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Available
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Publication
Broadway Books (New York, 2017). 1st edition, 1st printing. 464 pages. $16.00.
Description
Revenge. It's something Sigrud je Harkvaldsson is very, very good at. Maybe the only thing. So when he learns that his oldest friend and ally, former Prime Minister Shara Komayd, has been assassinated, he knows exactly what to do--and that no mortal force can stop him from meting out the suffering Shara's killers deserve. Yet as Sigrud pursues his quarry with his customary terrifying efficiency, he begins to fear that this battle is an unwinnable one. Because discovering the truth behind Shara's death will require him to take up arms in a secret, decades-long war, face down an angry young god, and unravel the last mysteries of Bulikov, the city of miracles itself. And--perhaps most daunting of all--finally face the truth about his own cursed existence.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member LizzieD
City of Miracles is easily my favorite of Robert Jackson Bennett's Divine Cities trilogy, and that's saying a lot. At the center of the action is Sigrud je Harkvaldsson, once the operative of the woman who became Prime Minister after the last of the gods but one were killed. However, the gods'
What a bland attempt to describe a vital book! Sigrud is a man without hope, who continues to fight with purpose. His skill as a fighter makes for one of the most suspenseful action sequences I've ever read. The plotting is complex and satisfying. The characters have depth. The ending is a real ending.
My only quibble, and it bothered me enough to mention it, is Bennett's choice of "they/their/them' as a singular pronoun (one person appears and then they do something). It's trendy, but I've never read anybody else who made such a point of it. I'm old. I don't like it. I do like this book though, and I thank Early Reviewers for my opportunity to read it now.
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children are still active, and while they do not have their parents' power, they are able to influence society for good or ill.What a bland attempt to describe a vital book! Sigrud is a man without hope, who continues to fight with purpose. His skill as a fighter makes for one of the most suspenseful action sequences I've ever read. The plotting is complex and satisfying. The characters have depth. The ending is a real ending.
My only quibble, and it bothered me enough to mention it, is Bennett's choice of "they/their/them' as a singular pronoun (one person appears and then they do something). It's trendy, but I've never read anybody else who made such a point of it. I'm old. I don't like it. I do like this book though, and I thank Early Reviewers for my opportunity to read it now.
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LibraryThing member sjudd
City of Miracles is an awesome finale to the amazing Divine Cities trilogy. The character development and world building pull you through straight to the end. It features some great action scenes as well. City of Miracles wraps this whole story up neatly. Definitely do not miss out on reading the
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Divine Cities trilogy if you have the chance to do so. Show Less
LibraryThing member KatyBee
"City of Miracles" is the third book in The Divine Cities series by Robert Jackson Bennett and I think it's the best of the trilogy. What a vast universe Bennett has created and how well the main characters are developed over the course of books. This fictional world is populated by divine and
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semi-divine beings, strong females, frighteningly evil creatures, and all manner of heroes. There are beautifully described urban settings, fantastical imaginative architecture, sea adventures, and lovely quiet moments with cups of tea. The first book of the trilogy focused on world-building and a wily female spy named Shara Komayd and her strongman sidekick Sigrud. The second book was more militaristic and focused on Turyin Mulaghesh, a strong female general/governor and all around bad-ass. City of Miracles is centered around Sigrud's story - and there's more to this huge, strong man than meets the eye. I feel that much is gained by reading all of books in order, especially to understand the author's messages about the inevitability of time, the real dangers of ultimate power, the foolishness of bureaucracies and politics, and the strength of true hearts in the face of impossible odds. Show Less
LibraryThing member donaldmcobb
I felt this was a fitting end to the series. It nicely wraps up the story for nearly all of the loose threads left by the two other books. Bennett has developed a very clear voice for this setting and these characters and, as always at the end of a series, I'm going to miss them. But damn, what a
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LibraryThing member David_David_Katzman
A bit disappointing. I was quite enjoying this until about the midpoint and then a number of factors dragged it down for me. The genre here is (for the most part) fantasy thriller. I would harken it to James Bond with magic. It was an interesting blend of action-packed and fantastical until about
This novel is third in a series, so I have no doubt I missed some subtleties in character evolution. But there was a female lead character, Shara, the hero’s former partner/boss/friend(?), who is positioned as having “retired” from the espionage game and instead became a political leader. As Shara was introduced into this story, I found her extremely maudlin. Sappy and full of sincere platitudes. Not only was she rather one-dimensional but also far-fetched for someone who formerly was the handler of an assassin/espionage team. Now she seeks to take care of orphans? Her nature bled through the tone of the second half of the book, which struck me as overly emotional and weighing down the energy and drive of the story.
