Robert Jackson Bennett's 'City of Stairs' is an intricately woven tapestry of fantasy and mystery, set in the once-glorious city of Bulikov, where gods once walked among mortals. After a cataclysmic event obliterated the divine, Bulikov is left in a state of oppression, with the stigmatized inhabitants yearning for redemption. The story follows Shara Thivani, an intelligent and enigmatic operative, as she investigates the murder of a prominent scholar. In unraveling the city's secrets, she confronts political intrigue and supernatural remnants of a bygone era. Bennett masterfully combines elements of espionage and urban fantasy while exploring themes of colonialism, power, and the haunting legacy of history, creating an engrossing narrative filled with rich world-building and compelling characters.
About The Divine Cities Series
Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Divine Cities trilogy—City of Stairs, City of Blades, and City of Miracles—is a gripping fantasy series set in a world once ruled by powerful gods who have since been overthrown. In City of Stairs, Saypuri spy Shara Thivani investigates a murder in the city of Bulikov, uncovering lingering divine influence. City of Blades follows war-weary General Turyin Mulaghesh into a haunted city tied to a fallen goddess. City of Miracles centers on Sigrud, a warrior confronting his past and a rising threat. The series blends mystery, politics, and myth in a richly imagined, thought-provoking world.
About Robert Jackson Bennett
Robert Jackson Bennett, born in 1984 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a distinguished figure in contemporary speculative fiction. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Bennett has captivated audiences with his ability to blend fantasy, horror, and science fiction. His debut novel, 'Mr. Shivers' (2010), won accolades, including the Shirley Jackson Award, establishing him as a master of atmospheric storytelling. Bennett gained further acclaim with 'The Divine Cities' trilogy, starting with 'City of Stairs' (2014), praised for its intricate world-building and exploration of themes like colonialism and divinity. His recent series, 'The Founders Trilogy', showcases his adeptness at merging technological innovation with deep philosophical inquiries, cementing his impact on modern genre fiction by pushing narrative boundaries and engaging readers with thought-provoking tales.
Other Books by Robert Jackson Bennett
City of Blades
Series: The Divine Cities (#2)
In 'City of Blades,' Robert Jackson Bennett returns to his intricate world of divine intervention and human ambition, delving into the depth of myth and human resilience. The narrative follows General Turyin Mulaghesh, a determined and gritty protagonist, as she is pulled from retirement to investigate a mysterious operative disappearance in the war-ravaged city of Voortyashtan. Bennett constructs a vividly detailed world where gods are dead, yet their power lingers, influencing the fabric of human existence. The book raises poignant questions about faith, warfare, and the nature of divinity while delivering a gripping story filled with political intrigue and moral complexity. With well-rounded characters and a richly woven plot, 'City of Blades' challenges readers to ponder the impact of forgotten deities in a world struggling to find peace.
City of Miracles
Series: The Divine Cities (#3)
In 'City of Miracles,' the third installment of the Divine Cities trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett, readers are thrust into a riveting tale of revenge and redemption. After the assassination of Prime Minister Shara, the once legendary spy Sigrud je Harkvaldsson is drawn back to the city he left behind. Determined to avenge his friend's death, Sigrud uncovers a plot that suggests miraculous forces at play. This novel ingeniously combines high-stakes action with profound emotional depth, delving into themes of grief, personal transformation, and the lingering effects of divine influence in a mortal realm. Bennett's intricate world-building and compelling character arcs culminate in a masterful finale. The narrative is both thrilling and introspective, ensuring a deeply immersive reading experience.
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