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Tread of Angels
Celeste, a card sharp with a need for justice, takes on the role of advocatus diaboli, to defend her sister Mariel, accused of murdering a Virtue, a member of the ruling class of this mining town, in an “intricate…engrossing” (The Washington Post) new world of dark fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of Black Sun, Rebecca Roanhorse.
The year is 1883 and the mining town of Goetia is booming as prospectors from near and far come to mine the powerful new element Divinity from the high mountains of Colorado with the help of the pariahs of society known as the Fallen. The Fallen are the descendants of demonkind living amongst the Virtues, the winners in an ancient war, with the descendants of both sides choosing to live alongside Abaddon’s mountain in this tale of the mythological West from the bestselling mastermind Rebecca Roanhorse.
The year is 1883 and the mining town of Goetia is booming as prospectors from near and far come to mine the powerful new element Divinity from the high mountains of Colorado with the help of the pariahs of society known as the Fallen. The Fallen are the descendants of demonkind living amongst the Virtues, the winners in an ancient war, with the descendants of both sides choosing to live alongside Abaddon’s mountain in this tale of the mythological West from the bestselling mastermind Rebecca Roanhorse.
4 pages, Audiobook
First published November 15, 2022
About the author
Rebecca Roanhorse
58 books9,507 followersRebecca Roanhorse is a New York Times bestselling and Nebula, Hugo, and Locus Award-winning speculative fiction writer. She has published multiple award-winning short stories and novels, including two novels in The Sixth World Series, Star Wars: Resistance Reborn, Race to the Sun for the Rick Riordan imprint, and the epic fantasy trilogy Between Earth and Sky. She has also written for Marvel Comics and games and for television, including FX’s A Murder at the End of the World, and the Marvel series Echo for Disney+. She has had her own work optioned by Amazon Studios, Netflix, and AMC Studios.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,178 reviews
August 30, 2022
My thanks to Gallery/Saga Press.
It's just a fact that I'm a Roanhorse fan.
But...This story just wasn't my groove.
Whether it was the time or people, I couldn't tell. But, I struggled to get through it. And in truth, I actually didn't finish it. I'd read a few pages at a time, and dread having to come back and read more. So, after 2 months of the struggle...I'm done!
No. I didn't read this short story. Matter of fact, as a short story, it was overly long for me.
I'm giving this a middling rating.. Why? Because I can! Also, Rebecca is a fantastic storyteller. I just didn't like the timeline.
It's just a fact that I'm a Roanhorse fan.
But...This story just wasn't my groove.
Whether it was the time or people, I couldn't tell. But, I struggled to get through it. And in truth, I actually didn't finish it. I'd read a few pages at a time, and dread having to come back and read more. So, after 2 months of the struggle...I'm done!
No. I didn't read this short story. Matter of fact, as a short story, it was overly long for me.
I'm giving this a middling rating.. Why? Because I can! Also, Rebecca is a fantastic storyteller. I just didn't like the timeline.
August 18, 2022
3.5 stars - All the elements of this are SO up my alley: fantasy western setting, angel/demon magic, whodunnit plot, family dynamics, and a romantic element. I think, however, for this to have shone fully, it needed at least another 100 pages to let the story develop and breathe. I would 100% read more in this world if it had a sequel
October 18, 2022
Roanhorse’s Novella focuses on the unsurpassable captivating story of Angels and Demons, where perception overshadows the truth even when it stares you right in the face.
Celeste is considered a half-breed, raised with privilege and class by her father in the mining town of Goetia. Her younger sister Mariel stayed with their mother in the slums of Goetia and was marked fallen. Celeste will do anything to protect her baby sister, and that means anything. So on the night, she sees her sister being dragged out of the club they both work at by Virtues; it takes Hypathia and Zeke to hold her in check not to run blade flying after the Virtues keeping Mariel.
Luckily Hypathia has contacts and can find out where the Virtues are holding Mariel. However, to get more information, Celeste will have to talk to her ex Abraxses, the Demon Lord. The man wanted her mind, body, and soul and who she would have given herself to, but she had to sacrifice her happiness for Mariel, for they all each other had left. When Celeste finally gets to see her sister, she winds up getting appointed the one to defend her (even though Celeste knows this is a setup, she knows she has no choice but to say yes). Celeste has 48 hours to prove that Mariel didn’t do it, or she will be sentenced to Hell.
From this point on, the book just took off and was unputdownable.
The book is fast-paced, heart pounding, “Hold on,” “Get out,” “No Way,” ��You’ve got to be kidding,” to “SAY WHAT NOW?” to Did I just read that correctly? Let me reread that, to “OMG” I DID READ THAT RIGHT” “DAMN!!”
“SUCH BETRAYAL”
I’m just speechless, and that’s saying a lot, Ms. Roanhorse.
Roanhorse has a story to tell if you read between the lines. I feel that her message in this Novella is:
1. Do not ever assume, no matter who it is.
2. Don’t ever take things for granted, for tomorrow is never promised.
3. Never, ever let anyone steal your sunshine. Live like it’s your last day on this earth.
My only con was this was too short.
“WELL DONE!!!”
BEST NOVELLA I’VE READ
BEST NOVELLA OF 2022
Thank you, NetGalley/Rebecca Roanhorse/Gallery Books.Gallery/Saga Press/ For this incredible eARC for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
Celeste is considered a half-breed, raised with privilege and class by her father in the mining town of Goetia. Her younger sister Mariel stayed with their mother in the slums of Goetia and was marked fallen. Celeste will do anything to protect her baby sister, and that means anything. So on the night, she sees her sister being dragged out of the club they both work at by Virtues; it takes Hypathia and Zeke to hold her in check not to run blade flying after the Virtues keeping Mariel.