In the end, I found City of Miracles ponderous and cloying. I think the author was trying too hard to give his characters profound endings, but it came across as melodrama.
Disclaimer: I received this book free, through a LibraryThing book giveaway.
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halfway through. The turning point for me was a fierce battle occurring on a sky tram. The scene reminded me too literally of a James Bond fight sequence such as might have been in Moonraker. Although the mechanics were different, the similarity felt obvious. The rest of the book could easily have recovered, however it was dragged down by the characters and tone.This novel is third in a series, so I have no doubt I missed some subtleties in character evolution. But there was a female lead character, Shara, the hero’s former partner/boss/friend(?), who is positioned as having “retired” from the espionage game and instead became a political leader. As Shara was introduced into this story, I found her extremely maudlin. Sappy and full of sincere platitudes. Not only was she rather one-dimensional but also far-fetched for someone who formerly was the handler of an assassin/espionage team. Now she seeks to take care of orphans? Her nature bled through the tone of the second half of the book, which struck me as overly emotional and weighing down the energy and drive of the story.
In the end, I found City of Miracles ponderous and cloying. I think the author was trying too hard to give his characters profound endings, but it came across as melodrama.
Disclaimer: I received this book free, through a LibraryThing book giveaway.
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LibraryThing member reconditereader
I got this ARC free through LTER in exchange for a review.
In my review of the previous book in this series, I believe I called for MOAR SIGRUD!!! This is Sigrud's story. I'm not sure whether the book will make sense without reading the previous two; certainly it would lack the emotional depth. But
In City of Miracles we learn more about Sigrud: his past, his pain, that thing on his hand. Sigrud has to make plenty of tough decisions in this book (no spoilers!) and there is some loss and violence and pain. There is also redemption and humor, especially in seeing things from inside Sigrud's head. My favorite scene was the one near the end of the book where he's driving the car... well, you'll see. Pick it up.
In my review of the previous book in this series, I believe I called for MOAR SIGRUD!!! This is Sigrud's story. I'm not sure whether the book will make sense without reading the previous two; certainly it would lack the emotional depth. But
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if you've read Bennett's previous two books, City of Stairs and City of Blades, this book is a very satisfying conclusion.In City of Miracles we learn more about Sigrud: his past, his pain, that thing on his hand. Sigrud has to make plenty of tough decisions in this book (no spoilers!) and there is some loss and violence and pain. There is also redemption and humor, especially in seeing things from inside Sigrud's head. My favorite scene was the one near the end of the book where he's driving the car... well, you'll see. Pick it up.
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LibraryThing member yoyogod
Despite winning this from Early Reviewers, I was a bit leery of reading it. Sure, it's a fantasy novel, which is the genre I read most, but it's also the third volume of a series. I have read the first volume, City of Stairs, back when it was offered in ER two years ago, but for some reason volume
Luckily, despite not remembering any of the characters and only having a vague recall of the worldbuilding, I could still follow this book with no problems. The book starts off with the assassination of a former prime minister who also used to be a spy. Then the guy who used to provide muscle for her in her spy days comes out of hiding, goes ballistic, and kills the assassins. Then he discovers there's a sinister plot behind it involving the children of deities.
It's a good book with decent characters and an exciting, fast-paced plot. It's a fun read that's not too hard to follow without having read volume 2 (and probably 1 as well), but it probably would have been better if I had read them both.
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2, City of Blades, was never offered on ER (and while I enjoyed volume 1, I didn't enjoy it enough to remember to buy volume 2). This meant that I wasn't entirely sure how well I would be able to follow the plot.Luckily, despite not remembering any of the characters and only having a vague recall of the worldbuilding, I could still follow this book with no problems. The book starts off with the assassination of a former prime minister who also used to be a spy. Then the guy who used to provide muscle for her in her spy days comes out of hiding, goes ballistic, and kills the assassins. Then he discovers there's a sinister plot behind it involving the children of deities.
It's a good book with decent characters and an exciting, fast-paced plot. It's a fun read that's not too hard to follow without having read volume 2 (and probably 1 as well), but it probably would have been better if I had read them both.
