Children of Thorns, Children of Water (Dominion of the Fallen, #1.5)
by Aliette de Bodard
Desperate people come to take a test, in hopes of being taken into a house of fallen angels. Two of them are spies from a dragon kingdom. Dark magic ensues.
I liked it. There was nice, creepy imagery and I identified with the main characters quickly. The world building was well done and the narrative flowed well and kept me hooked.
Hugo Awards 2018 Novelette Nominee
Story can be found here…
Cathy's Reading Bonanza 