City of Stairs

Bennett introduces us to Bulikov, a city once at the heart of the Divinities' dominion, now a conquered land under the dominion of Saypur, a nation that has systematically eradicated all traces of the Divinities and their miracles. The narrative opens with the murder of a Saypuri diplomat, a crime that brings Shara Komayd, a Saypuri operative with a mysterious past, to investigate. What follows is a richly detailed exploration of historical revisionism, colonial guilt, and the enduring power of belief, even in absence. The world-building is particularly strong here, with the 'Blind' – the divine miracles and their physical manifestations – having left indelible scars on the landscape and the collective psyche, creating a setting that feels ancient and deeply traumatized.

Shara Komayd is a wonderfully realized protagonist; intelligent, resourceful, and burdened by a history that slowly unfurls throughout the investigation. Her relationship with her hulking, loyal, and equally enigmatic assistant, Sigrud, provides a compelling dynamic, offering moments of wry humor and deep emotional resonance amidst the escalating peril. Bennett excels at crafting characters whose motivations are layered and whose allegiances are often tested, contributing to a sense of moral ambiguity that permeates the narrative. The supporting cast, from the pragmatic Saypuri general to the various denizens of Bulikov, further enriches the intricate political landscape.

The novel's structural integrity is commendable, balancing the demands of a murder mystery with the expansive scope of an epic fantasy. Each revelation about the murder ties into the larger, devastating history of Bulikov and the Divinities, progressively deepening the reader's understanding of the world. Bennett masterfully builds suspense, scattering clues and red herrings with precision, ensuring that the central mystery remains engaging even as the philosophical and historical dimensions of the story expand. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for full immersion into this unique setting without ever feeling sluggish.

Despite its many strengths, "City of Stairs" occasionally struggles with the weight of its own exposition. While the world-building is undeniably rich and fascinating, there are moments, especially in the early chapters, where the sheer volume of new information—names, histories, divine powers, and political factions—can feel overwhelming. The narrative sometimes leans on lengthy explanations of past events or the intricacies of Saypuri-Bulikovian relations, which, while crucial for context, can occasionally interrupt the flow of the mystery. A slightly more organic integration of this background, perhaps through dialogue or more active discovery, might have smoothed these transitions.

Ultimately, "City of Stairs" is a thought-provoking and ambitious novel that uses the framework of fantasy to interrogate profound questions about faith, conquest, and memory. Bennett constructs a world that feels both fantastical and grounded in recognizable human conflicts, offering a nuanced perspective on the aftermath of cataclysmic events. It is a work that rewards patient reading, inviting one to ponder the echoes of history and the ways in which societies grapple with their pasts, making it a highly recommended read for those seeking depth and originality in their speculative fiction.