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LibraryThing member grayhunter
Everyone's favorite operative shines in this conclusion to the Divine Cities trilogy. The book brings together the remaining key members of the first two novels, each in their own way, to fight the final battle. New characters are introduced that help develop the (generally fast paced) story. There
The end is what one would expect, though there were a couple of twists to finish off the story. Amazing how quickly the book sped to its conclusion.
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are a couple of instances where the story seemed to drag a bit, but the action and plot picked back up quickly.The end is what one would expect, though there were a couple of twists to finish off the story. Amazing how quickly the book sped to its conclusion.
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LibraryThing member renbedell
An action packed fantasy where everything is laid out on the table, questions from previous books are answered, and a great conclusion to a great series. This book follows Sigrud, who was a side character in the the first 2 books. It keeps the dark tone, but has more of an action adventure feel
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than the murder mystery feel of the previous books. There is less intrigue and more violence. Which is fitting for the character and makes sense as you follow along. The story itself is good and leads to a conclusion that is very satisfactory. It's writing is on par with the previous books. The best part of the series is the world building and how it affects the characters and the culture. The setting itself really comes alive. Overall the series is fantastic and the last book in the series is no different. Show Less
LibraryThing member calmclam
City of Miracles is a compelling finish to the Divine Cities trilogy. It picks up several decades after Shara's rise to--and fall from--political power, after an assassin has killed her and Sigrud comes out of hiding to find and kill her killers. The plot is tight and exciting, and the arc behind
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the plot--in the end, a redemption arc--is really compelling. Highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member meandmybooks
Whew! The final installment in Bennett's “Divine Cities” really is an action-packed thriller, and the best of a very fine series. We mostly see things from Sigrud's perspective, and, since he's always been the best character and has now become sympathetic almost to the point of cuddliness, this
My minor quibbles would be that the Big final conflict, after so many edge-of-one's seat, “Jason Bourne battles the villain on the roof of the skyscraper” conflicts, drags. And the centrality of self-absorbed, angsty teenagers gets a wee bit tiresome, though perhaps this will only be an issue for readers who already have their own moody teens to delight them. Finally, I can't be the only one who finds Shara so cool and analytical that her possible demise doesn't trouble me a bit. Not that there's any shortage of danger and loss here, what with the Fate of Mankind hanging in the balance and all, but the strands of the story that pertain to Shara's fate hang rather loose for me.
Nitpicking aside, “City of Miracles” is a high speed adventure in a persuasively realized world. Building on what he established in the earlier two books, Bennett carries us from end to end of his creation, and even out among the stars. We revisit Bulikov, where we first met Shara and Sigrud, and get to spend a little more time with the wonderful Mulaghesh, the protagonist of “City of Blades,” and to better know Ivanya Restroyka, a minor character from “City of Stairs.” The book's ending, particularly, is beautifully done and far more satisfactory than I ever would have expected. A fine ending to a fine series.
I received this book, an “uncorrected proof” copy, from LibraryThing through their Early Reviewers program with the understanding that the content of my review would not affect my likelihood of receiving books through the program in the future. Many thanks to Broadway Books, Robert Jackson Bennett, and LibraryThing!
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is a very fine thing. While the “hidden” identity of Shara's daughter, when finally revealed, was as expected, the actual resolution of the problem with this world's too-powerful gods, really did surprise me and delight me!My minor quibbles would be that the Big final conflict, after so many edge-of-one's seat, “Jason Bourne battles the villain on the roof of the skyscraper” conflicts, drags. And the centrality of self-absorbed, angsty teenagers gets a wee bit tiresome, though perhaps this will only be an issue for readers who already have their own moody teens to delight them. Finally, I can't be the only one who finds Shara so cool and analytical that her possible demise doesn't trouble me a bit. Not that there's any shortage of danger and loss here, what with the Fate of Mankind hanging in the balance and all, but the strands of the story that pertain to Shara's fate hang rather loose for me.
Nitpicking aside, “City of Miracles” is a high speed adventure in a persuasively realized world. Building on what he established in the earlier two books, Bennett carries us from end to end of his creation, and even out among the stars. We revisit Bulikov, where we first met Shara and Sigrud, and get to spend a little more time with the wonderful Mulaghesh, the protagonist of “City of Blades,” and to better know Ivanya Restroyka, a minor character from “City of Stairs.” The book's ending, particularly, is beautifully done and far more satisfactory than I ever would have expected. A fine ending to a fine series.
