I loved the first book and was excited to see if the next lived up to that first effort and, well, it does.

This is a great inventive world: the intertwining of religion, mythology and detection with a world that is somewhat medieval yet completely different makes the description and the background less annoying and more fresh. Our two main characters, Ana and Din, are still figuring out their relationship as boss and assistant, and the limitations put on them by a strictly ordered society adds to the innovation. As for the mystery, it's definitely not cut-and-dried, the twists are never obviously telegraphed. And then there's the Shroud...

eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.

This book series is truly unlike anything else I’ve ever read. From the magic system to the mind bending mystery’s to the giant monsters that could attack at any moment there is not a dull moment! I loved A Drop of Corruption maybe even more than in loved book one. We get to know Din and Ana a little bit more as they tackle a case that defies all logic. A missing persons case soon turns into a murder investigation with political intrigue that will leave you with whip lash. This series is destined to go down as one of the all time greats! A must read for any fantasy or mystery fans.

What I love most about A Drop of Corruption--and Robert Jackson Bennett's ongoing series--is how seamlessly, and seemingly without strain, he integrates various genres. This is a locked-room mystery, but also a Weird fantasy with titans and baroque bio-ecological implications, and a political fantasy with royalty and court intrigue. He then grounds these genre acrobatics in outstanding, engaging character development, and the book races along. It's just a joy to read, despite all of the sophisticated engineering of so many rich thematic and genre ingredients. Highly recommended.

The second book in the Shadow of the Leviathan series builds on the world introduced in The Tainted Cup. Like The Tainted Cup, A Drop of Corruption follows another unique mystery to be solved by the Sherlock-Watson inspired pair, Ana Dolabra and Din. This story revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a treasury officer in a canton at the edge of the Empire. The political machinations of a nation on the brink of absorption into the Empire and the mysterious Shroud lurking in the distance serve as both the context for the mystery and an extension of our knowledge of this new world.

These mysteries feel particularly fresh with the addition of clues that rely on a world we’re still learning. That’s not to say the revelations come out of nowhere- there are enough clues that they can be pieced together, but, for me at least, they’re only clear in hindsight. I’m excited to follow Din and Dolabra in solving more mysteries from this world!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

Ooh, this was every bit as good as the first volume and more. The politics of the empire grows more complex and complicated, the world-building grows in shape, the intrigue is exhilarating. The villain was terrific and terrifying, the writing crisp and delicious. I loved the direction this book took. If you enjoyed the first book, I think you'll have at least as much fun reading this one.

I found Din's development and Ana's characterisation particularly enjoyable (and the scenes evoking classic crime novel tropes? Just, so fun). But then there was the new character, Malo, whom I loved from her first appearance on the page.

Very well constructed mystery elements, excellent fantasy writing, and now I must wait on tenterhooks for whatever comes next (I hope it comes soon).

An enthralling mystery with a captivating cast of characters, set in a magnificent imaginary, sometimes wild, world.

This is my first book from Robert Jackson Bennet.
I hadn't even read the first book of the Ana and Din series, so I did not really know what to expect.

The prologue sets the premises and quickly introduces Ana as "a woman so brilliant she lives most of her days blindfolded and rarely leaves her rooms, for fear that common life shall overwhelm her mind" and Dinios as "assistant investigator to Ana": "his mind is altered so he forgets nothing".

That's all I had to start imagining them: Din is already active from the beginning of the book, so you quickly get a feel for him.
But Ana is always mentioned, everybody waits for her to come and intervene in the investigation, her reputation definitely precedes her, but while the scene is set for the mystery and Din is gathering all the information, Ana has yet to arrive.
And when we meet her, oh what a surprise!!!!
I pictured her superbilliant, but helpless: poor little wimpy genius who needs to live secluded to be protected by external dangers and stimuli (sort of a Minority Report precog). And what a wonder! I don't want to say more as I don't want to spoil it, in case some other reader might approach the book totally unprepared like me: it has been such a pleasant, curious discovery!

As for the overall book, A Drop of Corruption develops the characters of Ana and Din and the Empire's universe, through the story of an apparently unsolvable mystery: someone has disappeared and then found dead, but, the last time he was seen, he was in a room with guards outside his door and all doors and windows were locked. How could someone get in and out to kidnap and kill the victim, if nobody saw anything and if there are no traces of break-in?
As the investigation unfolds and more elements are provided, the scenery gets richer and richer, the settings are put into focus: the Shroud, the jungle, the river, the canals... you almost feel as if you were in the boat with Din. The characters are explored and reveal more of themselves and their realm. I sometimes struggled with the cast of characters, and was getting confused about who was in charge of what and what their stakes were, but the dynamics were so interesting, that at times it didn't even matter anymore. I just enjoyed so much reading about Ana, Din and Malo and how they would deal with whatever was thrown at them.

