So, a creepy sci-fi fantasy with necromancers and swords and mystery? I thought this would be right up my alley. Even after my husband gave a lackluster review of being slow, I figured, with all the hype, I would give it a shot. But while, I know a lot of people loved this book, I don’t think it was for me.

What I liked:

  • Gideon’s character and voice off the page.
  • The premise of nine houses of necromancy coming together to solve some kind of riddle in a creepy house of death
  • Swords and general creepiness. Vibes here were solid.
  • The audiobooks narration
  • The complex relationship between Gideon and Harrowhark

What I didn’t like.

  • Pacing. Oof. I’ve got to agree with my husband, this one was slow and l.o.n.g. (Please keep in mind though, as a rule, I like breakneck books.) Gideon spends a lot of the first half not really knowing what’s going on, and well, the tension just wasn’t there for me. Even by the end, I didn’t feel like the elements melded together enough for me to be really satisfied.

Obviously lots of people loved it though, so if you’re into dark, edgy sci-fi fantasy, give this one a shot. 3.75/5 for me, and I’ll pass on the sequel, though I would see the movie.

⭐⭐⭐¾

Not for me, but it could be for you! (And my little iron man says he’s not a fan of the cover, so there’s that too.)

Thanks for reading!