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4.43 AVERAGE
4.43 AVERAGE
Four stars, because this is the least brilliant book of the series, by my standards. It's still a great book and honestly a fantasy that many authors would pay to be able to write (imho), but I found book 1 and 2 definitely a step ahead in terms of plot.
I do think the main concept was quite brilliant and touched some rather difficult topics, but I'm not completely satisfied with how everything played out, or rather, with how the events came to an end. The resolution felt rather convenient and, considering how the main conflict had been portrayed, a bit underwhelming. The anticipation and the build up were definitely more promising.
Another thing that left a bittersweet taste for me were the characters. Not because they weren't great, not at all, just...most of the characters we came to know weren't there anymore. Which definitely says something about how well Bennett characterised them before, but affected my overall enjoyment of it as a whole anyway. Rationally, I know that shouldn't happen, but I'm still human, and while I love Sigrud, I missed the others fiercely.
That said, this series is brilliant, no doubts about it. From the purely "fantasy" aspects of it, whether it's world building or magic system, to how it tackles interesting and complex topics in a clever way, which is what I expect from a great fantasy. City of Stairs is still my favourite of the series and I'd recommend it to anyone, no doubts.
I do think the main concept was quite brilliant and touched some rather difficult topics, but I'm not completely satisfied with how everything played out, or rather, with how the events came to an end. The resolution felt rather convenient and, considering how the main conflict had been portrayed, a bit underwhelming. The anticipation and the build up were definitely more promising.
Another thing that left a bittersweet taste for me were the characters. Not because they weren't great, not at all, just...most of the characters we came to know weren't there anymore. Which definitely says something about how well Bennett characterised them before, but affected my overall enjoyment of it as a whole anyway. Rationally, I know that shouldn't happen, but I'm still human, and while I love Sigrud, I missed the others fiercely.
That said, this series is brilliant, no doubts about it. From the purely "fantasy" aspects of it, whether it's world building or magic system, to how it tackles interesting and complex topics in a clever way, which is what I expect from a great fantasy. City of Stairs is still my favourite of the series and I'd recommend it to anyone, no doubts.
The perfect finale to a brilliant story set in a marvellous world. A heartbreakingly wonderful ending to a journey well worth taking. .
I was so excited to receive a copy of City of Miracles by Robert Jackson Bennett though Netgalley, so thank you, again for allowing me the chance to read this early!
The Divine Cities series, has been hands down my favorite series since I received a copy of City of Stairs from here on Goodreads. I love this series, I shout at just about anyone who asks, what my favorite book is every year that they need to read it. This did not disappoint.
When I had read the synopsis, it looks like I wasn't the only one who felt it was a punch in the stomach to hear that Shara Komayd was assassinated. And that Sigrud comes out of hiding to pick up the pieces, to find out where the life of his beloved friend Shara went and what exactly she had gotten herself into now. But we know Shara and the Divine are never really far from each other, and she's never caught off guard and never not planning something. She was a force to be reckoned with even in death. Her daughter Tatyana Komayd is missing. Her hotel blown to bits.
And old enemies are everywhere, as well as a few new ones.
The book opens with a violent death, certainly the first, but not the last by far. Old gods still lurk in hiding watching humanity tear it's self apart in circles. Miracles are still functioning, new and ancient worlds brush against each other competing for space. Old favorites make their appearances.
My favorite cranky, swearing one-armed spirit animal makes an appearance as well, good old Turyin Mulaghesh now Minister of the Minority Party, now known as "Mother Mulaghesh" which is the most hilarious nickname she could have been given, hasn't changed much. Albeit older and just as cranky.
I liked the way that Sigurd's character was treated, the journey he got though these 3 books, always an operative at heart like Shara. But by the end he has come full circle, as a person, and is in some ways healed, though the hard journey of his life.
There are so many twists and turns, when the Divine is involved. The old, the new, power like that is always evolving, adapting, changing, even the miracles take on a life of their own. I don't want to give too much away. "Operation Rebirth" is really going to give you one hell of a ride. I defiantly cried at the end.
I just want to say thank you, to the author, Robert Jackson Bennett for giving us this amazing world to root around in and these great characters that stick with us. We got pretty attached to them in these three books. It's one of the best examples of a creation of a new, rich world, you'll want to do a lot more than just sink your toes into.
If you happen to be scrolling though looking for something new to read, I highly recommend you pick up City of Stairs. If your here for City of Miracles, you will find yourself very pleased. I can't wait to add a physical copy to my book shelves when it finally comes out.
The Divine Cities series, has been hands down my favorite series since I received a copy of City of Stairs from here on Goodreads. I love this series, I shout at just about anyone who asks, what my favorite book is every year that they need to read it. This did not disappoint.
When I had read the synopsis, it looks like I wasn't the only one who felt it was a punch in the stomach to hear that Shara Komayd was assassinated. And that Sigrud comes out of hiding to pick up the pieces, to find out where the life of his beloved friend Shara went and what exactly she had gotten herself into now. But we know Shara and the Divine are never really far from each other, and she's never caught off guard and never not planning something. She was a force to be reckoned with even in death. Her daughter Tatyana Komayd is missing. Her hotel blown to bits.
And old enemies are everywhere, as well as a few new ones.
The book opens with a violent death, certainly the first, but not the last by far. Old gods still lurk in hiding watching humanity tear it's self apart in circles. Miracles are still functioning, new and ancient worlds brush against each other competing for space. Old favorites make their appearances.
