《City of Stairs》摘要

"City of Stairs" by Robert Jackson Bennett is a fantasy novel set in the city of Bulikov, a place steeped in the remnants of divine power and the aftermath of a war that witnessed the divine beings known as the Contenders being overthrown. The narrative revolves around Shara Thivani, a diplomat sent to investigate the murder of a prominent scholar, whose work was crucial for understanding the history and power dynamics of Bulikov. The city is characterized by its unique blend of the mundane and the magical, where the once revered gods still leave their mark on the landscape and people's lives, despite being eradicated by the revolution. Bennett's world-building is distinctively rich, exploring themes of colonialism, memory, and the artifacts left behind by the Contenders, which are referred to as "miracles." In "City of Stairs," Shara navigates a landscape filled with political intrigue and historical weight, encountering various factions with differing views on the old gods and their legacies. The narrative structure employs a blend of mystery and suspense, as Shara teams up with the city's inhabitants, including the enigmatic General Sigrud and the brilliant historian, to unravel the murder’s implications. The concept of "the city of stairs" itself symbolizes the remnants of divine intervention and the height of human ambition, providing a backdrop for Shara's psychological and emotional journey. Overall, "City of Stairs" is a thought-provoking exploration of how the past continuously shapes the present, emphasizing the fragility of power and the resilience of its characters against the shadows of their former deities.