It's a dark fantasy, with a pervasive sense of gloomy hopelessness: I guess it makes Ana's dedication even more rare and makes you want to read the next books to figure out what her secrets are and if there will be some sort of happy ending, for a better Empire, at the end of the series.
The mystery is well set, clues are provided without leaving any loose ends and without wasting time on useless deceits to confuse the reader.
The best feature of this book for me has been the characters: well thought of, deep and yet revealed little by little with so much more to discover, enhanced with odd and peculiar "superpowers" that slowly chip away at their wholeness in unpredictable ways.

It has been a really intriguing read, combining artfully dark fantasy and crime investigation, with an amazingly rich cast of characters, unveiled little by little through carefully timed revelations.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Touch of Corruption delivers a masterfully crafted world that feels like the lovechild of Attack on Titan and Hell's Paradise - a comparison that doesn't come lightly from me. This follow-up dives deeper into the empire's intricate politics while simultaneously layering on additional mysteries that had me turning pages well into the night.

What truly elevates this narrative is the dynamic relationship between Din and Ana. Their connection defies simple categorization, constantly evolving throughout the story. One moment, they embody a mentor/mentee dynamic; the next, they shift to caregiver roles or display sibling-like exasperation. This fluidity feels authentic rather than contrived, with each evolution emerging naturally from their shared circumstances and growing understanding of each other.

The pacing deserves special mention. Bennett strikes that elusive balance where the story never drags yet still allows for character development and world-building. There are no lulls where I found myself skimming - instead, each scene pulls its weight, either advancing the plot or deepening our understanding of the characters and their fascinating world.

The empire itself continues to unfold in fascinating ways, revealing layers of corruption (as the title suggests) while maintaining an air of mystery that promises more revelations to come. The world-building shows remarkable restraint - giving us enough detail to feel immersed without overwhelming exposition.

I would readily recommend A Touch of Corruption to anyone who appreciates character-driven mysteries set in richly imagined worlds. Fans of complex relationships and settings where the environment itself feels like a character will find much to love here. RJB has really proven himself as a master of blending genre elements into something that feels both familiar and entirely fresh.

A Drop of Corruption is nothing short of a masterpiece—an electrifying blend of breakneck pacing, intricate world-building, and razor-sharp intrigue. From the very first page, Bennett immerses readers in a world teeming with deception, power struggles, and unexpected turns, crafting a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling.
At the heart of this novel lies the enigmatic Shroud, a perilous and mysterious barrier that holds the remains of the colossal Leviathans. The depth of Bennett’s world-building shines through as he unravels the process behind these modifications, offering fascinating insight into the Apoths—the master alchemists responsible for extracting and repurposing these substances. The Shroud isn’t just a scientific curiosity; it’s a political weapon, and its implications ripple through the empire in ways both profound and sinister, adding layers of complexity to an already compelling narrative.
Returning to center stage is the inimitable Ana Dolabra, a detective as brilliant as she is unorthodox. Sharp-witted and endlessly eccentric, she continues to captivate with her peculiar methods and unconventional insights. Bennett deepens her characterization in this installment, offering a richer understanding of her worldview and her evolving perspective on the empire. Her dynamic with Din also takes on new depth, reflecting the natural evolution of their partnership.
Ultimately, A Drop of Corruption delivers everything one could hope for in a sequel—high stakes, intricate mysteries, and characters that continue to evolve in surprising ways.

A drop of corruption is a fantasy mystery novel and the sequel to the tainted cup. I absolutely loved the first book in this series so I was really excited for this one but unfortunately, it disappointed me a bit. Just like with the first book, I still loved the main characters. My main problem was that for some reason I was unable to truly get into the story and was bored.. I do think I might reread this someday to see if my thoughts change and I will still be giving book 3 a chance.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Thrilling, Unforgettable Masterpiece!

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett is an absolute triumph—fast-paced, thought-provoking, and brimming with intrigue. From the very first chapter, Bennett’s masterful world-building and razor-sharp prose pull you into a world of deception, power struggles, and unexpected twists.

The characters are complex and compelling, each driven by their own motivations, making every interaction feel layered and unpredictable. The tension builds beautifully, keeping you on edge as secrets unravel and the stakes grow ever higher. Bennett’s ability to blend political intrigue, rich atmosphere, and deeply human struggles is truly remarkable.

If you love intelligent, gripping storytelling with a perfect balance of action and depth, A Drop of Corruption is a must-read. Highly recommended!

A Drop of Corruption is everything I could want from the sequel to The Tainted Cup. Robert Jackson Bennett brings us another classic detective story in a grim but vibrant world that expands on not only the world but the characters as well.

