Tamsyn Muir's voice stands out in the speculative fiction landscape as something uniquely dark, inventive, and emotionally charged. Born in 1985 in New Zealand, Muir’s writing career is an unexpected yet thrilling journey from the quiet beauty of her homeland to the high stakes of intergalactic necromancy. Now residing in Oxford, Muir continues to weave complex, multifaceted stories that defy easy categorization.
Her breakout series, The Locked Tomb, burst onto the scene with Gideon the Ninth in 2019, capturing readers with its sharp wit, twisted necromantic world, and a set of characters that are anything but ordinary. The series blends genres with fearless abandon—mixing dark humor, science fiction, and gothic horror into a potent brew that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Muir’s exploration of death, identity, and loyalty within this universe has garnered her critical acclaim, earning the 2020 Locus Award for Best First Novel and nominations for both the Hugo and Nebula Awards.
Muir’s writing is often described as fiercely intellectual, full of intricate world-building, compelling dialogue, and intricate character development. With each book—Harrow the Ninth and Nona the Ninth—she delves deeper into the emotional and psychological layers of her characters, particularly exploring the complexities of relationships and the cost of loyalty in an unforgiving universe.
Before launching into her Locked Tomb fame, Muir’s early years were spent honing her craft at the Clarion Workshop, a renowned summer program for emerging science fiction and fantasy writers. Her career began to take shape with short stories, including "The Deepwater Bride," which earned nominations for some of the most prestigious awards in the genre.
A self-proclaimed lover of all things strange and speculative, Muir's stories are laced with humor, tragedy, and dark romance—qualities that have resonated deeply with fans and critics alike. As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in genre fiction, Muir is a captivating voice that’s hard to forget. Whether you’re new to The Locked Tomb or an avid reader, one thing is clear: Tamsyn Muir’s writing invites you to step into a world of necromantic intrigue that you won't want to leave.
