This was a really great time. I wasn't sure what to expect when I was sent a link to this book and asked to read it. This was a great mystery and I had a great time with the world building and the characters. I definitely will be reading more of Bennett's works in the future.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so much fun! I loved the interesting world, the characters, everything. It did take me a long time to finish but it was definitely not because I was bad. It was entirely me just being lazy to read. I would highly suggest going into this blind like I did, I was asked to read this, and I’m so glad I did! If you do pick it up, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

9 / 10 ✪

https://arefugefromlife.wordpress.com/2024/02/20/the-tainted-cup-by-robert-jackson-bennett-review/

—

<i>” Just wish to comment, ma’am, that, ah, I’ve no idea what’s going on anymore. “</i>

—

While it took me a bit to get into, the Tainted Cup delivers a thrilling plot, a mind-bending mystery, and fantastic world-building over the course of its 400-odd pages.

When a book is really good, the resulting reviews (rants) are either really long or really short. Yeah, I could probably rave about it as the next fantasy Holmes and Watson (as one is very much on narcotics, and the other only ever has a tenuous grasp of what’s really going on), I’ll keep it to a minimum, I promise. The pairing of Din and Ana make such a good team! Ana as a bit aloof, eccentric, and… borderline insane, and Din as quiet, observant, but harboring secrets of his own within.

No notes about the mystery—I thoroughly enjoyed it! No real notes regarding the plot—some hiccups here and there, but nothing to put you off it. The world… took me a bit to get into. It’s different—everything biologically based (such as the technology and infrastructure) that we don’t see too much outside of science fiction. There was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, really the only thing that held this back from being the perfect new series to fall in love with. Don’t get me wrong, you can still fall in love, it might just take a little.

Thank you to the Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books/Del Rey for the opportunity to read an advanced reader’s digital copy (ARC) of “The Tainted Cup: A Novel” by Robert Jackson Bennett, with a publication date of February 6, 2024. First, I apologize for not posting my review before the publication date, but I want to make it clear that "The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett is absolutely worth reading. “The Tainted Cup” is the first sci-fi/fantasy novel I have read by this author, and it will not be the last. When I started reading the book, I did not realize this was the first book in a series. I loved the quirky characters in this novel, Ana Dolabra and Dinos Kol (Din), and I can’t wait to read Book 2. Anna and Din are reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Anna is a blindfolded, eccentric super private investigator with a superior mind, and Din, her trusty sidekick, who is magically altered, has engraving skills that exceed Dr. Watson’s deductive skills. Mr. Bennett did a great job utilizing Ana and Din's specialized cognitive challenges to solve the mystery of who killed an imperial officer & others and why that threatened the Empire. Mr. Bennett built a fantasy world where the lethal killers are humans as well as plants. The graphic and gory death scenes add to the tension and excitement of the novel. This well-plotted saga is full of twists and turns that will keep you engaged and intrigued until the very end. Everyone has secrets and is not who they appear to be.

Is “The Tainted Cup” worth reading? Yes! Are there lots of twists and turns in the novel? Many in this well-plotted saga! "The Tainted Cup" takes a while to get into, but once the story grabs hold, it will not let go. Why is the novel titled "The Tainted Cup? Mr. Bennett does a fantastic job connecting the dots in the mystery to the title, making it clear why "The Tainted Cup" is the perfect name for this book.

If you're looking for a gripping and thrilling read, then "The Tainted Cup" is definitely a book you don't want to miss!

The Tainted Cup offers a refreshing twist on the classic Holmes and Watson dynamic, skillfully blending murder mystery with a fantasy world threatened by Kaiju-level dangers.

The first chapter grabbed me right away by masterfully setting up the initial murder investigation while establishing the intricate world. Dinios Kol's unique investigative skills as an engraver add such an intriguing layer to the story, while Ana Dolabra brings humor, sarcasm, and wit.

I was reminded of The Justice of Kings, by Richard Swan, as both narratives focus on solving a mystery alongside unfolding overarching plots and are narrated from the apprentice's perspective.

In conclusion, "The Tainted Cup" stands out as an enjoyable read, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

<b>4.5 / 5 stars</b>

<i>My sincerest gratitude to Netgalley, Robert Jackson Bennett, and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC received in exchange for an honest review.</i>

RBJ knows how to create a story with great world-building with elements of fantasy. The mystery was written well and I found myself being surprised several times along with the fast pace once the story gets started I couldn't put it down. Although the amount of cursing was a bit much I still enjoyed reading The Tainted Cup.

