This engaging and original story is the first in a new fantasy series by the author of The Founders trilogy.

Buckle in and prepare yourself for some hefty worldbuilding, but part of what was admirable about this book was the fresh and unique setting. The Empire of Khanum is arranged like a succession of spoked wheels, with the the wealthiest citizens living in the center, the farthest from the outer ring's sea walls. This is because every wet season, leviathans surface from the deep and try to breach the walls, destroying everything in their path. Branches of the military are dedicated to shoring up and defending the wall from the monstrous titans.

Some people who serve the empire are given grafts or suffusions, altering their abilities in specific ways. Our main character, Din, is an engraver; he has been cerebrally altered to have a perfect eidetic memory of everything he sees and hears. He carries little vials of different scents with him to use as cues to associate with particular memories. With this ability, he acts as the eyes and ears of the exceedingly eccentric, and brilliant, Ana, the investigator to whom he is apprenticed.

The bulk of this novel focuses on a murder investigation Ana and Din undertake, one that winds up with far-reaching political implications. But there's also a lot about the uncertainties of living in a world that is routinely under threat, not only by the titans of the sea, but also contagion, worms, and a host of other worries. It addresses the nature of civilization, and the question of whether people exist to serve their Empire, or vice versa.

One of the highlights of this book is the relationship and banter between Ana and Din (and a few other characters introduced during their investigative proceedings), which are charming and often downright hilarious. Ana is irreverent, Din is sincere. I really wish I could share some quotes here to show just how funny the dialogue is at times, but since this is an ARC, I'm not supposed to until I can check that nothing about them is changed for the final published version.

And as if all of that wasn't enough to secure a place for this book in my esteem, is also included great representation: of disability and neurodiversity, plus the minor romance included was queer.

I highly recommend this refreshing and entertaining tale of a murder mystery that unfolds in a new and interesting fantasy world, and I can't wait to read about what Ana and Din get mixed up in next.

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy. This review will be posted to my blog and Instagram account closer to the book's publication date.

Robert Jackson Bennett is, by far, one of the most unique fantasy authors of our time. The Tainted Cup only proves how versatile the man building worlds, magic systems and characters after such a wondrous series that is The Founders Trilogy. That series kicked ass, and now it’s time to rave about this new series, Shadow of the Leviathan.

Colossal Monsters, yes.
Classic Whodunit, yes.
Fast-paced Mystery, yes.

The strongest quality Bennett has is his the way he makes his characters believable in such a demanding and unique environment. He has a staple in his books that gives the reader comfort knowing they’ll have a fantastic story. The Tainted Cup is awesome in every regard. The setting, story and characters are great. We’ve got an eccentric female detective that is quick to love and exciting group of events that immediately get the story rolling. This is one of those stories that’ll be thinking about for a long time.

I’m pumped to read the sequel. Until then, I’ve gotta read Bennett’s first trilogy, The Divine Cities.

This one astounded me in the most magical and thought provoking ways! If you’d like something resembling Sherlock Holmes but in a twisted dystopian society where the plants are more than just plants… give this a try! The mystery of this story was laid upon us so beautifully woven it leaves you guessing up to the very lasting second. I thought I had it pegged quite a few times. Fantastical world building with political intrigue wrapped into one, this mystery might gobble you up!

This book was not on my radar at all until the publisher reached out to me for a review. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. This fantasy mystery includes an interesting Sherlock Holmes/Dr. Watson type duo, detailed worldbuilding, and a whodunnit that kept me on my toes until the very end.

Ana Dolabra is a foul-mounted eccentric who refuses to leave her home and insists on wearing a blindfold. She uses Dinios Kol, her new assistant, augmented with the ability to remember everything he experiences all connected to a whiff of a certain scent, as her eyes and ears at crime scenes and during interrogations. When an official is found dead with a plant sprouting from his torso - the same plant that previously decimated an entire region of this world - the game is, as they say, afoot.

The set-up, despite heavy worldbuilding and fantasy terminology, immediately grabbed my attention and I read this in just a few days. I was intrigued by the characters, the world, and the intricately plotted mystery and could not put it down. I can’t remember ever reading a mystery set in a fantasy world and it was a fun treat. My only quibble is that I have some questions still about the leviathans that threaten this realm and hope there will be more answers in what I suspect will be a series. Also, and I may be an exception, but modern profanity always pulls me out of a fantasy story.

