It's difficult to name popular authors specifically for 'city of stairs' fantasy novels. But consider authors like Neil Gaiman who has a knack for creating fantastical and unique settings. While he may not have written a novel directly about a 'city of stairs', his style of writing could potentially be applied to such a concept. There may also be emerging authors in the self - published or small - press world who are delving into this type of story.
One notable feature is the complex world - building. These novels often create intricate cities with unique architectures and social hierarchies. For example, the stairs might be a central part of the city's layout, influencing how people move and interact. Another feature could be the diverse characters. There are likely to be characters from different backgrounds, with their own motives and goals, which adds depth to the story.
In some stories, the area under the stairs can be seen as a sort of in - between space. For the 'boy under the stairs story', it might mean that the boy is in a liminal state. He's not fully part of the main living area upstairs or downstairs, but in this odd, tucked - away place. It could symbolize his isolation from the normal life around him.
Once upon a time, there was a group of kids who played a stairs game. They decided to see who could jump up the stairs the fastest. One kid, Tom, was really confident. He took a big leap at the first step. But then he tripped a bit on the third step. Another kid, Lily, was more careful. She steadily climbed each step. In the end, Lily won because she was consistent and didn't rush.
I'm not entirely sure as 'stairs the game' isn't a widely known mainstream game. It could be a very niche or indie game. Maybe it's about a character's journey up or down a series of stairs, facing various challenges or puzzles on each step.
The clue of the story was the protagonist's growth and exploration. The novel described the protagonist's experience on the steps from childhood to adulthood, showing his growth from an innocent child to a mature and steady youth. On the steps, the protagonist met all kinds of people and experiences, which made him constantly explore his inner world and gradually understand the meaning and value of life. Therefore, the story of the stairs takes the protagonist's growth and exploration as a clue and presents a story full of challenges and growth by telling the protagonist's experience on the stairs.
Since I haven't read the 'A Darkness on the Stairs Novel', it's hard to say precisely. However, it could be about a psychological journey related to the stairs. The 'darkness' might not be just a physical entity but also a symbol of the character's inner turmoil or fears. For example, the stairs could represent a path that the character is hesitant to take, and the 'darkness' could be all the uncertainties and potential threats that lie ahead on that path.