Picture a narrative that marries the epic scale and existential peril of "Attack on Titan" with the cunning detective work reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes. That's the kind of unique blend Bennett offers, creating a world that's both innovative and full of intrigue, centered around the concept of augments—enhancements that allow its characters to adapt in a dangerous world.

The story kicks off with Din, who's on the trail of what seems to be a straightforward murder but soon discovers a complex tangle of mysteries. The plot focuses on Ana and Din as they investigate the unusual death of an engineer, found with a tree growing from his body. While the murder mystery itself is engaging, it's the characters and the world-building that really make the book shine.

Din is particularly memorable. He has the ability to remember everything, which is both a blessing and a curse. Working alongside Din is Ana, an investigator for the empire with a personality that's as unpredictable as it is brilliant. Described as chaotic and wild, Ana is always several steps ahead—impulsive, ingenious, and always ahead of the curve.

What truly sets "The Tainted Cup" apart is its ability to weave a complex narrative with a backdrop that feels both expansive and intimately detailed. The characters are not just moving within the story; they're living, breathing entities, each with their distinct quirks and complexities.

"The Tainted Cup" excels in creating a believable, detailed world with characters who have depth and complexity. For readers looking for a fantasy book that offers both a compelling mystery and a deep dive into a well-crafted world, "The Tainted Cup" is definitely worth picking up. It's a solid, enjoyable read that combines mystery, character development, and creative world-building in a way that's accessible and captivating.

Thank you to Random House for the eARC! My review will be posted on 2/20/2024.

dnf @50%

objectively well done, I can see why this is an awarded author but for some reason i just wasn’t interested in the story. I can’t even pinpoint what it was about it (i’m not a fantasy person usually but the fantastical elements here are light and easy to follow), it just wasn’t holding my interest. maybe i’ll try this again at some point when i’m more in the mood

<strong>Early Access/NewThrilling Mystery Series </strong>
What an exciting read! This is the first novel of Bennett’s of which I’ve read. Not so sure I’ll read his other series, but I absolutely will pick up any future installments in this one.

I absolutely loved Din, and Anna. Their personalities are so well fleshed out, that by the end of the book, I had the impression as if I had intimately known them for some time now. Yet, I’m left with the sensation that the surface has barely been scratched. Same with The Empire, and the entire world it’s built around.

Although it’s my understanding, this is a new series, it could easily be a standalone by itself. I imagine simply because of the genre, that of "Traditional Detective Mystery", this in itself leads a sense of credibility to this. A murder mystery tends to be solved by the end of the book. There are obvious hints, and situations at the end, that there will be more to follow, as this duo moves forward as Investigator and Investigator Assistant.

In every respect, I vigorously anticipate progressing with this eclectic, and unconventional team! Can’t wait for the next installment and just hope Bennett is a fast writer! 😉

Note: I received early access from NetGalley, for this manuscript, and have at my own discretion and opinion, chosen to post a review.

I couldn’t figure out what I was in the mood to read and kick off my February line-up, I found myself leaning towards Fantasy but also craving mystery. What I didn’t know was just how much The Tainted Cup would satisfy both of these cravings. It gives Sherlock and Watson Vibes paired with Knives Out, two things I absolutely love! We meet Dinios Kol, and Engraver who is magically altered to have perfect memory at the start of his assignment. Din is to work for the eccentric investigator Ana Dolabra. As her assistant, Din would go out to crime scenes and act as her seer. This is because Ana wears a blindfold and never leaves her quarters, but is considered to be the best in her field of work. When an Imperial officer is killed by a tree spontaneously sprouting from his body, Ana and Din are called to investigate. This WHODUNNIT had me invested! Din is so loyal to Ana even when some of her practices really pushed the limits. Although it’s not outright stated on the page (not likely to have a name in this fantastical setting), it appears Din struggles with Dyslexia. Despite his challenges with letters, Din is determined to graduate in rank as an Engraver. The eccentricities paired with her bold and direct way of speaking made Ana and instant fave. Ana and Din could not be more hilariously paired up but despite that, Ana was good for Din. In many ways she saw him for who he really is better than those walking around him not blindfolded. Lastly, the world-building left no stone unturned. Part Fantasy mixed with some elements of Sci-Fi and a healthy dose of mystery, The Tainted Cup is unlike any book I’ve read before. I was hooked on trying to figure out the villain(s) all the while feeling a sense if urgency for the people in this land who were gearing up t protect their walls from a Leviathan (giant sea creatures) attack. Extinction is a daily threat looming over the land building the climax while the mystery surrounding the spontaneous deaths unravels. Listed as the first book in the Shadow Of The Leviathan series on Goodreads, this is one that I’ll be eagerly anticipating!