Luckily Hypathia has contacts and can find out where the Virtues are holding Mariel. However, to get more information, Celeste will have to talk to her ex Abraxses, the Demon Lord. The man wanted her mind, body, and soul and who she would have given herself to, but she had to sacrifice her happiness for Mariel, for they all each other had left. When Celeste finally gets to see her sister, she winds up getting appointed the one to defend her (even though Celeste knows this is a setup, she knows she has no choice but to say yes). Celeste has 48 hours to prove that Mariel didn’t do it, or she will be sentenced to Hell.
From this point on, the book just took off and was unputdownable.
The book is fast-paced, heart pounding, “Hold on,” “Get out,” “No Way,” ��You’ve got to be kidding,” to “SAY WHAT NOW?” to Did I just read that correctly? Let me reread that, to “OMG” I DID READ THAT RIGHT” “DAMN!!”
“SUCH BETRAYAL”
I’m just speechless, and that’s saying a lot, Ms. Roanhorse.
Roanhorse has a story to tell if you read between the lines. I feel that her message in this Novella is:
1. Do not ever assume, no matter who it is.
2. Don’t ever take things for granted, for tomorrow is never promised.
3. Never, ever let anyone steal your sunshine. Live like it’s your last day on this earth.
My only con was this was too short.
“WELL DONE!!!”
BEST NOVELLA I’VE READ
BEST NOVELLA OF 2022
Thank you, NetGalley/Rebecca Roanhorse/Gallery Books.Gallery/Saga Press/ For this incredible eARC for my honest review. My opinions are of my own volition.
January 27, 2023
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3 ½ stars
In this novella Rebecca Roanhorse once again shows off her world-building skills. I was intrigued from the very start by the genre-defying world Roanhorse envisions in Tread of Angels. The story unfolds in Goetia, a town ruled by the mighty Order of the Archangels that is ‘segregated’ between the Elects and the Fallen. Celeste, our protagonist, who is the result of a union between these two factions, can, unlike her younger sister, ‘pass’ and was able to grow up with her father within the Elect society. After he dies, Celeste joins her sister in the Fallen ‘slums’, where they work in the same gambling/drinking joint, Celeste as a cards dealer, Mariel as a singer.
Things take a turn for the worst when Mariel is accused and arrested for murder, the murder of a Virtue. Celeste, who sees herself as her sister’s protector, takes on the role of advocatus diaboli to defend her. To get to the truth behind the Virtue’s murder, she begins investigating the shady dealings of the upper echelons of Goetia’s society. Her ex-lover, the demon lord Abraxas, aids her, but his motivations are far from selfless…
I liked the novella’s ambience and quick pace. Roanhorse manages to combine elements from the paranormal romance genre, especially when it came to the dynamic & scenes between Celeste & Abraxas, with a gritty western-inspired setting, and a touch of noir aesthetics. Celeste is not a particularly well-rounded character but she serves the role of amateur detective attempting to race against the clock well enough. Abraxas…yikes. I am sure plenty of readers will find him sexy and sensual, but he gave me sleaze vibes. He had the kind of cringe-sigma-male energy that I have come to associate with Sarah J. Maas’ love interests. Mariel was the most unconvincing character in the lot, and I found most of her lines ridiculous (i would feel more forgiving about her characterisation if say this novella had been written 100 years ago).
Although the characters are fairly one-note and the plot is, despite its inventive setting, fairly formulaic, I still found myself entertained by Roanhorsre’s storytelling. We have an edgy atmosphere and even edgier dialogues, that make for a cheesy but nevertheless engrossing tale. Additionally, besides delivering on entertainment value, the novella uses the disparity between the various citizens of Goetia to discuss privilege—from Celeste’s ability to ‘pass’ to the advantages and benefits enjoyed by Elects—and discrimination—the Fallen are exploited and regarded as second-class citizens.
The novella's open-ended finale makes me wonder whether we will get to read more works by Roanhorse set in Goetia or that will follow Celeste...if that's the case, consider me intrigued as I do think that some of the issues I had with Tread of Angels, such as Celeste being a tad bland, could be improved in the sequels.
If you are a fan of short stories & novellas published by tor or happen to like authors like Elizabeth Bear (Karen Memory) or Catherynne M. Valente you should definitely add Tread of Angels to your tbr list.
3 ½ stars
In this novella Rebecca Roanhorse once again shows off her world-building skills. I was intrigued from the very start by the genre-defying world Roanhorse envisions in Tread of Angels. The story unfolds in Goetia, a town ruled by the mighty Order of the Archangels that is ‘segregated’ between the Elects and the Fallen. Celeste, our protagonist, who is the result of a union between these two factions, can, unlike her younger sister, ‘pass’ and was able to grow up with her father within the Elect society. After he dies, Celeste joins her sister in the Fallen ‘slums’, where they work in the same gambling/drinking joint, Celeste as a cards dealer, Mariel as a singer.
Things take a turn for the worst when Mariel is accused and arrested for murder, the murder of a Virtue. Celeste, who sees herself as her sister’s protector, takes on the role of advocatus diaboli to defend her. To get to the truth behind the Virtue’s murder, she begins investigating the shady dealings of the upper echelons of Goetia’s society. Her ex-lover, the demon lord Abraxas, aids her, but his motivations are far from selfless…
I liked the novella’s ambience and quick pace. Roanhorse manages to combine elements from the paranormal romance genre, especially when it came to the dynamic & scenes between Celeste & Abraxas, with a gritty western-inspired setting, and a touch of noir aesthetics. Celeste is not a particularly well-rounded character but she serves the role of amateur detective attempting to race against the clock well enough. Abraxas…yikes. I am sure plenty of readers will find him sexy and sensual, but he gave me sleaze vibes. He had the kind of cringe-sigma-male energy that I have come to associate with Sarah J. Maas’ love interests. Mariel was the most unconvincing character in the lot, and I found most of her lines ridiculous (i would feel more forgiving about her characterisation if say this novella had been written 100 years ago).
