Chapter 79: Tamsyn Muir – Lesbian Necromancers in Space

Note: All figures below are estimates based on publicly available information. Actual figures may vary.

Author Snapshot

• Author: Tamsyn Muir
• Type: Traditional novelist
• Genre: Science fantasy, gothic, dark comedy
• Career Span: 2019–present
• Notable Status: Gideon the Ninth became instant cult classic; The Locked Tomb series praised for unique voice; memes became marketing; Hugo and Nebula finalist

The Writer Whose Skeleton Jokes Launch Ships

Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth announced itself with a tagline: “Lesbian necromancers explore a haunted gothic palace in space.” The book delivered on that absurd promise and more. Muir’s distinctive voice—combining internet humor, dense mystery, and genuine pathos—created a devoted fandom that turns every release into an event.

Estimated Lifetime Gross Revenue

Total Estimated Range: $3 million to $6 million USD (2019-2024)

Rapid rise with devoted cult following; series ongoing.

Revenue Breakdown by Source

1. Book Sales (Estimated: $2-4 million)

• Gideon the Ninth: Strong sales
• Harrow the Ninth: Complex sequel
• Nona the Ninth: Strong continuation
• Series conclusion pending

2. Audiobook Revenue (Estimated: $500K-$1 million)

• Moira Quirk narration beloved

3. Adaptation Rights (Estimated: $500K-$1 million)

• TV adaptation in development

Top Works & Impact

The Locked Tomb Series

Gideon the Ninth (2019)
Gideon Nav, sword-wielding cavalier, accompanies necromancer Harrow to compete in deadly trials.

Harrow the Ninth (2020)
Experimental, unreliable narrator, extremely challenging.

Nona the Ninth (2022)
Different POV, set before finale.

Alecto the Ninth (Forthcoming)
Series conclusion.

Why Fans Are Obsessed:

• Unique voice (internet-era humor + gothic)
• Complex mysteries
• Queer characters central
• Wildly experimental structures
• Dense worldbuilding rewards rereads

The Meme-Made Author

Muir understood that her book’s absurd premise was the marketing. “Lesbian necromancers in space” became irresistible pitch. The fandom’s memes spread the series virally.

In the Golden Quill Chronicles, Muir represents voice—the author whose distinctive style couldn’t exist before the internet era, whose skeleton jokes somehow made you cry.