Tread of Angels by Rebecca Roanhorse
Historical Fantasy
11/15/2022 by Gallery/Saga Press
ARC

Review by Angela

I can’t help but snap up each new release by this author. I’ve come to really love her complicated world-building and messy characters. This novella is not a romance, but an all-new angelic wild-west inspired fantasy world.

Tread of Angels starts off with a bang, and a brawl in the middle of a saloon-type establishment in the city of Goetia. The main protagonist, Celeste, who is considered a half-breed, deals cards and generally plays protector to her sister Mariel. So when Mariel is dragged off by the angelic police force for murder, she is determined to prove her innocence and save her life. This means she will have to deal with her ex, Abraxas, a demon lord, and work all the clues she uncovers, with very little help from the powers that be in the town.

This world of angels and demons was a sweet surprise. For a novella, the worldbuilding and character development are so well done. I really enjoyed the wild west feel. Celeste has a foot in both worlds, raised by her father in the rich part of town, but aware of her demon ancestry from her mother. She comes across as a good guy at first, but as she travels around town, searching for clues and finding out secrets about her sister, she slowly devolves into an anti-hero. And I loved it.

The ending was predictable, but satisfying. I’m hoping this author decides to write more stories in this world.

Final grade- B

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