Well this is in my top three books I’ve read this year. The world building, the mystery, the humor just immaculate. Chef’s kiss. This book isn’t even released yet and I’m salivating for the sequel.
Our main character Din is trial assistant to an quirky, wickedly intelligent investigator in a fantasy world where giant beings called leviathans(think Atlantis Lost Empire underwater creature) break through sea walls, and plants can be purifiers, but also poisons, and keys. After beginning to investigate a death in a “spare” house of a wealthy family, Din and Ana must carefully maneuver their investigation around a (Roman inspired?) world where corruption runs deep in the Empire.
I just loved this book. I loved the mystery. I loved the humor, it reminded me of Sherlock Holmes had he cursed and ate lightly cooked meat. And the character dynamic- just fantastic. The world building is lush and I did struggle a few times, however everything was implied in the context if not explained, and I can’t wait to get more of it.

If Sir Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie were still with us, they would RAVE about this book.

A HUGE thank you to NetGalley and
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this outstanding ARC.

Is Robert Jackson Bennett’s The Tainted Cup a mysterious fantasy or a fantastical mystery? Either way, it’s a compelling read. In a fancy mansion in Daretana, an Imperial officer lies dead, killed when a tree seemingly erupted from his body. It’s a terrifying and impossible death, and one that calls for the talents of investigator Ana Dolabra. Accompanying her is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, who has been magically altered to possess a perfect memory. The two form a Holmes-and-Watson pair, with Kol serving as the hermit-like Dolabra’s eyes, and Dolabra providing the brilliant insights.

Their investigation takes them from abandoned ruins to the mansion of one of the Empire’s leading families, uncovering along the way a long-simmering plot for revenge that reaches into the highest echelons. Bennett does a superb job with world building, creating a land where the Empire and its magic are all that stands between the dreaded Leviathans and the downfall of civilization. Recommended for both fantasy and mystery fans.

(Per the publisher's request, I will not be releasing this review publicly on my blog or elsewhere until the official publication date.)

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I am not being compensated for this review.

Characters « 9.0/10 »

Besides the crazy, hard to pronounce fantasy names, I adored our two main characters—Din and Ana. They were fleshed out well, had great complimentary personalities. I loved Ana’s attitude. She made me laugh on multiple occasions. And the comedic relief provided was much appreciated given the grim circumstances.

Atmosphere « 8.5/10 »

The world-building in this was superb. It’s rich with lore and unique fauna and flora. The settings were easy to envision with the help of great descriptions. The way the world is laid out and the circumstances that required it to be that way was very reminiscent of Attack on Titan and I was so here for it. I didn’t feel as connected to the emotions displayed, but I enjoyed everything nonetheless.

Writing « 9.5/10 »

The writing felt very spot-on with the fantasy feel. Not too modern where it felt like it was supposed to take place in our world, and not too medieval. A nice blend.

Plot « 9.5 »

Bennett does a fantastic job of slamming you with revelations after lulling you with a slow-going investigation where nothing feels like it’s helping progress or relevant pieces of lore or backstory.

Intrigue « 9 »

There were times inbetween the major revelations where I felt a tad bit bored with the world-building, but it never took too long after that to be hit with a whammy that had me keep turning the pages.

Logic « 8 »

For the most part, everything was easy to follow along. But all of the alterations and crafts had me a bit confused sometimes. Along with the similarity of names between the area where the majority of the story takes place and a race? (I’m not sure if that’s the right word for it) of people in the world.

Enjoyment « 9.5 »

Despite my hang-ups on some of the science and the names, I enjoyed this journey so much and I can’t wait for more of the series in the future!

What a fascinating story filled with wild imagery and gorgeous tapestry. Even the characters were unique and woven into the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me a copy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

Warning this book will have to reading all night into the wee hours of the morning.

It is an Agatha Christie neets Sherlock Holmes novel with some added romance thrown in for fun. It also contains sci-fi/fantasy, and occult magic.

There is a lot of vulgar language, so if you are sensitive to that, you might want to take a pass. I just skipped over those unnecessary parts of the dialogue. I don't see why authors feel the need to add that to the dialogue. It is just an unnecessary distraction. One star removed for vulgarity.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and recommend.

Four stars. Worth the read!