This book introduces to the world the Shroud, a dangerous and mysterious barrier that contains the corpses of the Leviathans that provide the basis for all the alchemical-like grafts and enhancements that the Empire of Khanum uses. I loved learning more about how the Apoths create those substances and the political implications of the Shroud wove in well with what we already knew about the empire while adding new layers of intrigue.

Our Holmesian detective Ana Dolabra is just as genius, crass and eccentric as she was in the first book. Her strange rituals and peculiar way of putting information together continues to provide entertainment. Aside from her appreciating her wit we also gain a little more understanding of her views on the empire and her relationship with Din. There is a real feeling that they've been working together for some time now, and they both have adapted to that. The duo feels much more cohesive as a unit, as one would expect! I also appreciated seeing Din more comfortable in his role and his internal motivations beginning to seep into the story in ways they hadn't before.

The mystery at the core of the book is full of twists and turns but never lost me. I found myself figuring out the meaning of some important clues while being entirely baffled by others until the moment Ana points out the crucial connection and it all slides into place. The fantastical elements are never used to entirely obscure the truth, only to add another layer of complexity, being told what sort of things could be done in this world before they're used to reveal the culprit's scheme or identity. Just like in the first, it felt no different than reading a mystery centered around some real world field I was unfamiliar with, such as engineering, but was given the crucial parts to understand how it changes the plot.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the first, as well as to fans of classic detective stories like Agatha Christie's and more grounded fantasies. The beginning of the book provides a short introduction to the world, so in theory you could jump into the series in this book, though I think it would be depriving yourself of the masterpiece that is The Tainted Cup.

*Thank you to Del Rey/Random House and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This is an epic fantasy drama where nothing is as it seems. While on the face this is a mystery thriller in the style of Holmes and Watson, the duo of grizzled Ana and intrepid Din diverges as they uncover corruption and explore tangled paths.

At no point did I know where this story was going and I loved every moment of it. Din is funny, brave, oddly relatable, and Ana is strange, foul-mouthed, and keen. The world that Bennett has crafted is one to remember, rich in mythology and intrigue, and the layers of its politics and hierarchies are well-devised. It is a fascinating premise.

I can't tell you how much I loved the first book The Tainted Cup, such an amazing mix for fantasy and crime now book 2 is here with an equaly great crime mystery. After finishing this I am now on the edge of my seat for book 3. Amazing

Eeeeeek! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett, and it absolutely delivered! Packed with sharp wit, breakneck pacing, and unforgettable characters, this story is everything I hoped for and more. Bennett’s worldbuilding is top-notch, and I can’t wait for others to experience this engaging mystery and plot.

While the premise was nice, the writing was... not what I expected. I wanted more from the characters because I felt that what was on the front cover and the front flap was not what we were given.

If you haven't read The Tainted Cup, what are you doing here? Go read it—it's amazing! And the sequel is equally fantastic.

If by the end of book one you were excited to finally meet a Conzulate—the giant, ageless beings— ... well, you won't see them. The story skips the meeting and throws us straight into the next mystery. Some time has passed since the events of the first book, though the exact time jump is never specified.

This time, the intrigue revolves around an Empire representative who vanishes from his heavily guarded room—only to turn up dead miles away in a swamp.

I remember The Tainted Cup being a fairly transparent mystery—I guessed most of the twists long before Din did. A Drop of Corruption improves on that. Occasionally, I’d figure something out, and Din would voice it on the next page. The mystery kept me hooked right up to the end.

I was especially happy to see more of Ana in this book. And wow—she was creepy. I don’t recall her being quite like that in the first one. She remains an enigma, but we get more insight into her and her grafts.

Speaking of grafts, the world-building continues to be great. While this book doesn’t introduce modifications as extensive as the first, the ones we do see are fascinating in their own way. And if the first book felt overwhelming at times, this one is much more digestible.

The atmosphere is absolutely on point. I could feel gloom and doom in my soul.

I highly recommend this book! And if you're craving more fantasy mysteries, The Divine Cities trilogy by Robert Jackson Bennett is another must-read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House / Del Rey, for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"The dead can never be restored...and the drop of corruption that lies within every society shall always persist."
- Ana Dolabra

Robert Jackson Bennett has done! it! again!!!! Ever since reading "The Tainted Cup" last year (and then immediately following it up with the Founders Trilogy and the Divine Cities Trilogy) it's been beyond clear to me that he has a masterful handling of how to write a compelling fantasy novel. His techniques shine even brighter in "A Drop of Corruption", a mystery that pushes the world building all the way to the edge and back. Every character, setting, and detail feels full to bursting; not a single element is extraneous, and all work together to make a tight, snappy mystery that is inextricable from the fantasy itself.

