⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Divine Cities Trilogy, by Robert Jackson Bennett is a fascinating and well-crafted fantasy series set in a world that mixes industrial age technology with divine magics. These books are clever, but not overly so, and despite the complex and ephemeral nature of the setting and the concepts that run this miracle-woven world, the stories come through clearly and are woven together in surprising and satisfying ways.

Bennett, who is becoming one of my favourite authors, shows his skill as he blends together a fantastic mix of styles, flowing smoothly from action to horror to political intrigue to the highly symbolic and philosophical. The story and plot are driven by well crafted and realized characters that feel real, even when they’re faced with the supernatural and the world-building is phenomenal with layers upon layers that, while different from anything I’ve ever read, are easy to settle into. I’m going to miss Shara, Sigrud and Mulaghesh and their world of divine miracles and I’m eagerly awaiting Bennett’s next book, the finale to his Founders Trilogy, another terrific series that, while different, has many of the same qualities.

Highly recommended.