I like to think the lesson we can learn from this is:

(view spoiler)

Fr

Prose: Actually decent for a novella. Usually it's a bit subpar, but this was an instance where I listened to this on audiobook and could TELL it was good. +.5

Pace: Brrs to the end, never really lulls too long if there is and keeps the momentum pretty well

Plot: Murder mystery. Finally, a book that doesn't go to tropes 24/7

Vibe: Rootin' tootin' ambigous ethnicity cowgirl shootin'

Character: Just....gimme the demon lord. Not the best of characters but I've seen worse. Ambigous ethnicity, doesn't really go into diversity too hard but it seems like it's implied there is. That said, because they weren't too deep, -.5

Worldbuilding: Decent, but not a whole lot of it. It's more of a fiction book with demons and rocks that make your eyes sparkle and shit, but Roanhorse didn't really go into depth what that actually means besides people thinking she's the spawn of satan. -.5

All that said, this seems like a good start and not overwhelming to get into Roanhorse's work. I'll be reading Black Sun at some point this or next year and felt like I got my feet wet enough to understand how Roanhorse writes. One of the must have in dark "fantasy" novellas, a very good ride

4.5/5