Looking for something a little different, perhaps a fantasy story that leans into humor? Why not try Gideon the Ninth by Tasmyn Muir.
I don’t know if you’ve ever tried it, but writing funny is hard. That Muir goes as hard as she does on the humor side of things is both impressive (you go, girl!) and a little frightening (if I did this I’d fail miserably!).
The novel follows the titular character, an outsider from the outsider house within a space-faring imperium that runs on necromantic magic (and technology that no one seems to have a solid understanding of).
The story is centered on Gideon who is serving as cavalier primary, a rapier-wielding protector for the heir of her house as the two embark on a competition along with the heirs and cavaliers of the other eight great houses of the imperium (outside of the emperor). Whichever necromancer heir is successful in this challenge will be elevated to the rank of lyctor and possess powerful magics that could improve the fortunes of their house.
Unsurprisingly, with such stakes the competition turns deadly and mystery abounds, which Gideon and her allies must figure out before it’s too late.
Why read this book? The writing is playful and fun (and absurd). Gideon and the major characters are interesting and the pacing keeps things moving along. Muir also does a good job of revealing the growing mysteries around the competition at a pace that keeps readers engaged. Overall, an entertaining read.
Why avoid it? The danger with writing that has humor as its dominant mode is that doing so can take away from the seriousness of moments that are meant to be dramatic and grave (which I think happens a little here).
Also, I found myself struggling to understand this weird futuristic fantasy story world where cavaliers use swords but the world also features spaceships and necromancers wielding incredibly powerful magics (that doesn’t seem to fit together all that well [a little like sword-wielding samurai next to airplanes in The Sword of Kaigen]).
Lastly, it was hard to understand why I should care about this empire that runs on necromancy. What is the good of this system? I don’t see anyone who seems all that well off because of this empire. Maybe establishing why it all matters might’ve helped a little.
I guess I’ll just have to keep reading the next book (Harrow the Ninth) if I want a better answer.
Recommendation: Deserving (a solid read that doesn’t disappoint; if you read 25 books a year, this might be one to consider)
Also, if you’re looking for something else, perhaps a high fantasy story with more of a North American feel and some definite moments of humor (I think!), not to mention some splashes of crime and political genre mixed in, go grab a copy of my novel The Quartermastra (physical copy available on Amazon and here on my website).