City of Stairs

by Robert Jackson Bennett
City of Stairs cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4597
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781848667976
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2014-10-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

City of Stairs is a gripping tale set in a world where the destruction of gods has left reality fractured. The city of Bulikov is a labyrinth of impossible architecture and hidden dangers, where stairs lead to nowhere and alleyways are portals to the past. When Dr. Efrem Pangyui, a diplomat researching the Continent's past, is murdered, whispers of an uprising begin to spread. Only one woman is willing to pursue the truth, but the cost may be her life. The novel is praised for its unique world-building and intricate plot, blending mystery, fantasy, and political intrigue in a way that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
novelnotions.net · Unknown · 2025-10-21
historical 1.80

The book 'Games People Play' by Eric Berne is a historical reference on transactional analysis, but it is difficult to read for modern audiences due to its jargon and lack of descriptive examples. The reviewer found it lacking compared to more approachable books on the subject.

The book 'Games People Play' by Eric Berne is a historical reference on transactional analysis, but it is difficult to read for modern audiences due to its jargon and lack of descriptive examples. The reviewer found it lacking compared to more approachable books on the subject. The book groups its content into three sections: Analysis of Games, A Thesaurus of Games, and Beyond Games. However, the reviewer felt that the book's analysis of each game was incomplete and that the lack of frequent, descriptive narratives and dialogue made it feel like a tease. Additionally, the reviewer was put off by the author's gender stereotyping and a disturbing section called 'Rapo'. The reviewer concluded that the book is most useful as a historical reference and would not recommend it to readers with a trauma history or those looking for more descriptive examples of the games of transactional analysis.

Quick quotes

    A game is an ongoing series of complementary ulterior transactions progressing to a well-defined, predictable outcome. Descriptively it is a recurring set of transactions, often repetitious, superficially plausible, with a concealed motivation; or, more colloquially, a series of moves with a snare, or 'gimmick'. Games are clearly differentiated from procedures, rituals, and pastimes by two chief characteristics: (1) their ulterior motives and (2) the payoff.

    People who play destructive games will come to the therapist far more frequently than people who play constructive ones.

    Games People Play is a book on transactional analysis that is most useful as a historical reference.

novelnotions.net · Unknown · 2025-10-21
mixed 2.50

The book is praised for its insightful explanations of human behavior and transactional analysis, but criticized for its outdated and sexist views, as well as its cynical tone.

The book is praised for its insightful explanations of human behavior and transactional analysis, particularly in the chapter 'What Do You Say After You Say Hello?', which broadens the understanding of social interactions. However, many reviewers found the book's views on queerness and abuse to be abhorrent and offensive. The book is also criticized for its outdated and sexist views, as well as its cynical tone. Some reviewers found the book's concepts interesting but felt that the examples were dated and the writing was difficult to understand. Overall, the book is seen as a product of its time and may not be relevant to modern readers.

Quick quotes

    What Do You Say After You Say Hello?" broaded my understanding of human behavior. With such simple explanations and examples, it is very easy to recognize the different patterns in our social interactions.

    there’s nothing wrong in trying to understand people: why they do the things they do, why they say the things they say. there is usually more subtext than we assume yes, but to this extent? it’s utterly insane.

    The aggressive and blatant sexism became too much for any objective reader.

SFF Book Review · 2022-03-14
great 4.20

The novel is described as atmospheric and intrigue-filled, focusing on dead gods, buried histories, and a mysterious city. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and complexity.

This reviewer found City of Stairs to be an atmospheric and intrigue-filled novel that delves into themes of dead gods, buried histories, and a mysterious, ever-changing city. They were particularly impressed by the novel's depth and complexity, which they believe sets it apart from other works in the fantasy genre. The reviewer also noted the skillful way Bennett weaves together various elements of the story, creating a rich and engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    An atmospheric and intrigue-filled novel of dead gods, buried histories, and a mysterious, protean city.

    The novel's depth and complexity set it apart from other works in the fantasy genre.

    Bennett weaves together various elements of the story, creating a rich and engaging narrative.

elitistbookreviews.com · Unknown · 2017-08-29
mixed 3.50

The book provides a framework for understanding interpersonal 'games' but suffers from authorial biases and poor writing. While some games are insightful, the theory can be victim-blaming and lacks consideration of structural inequalities.

The book offers a basic framework for understanding the 'games' people play in their interactions, with some interesting examples like 'Why Don't You... Yes, But'. However, the author's biases, such as misogyny and a lack of consideration for race, detract from the work. The theory can also be problematic, as it tends to blame victims equally for toxic relationships, ignoring the impact of abuse. Additionally, the book is poorly written, feeling more like unedited notes than a polished work. While it has some academic value, better-written books in the field likely cover the same topics more effectively.

Quick quotes

    Among the most interesting games that Berne describes are “Why Don't You… Yes, But” (or simply “Yes, But”) where one person mentions a problem they have and then proceeds to provide an objection to every solution that is proffered.

    However, that being said, he manages to provide a barebones framework within which one can work and apply one’s own knowledge of the world.

    As with _Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy_, _Games People Play_ holds a limited academic value that I hope has already been fulfilled by better-written books in this field.

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