Although the characters are fairly one-note and the plot is, despite its inventive setting, fairly formulaic, I still found myself entertained by Roanhorsre’s storytelling. We have an edgy atmosphere and even edgier dialogues, that make for a cheesy but nevertheless engrossing tale. Additionally, besides delivering on entertainment value, the novella uses the disparity between the various citizens of Goetia to discuss privilege—from Celeste’s ability to ‘pass’ to the advantages and benefits enjoyed by Elects—and discrimination—the Fallen are exploited and regarded as second-class citizens.
The novella's open-ended finale makes me wonder whether we will get to read more works by Roanhorse set in Goetia or that will follow Celeste...if that's the case, consider me intrigued as I do think that some of the issues I had with Tread of Angels, such as Celeste being a tad bland, could be improved in the sequels.
If you are a fan of short stories & novellas published by tor or happen to like authors like Elizabeth Bear (Karen Memory) or Catherynne M. Valente you should definitely add Tread of Angels to your tbr list.
February 24, 2023
I will read anything Rebecca writes.
November 10, 2022
This is a bit of a change of pace for Rebecca Roanhorse, and I really enjoyed it! It's got elements I like and it came together for me pretty nicely. This is a fantasy western murder mystery with angel and demon mythology, in this case being used for commentary on race. It's not a combination I would have come up with but I think it really works.
Celeste could pass as Elect (those descended from angels) but is actually half Fallen (if you guessed this is those descended from demons, you would be correct). Unsurprisingly, society is segregated along these lines with the Elect being at the top. She works at a gaming house, along with her visibly Fallen sister who she would do anything to protect. So when her sister is arrested for the murder of a Virtue (the highest class of Elect), all bets are off and Celeste is even willing to work with the demon who broke her heart to prove her sisters innocence.
This is quite a short novel and I might have liked it to be a bit longer, but overall I enjoyed my time in the world, liked the mystery, and found it to be quite satisfying. Worth a read if it sounds up your alley! I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Celeste could pass as Elect (those descended from angels) but is actually half Fallen (if you guessed this is those descended from demons, you would be correct). Unsurprisingly, society is segregated along these lines with the Elect being at the top. She works at a gaming house, along with her visibly Fallen sister who she would do anything to protect. So when her sister is arrested for the murder of a Virtue (the highest class of Elect), all bets are off and Celeste is even willing to work with the demon who broke her heart to prove her sisters innocence.
This is quite a short novel and I might have liked it to be a bit longer, but overall I enjoyed my time in the world, liked the mystery, and found it to be quite satisfying. Worth a read if it sounds up your alley! I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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October 23, 2022
I wanted to like this one more than I did.
I enjoyed the parallels of white supremacy, the KKK and Christianity, but overall the story was a bit of a miss for me. It needed more time and space to flesh out the relationships between everyone, which would have made the ending more impactful for me instead of me going, "wait, is THAT how we're ending this?"
Also, Celeste's relationship with Abraxos hit me the same way as the old relationship in Trail of Lightning—the backstory was talked about often, but I just didn't see the chemistry? It just fell flat.
But the idea was super cool and I liked the allegory even if the execution wasn't what I had hoped for.
I enjoyed the parallels of white supremacy, the KKK and Christianity, but overall the story was a bit of a miss for me. It needed more time and space to flesh out the relationships between everyone, which would have made the ending more impactful for me instead of me going, "wait, is THAT how we're ending this?"
Also, Celeste's relationship with Abraxos hit me the same way as the old relationship in Trail of Lightning—the backstory was talked about often, but I just didn't see the chemistry? It just fell flat.
But the idea was super cool and I liked the allegory even if the execution wasn't what I had hoped for.
May 22, 2022
Tread of Angels s a novella-sized fantasy treat. This volume could be the start of a new series or it could be a one-off. In any event, Roanhorse’s approach to the weird western genre is to fill the story with devils and Angels. More significantly perhaps is that Moët of the book is about a trial in every sense of the word and Celeste’s seemingly hopeless Task of representing her sister.
October 7, 2022
Tread of Angels is the perfect combination of things in books that piss me off.
I know this is a novella with limited room for plot development but this was a mess. The novella starts off with a bang and then absolutely falls apart. The entire book is just a tour around the town so Celeste can meet characters that are way more interesting than her or her sister. Followed by the most obvious plot twist I have ever read. There were at least 3 side stories hinted at that would have made for more interesting books than this ridiculous trial.
For most of this book, I was sitting at a three-star. I wasn't engaged and didn't think it was particularly good but it was fine. But the ending of this book pissed me off so much. The solution to the trial/mystery makes everything that happened earlier in the book completely meaningless. It was so random and nonsensical.
Thanks to Tread of Angels, I have discovered a new major pet peeve—unrealistically naive characters. I am all for an unlikable character but Celeste was stupid. No one with her backstory should be this infuriatingly naive. Her internal dialogue read incredibly young and pathetic. She trusts someone, gets screwed over, and then trusts them again right away. This leads me to two things that I cannot stand to read about: characters that are stupid for their family and characters that treat their love interest like they have no feelings. And as it turns out this book has plenty of both! Celeste experiencing consequences for being a complete moron does not negate the rage I felt reading about her stupidity.
I love romance subplots! They add fun tension and flirting! The romance made this book so much worse. It's important for a moment in the beginning and then becomes completely irrelevant only to be incredibly important at the very end. Even when it's important the romance is painfully cringy. The love interest is the stereotypical, ancient, all-powerful, darkness incarnate man that she can't be with for vague reasons. He is literally the annoying kid in class that carries around a philosophy book and randomly drops Latin phrases into normal conversations.