From the physical structure of the world to the unique botanical magic employed within its (very big) walls, Robert Jackson Bennett has built an undeniably cool sandbox to play around in. This first book of the trilogy is a dynamic fantasy murder mystery that should please longtime RJB fans and newcomers alike.

I’ve always enjoyed Bennett’s sharp dialogue and great character work. Here, I loved the master and apprentice dynamic between Ana and Din. Ana, especially, was a superbly written character. It’s never enough to be told a character is a genius, we have to see it in action and Ana’s genius is all show and no tell.

While I wasn’t always captivated by the mystery at the heart of the book, Bennett builds out the layers of the conspiracy nicely and doles out the twists and reveals in a satisfying manner. I am truly excited to see what the next book has in store, as it seems like Bennett has just scratched the surface of what stories are possible within the Empire of Khanum.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey and NetGalley for an electronic ARC of this novel.

Dinios Kol is an engraver who is newly appointed as the assistant to a brilliant yet highly unconventional detective, Ana Dolabral. He is genetically altered to remember all details of what he has seen. Kol is sent to investigate a mysterious murder of a high ranking engineer, where he is killed when vegetation springs from his body. The Kingdom that they live in is in trouble due to mysterious sea creatures who attack their shore, and the engineers work tirelessly to stave them back and protect the people there.

The detective and her assistant uncover that murder is only a small part of the conspiracy that is going on. I don't want to spoil anything, but the world is unique and while it was sometimes hard to get all the details of the world building straight in my head, it was an entertaining and fun read.

A mystery? In a fantasy world? Sherlock and Holmes comparison? I couldn't be more excited to have this book! It lives up to all of it's hype and drags you in as the plot thickens. I am thrilled to have such a magical new series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for the opportunity to read an early copy of THE TAINTED CUP in exchange for my honest review!

I ate this story up! I pretty much read it in one sitting. This was one of my most anticipated reads for the first half of 2024 and it did not disappoint!

This book carries the familiarity of a crime procedural tv series, with also some bizarre and eccentric elements. The story opens up at a crime scene where the victim has been essentially murdered by a tree?? It's wild. From there, we learn that there's a series of similar crimes taking place and a potential government conspiracy at hand.

The main characters investigating this mystery are Ana and Din, which have very much of a Holmes-Watson dynamic, and also a master (Ana) and apprentice (Din) dynamic. Their partnership is quirky and amusing, and I found myself laughing out loud a few times from their dialogue.

I was really impressed by the pacing of this book. Sometimes with an investigative plot line, the pacing can be much slower, but THE TAINTED CUP had the sweet spot of being a medium-fast paced read and was continually engaging.

The world building was also really intriguing. Besides the series of murders that are happening in this book, there's also the looming threat of these colossal creatures--leviathans--breaching the walls that protect this world. I saw some comments that this book is like Pacific Rim meets Sherlock Holmes, and I feel like that's a pretty good comparison!

As interesting as the leviathan parts of this book were, I did feel like it wasn't as strongly developed as the murder mystery plot line. Even though it has a larger role to play in the background of the story, I wasn't as invested in that part of the world building.

I also wish we had more background/character development for Din and his family. You learn that Din is where he is for the sake of his family, and you learn some secrets about Din that helped him get where he is, all in the name of helping his family. However, we don't even know his family so there wasn't any weight there behind his motivations.

All that to say, I really enjoyed this and I'm excited for whatever comes next from Robert Jackson Bennett!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

RJB is one of my favorite fantasy authors who always creates original, complex, and creative worlds that I just always adore. The Foundryside trilogy is one of my all time favorites series so when I heard we were getting a new book by RJB, I just knew I had to read it as soon as possible.

