Robert Jackson Bennet has created such a fascinating world in The Tainted Cup. The one thing I found lacking was that it focused so much on the mystery, for a fantasy book, and kept a lot of the world building and lore in the background. We get bit and pieces of it here and there, but it felt like there was so much more to explore about the Leviathans/Titans and the magic of the land. We also have a sci-fi element of body augmentations which I would love more information on. Life how they learned that practice? They talk about the reason they had to implement the practice, but now how. Obviously these were not what the story itself was all about and therefore not elements that were brought to the foreground as often. Since this is a series, I do hope it expands past the mystery we followed and we get to really explore the world and its history in the upcoming sequels. I think there is much for us and the our main character to learn. I loved Din and Ana, they were so quirky and so different than many main characters you see in a lot of fantasy series. They each have their own very neurodivergent traits and can see where the Sherlock Holmes comp comes from. The main plot, the mystery, was very engaging. I usually pride myself in being able to find the pattern in stories and pick up on the little hints being put down, but Bennet did such a good job at hiding the hints in plan sight that when they were brought back up later everything fit well together. I didn’t feel like it was being jammed together just to make the story work. A lot of book, especially fantasy, that have come out recently have left me feeling unexcited and leaving final judgement until the second book comes out, but I am pleased to say that I was surprised and how much I really did enjoy The Tainted Cup and am looking forward to book 2 and the expansion of this world.

The Tainted Cup is a very well written fantasy mystery series starter by Robert Jackson Bennett. Released 6th Feb 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint, it's 432 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out fourth quarter 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is an engagingly constructed classic murder mystery starting with the extremely outré death of an imperial officer. The world building and magical systems are well wrought and believable (in context).

It's a Holmes and Watson homage in some ways, with an eccentric, abrasive, and super brilliant sleuth, Ana Dolabra, who is assisted by an assistant with perfect memory recall as a sort of Watson character.

The setup seems like a bit of a everything-including-the-kitchen-sink conglomeration of genres, including a heaping dose of political fantasy, but the author has a prodigious imagination and it really manages to span mystery/fantasy/political structure as a cohesive whole.

Four and a half stars. The language and violence are R-rated, but not used egregiously. It would make an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home reading, or gift giving. A second volume is due out in 1st quarter 2025.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This was an interesting story! The world was immaculate, filled with a magic-type system that mixed bits of science with the classics we know, as well as some new elements. I really enjoyed that aspect. It added a lot to the investigation throughout.

While the characters were fun to follow, and I laughed quite a few times at Ana’s comments, I didn’t feel attached to any of them. They were in quite the dire situation and I wasn’t exactly worried, but did want them to survive. I think I could have used a bit more relationship building and internal thought from them. That being said, they kept my interest with their actions and dialogue.

Back to the world building- incredible. It has the makings of a fantastic epic with the additive of mystery. Very cool concept.

Overall, I enjoyed my read of this book and plan on reading the next in the series to find out more about the Leviathans and hopefully get to know the cast better!

Once again Robert Jackson Bennett has created a very unique world that you can't help but want to explore. You can also tell his love of the mystery novel with how he crafts his characters and plot for this first entry in a new world. Although I say first entry it reads as a standalone thought, but if you are someone who likes to know a world fairly well after a first read you might be disappointed. I personally am not a big mystery reader but found this one fairly engaging, and liked it enough that I will read future entries.

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett is a wild ride through a brilliantly imagined world where fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and a bit of horror collide. The story follows Din, a rookie investigator with a perfect memory, as he teams up with his eccentric mentor, Ana, to solve a bizarre case—someone’s been killed, and a tree is growing out of their body. As they dig deeper, more strange deaths and eerie contagions come to light, with the looming threat of giant leviathans making things even more intense.

Bennett’s world-building is rich and detailed, full of genetic enhancements and weird naming conventions, which might take a bit to get used to, but it's totally worth the effort. Once you’re in, the story’s fast pace and intriguing characters—especially the sharp and witty Ana—keep you hooked.

If you’re into stories like Sherlock and Watson or enjoy a good mix of mystery, fantasy, and existential danger, this book is for you. Plus, it’s got some deep themes about power and difference that hit close to home. The Tainted Cup is a unique, thought-provoking read that you won’t want to miss. Highly recommended. This was my first book by Bennett (though of course I've always meant to read him) and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from him!

Thank you to NetGalley, Robert Jackson Bennett, and Ballanetine | Del Rey for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

One of the standout aspects of the book is that, despite being the first in a series, it works well as a standalone novel. The ending felt complete and satisfying, which is always a plus when starting a new series. The book is quite lengthy, and while it felt a bit drawn-out at times, I think that might have more to do with my own struggle to focus during a minor depressive episode than with any issue inherent to the book itself.

