Gideon the Ninth. The Locked Tomb #1

Gideon the Ninth is the 1st book in The Locked Tomb Series. 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.