City of Blades

Title : City of Blades (The Divine Cities #2)

Author : Robert Jackson Bennett

Number of Page : 448

Publisher : Jo Fletcher

A generation ago, the city of Voortyashtan was the stronghold of the god of war and death, the birthplace of fearsome supernatural sentinels who killed and subjugated millions.

Now, the city’s god is dead. The city itself lies in ruins. And to its new military occupiers, the once-powerful capital is a wasteland of sectarian violence and bloody uprisings.

So it makes perfect sense that General Turyin Mulaghesh — foul-mouthed hero of the battle of Bulikov, rumored war criminal, ally of an embattled Prime Minister — has been exiled there to count down the days until she can draw her pension and be forgotten.

At least, it makes the perfect cover story.

The truth is that the general has been pressed into service one last time, dispatched to investigate a discovery. For while the city’s god is most certainly dead, something is awakening in Voortyashtan. And someone is determined to make the world tremble at the the city’s awful power again.

Review: 

I did not expect that the main character would change. It also happened several years later after the event of the first book. But, it was so easy getting into the story when the main character was so funny. General Turyin Mulaghesh was so fiery and foul-mouthed, yet she was very cool for an old lady. 

After spending time in Bulikov, we moved to Voortyashtan. The city was a mess with so many ruins under the river. Turyin came to that city under the disguise of a tourist, while the truth was she helped Shara investigating the lost agent of Saypur.

Voortyashtan was the city for the god of war and death which was supposed to be dead. However, during her stay in that city, Turyin found so many divine related things happening mysteriously. She also met someone from her past who reminded her of her gravest trauma. It was a bleak story about a former soldier who learnt to forgive herself and became a hero.

I was getting attached to the characters and the world that the author created. I never found myself bored reading this book. I was so curious and a little bit wary every time Turyin wandering around the city to search for clues. It felt like reading small town detective stories with magic. I love it. So many unexpected revelations, although not as bomb as the last chapter of the first book. 

And Sigrud! He appeared unannounced and I was excited like meeting an old friend. This book made me like Shara, Sigrud, and Turyin even more than before. Those three are definitely strong and memorable characters.

The only complaint I have was one character's death at the end. However, that death will have a big impact to the next book which I could not wait to read. So, the death bothered me and did not bother me at the same time. Yeah, confusing. I don't know what to think about that honestly.

“There's no such thing as a good death ... It's just a dull, stupid thing we all have to do eventually. To ask meaning of it is to ask meaning of a shadow.”

This book is genius seriously. I mean the author. This series might become one of my favorite series of all time. I just need to see what the last book's gonna offer.

5/5