I see the message the author was trying to convey. It's hard to miss with the ridiculously obvious plot twist and completely unnecessary romantic conflict. And if you missed that, don't worry, characters will remind you that devotion can be toxic in very clear terms at least once a chapter.
Some of my dislike of this book is personal. Tread of Angels really just included so many of my pet peeves. But even if I try to look past those things this book is fine at best.
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I know this is a novella with limited room for plot development but this was a mess. The novella starts off with a bang and then absolutely falls apart. The entire book is just a tour around the town so Celeste can meet characters that are way more interesting than her or her sister. Followed by the most obvious plot twist I have ever read. There were at least 3 side stories hinted at that would have made for more interesting books than this ridiculous trial.
For most of this book, I was sitting at a three-star. I wasn't engaged and didn't think it was particularly good but it was fine. But the ending of this book pissed me off so much. The solution to the trial/mystery makes everything that happened earlier in the book completely meaningless. It was so random and nonsensical.
Thanks to Tread of Angels, I have discovered a new major pet peeve—unrealistically naive characters. I am all for an unlikable character but Celeste was stupid. No one with her backstory should be this infuriatingly naive. Her internal dialogue read incredibly young and pathetic. She trusts someone, gets screwed over, and then trusts them again right away. This leads me to two things that I cannot stand to read about: characters that are stupid for their family and characters that treat their love interest like they have no feelings. And as it turns out this book has plenty of both! Celeste experiencing consequences for being a complete moron does not negate the rage I felt reading about her stupidity.
I love romance subplots! They add fun tension and flirting! The romance made this book so much worse. It's important for a moment in the beginning and then becomes completely irrelevant only to be incredibly important at the very end. Even when it's important the romance is painfully cringy. The love interest is the stereotypical, ancient, all-powerful, darkness incarnate man that she can't be with for vague reasons. He is literally the annoying kid in class that carries around a philosophy book and randomly drops Latin phrases into normal conversations.
I see the message the author was trying to convey. It's hard to miss with the ridiculously obvious plot twist and completely unnecessary romantic conflict. And if you missed that, don't worry, characters will remind you that devotion can be toxic in very clear terms at least once a chapter.
Some of my dislike of this book is personal. Tread of Angels really just included so many of my pet peeves. But even if I try to look past those things this book is fine at best.
Links to my TikTok | Instagram
November 17, 2022
Hard to rate but 3.5 stars rounded up. I enjoyed the writing and the story was interesting but didn't get more attachment than that to the story. Not a 3 stars read but not quite a full four stars either. Wish Goodreads would have half stars ratings
November 3, 2022
This has some solid enjoyment factor going on.
I've seen this newish trend returning to angels and demons as characters in stories and I always tend to like the idea of it more than the actual execution. Of course, the same thing is true for this one, and the angels are mostly jerks and so are the demons, but that's just flavor.
In reality, the world is pretty much hardcore Victorian-esq and it has a lot of skewering of cultural mores on top of the actual mystery.
This doesn't have huge epic things going on in it and that's okay. I might keep wanting huge things and I have to just EXPECT less. Maybe someday, lol, but in the meantime, this WAS enjoyable.
I've seen this newish trend returning to angels and demons as characters in stories and I always tend to like the idea of it more than the actual execution. Of course, the same thing is true for this one, and the angels are mostly jerks and so are the demons, but that's just flavor.
In reality, the world is pretty much hardcore Victorian-esq and it has a lot of skewering of cultural mores on top of the actual mystery.
This doesn't have huge epic things going on in it and that's okay. I might keep wanting huge things and I have to just EXPECT less. Maybe someday, lol, but in the meantime, this WAS enjoyable.
April 2, 2023
2/5 stars
So this was … not what I expected.
The premise sounded so fun and I still find the world incredibly interesting, but WHY IS THIS A NOVELLA? I did not realise this was 200 pages long as I was reading it on my Kindle and was very shocked to see I was halfway through after 8 chapters.
Considering this book is built upon the relationship between Celeste and her sister Mariel, there was a definitive lack of showcasing their relationship. I didn’t care about Mariel or about their sisterhood because this book barely gave it a spotlight.
I think that’s the main problem I have with this story: I just didn’t care. This should have been a full-length book because there was no time or development for any character or relationship, leading me to just not give a shit when it ended. The romance subplot was ridiculous and painful: mega-powerful demon lord falls in love with Celeste at first glance and becomes devoted to her. Why? I don’t know, we didn’t get to witness any of this as they’ve already been together — and broken up — by the time the story starts.
The characters were flat, the plot was boring and incredibly obvious with a twist that actually managed to make the book more redundant. Oh, well, at least the world was cool. :(
2/5 I hope her other books are better than this
So this was … not what I expected.
The premise sounded so fun and I still find the world incredibly interesting, but WHY IS THIS A NOVELLA? I did not realise this was 200 pages long as I was reading it on my Kindle and was very shocked to see I was halfway through after 8 chapters.
Considering this book is built upon the relationship between Celeste and her sister Mariel, there was a definitive lack of showcasing their relationship. I didn’t care about Mariel or about their sisterhood because this book barely gave it a spotlight.
I think that’s the main problem I have with this story: I just didn’t care. This should have been a full-length book because there was no time or development for any character or relationship, leading me to just not give a shit when it ended. The romance subplot was ridiculous and painful: mega-powerful demon lord falls in love with Celeste at first glance and becomes devoted to her. Why? I don’t know, we didn’t get to witness any of this as they’ve already been together — and broken up — by the time the story starts.
The characters were flat, the plot was boring and incredibly obvious with a twist that actually managed to make the book more redundant. Oh, well, at least the world was cool. :(
2/5 I hope her other books are better than this
July 15, 2022
I think this one is more a case of not being the right book for me. It’s very well written and the characters are utterly believable. I’m a sucker for magical westerns and angelic/demonic descendants on Earth — and these pets were great. But it’s also a story that’s meant to dish out some hard truths and, well, I see enough of those around in real life.
