Sixth and Eighth House are rarely seen at all. The Second House keeps to themselves, but is generally cordial, and, after a round of duels, she develops an animosity with the Third House cavalier. She begins to build friendships with the Fourth House teens, who admire her, the Fifth House cavalier, who seeks to encourage cooperation, and the Seventh House necromancer, who takes a keen and often flirtatious interest in Gideon. Abandoned by Harrowhark, Gideon spends much of her time training and meeting the other competitors. The Lyctor Trials begin, and all of the Houses spread out to work independently. On the first night of the Trials, the shuttles that carried the competitors disappear, trapping them on the planet. On The Emperor's summons, Gideon and Harrow travel to the First House and compete with the other scions of The Nine Houses System to ascend to the glorious and immortal position of Lyctor-a position Harrow desperately needs in order to revive her dying House.

When Harrow's cavalier, Ortus Nigenad, escapes on Gideon's shuttle, Gideon is pressed into service in his place. Gideon Nav plans her escape from the dour Ninth House, an attempt that is quickly foiled by the Heir to the House and rival Harrowhark Nonagesimus. Of course, some things are better left dead. Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die. If Harrowhark succeeds she will be become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection, but no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier. The Emperor has invited the heirs to each of his loyal Houses to a deadly trial of wits and skill. Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House and bone witch extraordinaire, has been summoned into action. But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service. She packs up her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and prepares to launch her daring escape. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy.īrought 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.

Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as arcane revenants. Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead nonsense. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman.

Gideon and the ninth