City of Dreams and Nightmare by Ian Whates

Set in the tiered vertical metropolis of Thaiburley, these excerpts follow a young street-thief named Tom who becomes entangled in high-level conspiracies after witnessing a murder in the city's upper reaches. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of various characters, including Tylus, a specialized law enforcer known as a Kite Guard, and the lethal assassin Dewar. As Tom navigates the dangerous City Below with a former gladiator named Kat, they discover a terrifying threat involving mechanical-organic parasites that are seizing control of local street gangs. These disparate groups must eventually confront the Maker, a mysterious figure orchestrating the city's descent into chaos using advanced, forbidden technology. Ultimately, the story explores the vast social divide between the Heights and the slums, revealing that the city itself is powered by an ancient, sentient force that Tom may have a unique ability to influence.