April 23, 2022
This is NOT a romance or a romantic fantasy — I really cannot emphasize this fact enough, lol. You might be fooled even halfway through the novella, but I’m warning you not to get trapped into wrong expectations. 😅
Roanhorse is a wonderful writer and I tore through the novella in an hour. The mystery plot is a bit basic/predictable, but I didn’t care because I enjoyed the setting so much. We’ve barely scratched the worldbuilding surface of this angelic, Wild West-inspired fantasy. I love it when a protagonist gradually reveals themselves as devious and reprehensible — Celeste’s transformation into an anti-heroine was delicious.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Roanhorse is a wonderful writer and I tore through the novella in an hour. The mystery plot is a bit basic/predictable, but I didn’t care because I enjoyed the setting so much. We’ve barely scratched the worldbuilding surface of this angelic, Wild West-inspired fantasy. I love it when a protagonist gradually reveals themselves as devious and reprehensible — Celeste’s transformation into an anti-heroine was delicious.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2023
IT STARTS:
ME: I’m 12% in… this world building is confusing me.
Roanhorse: Be patient.
MIDWAY-ish:
ME: Okay, my brain sort of gets it, but I’m not a huge into plots strung around theology.
Roanhorse: Uh, huh. Keep reading.
IT ENDS:
ME: Holy moly. What a dark and twisty take on sibling love. More, please.
Roanhorse: Mmmhmmmm.
3.5/5
ME: I’m 12% in… this world building is confusing me.
Roanhorse: Be patient.
MIDWAY-ish:
ME: Okay, my brain sort of gets it, but I’m not a huge into plots strung around theology.
Roanhorse: Uh, huh. Keep reading.
IT ENDS:
ME: Holy moly. What a dark and twisty take on sibling love. More, please.
Roanhorse: Mmmhmmmm.
3.5/5
July 5, 2022
3.5 rounded up — I’m a character driven reader and the novella length doesn’t give me enough time to really connect. I wasn’t invested enough to be shocked by the ending, and I would have loved to understand more about the world and the side characters, particularly Abraxus.
May 28, 2022
4.5 stars! it's masterful and a nod to her craft how rebecca roanhorse weaves a murder mystery in a debaucherously gritty world that centers on mining the remains of a fallen angel. the themes were expansive, ranging from the automatic condemnation of a race due to a set prejudice to the false security of having freedom of expression. but, i have to say, my favorite theme this novella had was the corruption of devotion — how too much of a good thing will inevitably lead to ruin.
celeste is not cruel, but is ruthless. nothing matters above clearing her sister' name, morphing her journey into one of manipulation and desperation — a spiral of shame of her own making. i enjoyed her passionate character, despite the mixed feelings her journey made me feel, eventually transforming my raging frustration into breathless, resigned helplessness. i did not give this five stars because of the obvious plot twists that were used, but i still found the conclusion to my satisfaction. despite celeste's status in society as half-fallen (meaning, she has roots to lucifer's rebellion), i felt that, more than anything, her self-made fall from grace truly clarified her state of morality — which was brilliantly, satisfyingly wrapped up in this novella's last sentence.
before i wrap this up, i feel compelled to mention celeste's ex-lover, abraxas — a demon lord with crimson eyes that, when resting comfortably upon celeste's face, show fervent love and devotion. i laughed so hard when i figured out why they broke up because it was so hilariously, obviously demon-like. i am not god's strongest soldier because i would've caved into abraxas's "impossible" (claims celeste) request immediately. i, a hopeless romantic, screeched and wailed with emotion whenever these two were in the same room together. however, i do have a brain and know i cannot trust rebecca roarhorse with my fragile hopeless romantic heart, which saved me from heartbreak (phew). this is a tale of the inescapable, self-destructive trap of consuming devotion, desire, and loyalty. enjoy the ardent rush of lust and love, but do not disrespect this book by prioritizing an amorous, idealistic future above all else — the romance section is over there.
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for sending me an arc for my honest review!
celeste is not cruel, but is ruthless. nothing matters above clearing her sister' name, morphing her journey into one of manipulation and desperation — a spiral of shame of her own making. i enjoyed her passionate character, despite the mixed feelings her journey made me feel, eventually transforming my raging frustration into breathless, resigned helplessness. i did not give this five stars because of the obvious plot twists that were used, but i still found the conclusion to my satisfaction. despite celeste's status in society as half-fallen (meaning, she has roots to lucifer's rebellion), i felt that, more than anything, her self-made fall from grace truly clarified her state of morality — which was brilliantly, satisfyingly wrapped up in this novella's last sentence.
before i wrap this up, i feel compelled to mention celeste's ex-lover, abraxas — a demon lord with crimson eyes that, when resting comfortably upon celeste's face, show fervent love and devotion. i laughed so hard when i figured out why they broke up because it was so hilariously, obviously demon-like. i am not god's strongest soldier because i would've caved into abraxas's "impossible" (claims celeste) request immediately. i, a hopeless romantic, screeched and wailed with emotion whenever these two were in the same room together. however, i do have a brain and know i cannot trust rebecca roarhorse with my fragile hopeless romantic heart, which saved me from heartbreak (phew). this is a tale of the inescapable, self-destructive trap of consuming devotion, desire, and loyalty. enjoy the ardent rush of lust and love, but do not disrespect this book by prioritizing an amorous, idealistic future above all else — the romance section is over there.
thank you to the publisher and netgalley for sending me an arc for my honest review!
