City of Miracles is an excellent conclusion, the last piece of the puzzle that fits just so. It starts off as a hard-boiled revenge story – there are several chapters that are perfect action blockbusters and should be enjoyed as such – but develops into something deeper, darker and much more interesting.

We’re used to Sigrud being badass by now, right? “Just once,” he thinks, “I would like to think of a solution that does not involve me nearly blowing myself up.” It’s there still, but the book dives deeper into the nature of trauma, the cycles of violence, the corruption that any kind of power brings.

“You have made a weapon of your sorrow.”

“He was afraid to try to be decent, because he felt sure that he would fail.”

This is not only about Sigrud, of course. There are several characters that believe that their pain and anger has made them righteous, given them the moral authority to make fateful, horrible decisions and take revenge. The villain of the book believes this – he is creepily, brilliantly written. (No, I am not writing his name, because if you say the name, he will come to you, and you really really really don’t want that. Ew.)

Another theme is letting go of your power or choosing not too wield it. You may not like all the choices the characters make, but it doesn’t mean that all of the choices are wrong. No one has the moral high ground in City of Miracles.

I think it’s a good idea not to wait too long between the books of the trilogy. Then the emotional impact of certain conversations and reunions between characters will be so much stronger, all the layers of meaning visible. I really liked the scene where Mulaghesh and Sigrud meet again, people of many losses that they are.

(As an aside, I was glad to see Mulaghesh doing so well, and doing so well by the end of the book, too. If there was a new novel about her just doing politics, I would read it with pleasure:
“I am cursed,” says Mulaghesh, “with an abundance of things I wish to say, as we are well aware, Prime Minister.”)

One of my favourite parts was the interplay and the relationship between Sigrud and Taty, with him becoming an unexpected father figure. They end up rescuing each other in tragic and beautiful ways. The last chapter was perfect, I thought. ( )

An excellent tale of revenge, redemption and hope. A great reminder to enjoy the small miracles all around us and not to take time for granted. Easily my favorite of the series. ( )

Thirteen years after the City of Blades, Sigrud lives incognito, awaiting the word of his long-time ally and friend Shara that it is safe to emerge. When word reaches him that she has been assassinated, he comes out of hiding with only revenge on his mind. Even more action-packed than its two predecessors, this novel makes for an exciting final entry in the Divine Cities trilogy. ( )

Give it to meeeee

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

City of Miracles is book 3 of the Divine Cities series. I didn't get the opportunity to read books 1 and 2, so it took me a little while to understand exactly what was going on. However, once I did, holy cow! Robert J. Bennett has written an epic fantasy series. He has a new fan of his writings and I cannot wait to read more of his work.
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