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.
Notes:
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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