Thank you, NetGalley, for my advanced reader copy.
My rating: 4.5 stars.

I've never read from this author before, and I realize now that I've been missing out. The Tainted Cup is about a detective named Ana Dolabra and her assistant, Dinios Kol. Together, they investigate the death of an imperial Officer who died. Cause of death, a tree spontaneously erupted from his body. The relationship between Din and Ana is quite unusual, as Din acts as her eyes, collecting evidence and information in her stead as she refuses to leave her home. During this investigation, the two uncover a scheme that threatens the safety of the Empire itself.

I believe the world itself is the best part of this book. It was very detailed and highly intricate. I would even say it should be high fantasy. But it is also 100% a mystery novel. It's not exactly thrilling, but because of the tone of the story and the way it was written, it didn't need to be thrilling. And while I would say this book is way more plot-driven than character-driven, I do believe the characters were well done. Likable, and at some parts, absolutely loveable.

I loved that this story is in the POV of Din, the assistant, rather than the main detective, Ana. The dynamic between these two was enough to get me laughing at a few parts. I loved Ana, and getting to watch her eccentric attitude through the lens of Din's more subtle and exasperated attitude was delightful.

Even after getting a very satisfying ending, I still have so many questions. I'm thrilled that this is the first book in a series because it means I'll be able to revisit it. I still want to know more about the Leviathens and the main characters themselves. I'm so curious to see where the series takes us.

4.5⭐️

1) I will now be reading all of RJB’s backlist because omg this was so good and 2) I cannot believe I have to wait over a year for the next book.

This BLEW me away. The world was so interesting. I mean GIANT leviathans trying to break past the wall at all times?! Body mutations for different enhanced abilities?! The politics of the empire!?

But truly the mystery in this was impeccable. It kept me turning the pages so fast. If I didn’t have life responsibilities (tragic truly) I would have binged this is one day.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for my review.

The Tainted Cup was such a fun and fascinating read! Robert Jackson Bennett’s newest novel is an extremely clever murder mystery in the style of Holmes and Watson. However, it’s set not in London, but in a fictional Empire beset by eco-disasters, contagion and Leviathan invasions.

Here, we follow a brilliant, eccentric middle-aged investigator (and boy is she foul-mouthed) and her brand new assistant who is sweetly earnest and suffering from imposter syndrome. Their dynamic is so diverting that I need Bennett to make this a very long series!

I believe this is my first time reading this particular genre mashup of high fantasy and mystery— not only did it feel wholly original, but I am also so impressed at how natural the world building process felt. Sometimes starting a high fantasy novel requires some mental work, but this novel went down easy from the start. And in the background, Bennett explored themes of imperialism, wealth inequality, and ecological precariousness. In other words, The Tainted Cup was dark and exceedingly relatable.

Highly recommend! I’m already ready for a sequel.

Robert Jackson Bennett (https://www.robertjacksonbennett.com) is the author of more than 10 novels. The Tainted Cup was published a few days ago. It is the 8th book I completed reading in 2024.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence and mature language, I categorize this novel as R.

Dinios Kol is only 20, but has completed training and undergone magical enhancements to become an Imperial Engraver. He has perfect recall of everything he experiences. For the past 4 months, he has been the assistant to Ana Dolabra. Dolabra is a quirky, foul-mouthed, but brilliant detective. They had been handling relatively minor crime cases.

When a death is reported at one of Daretana’s greatest mansions owned by the wealthy Haza family, Dolabra and Kol respond to investigate. They find Commander Taqtasa Blas, a high imperial officer, dead under strange circumstances. As they pursue their investigation, they uncover more deaths that had occurred around the same time as Blas.

Blas had been an engineer. One of those responsible for maintaining the seawalls that keep the leviathans out. There had been a wall failure and an incursion near the time of the deaths. Are they somehow related? Or is the crime connected to the Haza family? Their investigation leads them into danger and multiple discoveries as they search for who is behind the murders.

