The Emperor needs necromancers.
The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.
Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit.
Brought up by unfriendly, ossifying nuns, ancient retainers, and countless skeletons, Gideon is ready to abandon a life of servitude and an afterlife as a reanimated corpse. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. But her childhood nemesis won't set her free without a service.
Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. Without Gideon's sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.
Of course, some things are better left dead.
Staff Choice: Sophie
Even though I don't particularly like the cover and have no interest in necromancers this book stared me down until I gave it a try and it was one of the best surprises of the year. It calls itself a science fantasy and I think that's accurate: it's set in an odd, decaying world that is both old-fashioned (swordfights) and modern (electricity)(NOT steampunk though).
The story boils down to a kind of test of the emperor's eight houses (his is the First, Gideon is of the Ninth), each with their own necromantic specialty. Not everything is good; there are some plot holes and I don't think it needed quite such a body count, to name a few issues I had, but what it gets right it gets REALLY right. The characters just pop off the page, their banter is fantastic, and WOW can she write an action scene! I found myself sucked into the story each time I opened the book. I also found myself having a good old-fashioned cry at the death of a character!
All in all, I loved it, and I can't wait to see where the characters are taken next.
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