Atmosphericly, this book delivered everything I could have hoped for. The supernatural and technological side felt very bio-mantically driven with a splash (or gallon) of body horror to color it. Darkly whimsical, we follow Sherlock and Watson-esque duo and they’re called on to solve a series of cases in which trees spontaneously erupt from the bodies of unsuspecting victims. And much like many of the Sherlockian mysteries, the solve is far beyond the typical reader’s capacity to solve, which isn’t my favorite mystery narrative.

Even so I did love the characters, the unique magic, and the dark tinge to the world it takes place in. I’m definitely hooked for book two!

This is a fun murder mystery in a fantasy setting. The story follows Din and Ana as they investigate a series of connected murders. The world-building by the author is fantastic and the alterations of this world are really unique. I loved the relationship of Ana and Din. The characters are so different that they worked well as a team. The humor thrown in made me giggle and was very enjoyable. There is just something about the story that made me not love it. Although the fantasy aspects were great, I did feel a bit confused at times and I thought the story was a bit slow about the halfway point. If you love fantasy and murder mysteries, I think you will enjoy this read.

Do you like Knives Out? Do you like Sherlock Holmes and Watson?

Yes? Then you’ll love this book!

It’s a murder in a fantasy world that focuses on slowly unwrapping the mystery through details not surprising revelations.

While the character development is a little lacking, this book is best taken at face value.

Since Ana and Din are the main characters, if you don’t like their dynamic or as annoyed by their personalities, you won’t like this book.

I want to start by saying I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a unique twist on a Sherlock Holmes retelling. I am usually a character driven reader, however the world for this book was very engaging. I loved the use of plants as a form of poison and I genuinely look forward to seeing more from this world and its leviathan.

"We do these ugly, dull things for a reason—to make a space where folk can live, celebrate, and know joy and love."

That quote changed my life, to be completely honest. I’ve never seen the reason for the constant work and suffering we put ourselves through summed up so elegantly, and that is just one of many stunning moments in The Tainted Cup, the first of Robert Jackson Bennett’s newest fantasy series. This story combines everyone’s love for a classic Sherlock Holmes/Knives Out mystery with a lush dark fantasy world, and the meshing of serious plot lines with moments of comedic relief and genuine human connection is signature RBJ.

In Daretana, a city in the empire in which this story takes place, young Dinios Kol is the assistant to the eccentric, reclusive, and overall bizarre investigator Ana Dolabra. When an Imperial officer is killed, the two of them (but mostly Din) are called onto the job. Mixed in with their delve into the schemes and politics of the gentry society is the constant looming threat of leviathans – gargantuan monsters that lurk in the oceans just past the sea walls. It isn’t long before multiple murders become connected to a sudden influx of sea wall breaches, and Din and Ana must work to unravel the mystery before the leviathans make a breach too large for the empire’s defenses to stop.

One of my favorite parts of this story was the magic system. It has two main components: plants that have been altered to serve multiple purposes, such as air conditioning for homes or anti-entry defenses, and then human alterations, known as grafts and suffusions. Din is an engraver, a class of altered human that gives one a permanent eidetic memory. This makes him particularly useful to Ana, as he can be sent out to crime scenes and report back to her without any missing or fallible information. He is exasperated, long-suffering, and, quite honestly, one of my favorite RBJ characters. Din has a dry humor and a soft heart, and is very easy to connect with as the reader. I also enjoyed the other characters – everyone was very memorable and well-crafted, and even those who were already dead when we met them had personalities that showed through in the writing.

The human-based system was very fleshed out, although I do wish there had been more page time for characters who were classes other than engravers, just to be able to see how they all interact in this world. Each engraver we saw had a different method of calling back their memories, which I thought was a very nice touch that gave a bit more identity to each character. The altered plants were another thing I wish we had gotten more of; I expected more prevalence for the plants that, in the beginning, were painted as if they had a lot of relevance to the story.

These are very minor critiques, though, and ones that I am sure will be resolved in the following book. I loved the characters, the magic, and the unravelling of the murder mystery. The Tainted Cup is a great start to an intricate new fantasy series that beautifully intertwines humorous investigator-and-assistant shenanigans with the dark overtones of a greater threat, and as with any RBJ book, I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Robert Jackson Bennett's "The Tainted Cup" isn't just a fantasy novel; it's an immersive experience. Bennett masterfully crafts a world that feels both alien and strangely familiar, steeped in rich history and brimming with fascinating details. From the towering, bioluminescent trees to the intricate political landscape, every element feels meticulously constructed and utterly believable.

