DNF pretty early.

Was too bored to understand what was going on. I was just never intrigued and as life was busy, it felt like such an obligation, not a relief or something to look forward to, to even pick the book up.

This book was hard to get through and I only made it 1/4th of the way through. It was so heavy on the dialogue that it left nothing for the actual storytelling to do.

This was one of my favorite books of the year! I find that Bennett’s world building is consistently excellent and that his characters keep me engaged and excited throughout. I can’t wait for the sequel…

An interesting blend of scifi and Sherlock-like murder mystery. The world-building is unique and well-developed characters. Overall, an entertaining story.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really tried many times to read this story. It sounded like a good story but I ended up having to DNF it by 20%. I felt like nothing had really happened that made me want to continue on with the story. I appreicate the chance to review but sadly just felt lost with the world building and the characters didn't hold my attention enough to continue on.

TL;DR: this was an excellent murder mystery with a fantasy/sci-fi spin. I absolutely loved the opening scene (what a terrible -but very cool- way to die), and I was immediately invested in the world-building, characters and overarching mystery. can't believe it took me all year to prioritize, but now I don't have to wait so long for the sequel. Big recommendation.

delightful little murder mystery!! rjb is so good at worldbuilding and thinking about the interlocking politics of a world, and slowly unfurling them for a reader, and this was no exception!! I was so charmed by the whole experience

I have tried to start this book 3 separate times over the past 8 months and I just cannot get into it. The beginning is incredibly dull for me and my interest tapers off quickly.

The Tainted Cup possesses an incredible uniqueness just like his Founders Trilogy did. Yes, it's a play on Holmes-and-Watson, yes, it's a bit gender-bit, and yes, it's got a mystery that keeps you guessing to the very end. The characters are a mystery of their own and many secrets are still maintained by the end of this book. Very much looking forward to the next installment!

Robert Jackson Bennett's The Tainted Cup had an engaging mix of fantasy and mystery that kept me turning pages. I will look forward to the next book in this series.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

**4.5-stars**

Ooo, this was hella entertaining and creative. I am very much looking forward to the next installment, as Ana and Din make the perfect detective duo. This was my first time reading Robert Jackson Bennett and I was impressed from the start. His writing felt, for lack of a better word, substantial. Everything was lush, every description, every characterization, it was a delicious read.

It did take me a minute to feel comfortable with the fantastical setting, as there's a lot to take in, but once I was able to relax into it, I had such a great time. I'm hoping in the 2nd-book that we learn a bit more about the world and all the fantastical elements within it, as I did feel a little unmoored in this at times, NGL.

I did love the blending of a fantastical world with an investigative mystery/thriller. Ana Dolabra, as the lead, more experienced investigator, did remind me a lot of Sand da Glokta from Joe Abercrombie's First Law series. Glokta is one of my most beloved characters from that series, and I have a feeling that I'm going to grow just as attached to Ana. There's something so brilliant about her, but you also feel an underlying sinister nature, even when she's acting on the side of good.

There's a morally grey vibe exuding from her that I'm instantly attracted to. And then there's Dinios Kol, her new assistant. He's such a sweet baby cherub. I know we are just going to see him grow so much. The mystery was also so compelling. I loved how dark it was. People dying as trees erupt from inside their bodies!? What!? I have never read anything like that before.

I'm so excited to continue on with the series. As mentioned above, I am hoping for more world development in the next book. I'd like to learn more about the true nature of the Leviathans and their relationship to the people of Daretana. I feel like we've barely scratched the surface of all this world has to offer. I'm sure it is going to exceed even my wildest expectations.

Thank you to the publisher, Del Rey, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to reading all the things from Robert Jackson Bennett!!

I went into this book with expectations of a good murder mystery in a fantasy world but came out with my mind blown. Ana and Dinios are my new favourite detective duo and their character dynamics were soooo well written. I cannot wait to read more of their adventures in the sequels. The murder mystery itself was soo well handled and I was indeed surprised by the reveals. The world building and the overall vibe or mood set by the writing needs a separate essay because wow!!! I haven’t read such well written and intriguing magic system and world in quite a while and am eagerly looking forward to exploring it further in the future instalments. Overall utterly fascinated and highly recommended

Robert Jackson Bennett’s "The Tainted Cup" has a premise that hooks you right from the start, blending mystery, magic, and a dash of intrigue. It’s an idea with a lot of promise, but the execution doesn’t always hit the mark.

