Picture a New Zealand storyteller who conjured lesbian necromancers in a haunted space palace—meet Tamsyn Muir! This Kiwi author has taken speculative fiction by storm with her Locked Tomb series, blending horror, sci-fi, and fantasy with a wicked sense of humor. From her debut novel, Gideon the Ninth, to her genre-defying narratives, Muir’s work is a wild ride through necromantic trials and queer identity.
Born in Australia but raised in New Zealand, Muir’s unique voice and macabre wit have earned her a devoted following. Her stories, laced with memes and gothic flair, challenge conventions and invite readers into a universe where skeletons do chores and love is as fierce as a swordfight.
The Making of Tamsyn Muir
Tamsyn Muir was born on March 14, 1985, in New South Wales, Australia, but her family moved to Howick, New Zealand, when she was just nine months old. Growing up in a small Auckland town, she soaked up the Kiwi spirit, later weaving its understated resilience into her work. A 2010 graduate of the prestigious Clarion Workshop, Muir honed her craft alongside aspiring writers, channeling her love for horror and fantasy into short stories published in venues like Clarkesworld and Nightmare Magazine.
Before her novel success, Muir taught in the UK, where she now resides in Oxford. Her early writing, including the Nebula-nominated short story “The Deepwater Bride,” showcased her knack for blending eerie atmospheres with sharp dialogue. This foundation set the stage for her explosive debut, proving she was a force to be reckoned with in speculative fiction.
Tamsyn Muir’s Unforgettable Stories
Muir’s breakthrough came with Gideon the Ninth (2019), the first book in the Locked Tomb series. This science fantasy epic follows Gideon Nav, a sword-wielding cavalier, and Harrowhark Nonagesimus, a bone-witch necromancer, as they navigate a deadly trial to become immortal Lyctors. Packed with snarky banter, gothic vibes, and queer romance, the novel was hailed as “unlike anything I’ve ever read” by V.E. Schwab. It won the 2020 Locus Award and was named Amazon’s best sci-fi/fantasy book of 2019.
The series continues with Harrow the Ninth (2020), a mind-bending sequel that dives deeper into grief and betrayal, and Nona the Ninth (2022), which introduces a new perspective in a war-torn universe. The final installment, Alecto the Ninth, is eagerly awaited. Muir’s style—described as a mix of Dune and Gormenghast with a dash of internet memes—blends Lovecraftian horror with contemporary slang, creating a universe that’s both timeless and cheekily modern. Her fantasy novella, Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower (2020), offers a lighter, subversive take on fairy tales, earning praise for its wit.
Themes of identity, power, and sacrifice run through Muir’s work, often explored through queer lenses. Her characters, like the fiery Gideon or the tormented Harrow, leap off the page, animated by her playful yet poignant prose. Muir’s ability to balance horror with humor has redefined what speculative fiction can do.
Why Tamsyn Muir Matters
Tamsyn Muir’s impact on speculative fiction lies in her fearless originality. By blending genres and embracing queer narratives, she’s carved a space for stories that defy norms. The Locked Tomb series has inspired fan art, cosplay, and heated online discussions, with readers drawn to its complex characters and irreverent tone. Muir’s Kiwi roots add a fresh perspective, grounding her cosmic tales in a down-to-earth sensibility.
Her work has also elevated New Zealand’s presence in global sci-fi, joining authors like Hugh Howey in pushing boundaries. Nominated for Hugo, Nebula, and Shirley Jackson awards, Muir’s influence is only growing, making her a beacon for aspiring writers who want to break the mold.
- Born: March 14, 1985, New South Wales, Australia
- Key Works: Gideon the Ninth, Harrow the Ninth, Nona the Ninth, Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower
- Awards: 2020 Locus Award, 2020 Crawford Award
Snag Gideon the Ninth and dive into Tamsyn Muir’s thrilling, bone-chilling world of necromancy and sass!