Harrow the Ninth
by Tamsyn Muir (Tor, 2020)
audiobook read by Moira Quirk (Recorded Books, 2020)
Muir contrives to make this sequel as disorientating for fans of the first book as it would be for new readers. The story retains its compelling allure (credit again to Moira Quirk’s reading) but the immersive mystery-solving devolves into exposition and setup.
Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower
by Tamsyn Muir (Subterranean, 2020); audiobook read by Moira Quirk (Recorded Books, 2020)
An overtly feminist reimagining of the ‘princess waiting to be rescued’ scenario. Muir burns through tropes with scathing level-headedness, not merely empowering Princess Floralinda but awakening her. That being said, the narrative voice wavers as if somewhat unsure of its target audience.
Gideon the Ninth
by Tamsyn Muir (Tor, 2019); audiobook read by Moira Quirk (Recorded Books, 2019)
Dark fantasy meets ensemble murder mystery. Muir’s world-building is top-notch and Gideon’s reprobate character is given exquisite voice (enhanced still further by Quirk’s audiobook reading). The interplay of warring personalities is afforded sufficient space that the various developments come across quite naturally.