November 15, 2022
This book had well written characters and there was a lot of story for such a short book, but it wasn't really what I was expecting. I am really loving the Between Earth and Sky trilogy by the same author so I was expecting something along the same lines, but it was very different. I think the thing that turned me off the most was the romance; I'm really not a fan of the girl being in love with the bad boy who treats her like crap. I don't find that romantic. Just because they do some kind of big nice gesture for you, doesn't make it okay to be rude most of the time. I do know these types of books are very popular now though, so if this is your thing you may enjoy this.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me. The story had strong Sarah J Maas vibes so if you are a fan of her books I think you may enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me. The story had strong Sarah J Maas vibes so if you are a fan of her books I think you may enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
May 13, 2020WHO is doing it like Rebecca Roanhorse??? Nobody!
January 22, 2023
Actual rating : 2.5 stars
Western settings in Fantasy stories aren't really my thing, but I decided to give this a try since I love Rebecca Roanhorse. As expected, it was well written and unique. Unfortunately, not much else worked for me. I didn't connect with the main character and wasn't very invested in the story in general. I think most readers would probably enjoy this novella. I knew this might not be my cup of tea going in so don't let my review sway you if you are interested in picking this up.
Western settings in Fantasy stories aren't really my thing, but I decided to give this a try since I love Rebecca Roanhorse. As expected, it was well written and unique. Unfortunately, not much else worked for me. I didn't connect with the main character and wasn't very invested in the story in general. I think most readers would probably enjoy this novella. I knew this might not be my cup of tea going in so don't let my review sway you if you are interested in picking this up.
November 27, 2022
A very different and dark fantasy story of a world where angels and demons have fought. The story is set in 1883, where the Virtue class rules everything while the Fallen do the dirty work, like mining the element Divinity which powers their world from the mountains of Colorado. Celeste and Mariel are two sisters who work in the bar/casino, Eden. During a festival, Mariel is dragged off, accused of murdering a Virtue. Celeste is frantic to prove her sister innocent and is named her Devil's advocate but only has a few days to investigate and find the real killer.
Roanhorse has created a unique and fascinating world here. The mystery is intriguing, the characters well-drawn. The big question is how far will Celeste go to free her sister?
I received an arc of this novella yesterday (11/26/22) from the author and publisher and since it had published on 11/15/22, I made a point of reading it asap. It is a great introduction to a new author for me, Rebecca Roanhorse. I will look forward to reading more from this creative writer and hope this is the beginning of a series. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
Roanhorse has created a unique and fascinating world here. The mystery is intriguing, the characters well-drawn. The big question is how far will Celeste go to free her sister?
I received an arc of this novella yesterday (11/26/22) from the author and publisher and since it had published on 11/15/22, I made a point of reading it asap. It is a great introduction to a new author for me, Rebecca Roanhorse. I will look forward to reading more from this creative writer and hope this is the beginning of a series. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
January 1, 2023
Maybe more of a 3.5 though.
I’ve only read the author’s Black Sun and a couple of short stories but they’ve always been fun, so I thought it’ll be interesting to checkout this little novella. And it’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy novel (been quite a few slumpy weeks), so I wanted to ease myself in the new year with a shorter read.
And this was both interesting but dissatisfactory. The author creates a very cool world with familiar elements like the angels and the fallen, but also imbues it with some parallels from Old West and the mining towns of America and the lives of those who worked the mines - marginalized people who were only trying to survive amidst discrimination. But everything is just only implied and we hardly get any details because the book is too short.
Even the characters are barely introduced to us and we don’t get enough time to get invested in their lives, but I still thought the author did a very good job creating a connect with them, especially Celeste. We can see that these people are morally grey and aren’t just closed with each other, but are also lying to themselves. It’s a quick chance to peer into these dynamics but I was mostly left wanting more, because ultimately it’s a murder mystery and it gets solved too quickly. I wouldn’t mind though if the author decides to set more stories in this world.
I’ve only read the author’s Black Sun and a couple of short stories but they’ve always been fun, so I thought it’ll be interesting to checkout this little novella. And it’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy novel (been quite a few slumpy weeks), so I wanted to ease myself in the new year with a shorter read.
And this was both interesting but dissatisfactory. The author creates a very cool world with familiar elements like the angels and the fallen, but also imbues it with some parallels from Old West and the mining towns of America and the lives of those who worked the mines - marginalized people who were only trying to survive amidst discrimination. But everything is just only implied and we hardly get any details because the book is too short.
Even the characters are barely introduced to us and we don’t get enough time to get invested in their lives, but I still thought the author did a very good job creating a connect with them, especially Celeste. We can see that these people are morally grey and aren’t just closed with each other, but are also lying to themselves. It’s a quick chance to peer into these dynamics but I was mostly left wanting more, because ultimately it’s a murder mystery and it gets solved too quickly. I wouldn’t mind though if the author decides to set more stories in this world.
April 24, 2024
Reread 2024:
After rereading this I can see the themes and story and appreciate it more. I’m still not *in love* with this
Original:
While there were some stand out moments and a killer ending, I can’t tell you what happened in at least 60-70% of this. I wasn’t actively paying attention and that’s okay! I’ll give it another try later.
Oh and of course, Dion Graham’s narration was still a stunner.
After rereading this I can see the themes and story and appreciate it more. I’m still not *in love* with this
Original:
While there were some stand out moments and a killer ending, I can’t tell you what happened in at least 60-70% of this. I wasn’t actively paying attention and that’s okay! I’ll give it another try later.
Oh and of course, Dion Graham’s narration was still a stunner.
Read
December 18, 2023I liked this! An enjoyable yet dark novella with a sprinkle of crime mystery about fearsome angels, alluring demons, and how far you'll go to save the person you love - and at what cost.
June 16, 2024
Stars: 2.5 out of 5.
This book had promise. I was intrigued by the premise and the worldbuilding, so I dived into the story with a lot of excitement. Unfortunately, it fell short in the end, at least for me.
