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City of Stairs

Book 1 in the series:The Divine Cities

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In "City of Stairs," author Robert Jackson Bennett crafts a fantasy novel set in the City of Bulikov, a former Divine City now under the power of Saypur. The story follows protagonist Shara as she investigates the murder of her friend, leading her to uncover a greater mystery involving gods, miracles, and political intrigue. The world-building is phenomenal, with well-paced reveals, engaging characters like Shara and Sigrud, and a plot that seamlessly weaves in elements of mystery and action. The writing style is described as detailed, engrossing, and with a touch of subtle humor, creating a vivid imagery that enhances the reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed and diverse, with Shara and Sigrud standing out as complex protagonists dealing with personal and societal conflicts.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is crisp and engaging, mixing humor with serious themes, although it can feel heavy-handed at times.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves a murder mystery with themes of colonialism and divine politics, revealing complex relationships and societal repercussions.

Setting:

The setting of Bulikov, a rich mix of cultures, reflects a deeply ingrained history of oppression and the aftermath of divine intervention.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slowly, focusing on world-building, but picks up significantly as the story progresses, making it hard to stop reading.
I have never met a person who possessed a privilege who did not exercise that privilege to the fullest extent that they possibly could. Say what you like of a belief, of a party, of a finance system, ...

Notes:

The story is set in a world where gods once walked among humans but have been killed, resulting in significant societal changes.
The book is a blend of fantasy, mystery, and political thriller genres.
It explores themes of colonialism, oppression, and the consequences of erasing history.
The characters are racially diverse, with the main protagonist being a shorter brown-skinned woman named Shara.
The narrative touches upon issues of sexuality, particularly through the character of Vohannes, who struggles with his orientation in a repressive society.
The world-building is intricate, with a detailed history that unfolds as the plot progresses, akin to a rich tapestry of lore.
The author uses a unique present tense writing style that enhances the immediacy of the story.
The city of Bukilov has been transformed by the absence of divine powers, resulting in remnants of its past glory that shapes the present.
The structure of the narrative allows for complex character development and moral ambiguity, making characters relatable yet flawed.
The book has been compared to the works of authors like China Miéville and Max Gladstone, known for their creative fantasy worlds.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of murder, oppression, and complex themes regarding religion.

From The Publisher:

An atmospheric and intrigue-filled novel of dead gods, buried histories, and a mysterious, protean city-from one of America's most acclaimed young science fiction writers.

The city of Bulikov once wielded the powers of the gods to conquer the world, enslaving and brutalizing millions-until its divine protectors were killed. Now Bulikov has become just another colonial outpost of the world's new geopolitical power, but the surreal landscape of the city itself-first shaped, now shattered, by the thousands of miracles its guardians once worked upon it-stands as a constant, haunting reminder of its former supremacy.

Into this broken city steps Shara Thivani. Officially, the unassuming young woman is just another junior diplomat sent by Bulikov's oppressors. Unofficially, she is one of her country's most accomplished spies, dispatched to catch a murderer. But as Shara pursues the killer, she starts to suspect that the beings who ruled this terrible place may not be as dead as they seem-and that Bulikov's cruel reign may not yet be over.

Ratings (22)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (13)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (60):

Read It (22)
Want To Read (30)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (7)

About the Author:

ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT is the author of American Elsewhere, The Troupe, The Company Man, and Mr. Shivers, as well as The Divine Cities trilogy. His work has received the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, and the Phillip K. Dick…

 
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