I received this book, an “uncorrected proof” copy, from LibraryThing through their Early Reviewers program with the understanding that the content of my review would not affect my likelihood of receiving books through the program in the future. Many thanks to Broadway Books, Robert Jackson Bennett, and LibraryThing!
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LibraryThing member macsbrains
It had been a while since I read the first book in this series, so even though I liked many parts of it (mostly relating to the divinities) I remembered very little about Shara, whom I didn't really connect with, or Sigrud, whom I remembered being over-the-top. I read the middle volume, City of
For me, this volume was my least favorite, just because of personal taste. What I had liked most about these books were the expressions of the divinities. I often feel like gods in fantasy series often tend too much toward just 'powered-humans-in-the-sky' whereas the divinities in this series had an otherworldy, alien-like remove. They were real, but they were also metaphor, and I found that utterly fascinating.
The plot for this book humanizes the next generation of the divinities, which was a detraction for me so I was just dissatisfied by the way things turned out. I am glad that Sigrud had a reason for being so over the top, and I did enjoy all the other characters. It's still a really great series that I would recommend. I just think that the middle volume was so good that this last one didn't have the same impact.
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Blades, immediately prior to this final installment and liked it a LOT. It made me very excited to continue to get more exposure to the divinities in this world, but I was not as eager to follow Sigrud and leave Mulaghesh behind.For me, this volume was my least favorite, just because of personal taste. What I had liked most about these books were the expressions of the divinities. I often feel like gods in fantasy series often tend too much toward just 'powered-humans-in-the-sky' whereas the divinities in this series had an otherworldy, alien-like remove. They were real, but they were also metaphor, and I found that utterly fascinating.
The plot for this book humanizes the next generation of the divinities, which was a detraction for me so I was just dissatisfied by the way things turned out. I am glad that Sigrud had a reason for being so over the top, and I did enjoy all the other characters. It's still a really great series that I would recommend. I just think that the middle volume was so good that this last one didn't have the same impact.
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LibraryThing member anneb10
City of Miracles starts strong and never weakens. Taking place more than a decade after the events of City of Blades, the reader gets to see the consequences of the choices made in the previous book and how they've effected the world. New conspiracies are afoot and it's up to Sigrud to save the day
Fantastic end to the trilogy - if you enjoyed the first two books, you have to read this. It's fantastic.
Disclaimer: Review copy received through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's program.
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- a bit of a handful for him this time around.Fantastic end to the trilogy - if you enjoyed the first two books, you have to read this. It's fantastic.
Disclaimer: Review copy received through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's program.
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LibraryThing member Strider66
Pros: emotional punch, multi-layered plot, great characters
Cons:
It’s been thirteen years since Sigrud last saw Shara Komayd, but the news of her assassination still hits him hard. When he goes looking for those who killed her, he stumbles into a series of plots started years past. He also has to
This is the third book in the Divine Cities trilogy. While it was possible to read book two of this series as a standalone, the personal connections and plot twists of book three require having read at least the first book, though I’d recommend reading both before starting this one. Knowing the close connection between Sigrud and Shara is what propels the first half of this book, with Mulaghesh making an appearance and Signe’s name showing up several times. But it’s Shara’s presence that infuses the story, and Sigrud’s regrets regarding his treatment of the women in his life that completes it.
In many ways this book takes the plot of City of Stairs and brings it full circle, explaining some of the mysteries that book left open as well as some of the mysteries surrounding Sigrud himself.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Sigrud as the main point of view character considering how straightforward he is. But he’s quite fascinating once you get into his mind. And while he isn’t the planner that Shara was, he’s quite intelligent and figures things out pretty fast.
It would have been nice to get to know Tatyana better, but I loved Ivanya. It’s strange seeing the future of a fantasy world, and seeing how people affected by the great events in one book pick up the pieces of their lives - or transform themselves completely - because of them. Ivanya is cool under pressure, having prepared for years for what’s coming.
The plot has several layers to it, some of them get pulled back quickly, while others take a while to be revealed.
This is a brilliant end to a brilliant series, and I’m not ashamed to say that it had me in tears several times.