The magic system, centered around a mysterious substance called arborium, is particularly captivating. The way arborium interacts with the environment and the characters' bodies is both imaginative and unsettling. Bennett doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of this power source, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the world-building.

But "The Tainted Cup" is more than just a world; it's populated by characters you can truly root for. Din, the apprentice investigator, is endearingly awkward and relatable. His unwavering loyalty and sharp mind make him a fantastic protagonist. Ana Dolabra, his mentor, is a character unlike any other. Her gruff exterior hides a brilliant mind and a surprising amount of heart. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each with their own motivations and quirks that contribute to the richness of the narrative.

The central mystery itself is a masterclass in suspense. Bennett lays out clues with a masterful hand, keeping you guessing until the very end. The investigation takes you on a thrilling journey through this fascinating world, unraveling secrets and confronting dangerous forces along the way.

"The Tainted Cup" is a must-read for any fan of fantasy fiction. Bennett's masterful world-building, unforgettable characters, and gripping mystery combine to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of his work or new to his writing, this book is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for allowing me to read and review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book!
This was a fantasy type of book that I was less familiar with than the other fantasy type of books and/or other genre books. I have often read fantasy/romance type "romantasy" books, but this book was less romantic than simply fantasy with a world that was richly built and characters with lots of backstory and action and adventure across this story and narrative.

This was such a weird and fun book! The fantasy setting has so many strange elements to it, but the characters are fascinating and the plot is a fast-paced murder mystery. This book feels different from the Foundryside trilogy but some characteristics of the writing are the same (some humor, interesting character interactions, detailed world). I’ll definitely read the sequel! Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.

This isn't my first experience with Robert Jackson Bennett. I read one of his books several years ago, and it was nothing like this. Although, really, I don't know if there is anything like this. I savored this, and I finally ran out of pages, and I am craving a new book set in this world. Bennett knows how to write a mood, and this world is so dark and strange. Huge monsters are constantly threatening their lives, and the people still have time for all kinds of intrigue.
This is a murder mystery, and it follows all the rules of that genre while offering a world with completely different rules. Din is an engraver; he can memorize an insane amount of details. He is Ana's apprentice, and she is wild, brilliant, abrasive, and mysterious in her own way. They are perfect companions for solving this case, and I really hope this turns into a series.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

I finally dove into this Fantasy Mystery and was blown away. Robert Jackson Bennett has created a wonderfully original fantasy world. It has magical creatures and plants, altered humans, politics and dangerous threats from corrupt humans and the natural world. The creativity of this book is OFF THE CHARTS. I LOVED the main character's narrative voice. I LOVED the dynamic he had with his supervisor. RJB has crafted the perfect slow burn mystery. I was SO EAGER to solve the whodunit, but I appreciated that he methodically unraveled the details, lining everything up for the ultimate big reveal. As a reader who consumes 100+ books every year, this is a story that will stand out and that I will remember. I am so happy this is the first in a series, but man how can I wait for the story to continue?

I hate to say it but this one just didn’t work for me. I struggled through most of it and just never felt connected.

This is my first review after a long hiatus from writing them, but I knew that when I came back The Tainted Cup would be one of my first books to tackle. I loved this book so much. So much in fact, I read it as an ARC, and then turned around and purchased it when it came out so that I read it yet again. Our story opens on Dinios Kol arriving at a murder scene. Not your typical murder scene, mind you. Din is presented with a the scene of a man killed by a tree sprouting from his body. Yes, you read that right. Intrigued? What follows is a sweeping story full of magic, intrigue and plenty of danger as well.

I really loved how Robert Jackson Bennett laid out this entire plot. I've already mentioned how quickly it moves, but it doesn't do it at the expense of the reader. We meet Ana Dolabra, Din's boss, and discover that she is an eccentric but utterly brilliant investigator. Our protagonists are tasked with uncovering a most sinister plot, before more people are murdered. If that weren't enough though, Bennett also throws in the very real threat of a leviathan bombarding the city, the further into the rainy season this investigation goes. Ana's intellectual prowess, combined with Din's ability to engrave memories down to the most minute detail, make for a fascinating storyline. This book is impossible to put down once you've started, I can tell you that.

