City of Stairs

Set in the sprawling metropolis of Bulgan, Robert Jackson Bennett’s debut novel examines a world where deities once walked the earth and constructed towering monuments before vanishing without explanation. Now, a vast empire maintains control through a strict monopoly on divine magic and an extensive network of military outposts. The narrative follows several characters whose lives intersect as they navigate the rigid social hierarchy, clandestine resistance movements, and the lingering influence of ancient religious structures. Bennett constructs a detailed secondary world where magic operates through codified commandments, blending political intrigue with philosophical questions about authority, cultural memory, and the consequences of imperial expansion. The novel’s ensemble cast provides multiple perspectives on how societies adapt when their foundational myths are dismantled, while its intricate worldbuilding emphasizes the tension between institutional power and grassroots rebellion. As the opening volume of a larger series, the work establishes a framework for examining how belief systems shape human behavior and historical legacy.