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Community comment are the opinions of contributing users. These comment do not represent the opinions of Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi.
kmcgay
Aug 25, 2020kmcgay rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
What didn't I like about this book? A fantastic debut novel from Tamsin Muir. She avoids info dumping lore on the reader and gives us just enough to get through the story while also leaving room for theories on how the universe works as a whole (my partner and I are still debating whether the Nine Houses are a future version of our solar system or a fantasy one). The characters are fun and lively and I love, love, love that the protagonist is an unapologetic butch lesbian. While the language and depictions of gore (necromancy ain't pretty, afterall) place this book firmly in the adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy category, the writing style is similar to an upper-level YA book. A great way for those who read mostly YA to dip their toes into the adult waters. The plot can get a bit tricky to follow at times, but fortunately our POV character and protagonist is, for lack of a better word, a bit of a moron. Often when I found myself getting lost, Gideon was right there with me and ready to chime in with a "Hey wait, what's going on here?" Whether intentional or I just share more traits with Gideon than I thought, it was much appreciated. Pacing wise, it has a bit of a slow start but once it picks up you won't want to put it down (catch me accidentally staying up until 4 AM on a work night). Loved this book so much that I immediately bought book 2 because I didn't want to wait in the holds queue to find out what happens next.