The amount of rep that RJB puts into his books is so impressive and I adore it. The main characters in The Tainted Cup are neurodivergent, each in their own beautiful way, and even though their government and society does not like people who are different. On top of that, RJB has queer characters in his books, which is amazing and a bonus.

If you are a fan of the dynamic between Sherlock and Watson and the eccentric flare of the movie, Knives Out, and a unique fantasy world filled with murder, mystery, and so many threats, then The Tainted Cup is for you!

I really wanted to like this one, and perhaps it was a case of wrong book at the wrong time, but I just struggled to care about the main characters. And while the mystery seemed intriguing, it wasn’t enough when I wasn’t invested in the characters.

I ended up not finishing this book, though I may give it another chance in the future. I’m rating it in the middle because there was nothing terribly wrong that I noted, other than failing to keep my interest.

The Tainted Cup follows our main character Dinios Kol as he is a recently assigned to the mysterious and infamous Ana Dolabra. Din is an apprentice who has recently been given the magical gift of engraving, the ability to remember everything. With his new assignment to Ana, he is now tasked with solving a gruesome death, but Ana isn’t present with him! Din must capture all the information and report back to Ana at her home where she never leaves and wears a blindfold over her eyes. In this magical retelling of Watson and Holmes, we are taken on a fantastic adventure full of mystery, magic, and murder.

The Tainted Cup was a fun time!! I echo a lot of the sentiments I see from others saying, “it’s no Foundryside.” While this book is a fantastic new adventure it contains a lot of different people, places, and things to keep track of! I enjoyed the plot and the magic system of it all. The biggest reason I’ve given it a 3 star is because I kept getting confused about what characters we were talking to or referring to at any point in the story! Maybe I wasn’t in the right headspace to read this complex story, but I did love it and I had a fun time. I can definitely see myself re-reading it to get a better understanding of what is going on in the story and especially if I read the next book in the series.

“The person an enhancement is paired with is just as important as what enhancement they get. And we get some say in what kind of person we are, Din. We do not pop out of a mold. We change. We self-assemble."

What a ride! The Tainted Cup was intricate mystery with a scifi/fantasy twist. I loved the unlikely duo of Din and Ana. Their dynamic was extremely entertaining and I can’t wait to see them again in the sequel. 4.5 ✨ Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this ARC!

Such a genuinely GOOD fantasy novel. 5 stars is simply not enough and I can’t wait for the next books in the series!

When Din Kol is sent to a death scene by his "boss" Ana, he finds a man dead by the sprout of a tree in the middle of his chest. It's a death made by a contagion that has not been seen in a long time and just doesn't make sense. With a pending threat of gigantic leviathans to the Empire, Ana and Din must solve this case.

First, I wasn't that interested in this book because I really don't care a lot about books being compared to Sherlock Holmes (never liked these stories). But since I loved the world created by the author in Foundryside, I decided to give it a go to see what new fantastical world he invented. And, I love the magic systems that he comes up with. They are akin to science (in Foundryside, coding, in this one, genetic modifications to enhance or create abilities). And they are simply put really cool. And the way that he is able to mesh the world building with the plot is really well done. The world building is done whilst the story is moving forward. In the beginning, it may seem a little jarring because there is no info dump to explain eveything to the reader but while the plot goes forward so does the understanding of the world. It's a highly accessible well crafted book.

I liked Din a lot. He's an interesting character to follow and I really liked the way his "magic" (not only his enhancements but other things that are talked about later on) is used in the murder investigation. But I loved Ana. She has the exact type of humor that I love and she does remind me a lot of Benoit Blanc in Knives Out. And I loved seeing her mind working. The book never says it but it shows you how clever she is - which I love.

One thing that a lot of times annoys me in misteries is that either the story has so many hints that is pretty obvious what happened or the reveals come from nowhere. This book doesn't do either. It leaves bread crumbs to the reader so that it's possible to guess somethings but never the whole picture. And it still leaves space for some really cool reveals that, when thinking upon them, make sense.

I also liked that the "adventure" in this book is self-contained. Yes, it leaves story enough for possible sequels when it comes to Din's and Ana's lives and the Empire. But this story is complete by the end.

Thank you Netgalley, author, and publisher for the ARC.