City of Blades - Robert Jackson Bennett

nA triumphant return to the world of City of Stairs. n 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. n n 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. n n 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.

n n At least, it makes the perfect cover story. n n The truth is that the general has been pressed into service one last time, dispatched to investigate a discovery with the potential to change the world--or destroy it. n n The trouble is that this old soldier isn't sure she's still got what it takes to be the hero.

n n-- Amazon 2016 Best Books of the Year: Mystery & Thrillersn