • Mercymorn the First: The Saint of Joy, Mercymorn is a volatile but deeply knowledgeable Lyctor who trains Harrow and Ianthe. Her grief over her dead cavalier, Cristabel, and her long-standing resentment towards the Emperor drive her actions, culminating in her pivotal role in the Emperor's demise.
  • Ortus the First (Saint of Duty): Initially appearing as a relentless assassin targeting Harrow, Ortus's true identity as the ghost of Harrow's cavalier, Ortus Nigenad, is a major reveal. His attempts to kill Harrow are motivated by a misguided sense of duty and a desire to prevent her suffering, adding a tragic layer to his character and their bond.

Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis

What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?

  • Harrow's desire for oblivion: Beneath her drive to serve and survive, Harrow harbors a deep-seated weariness and a longing for peace, even death, as a release from her trauma and the burden of her House's history. Her self-inflicted memory wipe is an attempt to escape her past and her feelings for Gideon.
  • Ianthe's need for validation: Despite her arrogance and ambition, Ianthe seeks acceptance and recognition, particularly from the older Lyctors and the Emperor. Her willingness to undergo painful procedures and align herself with powerful figures stems from a desire to prove her worth and escape the shadow of her twin.
  • The Emperor's search for forgiveness: John Gaius, despite his power, is haunted by guilt over the Resurrection and the sacrifices made by his Lyctors. His interactions with Harrow and his eventual confession reveal a deep-seated desire for absolution and a longing for connection he lost millennia ago.

What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?

  • Dissociation and memory repression: Harrow's central struggle involves a self-induced dissociation and memory wipe, fragmenting her identity and creating an unreliable narrative. This complex psychological defense mechanism is a direct response to the trauma of Gideon's death and the Lyctoral process.
  • Trauma and arrested development: The ancient Lyctors, particularly Mercymorn and Augustine, exhibit signs of deep, unresolved trauma from millennia of war and loss. Their emotional responses can be volatile or detached, reflecting psychological states frozen or warped by their immortality and grief.
  • Projection and transference: Harrow projects her grief and longing onto the Body, creating a hallucination that embodies her complex feelings for the Locked Tomb and its occupant. Similarly, Ortus projects his insecurities and past failures onto Harrow, viewing her as a symbol of his own inadequacy.

What are the major emotional turning points?

  • Harrow's realization of the memory wipe: The moment Harrow reads the letters from her past self, she begins to understand the extent of her self-inflicted amnesia and the deliberate manipulation of her own mind. This is a turning point in her psychological journey, forcing her to confront her fractured identity.
  • The Lyctors' confrontation with the Emperor: The dramatic confrontation where Mercymorn and Augustine reveal their knowledge of the Emperor's lies about perfect Lyctorhood and Alecto is a major emotional climax for the ancient Lyctors, bringing millennia of suppressed grief and betrayal to the surface.
  • Gideon's return and the "I'm Dad" reveal: Gideon Nav's return to consciousness within Harrow's body and the subsequent revelation of her parentage by the Emperor is a pivotal emotional moment, recontextualizing Gideon's identity and her relationship with the central figures of the Empire.

How do relationship dynamics evolve?

  • Harrow and Ianthe's antagonistic alliance: Their relationship shifts from outright hostility to a grudging, complex alliance born of shared circumstances and mutual utility. Despite their distrust and antagonism, they rely on each other for survival and even moments of unexpected vulnerability.
  • The Lyctors' fractured family: The ancient Lyctors (Augustine, Mercymorn, Ortus) function as a deeply dysfunctional family unit, bound by shared history, trauma, and secrets. Their interactions are marked by bickering, resentment, and moments of fierce loyalty, revealing the complex bonds forged over millennia.
  • Harrow's evolving relationship with the Emperor: Harrow's initial reverence for the Emperor transforms as she learns his secrets and witnesses his vulnerabilities. Their relationship becomes more complex, shifting from master-disciple to something akin to a troubled father-daughter dynamic, particularly after the revelation about Gideon.

