City of Stairs (The Divine Cities, #1) Summary & Key Insights

Robert Jackson Bennett's City of Stairs introduces the world of Bulikov, a city built on the ruins of a once-powerful theocracy, now a crumbling republic clinging to its fading prestige. The novel follows Shara Thivani, a young, ambitious investigator from the Ministry of Measures—an organization tasked with subtly maintaining Bulikov's precarious political balance. Shara, despite her rising status, is haunted by the lingering suspicion that she's not quite who she appears to be.

The main plot revolves around the investigation into the murder of a high-ranking official, Orhan, whose death triggers political turmoil. Orhan's murder is initially attributed to a seemingly mundane power struggle, but Shara's investigation uncovers a deeper conspiracy involving a hidden sect known as the Heretics, who secretly retain their belief in the old gods despite the republic's official atheism. These gods, powerful entities capable of manipulating reality, are not mythical figures, but beings who have left their physical mark on the world, and even retain a physical presence (albeit in a subdued and cryptic manner).

As Shara digs deeper, she uncovers a conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of Bulikov's government, revealing hidden truths about the city's history and its complicated relationship with the Divine Cities, the once-great theocratic empires ruled by these powerful beings. She teams up with a grizzled veteran investigator, Councillor Maris, who becomes her mentor and protector. Maris provides essential insights into Bulikov's murky past and the nature of the Divine Cities' influence. Their investigation takes them through the city's underbelly, exposing its corruption, desperation, and hidden religious practices.

Central to the plot is the mystery surrounding Shara's own past and the possibility that she is connected to the Heretics in some significant way. Her investigation is intertwined with a personal quest for self-discovery, as she uncovers suppressed memories and grapples with her own conflicted beliefs.

The overarching themes explore the tension between faith and reason, the corrupting influence of power, and the enduring legacy of empires. Bennett deftly weaves together political intrigue, historical mystery, and a unique blend of fantasy elements. The world-building is meticulously crafted, creating a richly detailed and believable setting with its own distinct culture, history, and mythology. City of Stairs ultimately questions the nature of truth, identity, and the enduring power of belief in a world that has tried, and seemingly failed, to erase its religious past.