What struck me most was how the book reminded me of Knives Out. It had that same mix of intricate plotting and richly developed characters, each with their own secrets. The magical elements added a unique twist, but the underlying suspense and mystery kept me hooked in a similar way. It was like Knives Out met a fantastical realm, and I loved the fusion of genres.

Overall, The Tainted Cup is a solid read that balances mystery and fantasy effectively. It left me eager to see where the series will go next, but also satisfied with how it wrapped up. I’m looking forward to diving into the next installment, hoping it continues to deliver that thrilling blend of intrigue and magic.

"The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett is an absolute masterpiece, deserving of every one of its five stars. From the very first page, Bennett's masterful storytelling and vivid world-building draw you into a realm brimming with intrigue, mystery, and richly developed characters. The plot twists and turns with impeccable pacing, keeping you on the edge of your seat and eagerly turning pages. Each character is meticulously crafted, their motivations and arcs deeply compelling, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their fates. Bennett's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting scenes with such clarity and beauty that you feel transported into the heart of the story. "The Tainted Cup" is a triumph of fantasy literature, a must-read for any fan of the genre, and a testament to Bennett's extraordinary writing.

THIS WAS FUN! Think classic British mysteries mixed with scifi and you have The Tainted Cup. I want more immediately with the characters or even set in the world.

I was so excited for this book! World building was really solid and I loved the mash up of the fantasy and thriller genres. Will definitely recommend!

Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Tainted Cup is an intriguing blend of mystery and fantasy that offers readers a captivating world to explore. The novel's premise, centered around a peculiar murder investigation in a city threatened by monstrous leviathans, is undeniably captivating. Bennett's world-building is imaginative and immersive, creating a unique setting that sets the stage for a compelling narrative.

The characters, particularly the dynamic duo of Dinos Kol and Ana Dolabra, are well-developed and contribute to the story's intrigue. Their contrasting personalities and complementary skill sets create a compelling partnership. The mystery itself is cleverly constructed, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged. While the pacing is generally strong, there are moments when the plot feels slightly convoluted, which could potentially disrupt the reader's immersion.

Overall, The Tainted Cup is a promising start to a new series. Bennett's talent for world-building and character development shines through, and the mystery at the heart of the story is undeniably intriguing. While the novel has room for improvement in terms of pacing and plot complexity, it offers a solid foundation for what could become a truly exceptional series. Fans of fantasy and mystery alike will find much to appreciate in this novel.

DNF @ 38%. I really thought I would enjoy this because it’s a murder mystery in an in-depth fantasy setting. But I am just honestly not vibing with it because I can’t keep track. The few characters are interesting, but so far I don’t care enough to continue.

I would like to thank Random House for providing a digital copy of this novel by Robert Jackson Bennett. This is his first foray into murder mystery territory. I much enjoyed the Founders trilogy with its intricate magic system. This was a lot different. Ana Dolabra is a private investigator. Joined by her assistant, Dinios Kol, they are tasked with solving the most peculiar case: a high ranking officer passes away after a tree is seen growing form his body. Things get even more complicated when several officials are eliminated in similar fashion. The author does a good job of keeping the reader interested in the world and its characters. By the book’s end we get the answers we were seeking. The execution was done pretty well as the ending felt organic to the plot and characters. I would highly recommend.

As a fan of his previous work, this book is going to start an all new fan base. Unique "magic" mixed with alchemy and Sherlock Holmes? What's not to like. Read this if you're interested in fantasy and mystery sipping from the same glass.

Thank you to Random House and netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. As a huge Robert Jackson Bennett fan, I was really looking forward to diving into a new world with him. Unfortunately, I spent 5 months not reading this book. Loads of people love this book but I just felt like neither of the characters clicked with me. The setting was fantastic though but ultimately after failing to finish it for 6 months, I had to put it in the lemmed pile.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in return for an honest review.

Overall, this book was very interesting and unique. I didn’t connect to the characters as I would like to and it made the story feel so much longer. You follow Din who can recall memories and use it to help solve cases. You are following a murder investigation throughout the story. I think I would have connected more to the characters if i physically read the book instead of listening to the audiobook.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions contained within are my own.

Full disclosure: my reading year in 2024 has been, so far, a little subpar. I don’t know if that’s because I’m coming out of a reading slump or I’m just not vibing with the books I’m picking to read. By this time in the year, I usually have quite a few reads that I absolutely loved and, before reading this book, I only had four.