Cons:
It’s been thirteen years since Sigrud last saw Shara Komayd, but the news of her assassination still hits him hard. When he goes looking for those who killed her, he stumbles into a series of plots started years past. He also has to
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locate and protect her adopted daughter, Tatyana, from Shara’s enemies.This is the third book in the Divine Cities trilogy. While it was possible to read book two of this series as a standalone, the personal connections and plot twists of book three require having read at least the first book, though I’d recommend reading both before starting this one. Knowing the close connection between Sigrud and Shara is what propels the first half of this book, with Mulaghesh making an appearance and Signe’s name showing up several times. But it’s Shara’s presence that infuses the story, and Sigrud’s regrets regarding his treatment of the women in his life that completes it.
In many ways this book takes the plot of City of Stairs and brings it full circle, explaining some of the mysteries that book left open as well as some of the mysteries surrounding Sigrud himself.
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Sigrud as the main point of view character considering how straightforward he is. But he’s quite fascinating once you get into his mind. And while he isn’t the planner that Shara was, he’s quite intelligent and figures things out pretty fast.
It would have been nice to get to know Tatyana better, but I loved Ivanya. It’s strange seeing the future of a fantasy world, and seeing how people affected by the great events in one book pick up the pieces of their lives - or transform themselves completely - because of them. Ivanya is cool under pressure, having prepared for years for what’s coming.
The plot has several layers to it, some of them get pulled back quickly, while others take a while to be revealed.
This is a brilliant end to a brilliant series, and I’m not ashamed to say that it had me in tears several times.
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LibraryThing member lostinalibrary
Shara Komayd has been assassinated and, although it has been thirteen years since he last saw her, Sigrud de Harvaldson vows to hunt her killer down and exact revenge. But he soon discovers that since he left Shara, she was involved in actions and events that he couldn’t possibly have guessed or
City of Miracles by author Robert Jackson Bennett is the third and final installment in The Divine Cities series and oh what an ending it is. Bennett expands on the world he first created in City if Stairs and added to in City of Blades, a huge and complex world in which he seamlessly blends the modern and the mundane with the fantastical, full of gods and demi-gods, amazing cities and architecture, and fully-realized and mostly sympathetic characters who made it easy to care about their fates. This final book is action-packed and engrossing and kept me glued to the page from beginning to end. It answers many of the questions raised in the first two books about the gods and their children and who Sigrud really is. This is, yes, a story full of violence, loss, and heartbreak but there is also quiet moments, redemption, and even a little humour.
Although City of Miracles could be read as a standalone, much of the story is tied to events from the previous books and the story wouldn’t have the same impact. Besides, this a great series, each book expanding on the world and its inhabitants, and it would be a shame to miss it all. That aside though, this is a very satisfying end to the series and I can’t recommend it highly enough for fans of really really well-written and engrossing fantasy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
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anticipated and he now finds himself way over his head – he had thought his biggest problem would be finding the villain but that, it turns out, is only the beginning of his story. City of Miracles by author Robert Jackson Bennett is the third and final installment in The Divine Cities series and oh what an ending it is. Bennett expands on the world he first created in City if Stairs and added to in City of Blades, a huge and complex world in which he seamlessly blends the modern and the mundane with the fantastical, full of gods and demi-gods, amazing cities and architecture, and fully-realized and mostly sympathetic characters who made it easy to care about their fates. This final book is action-packed and engrossing and kept me glued to the page from beginning to end. It answers many of the questions raised in the first two books about the gods and their children and who Sigrud really is. This is, yes, a story full of violence, loss, and heartbreak but there is also quiet moments, redemption, and even a little humour.
Although City of Miracles could be read as a standalone, much of the story is tied to events from the previous books and the story wouldn’t have the same impact. Besides, this a great series, each book expanding on the world and its inhabitants, and it would be a shame to miss it all. That aside though, this is a very satisfying end to the series and I can’t recommend it highly enough for fans of really really well-written and engrossing fantasy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
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LibraryThing member kgodey
I enjoyed the first two Divine Cities books so I was looking forward to see how City of Miracles wrapped up the story.
This series changes protagonists in every installment, and this one is narrated by ex-spy and ex-royalty Sigrud je Harkvaldsson, who was a secondary character in both the previous
Just like the earlier two books, this one tells a self-contained story. It also wraps up the overarching plot arc of the six original Divinities in a satisfying manner. I wasn’t even sure what the overarching plot arc was, since the books seem designed to be standalones, but it was obvious by the end of the book and a lot of things from earlier made sense in retrospect.
