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If I understand the term correctly, I think Vermillion falls in the “weird western” sub-genre. Angry ghosts and psychopomps, vampires and Sasquatches, bears as military allies and sea lions who provide water taxi service. Lou Merriwether, a woman of Chinese and British heritage who prefers masculine clothing (just because it’s more comfortable and practical, you know) carries on her late father’s profession of psychopomp: a professional who helps restless souls move on, rather than hanging around to annoy and imperil the living. Late 19th century San Francisco is not always a safe or comfortable place for people of Chinese descent, and when Lou’s mother brings her a case involving both the unexplained disappearance of members of the community, but also the unexplained re-appearance of one of their corpses, Lou is pressured into turning detective and following the clues of promises of employment somewhere in the Rockies to see if she can solve the riddle.
This is part action-adventure story (including, toward the end, some disturbing scenes of violence, torture, and murder), part mystery, and part fun world-building. It barely skirts the edges of steam-punk in some elements, but not closely enough that I'd identify it as such. The story includes a solid scattering of queer characters, including the strong suggestion that there is a same-sex romance in Lou’s future, and absolutely no Tragic Queer motifs. (That is, some bad things happen, but not disproportionately to queer characters or in ways that imply causation.) The plot is full of ethical and moral ambiguities and even the villains aren’t painted in absolutes. I personally found the handling of the Chinese elements of the plot to be well done (perhaps over-explained in some cases, but the average non-Chinese-American reader probably wouldn’t find them so). But this is with the caveat that I’m reading those elements as a cultural outsider and nuances will pass me by.
The writing is rich and detailed and goes down smoothly. The protagonist’s voice is delightfully individual and her interactions with the other characters, as a young woman who is still figuring out her place in life, ring true. And the climax wraps up satisfyingly (including enough loose ends for a continuation, should the author choose to do so). The one aspect of the world-building that had me a little on edge was the way in which the sentient non-humans (the aforementioned bears, sea lions, Sasquatches, etc.) seemed to fill the historic niche belonging to Native Americans. There are passing references to Native American communities and individuals later in the book, so my initial fears were eased, but NA representation in this novel’s Wild West feels very slight and this may bother some readers.
Given all that, a solidly satisfying read, particularly recommended for those looking for queer characters of many sorts, as long as you aren’t completely averse to graphic violence. Likely to appeal to people who enjoyed Elizabeth Bear's Karen Memory.
This is part action-adventure story (including, toward the end, some disturbing scenes of violence, torture, and murder), part mystery, and part fun world-building. It barely skirts the edges of steam-punk in some elements, but not closely enough that I'd identify it as such. The story includes a solid scattering of queer characters, including the strong suggestion that there is a same-sex romance in Lou’s future, and absolutely no Tragic Queer motifs. (That is, some bad things happen, but not disproportionately to queer characters or in ways that imply causation.) The plot is full of ethical and moral ambiguities and even the villains aren’t painted in absolutes. I personally found the handling of the Chinese elements of the plot to be well done (perhaps over-explained in some cases, but the average non-Chinese-American reader probably wouldn’t find them so). But this is with the caveat that I’m reading those elements as a cultural outsider and nuances will pass me by.
The writing is rich and detailed and goes down smoothly. The protagonist’s voice is delightfully individual and her interactions with the other characters, as a young woman who is still figuring out her place in life, ring true. And the climax wraps up satisfyingly (including enough loose ends for a continuation, should the author choose to do so). The one aspect of the world-building that had me a little on edge was the way in which the sentient non-humans (the aforementioned bears, sea lions, Sasquatches, etc.) seemed to fill the historic niche belonging to Native Americans. There are passing references to Native American communities and individuals later in the book, so my initial fears were eased, but NA representation in this novel’s Wild West feels very slight and this may bother some readers.
Given all that, a solidly satisfying read, particularly recommended for those looking for queer characters of many sorts, as long as you aren’t completely averse to graphic violence. Likely to appeal to people who enjoyed Elizabeth Bear's Karen Memory.
