An unrestrained sci-fi novel full of sword fights, political intrigue, and lesbian necromancers. The Emperor needs necromancers. The necromancer of the Ninth Court needs a swordswoman. Gideon has a sword, a collection of porn magazines, and is fed up with undead nonsense. Gideon spent her childhood in the company of rigid nuns, withered servants, and countless skeletons, and she is not willing to sacrifice her life — including the afterlife — to endless servitude. So she packs her sword, shoes, magazines, and plans another of her many daring escape attempts. But her old nemesis won't let her go that easily. Harrowhark Nonagesima, the Honorable Daughter of the Ninth Court and an extraordinarily powerful necromancer, has been called to battle. The Emperor wishes for the heirs of all his loyal courts to compete in a deadly test of wit and skill. If Harrow succeeds, she would become an immortal and all-powerful servant of the Rebirth, but every necromancer needs their swordswoman. Without Gideon's sword, Harrow will fail, and the entire Ninth Court will perish with her. Sometimes, however, death is the best solution.
