book cover of City of Stairs
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City of Stairs

(2014)
(The first book in the Divine Cities series)
A novel by

 
 
Awards
British Fantasy Society Best Novel (nominee)
World Fantasy Best Novel (nominee)
An atmospheric and intrigue-filled novel of dead gods, buried histories, and a mysterious, protean city--from one of America's most acclaimed young fantasy 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.


Genre: Fantasy

Praise for this book

"A rich, layered, thoughtful story, full of gods and magic and char-acters that feel unflinchingly true. . . . Every once in a while I read a book that's so well done, I find myself wanting to punch the author in the face out of pure envy. Congratulations, Mr. Bennett- you just made the face- punching list!" - Jim C Hines

"Alien and human at the same time, Bennett's world is engrossing and fascinating. The pacing kept me reading far later than was healthy." - Mur Lafferty

"Robert Jackson Bennett deserves a huge audience. This is the book that will earn it for him. A story that draws you in, brilliant world building, and oh my God, Sigrud. You guys are going to love Sigrud." - Brent Weeks


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