I didn’t find Sigrud to be a particularly compelling character in the last two books so I was dreading his point of view a little bit. I should have trusted the author, though, because Sigrud from the inside is quite different from observing him through other characters’ eyes. We get to see what goes through his head when other characters only see him being silent and emotionless, and he’s much more sympathetic than I originally gave him credit for. I was similarly skeptical about the idea of Shara being dead (especially offscreen!), but the author handled that very well, too.
One of the things I love most about these books is the world – the Divinities and the way they manifest are unique and weird and wonderful. City of Miracles expands our understanding of the world and the mechanics of how the divine powers work even more, which was great. And the setting itself is interesting – a post-colonial era where everything has recently industrialized, and new engineering projects are far more likely to be brought up than magic, even though magic is more obviously present.
I feel like my enjoyment of these books kind of snuck up on me, but now I think of the series as one of the most innovative and original fantasy I’ve read. If you haven’t read this series already, I recommend starting with City of Stairs for the full impact.
This series changes protagonists in every installment, and this one is narrated by ex-spy and ex-royalty Sigrud je Harkvaldsson, who was a secondary character in both the previous
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books. After the events of City of Blades, Sigrud has been working menial jobs and trying to stay hidden, waiting for Shara to find him somehow and give him a new assignment. When Shara is suddenly assassinated, he gains a purpose at last – finding Shara’s killer – but following that trail tumbles him into a covert war against a angry young god.Just like the earlier two books, this one tells a self-contained story. It also wraps up the overarching plot arc of the six original Divinities in a satisfying manner. I wasn’t even sure what the overarching plot arc was, since the books seem designed to be standalones, but it was obvious by the end of the book and a lot of things from earlier made sense in retrospect.
I didn’t find Sigrud to be a particularly compelling character in the last two books so I was dreading his point of view a little bit. I should have trusted the author, though, because Sigrud from the inside is quite different from observing him through other characters’ eyes. We get to see what goes through his head when other characters only see him being silent and emotionless, and he’s much more sympathetic than I originally gave him credit for. I was similarly skeptical about the idea of Shara being dead (especially offscreen!), but the author handled that very well, too.
One of the things I love most about these books is the world – the Divinities and the way they manifest are unique and weird and wonderful. City of Miracles expands our understanding of the world and the mechanics of how the divine powers work even more, which was great. And the setting itself is interesting – a post-colonial era where everything has recently industrialized, and new engineering projects are far more likely to be brought up than magic, even though magic is more obviously present.
I feel like my enjoyment of these books kind of snuck up on me, but now I think of the series as one of the most innovative and original fantasy I’ve read. If you haven’t read this series already, I recommend starting with City of Stairs for the full impact.
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LibraryThing member Euryale
City of Miracles is the closing volume in Bennett's Divine Cities trilogy, this time focusing on Dreyling prince turned criminal and spy Sigrud je Harkvaldsson. Following events at the end City of Blades, Sigrud has spent years living in exile, drifting through odd jobs and waiting for his friend
As with the previous two books, the world building remains a major strength, although this book isn't limited to a single city as a setting. The nature of the Divine beings and their miracles is expanded, and the climax is just as bombastic as in the first two installments.
I think this was my least favorite of the trilogy, if only because I found Shara and Turyin Mulaghesh to be more compelling protagonists than Sigrud, who is a bit one-note. (Both play small roles in this book; posthumously, in Shara's case, though of course she didn't go down without setting backup plans into motion.) That said, it is nice to get a more nuanced look at Sigrud's character: He's in no way stupid, and his single-minded, brutal killer shtick becomes important to the story as he develops beyond it. In fact, several common revenge story tropes get twisted or undercut to good effect here. Still, this story didn't feel like it flowed as naturally from the second book as that one did from the first. Overall, though, this was an enjoyable finish to a great fantasy series.
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Shara Komayd to bring him back into the espionage fold. But instead, news reaches him that Shara has been assassinated, and Sigrud takes up a quest both to avenge her death and to protect her adopted daughter Tatyana from mysterious enemies. It turns out that Shara was not quite retired from her research in (and conflict with) Divine influences.As with the previous two books, the world building remains a major strength, although this book isn't limited to a single city as a setting. The nature of the Divine beings and their miracles is expanded, and the climax is just as bombastic as in the first two installments.
