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In "City of Stairs," author Robert Jackson Bennett crafts a fantasy novel set in the City of Bulikov, a former Divine City now under the power of Saypur. The story follows protagonist Shara as she investigates the murder of her friend, leading her to uncover a greater mystery involving gods, miracles, and political intrigue. The world-building is phenomenal, with well-paced reveals, engaging characters like Shara and Sigrud, and a plot that seamlessly weaves in elements of mystery and action. The writing style is described as detailed, engrossing, and with a touch of subtle humor, creating a vivid imagery that enhances the reading experience.

If you liked City of Stairs, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Ninth Rain - The Winnowing Flame Trilogy by Jen Williams
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    The Ninth Rain is a fantasy novel that introduces readers to a unique world filled with mysteries and secrets. The story follows a group of characters with different points of view as they navigate through a world-changing event that leads to the unraveling of hidden truths. The plot is filled with suspense, drama, and intriguing twists that escalate towards a gripping climax. The writing style seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and mystery, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.

    Tormalin shifted the pack on his back and adjusted his sword belt. He could hear, quite clearly, the sound of a carriage approaching him from behind, but for now he was content to ignore it and the in...

  2. #2
    Three Parts Dead
    Book 1 in the series:Craft Sequence

    Three Parts Dead - Craft Sequence by Max Gladstone
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    'Three Parts Dead' in the series 'Craft Sequence' by Max Gladstone is a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and steampunk genres. The story follows Tara, an apprentice at a magical firm, as she investigates the mysterious death of a god. The world is intricately built with a magic system that resembles contract law, where gods are like commercial banks and power is traded like assets. The plot unfolds with elements of a murder mystery, courtroom drama, and exploration of morality and faith, all set in a modern and technology-focused polytheistic society.

    By the grace of fortune (or something else), she landed three mere miles from what passed for an oasis in the Badlands, a stand of rough grass and brambles clustered around a brackish spring. She coul...

  3. #3

    The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - The Inheritance Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin
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    "The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms" by N.K. Jemisin is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Yeine Darr, a young woman who is summoned to the court of her powerful grandfather and named as his heir. As she navigates palace politics and grapples with living deities, Yeine discovers a complex web of family love and hate, devotion and betrayal. The plot unfolds in the majestic city of Sky, where power struggles between three gods shape the destiny of a hundred thousand kingdoms. Jemisin's writing style is immersive and intricate, weaving together themes of power, identity, and compassion as Yeine uncovers her true heritage and faces the challenges that come with it.

    My body falls to the floor, unmoving but for the blood spreading around it. Dekarta stares at me, perhaps seeing other dead women. Relad and Scimina begin shouting at Viraine, their faces distorted. I...

  4. #4

    The Copper Promise - The Copper Cat Series by Jen Williams
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    The Copper Promise is a fantasy novel that follows the adventures of an odd trio - Wydrin, a cheeky mercenary known as The Copper Cat, Sebastian, a former knight, and Lord Frith, seeking revenge after his family was murdered. Together, they unleash a dragon god of destruction and find themselves in a quest to save the world. The book is described as a fast-paced and engaging read, filled with magic, adventure, and humor, with characters overcoming personal challenges while facing a world-threatening danger.

    All the other cells in the dungeon stank of fear, but not this one. Lord Frith’s last surviving son was simply too proud to be afraid. Even now, as Yellow-Eyed Rin laid out his instruments on the bloo...

  5. #5

    The Wolf of Oren-yaro - Annals of the Bitch Queen by K.S. Villoso
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    In the book 'The Wolf of Oren-yaro' by K.S. Villoso, readers are taken on a journey with Queen Talyien as she navigates betrayals, heartache, and perilous encounters while trying to reconcile with her self-exiled husband. The story is set in a non-Western, medieval Asia-inspired setting, where political intrigue and treachery abound. The plot unfolds with Talyien facing assassins, traitors, and political turmoil as she strives to reclaim her throne and her identity amidst a backdrop of diverse political organizations and a feudal Asian feel.

    'The Wolf of Oren-yaro' is a character-driven epic where readers follow Queen Talyien's thought process and emotional turmoil as she grapples with her dual roles of ruler and individual. The narrative is filled with plot twists, unexpected turns, and a mix of romance, politics, and magic that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end.

    Hurricanes destroy the villages and they call it senseless; the winter winds come and they call it cold. What else did they expect from my people, the Oren-yaro, the ambitious savages who created a wa...

