I struggled with this second act I got bored with Gideon aimlessly wandering about an empty fortress. The empty rooms were described really well through, I would have much preferred more screen time with Gideon and Lady Septimus. Also could have done without that dinner party too.
The duels between the cavaliers kept my interest and the Imaging and response rooms.
Corona and Ianthe, Interesting charcters.
The eighth house hostility to the ninth seems overboard.
Why does Harrowhark dislike Gideon so much is she somehow scared of her? , what makes Harrowhawk tick?
Hmm Harrowhawk showing admiration for Gideon with her swordwork seemed odd to me after all there hate each other, has Harrow gone soft on Gideon? will we have an romance at the end of the book?
Why is Harrowhawk shocked to see a corpse I mean she killed her parents and grow up with the ninth?
