Whether or not they praise the stubborn dearth of exposition, they always talk about wanting to know more. This seems to be a sticking point for most reviewers. If you have read this book or other reviews of it, you might expect me to ask for more details about how the calendrical technology of the hexarchate works. She better do so quickly before those motives, along with the unknown variables of the facts on the ground, kill her, everyone around her, and destabilize the only government and life she has ever known. However, Jedao has ulterior motives even Cheris can’t divine. The hexarchate’s technology functions on consensus belief-if people break away from the dominant belief system, centred on an intricate and inflexible calendar, then its technology and its pre-eminence will be finished.

If they don’t succeed, the heresy will literally spread throughout the hexarchate. Somehow, together, Kel Cheris and Shuos Jedao must protect the hexarchate from heretics who have taken over the Fortress of Scattered Needles. The Kel are known for their rigorous-even suicidal-loyalty the Shuos are known for their connivance and betrayal. He was a renown general a few centuries ago, until he apparently went mad and massacred his own troops. Political machinations have found her brevetted to general and saddled with a ghost-like companion named Shuos Jedao. But they probably weren’t the questions you’d think I would have, if you know this novel’s reputation.Ĭaptain Kel Cheris has been Noticed™, and that’s never good. When I finished Ninefox Gambit, I was left with so many questions.

Nine fox gambit