I enjoyed the 11.5 hours I spent reading this 410-page fantasy. I have had the opportunity to read two other books by Bennett. Those are Foundryside and Shorefall. They were both enjoyable reads. The plot of this novel was different, and I enjoyed it. There is a touch of LBGTQ in the story that doesn’t really add anything, but because it is so minor and near the end of the novel, it does not detract from the story either. The cover art is simple but feels appropriate for this novel. I give this novel a rating of 4.2 (rounded to 4) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

So I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved the fantasy mystery combination. I felt like I was reading Sherlock Holmes, but with magic I am super excited that this could be a series and I can tell you right now I will absolutely be reading these. I did only give it four stars instead of five stars because parts of it I found a little slow overall, it was a solid read, though.

* I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

I want to start off by saying that I think I am in the minority when it comes to Robert Jackson Bennett readers because I wasn't the biggest fan of the Foundryside series. I read them all, and while I found them interesting, I wouldn't say that stuck with me or became my favorites. However, when I saw The Tainted Cup on NetGalley and read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to give this one a chance.

This book, while totally strange, was fast paced and a super quick read for me. I have recently found that I do enjoy the mystery element when done well in fantasy books, and this one definitely was enjoyable.

If I were to be critical, I would say that this just needed MORE. More detail. More explanation. Just more. For example, what are these characters? I know they mention different races with skin color and sizes of noses but WHAT ARE THEY? I feel like they are never described so in my brain I just made them humans with gray skin, because unless I completely missed it somehow, this book just doesn't say. I guess they could be like aliens. Or robots. But I do believe that it never just comes out and says what they are. And also, there is clearly a class system or a something of the like where society is divided by wealth (I would assume based on the gentry), but that isn't explained either. It also never mentions the WHY of the leviathans. Like how they came to be. Why they just are killing them. Where they were before. It's an empire but we have no scope of the outside world at all. And there is this magic system, or maybe it's just alterations, but again, I feel like most of this is just unspoken and left up to the imagination. I just feel like I am left wondering so many things.

And I am aware how negative that sounded, but don't get me wrong, I actually enjoyed this book. The two main characters are both interesting. I loved the banter and Ana's sarcasm most of all. I found them to be a super enjoyable duo. I can also appreciate when a fantasy book doesn't need to make a romance front and center these days. So while this book has a hint of a relationship, that's all it is. It isn't in your face or overdone and does not take away from the story at all. I did see on Reddit that the author said he would like many books in this series, and I would definitely pick them up to read about their adventures across the empire because I do think most of my complaints could be addressed in later books.

So like me, if maybe his other books didn't quite work for you, or if you're a fan of Richard Swan's The Justice of Kings series, I would encourage you to try this one out.

3.5 stars for me. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to read this early.

After reading and really not liking Foundryside, I really thought Robert Jackson Bennett just might not be an author for me. But when I heard about The Tainted Cup, I was really excited by the premise and decided I needed to check it out and give RJB another chance... and my god am I glad I did because I loved The Tainted Cup. This was magnificent. Leviathans? Plants and poisons? Yes please to all of these!

I found myself obsessed with the general world-building and setup: an empire surrounded by seas with Leviathan that need enormous, insane sea walls to keep them out. Anything on a Leviathan/gigantic scale is just so terrifyingly and horrifyingly captivating for me. I also loved the relationship between Din and Ana. Din was also just such a delight and a pretty adorable character overall. I was fascinated by the idea of all these alterations people can do to themselves and how they often do them for the state. Everything about the way this world was crafted and the story was told was masterful and highly entertaining while also constantly filling me with wonder and making me feel like I really couldn't put the book down.

Overall, a highly recommended read from me! Perfect for murder mystery fans and fantasy fans alike!

The Tainted Cup is a pleasing mash of high fantasy and whodunit mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter of our dynamic duo as they set about solving the shocking murder of a high imperial officer.
You will find the magic system is fresh, the characters are vibrant, and sprinkled throughout for good measure? Gargantuan sea monstrosities. We are talking leviathans, people.

Final thoughts? A Holmes and Watson like fantasy that is entertaining, original, and fun. I will be waiting for the next one!!

This is my first book by the author, but it definitely won’t be my last.

I don’t even know how to describe this book. Murder mystery? Fantasy? Coming of age? Yes to all 3 and then some!

The story is driven by a murder mystery. But not just any murder, oh no, unless you count having a tree sprout from inside you and then grow huge, as a typical murder. Tasked with solving this murder are Ana Dolabra and her new assistant, Dinos Kol (Din.)

