City of Stairs

First things first: This is brilliant. If you like fantasy, you should read this!

RJB has crafted an intriguing world, where once one nation (Bulikov - a kind of Leninist Russia) had gods it could call upon that gave it a hegemony over others. One of its vassals (Saypur - an Indian influenced culture) created a god killing weapon and was able to overthrow the gods and the vassal became the conqueror. This is the starting position - the gods are dead with only small vestiges of them left in an oppressed conquered continent. We enter in a more modern society, kind of steampunk in its feel. Magic is left as mere echoes - reality bent into weird shapes by the vanished gods.

This world is beautiful, mysterious, strange and utterly beguiling. Easily one of the best and most original fantasy settings I have come across. The world building here is phenomenal!

The plot follows the investigation into the murder of a Saypurian academic who was studying the culture and magic of the dead gods. The politics, religion and secrets combine to give an epic rollercoaster of a ride as the city gradually gives up its secrets. The characters are well written and the plot and prose ride along at a very entertaining rate.

One of my top reads of the year and I look forward to delving into the rest of this series!