I think this was my least favorite of the trilogy, if only because I found Shara and Turyin Mulaghesh to be more compelling protagonists than Sigrud, who is a bit one-note. (Both play small roles in this book; posthumously, in Shara's case, though of course she didn't go down without setting backup plans into motion.) That said, it is nice to get a more nuanced look at Sigrud's character: He's in no way stupid, and his single-minded, brutal killer shtick becomes important to the story as he develops beyond it. In fact, several common revenge story tropes get twisted or undercut to good effect here. Still, this story didn't feel like it flowed as naturally from the second book as that one did from the first. Overall, though, this was an enjoyable finish to a great fantasy series.
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LibraryThing member craso
This is the third and best novel in The Divine Cities series. It is a quick paced adventure with Sigrud je Harkvaldson, a character from the first two books. I grew to care for Sigrud, a burly Viking like character who wasn't very smart, but was very resourceful, as he fought and survived injuries
Sigurd goes on a heroes journey. He starts in a forest working as a lumber jack paying penance for the killings he committed after the death of his daughter. When he hears that his mentor and friend Shara Komayd has been assassinated he searches for her killers and for her adopted daughter who he vows to protect. Along the way, he discovers that the divinities had children, with the consequences being one angry young divinity that is out to destroy the world.
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no one else would have survived and always saved the day.Sigurd goes on a heroes journey. He starts in a forest working as a lumber jack paying penance for the killings he committed after the death of his daughter. When he hears that his mentor and friend Shara Komayd has been assassinated he searches for her killers and for her adopted daughter who he vows to protect. Along the way, he discovers that the divinities had children, with the consequences being one angry young divinity that is out to destroy the world.
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LibraryThing member bragan
This is the third book in the trilogy that started with City of Stairs and City of Blades, set in a fantasy world of dead gods who are not, it turns out, quite as dead as they were believed to be.
I like this series a lot. The world-building is good, especially the depiction of the various
I like this series a lot. The world-building is good, especially the depiction of the various
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divinities and their miracles, which have just exactly the right feeling of unknowable strangeness to them. The characters are great, too, and the plots are great. And there are some nice, meaty themes. I think perhaps I liked the first one best. At least, it's certainly the one whose story grabbed me the strongest and kept me turning pages the fastest. This one -- which, like the previous volume, jumps many years forward in time and puts us (mostly) into the POV of a different main character -- didn't have nearly that same read-past-your-bedtime effect on me, but it's still pretty great, and it ends the series in an interesting, unexpected, and generally pretty satisfying way. Show Less
LibraryThing member ronincats
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book through the LT Early Reviewer Program.
This is the third and last book of the Divine Cities series by Bennett. This series contains one of the two most original milieus in modern fantasy, IMHO, with the other being Max Gladstone's Craft Sequence. The
This is the third and last book of the Divine Cities series by Bennett. This series contains one of the two most original milieus in modern fantasy, IMHO, with the other being Max Gladstone's Craft Sequence. The
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world-building is superb, detailed and different. The fantasy plot elements are reminiscent to both Gladstone and N. K. Jemisin, another outstanding and original fantasy author, in that Divinity is interacting with the mundane world and drives several important elements of the plot. This final book is told from Sigrud's POV, although we do get to see key figures from previous books, and drives to a final climax that illuminates many things from previous books. A worthy finale to an excellent series. Show Less
LibraryThing member BeckahRah
I love this series! It's so unique! This book follows Sigrud as he investigates the murder of his former employer/friend Shara. The previous books always lead us to believe that now, finally, all the old gods and all their creations/miracles have finally been wiped out...only to find that yet
Great addition to the series!
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again, that's not true. Now the remnants of the old, dead gods are trying to become gods in their own right. Great addition to the series!
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LibraryThing member andrlik
Everything I was hoping for in the conclusion to this series. Robert Jackson Bennett has created a masterwork.
LibraryThing member auntmarge64
The final volume in the Divine Cities trilogy. If you haven't read the first two, this book won't have nearly the impact, since previous events weigh heavily here.
Sigrud the Dreyling has been hiding for 13 years, ever since the Battle of Bulikov, where his daughter was killed and he went on a
A fitting end to the trilogy, with an unexpected ending which brings things to a satisfying close. Here's to more from Bennett in the future.