Ana is kind of like Sherlock Holmes the way she fits together obscure, tiny clues and observations. All while wearing a blindfold to keep from being overstimulated.

Din is an engraver. He has the special ability to sniff from a vial and then engrave everything he
hears and sees into his brain. All he has to do is sniff the same scent again and all those memories come flooding back. I loved this scent memory aspect of the story.

They are kind of in a hurry to solve the murder because they learn even more engineers have been murdered. Engineers, who were working to keep the wall intact to prevent the Leviathons from breaching the kingdom.

So much going on, so well written. The dialogue, the characters, the storyline. I loved everything.

Fantasy detective story. The 2 main characters are Sherlock Homes/Dr. Watson-like: a brilliant but eccentric detective and her less-experienced assistant. But with magic! Interesting characters, good world-building, and a nice twisty plot.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Unlike anything I have read before. I mystery/fantasy book with hints of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christy. I was drawn in to the characters from the start. The world and magic, especially the way plants play such factor was very intriguing. It kept me investing and guess right up until the end. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a review!

I've never read a Robert Jackson Bennett book but I've always heard good things- I am so glad I got this ARC because oh my gosh - it was so incredibly fun to read! I've already checked out another from the library. Consider me a new fan.

The Tainted Cup was a an inventive and intriguing murder mystery set in a world full of strange vegetation, looming leviathans, and augmented people. The mystery itself was engaging and fun to try and solve along side our main characters. Additionally, the world building was fantastic and I look forward to the follow up books expanding on this empire. The world was built out with endearing characters that you want to get to know and continue to watch grow.

I also want to sing praises for this book for filling the very small niche of sci-fi/mystery that I really enjoyed and I know I can recommend to my dad as well. We have very different tastes in books - and I'm always very excited to find things that I know we both enjoy. So extra props for this book hitting that specific Venn Diagram.

I absolutely adored this! You’ve got the allure of a murder mystery with a Watson and Holmes-esque detective duo who also have their own secrets to keep. Then there’s an incredibly fascinating world that’s on defense from mysterious kaijulike creatures that carry biological contamination, their only defense being the protection of these walls with the interior being the most coveted area, giving Attack on Titan vibes. The use of plants and biological tech /magic was well developed, really unique and super interesting. The political intrigue and mystery elements and not knowing who to trust draws you in and keeps you on the edge. Really everything about the world building was so well thought out and easy to just fall into. I wanted to stay in this world with these characters and can’t wait until the next book comes out. And while there is a next book the ending still feels complete and satisfying. In the meantime I need to check out more works from this author!

If you like a fresh and intriguing world with a dystopian edge and a good mystery that will effortlessly pull you in this is one not to be missed.

I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

I was provided an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

Describing this as a magical Sherlock Holmes-Watson style novel is definitely an accurate statement. If you love the socially inept crazy genius that is Sherlock Holmes, you will love Ana. Not to mention her eyes and ears, her connection to the outside world, the seemingly stoic Din.

Oh, and there's also giant leviathans trying to kill everyone.

It doesn't seem like the combination of grounded mystery and wild fantasy should go well together, and yet, they manage to blend quite well. The magical system the author has created here is really interesting and unique, though I would argue that it borders sci-fi technology at times. At the same time, what the reader ultimately cares about are the characters: the conspiracy they are uncovering with this sudden and strange murder and the implications for their society as a whole. At the beginning, the leviathans even feel like more of an afterthought than anything else; they're not really relevant to the plot until later.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this read. This book is a rollercoaster from beginning to end, and it's a ride I don't want to get off just yet.

This is the book that I am going to be recommending to every fantasy reader that I know. With absolutely incredible world-building, fascinating and unique characters that highlight diversity and differently abled people with compassion, and a mystery that had me guessing until the end, The Tainted Cup is magical as a standalone murder mystery or the beginning of what I expect to be an immersive series that will keep me up at night turning pages.

If you love the unique sensibilities of Sherlock Holmes and have a very dry, witty sense of humor, this book is a must read. The world of the Khanum Empire is unlike anything I've ever read before and left me wanting more. This was my first Robert Jackson Bennett book and I am so glad to know that he has an entire backlist for me to devour while I await the next installment in this trilogy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Robert Jackson Bennett, and Random House - Del Rey..