My favorite cranky, swearing one-armed spirit animal makes an appearance as well, good old Turyin Mulaghesh now Minister of the Minority Party, now known as "Mother Mulaghesh" which is the most hilarious nickname she could have been given, hasn't changed much. Albeit older and just as cranky.
I liked the way that Sigurd's character was treated, the journey he got though these 3 books, always an operative at heart like Shara. But by the end he has come full circle, as a person, and is in some ways healed, though the hard journey of his life.
There are so many twists and turns, when the Divine is involved. The old, the new, power like that is always evolving, adapting, changing, even the miracles take on a life of their own. I don't want to give too much away. "Operation Rebirth" is really going to give you one hell of a ride. I defiantly cried at the end.
I just want to say thank you, to the author, Robert Jackson Bennett for giving us this amazing world to root around in and these great characters that stick with us. We got pretty attached to them in these three books. It's one of the best examples of a creation of a new, rich world, you'll want to do a lot more than just sink your toes into.
If you happen to be scrolling though looking for something new to read, I highly recommend you pick up City of Stairs. If your here for City of Miracles, you will find yourself very pleased. I can't wait to add a physical copy to my book shelves when it finally comes out.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My reaction to this might have been because I was sick while I was reading this and had trouble focusing. I did enjoy it but thought it was the weakest out of the three books. I had been excited that this featured Sigrud and while I did like that, the supporting characters were rather uninteresting, including the main villain. Should have had more of the main characters in this one.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program.
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 Divine Cities trilogy if you have the chance to do so.
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 Divine Cities trilogy if you have the chance to do so.
One cannot get enough Sigrud and I was low dose all year long. Bennett delivered this novel around main character Sigrud in several ways: Breathless, non stop action with explosives, slit throats, roap climbing, miracles, and divine creatures. Lean back, take popcorn, and enjoy! On the other hand, Sigrud's character developed, his background was refined in a completely different direction than that action heroism. And a truly final, emotionally stretching ending which leaves no room for further extensions of this trilogy.
#1 City of Stairs: ★★★1/2
#2 City of Blades: ★★★★★
*
4 stars!
*
City of Miracles is a great and bittersweet conclusion to a wonderful series. The steady pace works really well with the multiple POVs, especially when the narrative focuses on Sigrud’s perspective of things. There is quite a bit of action as well and several tense scenes. The ending is both heartbreaking and sweet and really satisfying despite its sadness.
Robert Jackson Bennett has created a unique and fascinating new world with this series. The world-building is so detailed and continues to expand even as the story reaches its end. The characters are layered and absolutely lovely in their complexity and it’s a delight to see all the old favorites in this installment. This series has been a pleasure to read!
I’m sad to say goodbye to this one. The world-building is probably one of the best I’ve ever encountered in Fantasy. It’s so unique and complex and well developed. And I love how each installment focuses on a different place and a different divinity. It’s such a rich world and Bennett does an incredible job showing it to us.
The characters are still amazing! Sigrud has been a favorite since book one and it’s amazing to get his perspective in the closing novel. He’s been through so much and his exhaustion really show through the page. Taty is also a great new character, even more so with the plot twists thrown her way.
So much happens towards the end. Everything picks up and it doesn’t stop to let you breathe. There’s so much tension and so much at stake that makes it impossible to put the book down. The twists and turns keep coming right until the very last page, which ends the series in such a heartbreaking yet sweet moment that works perfectly with the story being told.
In the end, City of Miracles is a great conclusion with a satisfying ending to an amazing series. The world-building and characters are as fascinating as ever and the action and complex plot are all very well written. I definitely recommend this to all Fantasy fans looking for a unique and entertaining read!
*
Series:#3 in The Divine Cities series.
POV: Told mostly from Sigrud’s POV.
Content Warnings:
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
#2 City of Blades: ★★★★★
*
4 stars!
*
“If one were to protest all the injustices of life,” says Sigrud, “great and small, one would have no time for living.”
City of Miracles is a great and bittersweet conclusion to a wonderful series. The steady pace works really well with the multiple POVs, especially when the narrative focuses on Sigrud’s perspective of things. There is quite a bit of action as well and several tense scenes. The ending is both heartbreaking and sweet and really satisfying despite its sadness.
Robert Jackson Bennett has created a unique and fascinating new world with this series. The world-building is so detailed and continues to expand even as the story reaches its end. The characters are layered and absolutely lovely in their complexity and it’s a delight to see all the old favorites in this installment. This series has been a pleasure to read!
I’m sad to say goodbye to this one. The world-building is probably one of the best I’ve ever encountered in Fantasy. It’s so unique and complex and well developed. And I love how each installment focuses on a different place and a different divinity. It’s such a rich world and Bennett does an incredible job showing it to us.
The characters are still amazing! Sigrud has been a favorite since book one and it’s amazing to get his perspective in the closing novel. He’s been through so much and his exhaustion really show through the page. Taty is also a great new character, even more so with the plot twists thrown her way.
So much happens towards the end. Everything picks up and it doesn’t stop to let you breathe. There’s so much tension and so much at stake that makes it impossible to put the book down. The twists and turns keep coming right until the very last page, which ends the series in such a heartbreaking yet sweet moment that works perfectly with the story being told.
In the end, City of Miracles is a great conclusion with a satisfying ending to an amazing series. The world-building and characters are as fascinating as ever and the action and complex plot are all very well written. I definitely recommend this to all Fantasy fans looking for a unique and entertaining read!
*
Series:#3 in The Divine Cities series.
POV: Told mostly from Sigrud’s POV.
Content Warnings:
Spoiler
None.Cliffhanger: No.
HEA: