A review by saoki
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
5.0
Great writing, great story and great characters. But you know that already, right? So let me tell you some things I loved in this book:
It's a spy thriller, an adventure and a redemption tale all rolled into one. There's a feeling like a Cold War spy movie, but on a world where compassion is actually present.
The cultures are vivid, their strained relationship is believable and the mythologic past, shown through excerpts from local books, is a inspired nod to classic D&D campaign settings, like Forgotten Realms.
The stylistic choices used to present each characters' outlook through their mental organization are absolutely delightful. Of course Shara thinks in lists.
This is the first time I've read a book that's ostensibly about a god-killing quest, but where that's the least important (or interesting) aspect of the story.
And, of course, there as the themes. A few of my favorite ones here: the dangers of using the tools of the oppressor, the injuries that time won't heal, the sins of the fathers, the consequences of success.
All in all, I understand completely the hype. It's an incredibly good book.
It's a spy thriller, an adventure and a redemption tale all rolled into one. There's a feeling like a Cold War spy movie, but on a world where compassion is actually present.
The cultures are vivid, their strained relationship is believable and the mythologic past, shown through excerpts from local books, is a inspired nod to classic D&D campaign settings, like Forgotten Realms.
The stylistic choices used to present each characters' outlook through their mental organization are absolutely delightful. Of course Shara thinks in lists.
This is the first time I've read a book that's ostensibly about a god-killing quest, but where that's the least important (or interesting) aspect of the story.
And, of course, there as the themes. A few of my favorite ones here: the dangers of using the tools of the oppressor, the injuries that time won't heal, the sins of the fathers, the consequences of success.
All in all, I understand completely the hype. It's an incredibly good book.