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Wow, I loved this. The world-building is so complex and lush. The characters, in particular Ana and Din, are likable yet realistic and flawed. I particularly like the neurodivergent and LGBTQ representation.

The mystery in this is wild and multi-layered, and left me guessing the whole time. I cannot wait to read more of this series. I highly recommend to fantasy and mystery fans alike.

The Tainted Cup is billed as a Sherlock Holmes-style mystery in a science fiction/fantasy setting. To be honest, I have to join the number of people saying that this book wasn't for me. I hate to do this with any book, ever, but I ended up DNF-ing this book at about 50% and skimming the rest to the end.

The book was written in an exceedingly dry manner. It seems to be some people's cup of tea, but to me, the book was very boring, like I was reading a police or court transcript. None of the characters really grabbed me or begged for me to get attached to them. There were dozens of fantasy terms for everyday things, but nothing was explained. I felt like I'd been dropped in the middle of a sequel or a series - except there was no book before this.

The other thing that bugged me - and I saw at least one other reviewer mention this - the near-constant cussing/swearing. Not by everyone, but by one particular character. First of all...I don't understand why a person on a planet that isn't earth in a sci-fi/fantasy setting would curse like someone from 21st century America. Why would she even know what our swear words are, and why would they mean anything to her? Second...the character is meant to be an older woman in in her late 50s/early 60s. I don't know a single woman in that age range who swears as constantly as this character. She talks like a modern day teenager, not an older woman. I also feel compelled to add something that my best friend says constantly...cursing is not a substitute for a personality. A character constantly swearing doesn't mean that they are interesting or cutting edge or cool. They're just trashy-mouthed with a poor vocabulary.

The bottom line is that for me, this was a painful slog where I felt annoyed most of the time. I don't think I'll probably read another book by this author any time soon. Thank you to Netgalley and Ballanting/Del Ray for the advanced reader's copy. This review was completely voluntary and all opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC of this book!

The Tainted Cup is the first book in a new series that will be great for fantasy and mystery fans alike. This book centers around Ana and Din who are a Sherlock and Holmes-style detective duo in this fantasy world of Daretana. Din is an engraver, someone who has been altered so they can remember pretty much everything, who is assigned to help Ana with a murder investigation. The victim is a lead engineer and was killed by... a tree suddenly growing out of him. We quickly find out this world is plagued by leviathans who try to breach the protective walls every wet season, which has arrived. Now Ana and Din must race against time to solve a murder and figure out how it's connected to the recent breach of the wall. I loved this new world, the Sherlock vibes, and trying to figure out the overall larger mystery and conspiracy plot. Great fun and I can't wait to read more in this world.

DNF at 20%
I thought this might be a hit for me since it combines mystery and fantasy, but sadly that did not happen. I could not get into it no matter how hard I tried which was super disappointing. It has promise, but just not for me.

High fantasies and whodunnits are two of my favorite genres, so I always love when I can find a good mashup of the two. But it’s a tough mix to get right - the author has to build a whole new world and magic system while also creating a compelling mystery that the reader can easily follow. No easy feat!!

I think Robert Jackson Bennett nailed it with THE TAINTED CUP. The world and magic system here are super interesting - in a land reminiscent of India, massive sea monsters try to breach protective walls. If they do, their decaying corpses lend magic to the land. The magic here is all earth and alchemy based; people have augmentations and grafts from plant reagents to give them enhanced abilities.

Bennett has a skill for doling all this info out quite expertly, so that you never feel like you’re getting a huge exposition dump. I felt immersed both in the world and in the murder mystery at the heart of the story.

As for the mystery, it’s a fun one. It starts out small but of course grows to involve a greater conspiracy with lots of twists and turns. Our main character is Dinios Kol, a new assistant investigator with a dry sense of humor who’s been enhanced to have a perfect memory. He’s under the supervision of the kooky and brilliant Ana Dolabra, who I adored. Love my sassy older women detectives!!

I had a great time reading this, and I’m excited to continue with this series and also read Bennett’s backlist now.