Sigrud the Dreyling has been hiding for 13 years, ever since the Battle of Bulikov, where his daughter was killed and he went on a
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murderous rampage. Now he learns that Shara Komayd, who saved him from the prison in which he'd been tortured for years and guided him in their espionage work, has been assassinated. He kills the assassin but learns that the instigator was a semi-divine being who means to destroy the world. He also finds a message from Shara asking him to protect her adopted daughter, Tatyana, who is missing. Sigrud is the main character here, with some very vibrant secondary characters. Are the gods all dead? Who are these semi-divine creatures, and how is it that Sigrud has not aged at all and is able to survive battles with them, albeit grievously injured? And can he keep Tatyana safe?A fitting end to the trilogy, with an unexpected ending which brings things to a satisfying close. Here's to more from Bennett in the future.
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LibraryThing member veeshee
At last! The final novel in this amazing trilogy! What I love about this series is that each novel takes place a few years after the previous one, and it focuses on a different character each time; this means that you can manage to read it as a standalone if you are strapped for time - though I
It was definitely a good thing that I read the previous books in the series because the magnanimity of the truths revealed in this novel was just ... WOW. And you really can't understand how amazing these are unless you read the previous novels. So while I'm sure you can enjoy and understand what is happening in this novel without reading anything else in the series, I would strongly advise against that; take the time and read the first 2 books before getting into this one, so that you can truly fall in love with this serie like I have!
Sigrud.... I love him. This book did him such justice. His personality is just so .... amazing and one cannot help but appreciate him for his kindness, his loyalty, and his ruthlessness. He comes off as simple but the more you read, the more you see his complexity. The author definitely did an amazing job when creating Sigrud! I also loved all of the other characters that were a part of this story; each one was unique and had so much depth that you felt like you truly knew them!
The story and world-building in this novel are incredible but I expected nothing less from the author of this series. I wasn't expecting all of the mysteries to be revealed in the way it did, which was a really awesome surprise. I really can't complain at all about anything in terms of the story, characters, or world-building.
This was a stunning conclusion to an epic series and I strongly urge anyone looking for an awesome fantasy series to read this series. You will not be disappointed!
I received this novel from Blogging for Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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would recommend reading the entire series in order to really understand everything. In the first book, the protagonist was Shara Komayd. In the second, it was Mulagesh. And now, we hear from Sigrud, who was always one of my favorites. It was definitely a good thing that I read the previous books in the series because the magnanimity of the truths revealed in this novel was just ... WOW. And you really can't understand how amazing these are unless you read the previous novels. So while I'm sure you can enjoy and understand what is happening in this novel without reading anything else in the series, I would strongly advise against that; take the time and read the first 2 books before getting into this one, so that you can truly fall in love with this serie like I have!
Sigrud.... I love him. This book did him such justice. His personality is just so .... amazing and one cannot help but appreciate him for his kindness, his loyalty, and his ruthlessness. He comes off as simple but the more you read, the more you see his complexity. The author definitely did an amazing job when creating Sigrud! I also loved all of the other characters that were a part of this story; each one was unique and had so much depth that you felt like you truly knew them!
The story and world-building in this novel are incredible but I expected nothing less from the author of this series. I wasn't expecting all of the mysteries to be revealed in the way it did, which was a really awesome surprise. I really can't complain at all about anything in terms of the story, characters, or world-building.
This was a stunning conclusion to an epic series and I strongly urge anyone looking for an awesome fantasy series to read this series. You will not be disappointed!
I received this novel from Blogging for Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Gretchening
I had reservations about one aspect of the first book, but I loved the characters, writing, plot, philosophy, mystery, worldbuilding, batshit weirdness and grumpy normal people trying to make sense of the divine so much that I've eagerly eaten up both subsequent books in this trilogy. This was
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undoubtedly my favorite of what is a very strong series overall. The story focuses on a character who has become my favorite gruff warrior in literature, and gives a weight of meditation on grief, power, sorrow, legacy, political ramification, and parenthood that leaves me breathless. I cried at the end and this is a fitting wrap-up to a truly excellent series. Bravo, Mr. Bennett. Show Less
Awards
Locus Award (Finalist — Fantasy Novel — 2018)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2017-05-02
Physical description
464 p.; 5.23 inches
ISBN
9780553419733