  6. #6

    The Fifth Season - The Broken Earth by N.K. Jemisin
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    The Fifth Season is a captivating blend of fantasy and science fiction set in a geologically unstable future Earth. The story follows individuals with the magical ability to control the earth's structures, known as orogenes, who are feared and oppressed by society. Through multiple perspectives, the book weaves together a tale of survival, discrimination, and the impending end of the world. N.K. Jemisin's unique writing style, intricate world-building, and complex characters create an immersive and thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of power, oppression, and resilience.

    For the past ten years you’ve lived as ordinary a life as possible. You came to Tirimo from elsewhere; the townsfolk don’t really care where or why. Since you were obviously well educated, you became ...

  7. #7

    Paladin of Souls - World of the Five Gods by Lois McMaster Bujold
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    'Paladin of Souls' by Lois McMaster Bujold is the second novel in the Chalion series following Royina Ista's journey. Ista, a middle-aged widow, sets off on a pilgrimage to escape her past and finds herself entangled in spiritual growth and unexpected adventures. The book delves into themes of spiritual awakening, unique theology, and the intricate relationships between characters and gods in the world of Chalion. Bujold weaves a complex plot involving demons, love, and self-discovery, showcasing her talent for creating engaging characters and thought-provoking narratives.

    The story in 'Paladin of Souls' is engaging and well-crafted, with a focus on character development and intriguing plot twists. Bujold's writing style is praised for its depth and originality, offering a refreshing take on fantasy storytelling. The book introduces readers to a strong female protagonist, Ista dy Chalion, who embarks on a journey of personal growth and redemption, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and divine intervention. Overall, 'Paladin of Souls' is a compelling tale of self-discovery, adventure, and the complexities of faith and destiny.

    I STA LEANED FORWARD BETWEEN THE CRENELLATIONS ATOP THE gate tower, the stone gritty beneath her pale hands, and watched in numb exhaustion as the final mourning party cleared the castle gate below. T...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series World of the Five Gods )

  8. #8
    Foundryside
    Book 1 in the series:Founders

    Foundryside - Founders by Robert Jackson Bennett
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    Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett is an epic fantasy novel that follows the story of Sancia Grado, a talented thief living in the city of Tevanne. Sancia is hired to steal a mysterious artifact, a key named Clef, which holds immense power. As she navigates a world of magical sigils and political intrigue, Sancia finds herself entangled in a dangerous game where powerful elites control scrived objects to manipulate reality. The book is praised for its complex world-building, unique magical system, and engaging characters, especially Sancia and Clef, as they uncover long-buried secrets and face formidable challenges.

    The writing style in Foundryside is described as captivating, with intricate world-building and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book seamlessly blends elements of fantasy with real-world parallels, creating a rich and immersive setting that explores themes of power, greed, and social inequality. Readers are drawn into a world where inanimate objects come to life through scriving, and where characters like Sancia and Clef navigate a society divided between the wealthy elites and the impoverished commoners, setting the stage for an epic adventure filled with mystery and magic.

    Then she’d come to the drainage tunnel, and that had gone…less swimmingly. It had worked, she supposed—the drainage tunnel had allowed her to slink below all the interior gates and walls and get close...

  9. #9

    The House of Shattered Wings - Dominion of the Fallen by Aliette de Bodard
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    Set in an alternate Paris, 'The House of Shattered Wings' explores a world ruled by Houses of fallen angels after a magical war. The story revolves around Philippe, a soldier from the colonies, who is bound to House Silverspires, led by Selene. As the plot unfolds, secrets are revealed about Philippe's past and the history of Silverspires, amidst a backdrop of power struggles and revenge plots within the Houses. The book is praised for its worldbuilding, intricate magical system, and the unique setting of a post-apocalyptic Paris.

    The harsh, unwavering light of the City recedes, leaving you in shadow, leaving only memories of relief, of a blessed coolness seizing your limbs. Nothing has turned yet into longing, into bitterness,...

  10. #10

    The Goblin Emperor - The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
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    'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison follows the story of Maia, the overlooked and despised half-goblin son of the emperor, who unexpectedly becomes the emperor after a tragic accident claims the lives of his father and brothers. Thrust into a world of court intrigue and political maneuvering, Maia must navigate his new role as emperor, facing challenges of betrayal, loneliness, and the complexities of ruling a kingdom. The writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on interpersonal tensions, political negotiations, and a subtle touch of fantasy elements to explain cultural differences.

    “Get thy clothes on.” Setheris shoved yesterday’s clothes at him. Maia dropped them, fumbling with the strings of his nightshirt, and Setheris hissed with exasperation as he bent to pick them up. “A m...

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