Do the dead sleep soundly in the land of death - or do they have plans of their own?
A generation ago the city of Voortyashtan was the stronghold of the god of war and death, the birthplace of fearsome supernatural sentinels who killed and subjugated millions. But that was then. Now the god is dead and the city lies in ruins, a wasteland of sectarian violence and bloody uprisings.
So it makes perfect sense for General Turyin Mulaghesh, foul-mouthed hero of the battle of Bulikov, rumoured war criminal, ally of embattled Prime Minister Shara Komayd, to be exiled here - but she's not just eking out her days in this hellhole till retirement. She's on one final mission, to find a Saypuri secret agent who's gone AWOL. The trouble is, that this old soldier isn't sure she's still got what it takes to be the hero . . .
'A murder mystery, spy thriller, fantasy adventure and philosophical treatise rolled into one. Highly recommended. 9/10' SCI-FI BULLETIN
'City of Stairs is brilliant' UPCOMING4ME
'From start to finish, this is tightly written, expertly plotted, marvellously paced and just plain fun to read. 5/5' OVERTHEEFFINGRAINBOWISBN 978 1 84866 9 598
Price in the UK £8.99
www.robertjacksonbennett.com
@robertjbennett
[Also by images: City of Stairs]
Robert Jackson Bennett is the author of The Founders trilogy - Foundryside, Shorefall and Locklands - and the Divine Cities trilogy, which was a Hugo Award finalist in the Best Series category. The first book in the series, City of Stairs, was also a finalist for the World Fantasy and Locus Awards, and the second, City of Blades, was a finalist for the World Fantasy, Locus and British Fantasy Awards. His previous novels have won the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Award and the Philip K. Dick Citation of Excellence. Robert lives in Austin, Texas with his family.