
Gideon the Ninth is the most fun you'll ever have with a skeleton. The Emperor needs necromancers. The Ninth Necromancer needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, some dirty magazines, and no more time for undead bullshit. Tamsyn Muir's Gideon the Ninth unveils a solar system of swordplay, cut-throat politics, and lesbian necromancers. Her characters leap off the page, as skillfully animated as necromantic skeletons. The result is a heart-pounding epic science fantasy. 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.
Dedication
for pT
Dramatis Personae
In Order of House Appearance
Harrowhark Nonagesimus HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE NINTH, REVEREND DAUGHTER OF DREARBURH
Pelleamena Novenarius HER MOTHER, REVEREND MOTHER OF DREARBURH
Priamhark Noniusvianus HER FATHER, REVEREND FATHER OF DREARBURH
Ortus Nigenad CAVALIER PRIMARY TO THE HEIR
Crux MARSHAL OF THE HOUSE OF THE NINTH
Aiglamene CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD OF THE NINTH
Sister Lachrimorta NUN OF THE LOCKED TOMB
Sister Aisamorta NUN OF THE LOCKED TOMB
Sister Glaurica NUN OF THE LOCKED TOMB
Some various followers, cultists, and laypeople of the Ninth
Gideon Nav INDENTURED SERVANT OF THE HOUSE OF THE NINTH
THE EMPEROR
HIS LYCTORS
AND THE PRIESTHOOD OF CANAAN HOUSE
Judith Deuteros HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE SECOND, RANKED CAPTAIN OF THE COHORT
Marta Dyas CAVALIER PRIMARY TO THE HEIR, RANKED FIRST LIEUTENANT OF THE COHORT
Coronabeth Tridentarius HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE THIRD, CROWN PRINCESS OF IDA
Ianthe Tridentarius HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE THIRD, PRINCESS OF IDA
Naberius Tern CAVALIER PRIMARY TO THE HEIRS, PRINCE OF IDA
Isaac Tettares HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE FOURTH, BARON OF TISIS
Jeannemary Chatur CAVALIER PRIMARY TO THE HEIR, KNIGHT OF TISIS
Abigail Pent HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE FIFTH, LADY OF KONIORTOS COURT
Magnus Quinn CAVALIER PRIMARY TO THE HEIR, SENESCHAL OF KONIORTOS COURT
Palamedes Sextus HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE SIXTH, MASTER WARDEN OF THE LIBRARY
Camilla Hect CAVALIER PRIMARY TO THE HEIR, WARDEN’S HAND OF THE LIBRARY
Dulcinea Septimus HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE SEVENTH, DUCHESS OF RHODES
Protesilaus Ebdoma CAVALIER PRIMARY TO THE HEIR, KNIGHT OF RHODES
Silas Octakiseron HEIR TO THE HOUSE OF THE EIGHTH, MASTER TEMPLAR OF THE WHITE GLASS
Colum Asht CAVALIER PRIMARY TO THE HEIR, TEMPLAR OF THE WHITE GLASS
Epigraph
Act One
Chapter 1
In the myriadic year of our lord—the ten thousandth year of the King Undying, the kindly Prince of Death!—Gideon Nav packed her sword, her shoes, and her dirty magazines, and she escaped from the House of the Ninth.