(Steeplechase) The Descent of Monsters, by Neon Yang 4 stars

[Joanne]

The Descent of Monsters 4 stars

The third book in a series of novellas about the world of Tensorate. Written in the epistolary style, told by Investigator Sariman Chuwan and Rider a member of the rogue Machinists.

A terrible slaughter has occurred at the Rewar Teng Institute and Sariman is given the lead of the investigation into it. Sariman knows this was done as those in power have no faith in her abilities. The Ministry of Justice and Protecortate are attempting to cover up what it was that was actually happening at the Institute. Sariman is determined, though it may cost her job and her life, to uncover the truth.

Quite different than my normal fantasy reads, editors and reviewers are both calling it "silkpunk fantasy" However, Yang's storytelling and writing have captured me and I will pick up the next in the series.