"The City of Stairs" is a fantasy novel by Robert Jackson Bennett set in the fictional city of Bulikov. The story revolves around the aftermath of a war that led to the fall of the Divinities, powerful beings who once ruled the city. The narrative follows Shara Thivani, a diplomat investigating a murder that uncovers deep political intrigue and the remnants of divine power. The city is characterized by its unique architecture, blending the old with the new, and is filled with the ruins of the Divinities' influence. As Shara delves deeper into the mystery, she navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and the struggle for power among various factions, all while confronting the legacy of the gods.