The world is criminally underutilized and and not fleshed out enough. I understand that it's hard to dedicate a lot of time to worldbuilding in a 129 pages novella, but a few more details would have helped make this world real. As it stands, there are simply too many questions left unanswered.
Like are the Elect just normal humans or are they descendants of the angels? The Fallen are descendants of the fallen angels, and they retain some physical attributes of that parentage, but for the Elects, apart from their blue eyes, there doesn't seem to be any divine treads in their physiology. So are they humans playing pretend to be the eyes and ears to a silent and uninterested God? No clue.
Also, when is this story taking place? Right after Lucifer's fall or after Armageddon, when the armies of Hell and Heaven clash on Earth? Is this ancient history or post-apocalypse? I know that it might not be relevant to the story, but inquiring minds want to know. Also, the whole civilization seems very steam-punkish, only instead of steam, they mine the body of a fallen angel, like carrion.
But I think my biggest issue with this book is that I absolutely hated the protagonist. Granted, none of the characters in this book are saints to say the least, but Celeste takes the cherry on top of the cake. She doesn't hesitate to lie and cheat and use anyone and everyone around her to obtain what she wants. Sad thing is, what she wants doesn't exist. She painted a picture of her sister as this innocent damsel that is perpetually in distress, and Celeste is the dragon guarding her. And she tried to lock her sister into that role, then acts all surprised when her sister turns out to be nothing like that.
She ends up alienating all her friends, even going as far as accusing one of her friend's lovers of murder just to save her sister. She betrays the trust of her own lover and uses him for her goal, oh and she steals the prized invention of another one of her friends. All this to get what in the end? Nothing. Celeste ends up with everything slipping between her fingers like dust. No family, no friends, no loved ones, no home. And good riddance, I say. It's hard to root for a protagonist you despise.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book had promise. I was intrigued by the premise and the worldbuilding, so I dived into the story with a lot of excitement. Unfortunately, it fell short in the end, at least for me.
The world is criminally underutilized and and not fleshed out enough. I understand that it's hard to dedicate a lot of time to worldbuilding in a 129 pages novella, but a few more details would have helped make this world real. As it stands, there are simply too many questions left unanswered.
Like are the Elect just normal humans or are they descendants of the angels? The Fallen are descendants of the fallen angels, and they retain some physical attributes of that parentage, but for the Elects, apart from their blue eyes, there doesn't seem to be any divine treads in their physiology. So are they humans playing pretend to be the eyes and ears to a silent and uninterested God? No clue.
Also, when is this story taking place? Right after Lucifer's fall or after Armageddon, when the armies of Hell and Heaven clash on Earth? Is this ancient history or post-apocalypse? I know that it might not be relevant to the story, but inquiring minds want to know. Also, the whole civilization seems very steam-punkish, only instead of steam, they mine the body of a fallen angel, like carrion.
But I think my biggest issue with this book is that I absolutely hated the protagonist. Granted, none of the characters in this book are saints to say the least, but Celeste takes the cherry on top of the cake. She doesn't hesitate to lie and cheat and use anyone and everyone around her to obtain what she wants. Sad thing is, what she wants doesn't exist. She painted a picture of her sister as this innocent damsel that is perpetually in distress, and Celeste is the dragon guarding her. And she tried to lock her sister into that role, then acts all surprised when her sister turns out to be nothing like that.
She ends up alienating all her friends, even going as far as accusing one of her friend's lovers of murder just to save her sister. She betrays the trust of her own lover and uses him for her goal, oh and she steals the prized invention of another one of her friends. All this to get what in the end? Nothing. Celeste ends up with everything slipping between her fingers like dust. No family, no friends, no loved ones, no home. And good riddance, I say. It's hard to root for a protagonist you despise.
PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2022
A short story with a long prolog
My reaction on beginning to read Tread of Angels was "Wow! Roanhorse just leaps right into the action without any exposition. That's an unusual way to begin a new fantasy novel." In truth I was a little disoriented at first.
However, I soon noticed that the plot was designed so as propel Celeste, our heroine and first-person narrator, around the town of Goetia, and to meetings with the most important and colorful of Goetia's citizens. So then I realized I had been mistaken: Roanhorse didn't leap into the action without exposition -- this was the exposition. Unfortunately, as plot it was pretty dry. I literally found it difficult to stay awake through this part. (One advantage a kindle has over a paperback is that you don't lose your place when you doze off and drop it.)
So then, I thought, "This is the introduction to a new series. I'll probably have to read the next book to get to the good stuff." OK, fine. But then, at about the 85% mark, I was startled when things suddenly got much more interesting. At that point, with 15% left to go, Roanhorse leapt into a story. It's a very good story, in which lots of interesting and unexpected stuff happens that deepens ones understanding of the characters. Staying awake was no longer difficult. Since Tread of Angels is short, a novella, really, and the really satisfying story is only 15% of it, it's basically a short story.
It is not uncommon to begin a novel with a short chapter describing events that happen before the main story and set it up. That short chapter is called a prolog. The first 85% of Tread of Angels seems like a long prolog for the short story with which it ends.
Thus, Tread of Angels is a three-star vanilla sundae with a four-star cherry on top.
I still have a question about Tread of Angels. Is it the start of a new series, or is it a standalone? It certainly feels like the start of a series. It introduces a new world and new characters and leaves them in ambiguous, unstable positions, with lots of open questions. If there's a sequel, I will read it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advance reader's copy of Tread of Angels.
Blog review.
My reaction on beginning to read Tread of Angels was "Wow! Roanhorse just leaps right into the action without any exposition. That's an unusual way to begin a new fantasy novel." In truth I was a little disoriented at first.