Thankfully, The Tainted Cup brought that number up to five! This a mash up of fantasy and murder mystery which, when I first read that, had me hesitating. I love a good fantasy and I love a good murder mystery. But mashed together?? I was unsure. Robert Jackson Bennett proved my hesitations to be unfounded, though, because this was such an immersive, enticing mix!

We follow a young man named Dinios, who is the new assistant to perhaps one of the most eccentric investigators in all of Daretana. Din is the strong, silent type and Ana, our brilliant investigator is very much the opposite. But she also refuses to leave her house, so Din is sent out to conduct an crime scene investigation at a manor house that kicks off the events of this novel. He soon finds himself wrapped up in politics, murder, and secrets that could leave both himself and his strange boss in more trouble than they can handle.

I always find it so hard to talk about five star reads because what can I say other than PLEASE READ THIS NOW?! I want to be coherent and, at the same time, I just want to shove this book in everyone’s hands and yell gibberish at them until they read just to get me to go away 😂 Possibly effective, but most people would rather have a proper review, ya know? So what did I love so much about this book? Everything, honestly, but let’s try and break this down into digestible pieces, haha.

Let’s start with the characters. I adored Din and Ana so much! They are billed as a Holmes-Watson kind of pair and I definitely have to agree. Din is such a wonderful contrast for Ana’s quirks and vice versa. As a pair, they just work, but they are also solid and complex characters on their own. It was fascinating learning about Din’s abilities and his background as he did all of Ana’s dirty work. It was a riot watching Ana work while everyone around her thought she was mad. They are so dynamic and intriguing that they pulled me into this story through sheer force of character.

That doesn’t mean that the story is lacking, however. This is a blend of fantasy and murder mystery that, like Ana and Din, just works. There was a solid amount of worldbuilding that kept me engaged with the story, but it didn’t overwhelm the joy of following along with the clues as the investigation went along. The author did a fantastic job of blending these genres together in a package that had me chomping at the bit for the next book in the series! The world felt unique, the mystery kept me guessing, and the brand of humor that was sprinkled throughout was just my speed. Honestly, this book felt like it was made for me and I ain’t mad about it.

Overall, this book is most definitely going to end up in my top books of the year and I cannot wait until the next installment in Din and Ana’s story!

This was original and wonderful. A mystery unlike anything I expected with characters who did not disappoint. The magic system was beautiful, I loved the idea of the engraver, and Ana’s ability to put clues together while blindfolded is hysterical. The fantasy world wasn’t well explained, and a lot of the political details were over my head but neither were overly necessary for an enjoyable read. It reads a tad like Sherlock Holmes, but will keep you guessing the entire time!

I received an advance review copy for free from the publisher via Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sadly this book was not for me I had to DNF at about 20%, while I found the concept to be very interesting I just was not connecting with the story or the characters.

The Tainted Cup is a book told from the perspective of Din, an apprentice investigator who is tasked, along with his mentor, with investigating a particularly unusual death in which a tree has sprouted from the victim. The mystery takes unexpected turns that reveal additional deaths within the empire.

Robert Jackson Bennett has created a rich, imaginative world that includes individual genetic enhancements for a variety of physical and sensory upgrades. This technology can also be corrupted into organic contagions. Add in the looming threat of gigantic, dangerous leviathans and you have the makings of an intriguing story. The book is a wonderful genre mash-up, combining elements of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and a splash of horror successfully.

There is a barrier to entry here though with which some readers unfamiliar with high fantasy may struggle. There is significant world-building and unusual naming conventions to adjust to which require patience and diligence. However, that patience is rewarded with rich characters and a quick pace in the back half of the book. Din’s mentor, Ana, was a particular favorite of mine. Her intelligence is matched only by her brash demeanor yet she still truly cares for Din and her job.

The Tainted Cup is a unique book that is hard to compare to others. In some ways, the pacing felt similarly to Ink Blood Sister Scribe which also took time for me to become fully immersed in but which I also ultimately enjoyed. Readers who can invest time and attention into Bennett’s world will likely enjoy the results.

The Tainted Cup released February 6, 2024. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine for the advanced reader copy.

This is unlike any book I've ever read! It is fantasy, but it is a mystery, and it is almost sci-fi as well. There are monsters, characters you love, and those you learn to hate.
The characters are so well written and the world-building is fantastic. I could feel and see the places that Bennett was taking us.
I loved the intrigue and suspense that the story provided! I am really looking forward to the next installment and getting back to these characters to discover what will become of them and their world.