Book Notes: Harrow the Ninth

Harrow the Ninth is a worthy sequel to Gideon the Ninth. It centers on Harrow instead of Gideon, which results in a lot less humor. Instead, we get to see a lot more of the inside of Harrow’s head (what is going on in there???).

The action kicks off some time after Harrow’s ascent to lyctorhood. We follow her as she and the other baby lyctor train for their new roles, while the Emperor and the other lyctors prepare for an epic battle. There are many twists and turns to the plot, and as the battle approaches the action speeds up.

The characters are more ambiguous, and it is less and less clear who are the good guys. One starts to suspect that Harrow might not be the most reliable narrator. It all culminates in a revelation reminiscent of Star Wars (spoilers!).

And then Muir leaves us hanging, waiting for the end of the trilogy. Sigh. I’m looking forward to the next installment.