Tl:dr
Up for a murder mystery series a la Sherlock Holmes and Watson as the main character with Attack on Titan as a backdrop? Check the Tainted Cup out!

This book continues to prove Bennett’s greatest strengths lay in the world building and characters and it delivers in spades. For those who didn’t like the hectic pacing in Foundryside/The Founders Trilogy will enjoy this book since it is closer to the Divine Cities trilogy’s slower pacing.

The Tainted Cup follows Din, our new assistant investigator, as he goes around engraving murder scenes and testimonies into his memories to report to his boss Ana, an eccentric being. The world have altered people with specific ability such as Din, an engraver, who can remember everything.

The novel’s main focus is Din and Ana investigating the strange murder of a high ranked officer, as that occurs the Empire prepares itself for the wet season when the leviathans behind gigantic walls are the most dangerous. The attention Bennett gives to a world that regularly experiences expected destruction feels believable especially with Din’s growing anxiety as he approaches the wall when the murder case calls for him to broaden the scope.

For those who may worry the novel changes its genre from mystery to action due to the danger of leviathans, have no fear. Bennett doesn’t ever let the novel forget it is a murder mystery. The novel ends with a big bow on the murder case with plenty of open doors for the next two sequel novels.

Full disclaimer: I got an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Thanks Del Rey and NetGallery for the opportunity.

This wasn’t my favorite story. I unfortunately lost interest pretty early and just had a hard time getting into the story. I am thinking others may enjoy it more than me. The co

Thank you to NetGalley, Robert Jackson Bennett; and Del Rey for providing me an advanced reading copy.

Everything I love in fantasy meets everything I love in a classic mystery! I want more of these characters and this complicated, lush and monstrous world!

I received this from netgalley in exchange for a review.

This is one of those books I wish I had larger chunks of reading time to devote to it. I was almost instantly hooked with Din and Ana and learning this new world, which made it a bit difficult for me to focus on the actual mystery - it was a bit like being Din - I saw everything, but it took Ana to put things together. I really enjoyed it though, and I look forward to more books together. I want to know more of this world, and more about the secrets Ana has, and whether or not Din sees Kepheus again.

Mostly I wonder how Ana and Din are going to continue rotting out this corruption Din has now learned about in the world. And learning more about all the different changes that are made to some people, it’s fascinating!

"The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett is a spellbinding fusion of fantasy and classic crime fiction that immerses readers in a mesmerizing world of magic, deceit, and murder. Set in the enigmatic Empire of Daretana, where even trees can become instruments of death, the story follows the eccentric and brilliant detective Ana Dolabra and her steadfast assistant Dinios Kol. Tasked with investigating a bizarre murder involving a tree erupting from a high Imperial officer's body, Ana and Din unravel a complex web of mysteries that threaten the very fabric of their empire.

Bennett’s narrative skill shines through as he masterfully weaves together elements of magic, intrigue, and suspense. Ana Dolabra is a captivating character with a unique approach to solving cases, and her dynamic with Din provides a delightful blend of humor, tension, and camaraderie reminiscent of classic detective duos. The intricate plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, leading them through a labyrinthine journey of unexpected twists and revelations.

The world-building is exceptional, creating an immersive setting that seamlessly blends fantastical elements with the intricacies of a classic mystery. The prose is elegant and evocative, drawing readers into the Empire’s vivid and sometimes haunting landscapes. Bennett's ability to craft a tale that transcends genres is truly commendable.

"The Tainted Cup" showcases Robert Jackson Bennett's storytelling prowess, offering readers a fresh and enchanting take on both fantasy and crime fiction. With its mesmerizing characters, intricately woven plot, and immersive world, this novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling at its finest.

LOVED THIS OFFBEAT Sci-fy Holmes-style mystery!

In Daretana’s there is a very wealthy family, when a high ranking officer is killed inside one of their properties - by a tree growing through his body, a emergency is declared and special and brilliant detective is assigned.

Ana Dolabra is eccentric, acerbic and beyond intelligent. She has chosen a strange student to be her assistant. As Ana steadfastly will not go outside and generally conducts her business blindfolded, Din, her new assistant is her eyes and ears in the empire. Din has the grafts that allow him to remember everything he encounters and just out of school he might be the perfect partner for her.

