It does not happen to me often when I read a work of fiction. With The City in Glass by Nghi Vo, I’m left uncertain about what I read or the novella’s true theme.

Nghi Vo tells the story of Vitrine, a demon that loves the city of Azril. In some respects, she is the city’s guardian, and for generations under her stewardship, Vitrine has dealt with everything Azril has endured. An angel arrives in the city, and their relationship affects the city’s fate. Vitrine possesses a book listing the names of those she’s lost in her city, and she’s desperately trying to protect the city she cherishes.

Even though she is destined to be the adversary of the angel who came to Azril. Their relationship progresses unexpectedly, potentially with them united over the city’s fate. In the narrative, Vitrine assesses the angel, and she understands that an actual link exists despite her inherent tendency to consider the angel an opponent. The two worked together to uncover the city’s past and attempt to it set-up for a better future.

I will admit that I found Vo’s writing a delight to read and stunning in some areas of the novella. Yet, as a reader, I felt somewhat detached, reminiscent of my experience with Kij Johnson’s novella, The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe. I wanted to read more about Vitrine’s connection with the city on a deeper level than the surface one I got in the novella. I thought the bond between her and the angel felt genuine, and it seemed like there was still potential to delve deeper into their connection throughout the story.

The City in Glass is an unusual fantasy novella that was easy to read on one level but vague on another level, which kept me from fully embracing it as a reader. However, I plan to read more of Nghi Vo’s work, and fans of the genre should read her because she is a talented writer.