In "A Drop of Corruption", we rejoin Din and Ana in an even more backwater part of the Empire solving an even more elaborate murder with even less evidence to go on. I thought finding a man dead with a tree in his chest was wild; we surge past that almost immediately. Our favorite investigative duo is joined by Malo, an Warden in the city of Yarrow with enhanced senses. She also has enhanced attitude, and her push and pull with Din is a highlight of the book for me -- giving him a chance to shine in banter with someone other than Ana helps a lot in making his character clearer.

Through the book, they discover an enticing web of mysteries; murder and robberies and impersonations that all stack on top of each other. Much like the Shroud -- a terrifying rig both built out of and built to hold the Leviathans the Empire is hunted by -- the story has layers which Bennett slowly but steadily peels back. Unlike other mysteries, he doesn't wait until the end to dump everything on the reader. The revelations are paced out, with a massive one arriving only halfway through the book. This keeps the flow steady and interesting; instead of building up the tension past believability before having Ana simply explain every single part at the end, Bennett feeds the reader naturally, so that the final reveals feel smooth and reasonable.

In my opinion, this book really shines in the world building. Something I've always loved about Bennett's work is his ability to make the fantasy elements integral to the story. Without the grafting and modification he's already established as the rules of this world, the story and the lynchpins of the mystery would fall apart. "A Drop of Corruption" is not a mystery book that someone sprinkled some fantasy elements into -- it is 100% a fantasy+mystery, and would fail entirely if even one part was removed.

This book is perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Agatha Christie, and bisexuality.

A Drop of Corruption was easily one of my most anticipated reads of the year after The Tainted Cup became a top 10 book for me in 2024. I had sky-high expectations—and Robert Jackson Bennett absolutely delivered. In fact, I may have loved this sequel even more than the first book!

The story picks up a few months after the events of The Tainted Cup, reuniting us with the brilliant, sharp-witted Ana and her ever-loyal, easygoing assistant, Din. While this book follows a similar investigative structure as its predecessor, I found myself sinking into the mystery and character development even more quickly, thanks to my familiarity with the world. And what a world it is! Bennett's intricate, richly detailed setting remains as immersive as ever, blending mystery and fantasy in a way that feels utterly unique.

One of the highlights for me was Din’s journey throughout this book—his unwavering loyalty, the unexpected situations he finds himself in, and his dynamic with Ana make for such a compelling read. Their partnership truly shines, balancing Ana’s razor-sharp intellect with Din’s warm, grounded presence. Ana, in particular, continues to be the kind of protagonist I love—relentlessly brilliant, unapologetically herself, and utterly captivating on the page.

As for the mystery itself? Even more layered and intricate than the first book. I was constantly on edge, trying (and failing) to predict where the story was going. Bennett masterfully weaves in clues, misdirections, and revelations that make for an exhilarating, unpredictable ride. This is the kind of book I can’t wait to reread just to see what details I might have missed the first time.

And while the mystery is the heart of the novel, the fantasy elements are just as strong. The worldbuilding is phenomenal—vivid, imaginative, and utterly transportive. The leviathans, the political intrigue, the atmospheric setting—it all adds depth and tension to an already gripping story.

A truly top-tier sequel, A Drop of Corruption takes everything I loved about The Tainted Cup and elevates it. If you were captivated by book one, rest assured—you’re in for an absolute treat with this one.

Huge thanks to Del Rey for the physical ARC and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

I loved it. A worthy follow up to the first book and I am so excited to see what is next in this world and for these characters. Din remained a wonderful character and observer, and I love how the narrative is structured from the POV of the “sidekick” versus being from the mad genius (Ana). The mystery here and new area we explored was a delight and it was cool to expand upon the leviathan lore. Malo was a great addition and added some personality to the dialogue that I appreciated, since Din is absolutely a more subtle character. In the next book, I would love to continue to learn more about Din. I love the way the author seems to effortlessly weave in big ideas, themes, and philosophical questions. It doesn’t feel shoe-horned in or too in-your-face, it’s a perfect balance and added so much to this story.

A thrilling adventure from start to finish!

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review


I really liked book 1, and was a bit afraid book 2 wouldn't be as good as the first, but this one is even better than the previous. I think because by the end, there are some personal revelations I wasn't expecting. Also, the author discusses something I was just talking to a friend this weekend, and it is what makes us human, and that our roots are the same since humanity evolved to populate the Earth. Whether we are gods, kings, servants or investigators, we human beings crave the same basic needs since when we lived in caves. And the plot takes place in a fantasy world, but the essence of what makes the plot move forward is very much similar to things that would happen in our world, too. The author's note in the end ties everything together, and makes clear the importance of writing stories like this.