As the death toll rises. the idea that there is quite a bit more going on beneath the surface. Din needs to juggle a game of thrones-worthy clan as well as plenty of hidden enemies and his own personal secrets. Can the duo solve this mystery and essentially save the empire?

Just amazing what people can create! I love the world that has been built and cannot wait to return. Jackson Bennett drew me in easily and I have fallen in love with Daretana and every in it. If you love sci-fy, mysteries with complicated plots or just want to visit a new world, The Tainted Cup is for you! #RandomHouse #NetGalley #RobertJacklonBennett #Holmes

My favorite line in the whole book! - “The thing about war, boy, is while it happens, you’ve no idea what’s going on—and when it’s over, everyone spends the rest of your life telling you what you did.”

So, starting off, I was interested in this book based off of another review which I think read something like "a mix between Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes"

This was definitely giving off the best vibes of Sherlock Holmes style. To say that the lead investigator was eccentric is putting it mildly. The first few chapters of the book, I was kind of struggling with the world building but I caught on a little bit later. There's a whole lot of moving parts in this book, which made it really fun. The murder mystery had so many layers that I found myself surprised at some of the revelations.

I am impressed with the characters, since I seemed to like all of them in their own little quirky ways.

The ending was a total shock to me, I didn't see that coming at all.

I really got attached to Signum, especially through his struggles and the way he processed information. Ana was an absolute fireball, Every time she spoke I wondered what she was putting together in her head. I will be excited to read the next book when there is one. I am hoping to see more of what an Engraver can do.

A perfect melding of a couple of my favorite genre, blending SFF with murder mystery, The Tainted Cup was a book that I could not put down. The worldbuilding was quite clever, I half-expected a steampunk environment at first since the world seemed to have retrofuturistic technology and esthetics inspired by somewhat 19th-century industrial revolution era combined.
The character development was quite clever. Kol, our narrator is the perfect compliment to the idiosyncratic detective Ana. By the end, my foremost though on it was the quote “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” (--from Casablanca). And, as in all good murder mysteries, the supporting cast of characters were multidimensional. They were people with personalities and motivations and not simply tools to plug a hole in the plot.
There is a chasm in murder mysteries between an obvious who-done-it where you surmise the perpetrator just after finding the corpse, and in opposition, the mystery that doesn't jell where villain is thrown at the reader in the end with little clue and deemed a "curve-ball ending", but so many writers seem to hit one wall or the other. In The Tainted Cup, there is a good balance, adding dimensions and curves to the mystery but still providing clues and having Ana break down the clues to deduce the identity and motivations of the killer or killers.
(I rate it 4.5/5)
The author seems to like trilogies so I'm hoping that this book gets a next installment soon.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Thank you so much to Penguin Random House for access to The Tainted Cup as an arc! I was super intrigued by this one and really excited to give it a shot. I'm giving this a 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4 for Goodreads ratings!).

This book is strong in the sci-fi-murder-mystery vibes, which I can't say I have ever really read before, so I'd say that was quite the unique introduction. This book does have a lot of world building in the beginning as it does have strong sci-fi influences throughout the plot, which made the murder-mystery setting really intriguing! I also loved the character dynamic of Ana and Din; the eccentric-superior/easily-scandalized-subordinate trope is always a win in my book. The author describes them as a "Holmes and Watson style pairing", which I definitely saw in this unique sci-fi/fantasy setting.

I believe this book is the start of a new trilogy, but luckily, this book does not end on a wild cliffhanger; it simply ends with the possibility for the storyline to go wherever Robert Jackson Bennett feels inspired! The Tainted Cup is set to release in February of 2024, so be sure to keep an eye out if a sci-fi/fantasy/murder-mystery sounds like something you might enjoy :)

This is a very Sherlock Holmes meets dystopian and fantasy. Literally have never read anything like it. Kinda reminded me of that movie Knives out! Loved that it was a female Sherlock Holmes as we don’t read that often. & she has a mouth on her! Don’t start reading unless you wanna stay up until ungodly hours reading. Will absorb and suck you in immediately. A fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

I can't believe this book was over 400 pages because I blew through it like is was 150. This was a fun, entertaining, and interesting read. The mystery kept me guessing, the characters were different and interesting, and at times I even laughed out loud. I'm happy to see that this is the first in a series because I absolutely want to keep reading to find out what happens to these characters and to this interesting world that the author has created. Definitely lookig forward to more!