Truly I could gush about the magic system, and the world building, and even the secondary characters for ages. They are all perfectly executed. I'll resist though, and leave all of that for you to uncover. What I will say, is that Robert Jackson Bennett always climbs to the top of my read list because his books are my favorite kind of Fantasy: accessible Fantasy. They are vibrant and fascinating, but also written in a way that any person can come right in and cozy down into. The Tainted Cup is a sweeping Fantasy story, but it doesn't feel cold and unapproachable, and I love it for that.

I am very excited to read the next book in this series! A super unique death, some magic, a fun mystery duo (Ana and Dinios) unlike I have seen in previous detective stories, and good representation. It was well written and generally fast paced!

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC!

I really wanted to love this book but I had a hard time getting through it. I felt like the world building was confusing for me and I had trouble with the characters and the story. The writing as usual was well done.

"The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett is a fusion of fantasy and murder mystery. Set in a richly imagined world, the story follows the dynamic duo of Dinius Kol and his employer Ana Dolabra, a brilliant investigator, as they unravel a complex and high-stakes case.

The unique concept of botanically altered humans possessing extraordinary abilities adds depth and intrigue to the story. As the mystery unfolds, the author weaves in elements of political intrigue and societal hierarchies, creating a multi-layered tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

The Tainted Cup has well-developed characters and ingenious world-building, this is a must-read for fans of both fantasy and detective fiction. Bennett's ability to combine these genres so seamlessly is a testament to his skill as a storyteller, and the result is a truly enjoyable and satisfying read.

Robert Jackson Bennett has been on my radar since the completion of the Founders trilogy. I still haven't read it but when I started seeing buzz surrounding his new murder mystery I immediately requested an ARC. I received my ARC after publication date but was still so excited to read this one. Safe to say I will definitely be checking out Bennet’s beloved trilogy soon.

The Tainted Cup is a genre bending start of a series that I am here for. A unique magic system and fantasy world in which our protagonist interns for an extremely eccentric investigator. This murder mystery offered what I would envision if Emily Wilde and Sherlock Holmes collaborated on an investigation.

I really enjoyed the magical elements and the checks and balances the characters must endure when augmenting their magical abilities. I also love natural based magic environments and this book is an apothecary’s dream.

I am looking forward to the continuation of this series and really hoping to dive deeper into the life and blossoming relationship of our beloved investigator and her assistant.

Thank you to Del Rey and Netgalley for an opportunity to review this book, all opinions are my own.

This book is set in a new fantasy world, similar to Bennett's previous series, The Founders trilogy. Like those stories, this Empire is a feudal society, but magic is used primarily to alter and enhance human beings, endowing them with fantastical abilities (which are not always visible upon first inspection). It is also a murder mystery, an unusual genre in a fantasy.

The investigative team is Ana Dolabra, a brilliant, eccentric detective, and her assistant Dinios Kol. It is not clear how Ana has been modified, but Din has become an engraver: he is capable of permanently remembering everything he has experienced. From the beginning, he finds himself in one challenging new environment after another. His path from innocence to experience is central to the narrative. But the story also involves a horrifying contagion that kills by erupting into a tree from inside the victim's body, a powerful clan with dark secrets, and Ana's secret mission which is only revealed at the end.

The resolution of the mystery is finally fully revealed in a climactic scene that puts Ana and Din in mortal danger. At the same time, a dangerous leviathan threatens the stability of the Empire itself. While the murder is fully resolved, the final chapters also set up Ana and Din for future adventures.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader's Copy.

Although it took me a minute to wrap my head around, the author did a good job in developing a fantastical setting that was fun to get lost in. Well developed characters and a thoughtful and entertaining whodunit. This is a great vacation read with a satisfying ending.

Magic and mystery the best combination!

Din is an apprentice to Ana, an investigator that everyone thinks has lost her mind and has been punished to live in the outer rings closest to the water. It is his job to record all details during investigations. Being in a small village not much exciting happens until a high ranking man is murdered by a tree. It is now Din and Ana to find the truth.

The more answers just lead to more questions! Corruption, greed, and the need for power (story as old as time).