However, I soon noticed that the plot was designed so as propel Celeste, our heroine and first-person narrator, around the town of Goetia, and to meetings with the most important and colorful of Goetia's citizens. So then I realized I had been mistaken: Roanhorse didn't leap into the action without exposition -- this was the exposition. Unfortunately, as plot it was pretty dry. I literally found it difficult to stay awake through this part. (One advantage a kindle has over a paperback is that you don't lose your place when you doze off and drop it.)
So then, I thought, "This is the introduction to a new series. I'll probably have to read the next book to get to the good stuff." OK, fine. But then, at about the 85% mark, I was startled when things suddenly got much more interesting. At that point, with 15% left to go, Roanhorse leapt into a story. It's a very good story, in which lots of interesting and unexpected stuff happens that deepens ones understanding of the characters. Staying awake was no longer difficult. Since Tread of Angels is short, a novella, really, and the really satisfying story is only 15% of it, it's basically a short story.
It is not uncommon to begin a novel with a short chapter describing events that happen before the main story and set it up. That short chapter is called a prolog. The first 85% of Tread of Angels seems like a long prolog for the short story with which it ends.
Thus, Tread of Angels is a three-star vanilla sundae with a four-star cherry on top.
I still have a question about Tread of Angels. Is it the start of a new series, or is it a standalone? It certainly feels like the start of a series. It introduces a new world and new characters and leaves them in ambiguous, unstable positions, with lots of open questions. If there's a sequel, I will read it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for an advance reader's copy of Tread of Angels.
Blog review.
July 13, 2023
It's a fantasy steampunk Western murder mystery, complete with angels and demons.
You heard me.
Is it set in the future, is it an alternate past? Don't know, doesn't ultimately matter. This slim little book has EVERYTHING. Archangels. Fallen angels. Demons. Humans. Inventions that run on the dust left over from the Divine. A saloon girl accused of murder. Violence! Blood! Sex! People taking laudanum medicinally! Female newspaper reporters! Just like, EVERYTHING.
Also, the audiobook is narrated by a man with a voice that sounds like black velvet, and GOODNESS. *fans self*
You heard me.
Is it set in the future, is it an alternate past? Don't know, doesn't ultimately matter. This slim little book has EVERYTHING. Archangels. Fallen angels. Demons. Humans. Inventions that run on the dust left over from the Divine. A saloon girl accused of murder. Violence! Blood! Sex! People taking laudanum medicinally! Female newspaper reporters! Just like, EVERYTHING.
Also, the audiobook is narrated by a man with a voice that sounds like black velvet, and GOODNESS. *fans self*
April 24, 2023
Huge fan of Roanhorse’s Black Sun series but this one although have great worldbuilding with Christianity setting (Angel & Demon) didn’t really gave me a lot of impact… the plot felt weak with “who dun it” and the characters relationship didn’t built up enough so i really don’t care to any of them 🤷🏻♀️
May 10, 2023
Thank you to B2Weird Tours and Saga SFF for the physical hardcover in exchange for an honest review and promotion. All opinions are my own.
Tread of Angels follows Celeste, a card sharp with a penchant for trouble. As she takes on the role of advocatus diaboli, to defend her sister Mariel, accused of murdering a Virtue, a member of the ruling class in the mining town of Goetia, in a new world of dark fantasy.
This dystopian dark fantasy murder mystery packs so much into one small book! I really enjoyed how much this book explored. I was captivated by the world, and I would love for this to become a series of novellas. Dion Graham narrates the audiobook, and I absolutely loved the raspy edge it gave to this story. You always feel on the precipice of danger which is 100% the mood of this book.
There are many themes about humanity, monstrosity and what makes someone “good” throughout the story. There is no 100% good or evil in this world, everyone is some shade of morally gray. Plus a demon love interest? I need more!
Rep: All Native cast, sapphic side characters.
Tread of Angels follows Celeste, a card sharp with a penchant for trouble. As she takes on the role of advocatus diaboli, to defend her sister Mariel, accused of murdering a Virtue, a member of the ruling class in the mining town of Goetia, in a new world of dark fantasy.
This dystopian dark fantasy murder mystery packs so much into one small book! I really enjoyed how much this book explored. I was captivated by the world, and I would love for this to become a series of novellas. Dion Graham narrates the audiobook, and I absolutely loved the raspy edge it gave to this story. You always feel on the precipice of danger which is 100% the mood of this book.
There are many themes about humanity, monstrosity and what makes someone “good” throughout the story. There is no 100% good or evil in this world, everyone is some shade of morally gray. Plus a demon love interest? I need more!
Rep: All Native cast, sapphic side characters.
February 5, 2023
I've been sitting with this, trying to figure out why I enjoyed the story a little more than most of my friends did. I think the answer is twofold: I'm a sucker for magical realism, and I liked the messages behind the story:
Don't put anyone up on a pedestal; it deprives them of being who they are, of being whole.
Don't burn all your bridges.
Trust your gut, but don't let your emotions lead completely, without using your head.
Once trust is broken, it often cannot be put back together.
Granted, the characterization could have been deeper. The descriptions of place and style were very good. We just needed a little more time to get to know the characters. I agree with many that this could have been a longer, richer story.
Still, it stuck with me, and I really enjoyed it. This was my first Rebecca Roanhorse read, and it won't be my last. I'm thinking Black Sun might be a good next read.
Don't put anyone up on a pedestal; it deprives them of being who they are, of being whole.
Don't burn all your bridges.
Trust your gut, but don't let your emotions lead completely, without using your head.
Once trust is broken, it often cannot be put back together.
Granted, the characterization could have been deeper. The descriptions of place and style were very good. We just needed a little more time to get to know the characters. I agree with many that this could have been a longer, richer story.
Still, it stuck with me, and I really enjoyed it. This was my first Rebecca Roanhorse read, and it won't be my last. I'm thinking Black Sun might be a good next read.
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