Harrow the Ninth

Our favourite necromancer has risen to the ranks of the most powerful, who are rather Machiavellian but disconcertingly human. In the process though, she has lost her marbles, and we are left without any certainty as to what the hell is going on, and doubts undermine our memory of the first book. Which is mostly bearable because it eventually unravels, only to be frustrated by an unwelcome dumping of unresolved head-scratchers which demands some re-reading. More serious than the first book, without the swagger.

This book manages to cultivate a sense of confusion that at first I was unsure of its' intent, but by the end all of the confusion and loose ends are tied up neatly. This is a book about psychosis, grief and death. I didn't expect to get anything deep out of reading this but I did. I was sucked in to the world of the locked tomb once again and honestly I enjoyed every moment of it. I can say with certainty that I want to see what the rest of this series has to offer. So far the locked tomb series continues to stride a fine revealing just the right amount of answers to leave satisfied but still wondering at the questions still left unanswered. If you are starting this book and going "hold on, why is..?" just stick with it and you'll probably get an answer

I never expected a book to successfully gaslight me and I would have expected even less that I would enjoy that.

This book manages not only to describe someones descent into madness from intense grief but it makes you feel it yourself. It fractured so many things you thought you knew from the previous book that you constantly doubt your own memory of those past event, but brings everything together towards the end only to leave you with questions again.

It is also repeatedly hilarious and features one of the best dad jokes of all time.

Puesssss, no me ha gustado el ritmo, lo veo excesivo en algunos aspectos, le sobran cosas... Me encanta la imaginación que tiene, pero Buff, me ha costado

The first two thirds slightly annoyed me, in the last third it finally made some sense. Would have given this 3 stars if not for the very unexpected dad joke. 😄

I can't recall a book in recent history that's left me as confused as Harrow the Ninth did. I can fully say that for three quarters of the book I had no idea what was going on. Then it made sense, and then by the final pages it all got confusing again.

That said, it's hugely unique and intriguing, and I am still along for the ride. Also, give me more snarky Gideon + Harrow when it's time for Alecto the Ninth.

I enjoyed Gideon but I liked this one better. Totally different tone and problem: it’s all about wrestling with loss and culpability, so check your mood before jumping in. Especially if you’ve struggled with dealing with someone dying, it can resonate more than you’re expecting.

Holy shit this was an incredible book. It has it all: a very intriguing setting that keeps you wondering how things work. A plot that keeps you glued to the story; I had many theories on what was going on- most of them wrong. And characters that are fascinating to read about, whether they are discussing the mysteries of life and death, visiting other planets, or just enjoying some soup. I highly recommend this series and can't wait for the next book!

Read my full review at my blog (warning: has spoilers for [b:Gideon the Ninth|42036538|Gideon the Ninth (The Locked Tomb, #1)|Tamsyn Muir|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1546870952l/42036538.SY75.jpg|60943229]): strakul.blogspot.com/2020/08/book-review-harrow-ninth-by-tamsyn-muir.html