Interpretation & Debate

Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?

  • The true nature of the Body/Alecto: While revealed as the Emperor's original cavalier and the source of his power, Alecto's consciousness, motivations, and the extent of her sentience within the Tomb and later within Harrow's mind remain largely ambiguous. Her final state and intentions are unclear.
  • The fate of the Nine Houses: The ending sees the Mithraeum pulled into the River and the Emperor's connection to Dominicus severed, implying the destruction of the Nine Houses. However, the survival of some characters and the mention of gathering remaining ships leave the ultimate fate of the Empire uncertain.
  • The future of Harrow and Gideon's bond: With Gideon now conscious within Harrow's body, the nature of their shared existence and how their two souls will coexist or interact moving forward is left open-ended, setting up the premise for the next book.

What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Harrow the Ninth?

  • Harrow's self-inflicted memory wipe: The ethical implications of Harrow's decision to erase her memories of Gideon and manipulate her own mind are highly debatable. Readers may question whether this was a necessary act of self-preservation or a profound betrayal of her bond with Gideon.
  • The Lyctors' actions against the Emperor: Mercymorn and Augustine's decision to kill the Emperor, even if motivated by perceived betrayal and grief, is a controversial act with catastrophic consequences for the Nine Houses. Their justification and the morality of their actions are open to interpretation.
  • The Emperor's relationship with Alecto and his Lyctors: The nature of John Gaius's relationships with his original cavalier, Alecto, and his subsequent Lyctors is complex and potentially controversial. The revelation of perfect Lyctorhood and his decision to withhold this knowledge raises questions about his manipulation and the extent of his love or control over his followers.

Harrow the Ninth Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means

  • The Emperor's true nature and betrayal: The climax reveals that the Emperor's power comes from Alecto, his original cavalier, whom he resurrected and then imprisoned in the Locked Tomb. He also lied to his subsequent Lyctors, allowing them to believe the process required sacrificing their cavaliers, when a perfect Lyctorhood was possible.
  • The Lyctors' revenge and the Empire's fall: Mercymorn and Augustine, upon learning the truth, confront and kill the Emperor. This act severs his connection to Dominicus, the sun powering the Nine Houses, causing the system's collapse. Augustine then pulls the Mithraeum into the River, intending to escape the dying system.
  • Gideon's return and shared body: Gideon Nav's soul, previously stored within Harrow's temporal lobe, becomes conscious and takes control of Harrow's body. The book ends with Gideon navigating their shared physical form as the Mithraeum sinks into the deepest part of the River, facing an uncertain future alongside the remaining Lyctors and the consequences of the Empire's destruction. This signifies a new beginning for both characters, albeit amidst ruin.

Review Summary

4.29 out of 5
Average of 81k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Harrow the Ninth received mixed reviews, with many praising its ambitious and unique storytelling while others found it confusing and frustrating. Readers appreciated Muir's intricate worldbuilding, complex characters, and unconventional writing style. The book's nonlinear narrative and deliberate obfuscation of plot elements divided opinions, with some enjoying the challenge and others feeling lost. Many noted the stark difference from its predecessor, Gideon the Ninth, in tone and structure. Despite its divisive nature, most agreed on the author's creativity and the series' originality.

Your rating:
4.62
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About the Author

Tamsyn Muir is the bestselling author of the Locked Tomb Trilogy, which includes Gideon the Ninth, Harrow the Ninth, and Alecto the Ninth. Her short fiction has garnered nominations for prestigious awards such as the Nebula, Shirley Jackson, World Fantasy, and Eugie Foster Memorial Awards. Born in New Zealand, Muir spent most of her life in various locations across the country, including Howick, Waiuku, and Wellington. Currently, she resides and works in Oxford, United Kingdom, continuing to captivate readers with her unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror elements in her writing.

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