One thing the book does well is pacing. Bennett keeps the story moving at a steady, engaging pace, so it never feels like it’s dragging. The combination of fantasy elements and a mystery plot keeps things interesting enough to hold your attention, even when other aspects don’t quite land.

The characters, for instance, can be pretty inconsistent. Sometimes their actions or personalities shift in ways that don’t quite make sense, which makes it hard to connect with them or get invested in their stories. That lack of consistency also undercuts some of the emotional impact the book could have had. The worldbuilding also feels quite muddled at times. The rules and structure of the world don’t always get the explanation they need.

Overall, though, worth a read--but make sure you're in a mindset to fully pay attention, or you'll miss something important.

"The Tainted Cup" is a gripping and intricately woven story that blends suspense, mystery, and historical elements seamlessly. The plot is compelling, with unexpected twists and a steadily building sense of tension. The characters are well-crafted, each with distinct motivations that add depth to the narrative. While the pacing is mostly strong, some parts of the story feel a bit drawn out, slowing the momentum. Nevertheless, the author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring the setting to life, making it an immersive experience. Overall, it’s an engaging read for fans of thrilling historical fiction, offering both intrigue and emotional depth.

I am a great fan of SFF mystery stories and this one is a corker. I liked everything about it and recommend it highly. Ana Dolabra is a great character too. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that I found the biological enhancements used by the Empire. The sound a bit icky.

I LOVE RJB. He’s such an incredible writer and world builder. I can’t say enough good things about this.

This was a fascinating read and my first book this author. I enjoyed the premise and the mystery. I haven't read a fantasy book like this and I was engaged. When I read books like this I try so hard to figure out the big reveal and I couldn't have been more off! The author did a great job with creating with world and setting the story up from the start. The language is a little more fowl than I usually read, but I was able to look past that and focus on the story.

Thank you to the publisher for contacting me with the NetGalley link.

This book is a captivating and immersive read that hooks you from the first page. The writing is beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and strong character development that makes the story come alive. The plot is well-paced, balancing moments of tension with quieter, reflective scenes that allow the characters to grow. The themes explored are deep and thought-provoking, resonating long after the final page. Whether it's the emotional depth, the twists and turns of the plot, or the unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys rich, engaging stories. Highly recommended.

A wonderful introduction to a Robert Jackson Bennett's new fantasy world, giving you a sense of familiarity while stepping into something new. To succeed in writing a novel that crosses between two genres, it must be able to stand on it's own in both. The mystery aspect of this novel is well crafted and could be retold in a world without magic and still be an engaging story. Din, Ana and the rest of the cast are interesting and characters who stand out and feel unique. This is very solid start to the series and I will be following the rest of the books closely. I believe that this will be a series that continues to grow, just like the magic seen within the novel.

"The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett is my first read by this author, and I was introduced to his work through NetGalley. The novel offers an intriguing blend of fantasy and murder mystery, set in a richly imagined world. I particularly enjoyed the clever plot and the well-drawn characters, especially the dynamic between Ana Dolabra and her assistant, Din. The world-building in "The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett is quite impressive and adds a lot to the overall experience of the novel. Here are a few aspects that stood out: The novel is set in a unique world that blends elements of fantasy and mystery. The detailed descriptions of the environment and the societal structures create a vivid backdrop for the story. Bennett includes many intricate details that make the world feel lived-in and real. From the architecture to the cultural norms, every aspect of the setting is thoughtfully crafted. The incorporation of magical elements into the world-building is seamless and adds an extra layer of intrigue. These elements are well-integrated into the plot and character development, enhancing the overall narrative. The atmosphere of the world is carefully constructed to complement the mystery and suspense of the story. This helps to immerse the reader and heighten the tension throughout the novel. Overall, the world-building in "The Tainted Cup" is one of its strong points, providing a rich and engaging setting that enhances the story and characters. While some parts of the story felt a bit slow, the overall narrative kept me engaged. Bennett's unique take on the genre has piqued my interest, and I look forward to exploring more of his work in the future. #netgalley #thetaintedcup