When her sister Mariel is arrested by the Virtues, Celeste knows she's innocent of murder and needs to come to her defense.

A Wild West fantastical mystery mashup that reminded me of nothing more than a Supernatural episode or two. The world-building in this novella is most intriguing, with the Elect and the Fallen - Celeste and Mariel are half and half - in a town where divinity is mined from the fallen body of a demon. The mystery itself is a little more rushed, as Celeste has only a day to investigate before she officially defends her sister, and the ending revelations are a bit sudden. But it's a fast-paced and fun ride. ( )

Interesting, and I don't mean that ironically, but just interesting. You could probably also file this exercise in "Weird West" fiction in the long Western tradition of Christian allegory, as our protagonist is trying to spring her sister from the clutches of the authorities for a crime she doesn't believe said sister committed, and I'm not going to say anything more about the plot. My basic question is to wonder whether this is the set-up for a broader story, or whether the whole concept would collapse if Roanhorse tried to stretch it out longer. However, if this turns out to be the opening segment of a novel, or one of a series of novellas, I'd certainly read those books. ( )

3 and a half stars. novella. angels and demons ascendent in a mining town in a weirdly wild west. sounds great, doesn't it? and i like the author. but it was just okay. i'm still intrigued by the possibilities, though, so if more in this vein comes along, i'll be there. ( )

I am a big fan on Rebecca Roanhorse. This little ditty novella is an Angels and Demons story told with a type of fantasy western backdrop. I liked the idea of it but I think it falls victim to being too short. The ending felt abrupt and unfinished. Roanhorse is an amazing storyteller. Loved the characters and the world she created. This is an idea that can really be built on. ( )

Celeste is a flawed heroine whose goal in life is to protect her sister. And then the sister is accused of murder. Set in a steampunkish Wild West mining town, where they mine Divinity from the remains of the fallen angel, Abaddon. Features humans, religion, hypocritical religious folk, discrimination, bureaucracy, gambling, demons, and many bad decisions.

Intriguing novella. Would be interested in reading more stories set in this world, especially what happens next with Celeste. That said, I'm pretty sure this is a one-shot.

For fans of [b:Book of Night|58293924|Book of Night (Book of Night, #1)|Holly Black|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1639163872l/58293924._SY75_.jpg|91438756] ( )