A Drop of Corruption is a masterful book.

Robert Jackson Bennett is, perhaps, my favorite worldbuilder writing fantasy today. Part of it is due to how dynamic his world is. He’s willing to show how they advance, in both magic and technology, far more than you usually see in the genre. And part of it is due to how incomprehensible his worlds are. He does as good a job of any author I’ve read of portraying things that are just at the edge of human comprehension. Things we can see, but not truly understand. Things that seem great, complicated, and terrible. Both those strengths shine in this book.

And the mystery, the mystery is plotted out wonderfully. There’s always such a delicate line that must be walked with them. To drop enough clues that the readers can follow along, and that it’s understandable how the character can solve it, without making the answers too obvious is no simple thing. But Bennett has now nailed that balance in both books of this series, and it’s been deeply satisfying both times.

And, of course, there are the themes woven throughout the book. Justice, how it’s delivered and why it’s important. Governance, and how it should be pursued. The benefits and drawbacks of spreading power, the benefits and drawbacks of concentrating it. Sometimes the commentary is as subtle as the smallest clue an investigation might turn up, sometimes it’s as subtle as a brick to the face. But it adds more to an already rich tale and rich world regardless.

A Drop of Corruption is a deceptive and twisty work, something every bit as tricky as the mutagenic magic system that defines its world. Just like those contagions it’ll plant seeds in you. So let it. Read the book, enjoy the story, and see what fruits it yields when those seeds sprout.

We’re back with Ana and Din and another mystery to solve.

Someone is targeting the Shroud. In doing so they are threatening the lives of many. But who?

Ana and Din are called to investigate but what they find is even more mysterious and impossible. Or so it seems.

If the Shroud were to fall, there would be no more magic, only destruction.

But who is this mysterious ghost who can outwit Ana? If he is alive, how?

I felt like we got to know Ana and her powers much better in this second book. And Din has grown quite a bit.

This is one of the best fantasy/mystery series that I have read and I can’t wait for the next one. I’m sure we are all waiting on some artwork as well!

NetGalley/ RHPG/DelRey April 01,2025

Plot and Setting:

"A Drop of Corruption" is the second installment in Robert Jackson Bennett's "Shadow of the Leviathan" series, following directly from "The Tainted Cup." This novel continues to explore the Empire of Daretana, a place where the remnants of fallen titans, known as leviathans, have led to a society built around harvesting their magical blood for technology and survival. The story centers on a new mystery at Yarrowdale, where an impossible crime—a Treasury officer disappearing from a locked room—draws back the series' protagonists, Ana Dolabra and her assistant Dinios Kol. The setting is lush with a blend of high fantasy and mystery, set against a backdrop of imperial intrigue and the ever-present threat of the leviathans.

Characters:

Ana Dolabra, the eccentric detective with a Holmesian flair, and her grounded assistant Dinios Kol, return to solve this baffling case. The dynamic between them continues to be a highlight, with Ana's brilliant, sometimes chaotic mind paired with Din's reliable and meticulous nature.

Quote 1: "Ana’s discovered that they’re not investigating a disappearance, but a murder—and that the killing was just the first chess move by an adversary who seems to be able to pass through warded doors like a ghost," showcases the complexity of their challenge.

Quote 2: "At her side, as always, is her bemused assistant Dinios Kol," underlines the partnership's importance to the narrative's progression.

Quote 3: "Before long, Ana’s discovered that they’re not investigating a disappearance, but a murder—and that the killing was just the first chess move by an adversary who seems to be able to pass through warded doors like a ghost," reflects the deepening mystery and the supernatural elements at play.

Writing Style:

Bennett's writing is rich with detail, crafting a world that feels both alien and familiar. His ability to weave a complex plot with magical elements, political intrigue, and character development is commendable. The prose is dense yet poetic, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the environment and the unfolding drama.

Themes:

The book tackles themes of corruption, not just in the traditional sense but also in how power and knowledge can corrupt. It delves into the ethics of empire, the nature of justice, and the consequences of human folly against cosmic forces. The investigation serves as a lens to examine these themes, with the mystery acting as a metaphor for uncovering deeper societal and personal corruptions.

Conclusion:

"A Drop of Corruption" is an enthralling continuation of a series that blends fantasy with detective elements seamlessly. It maintains the momentum from the first book while expanding the universe and deepening the character arcs. While the complexity of the plot might be overwhelming for some, it's precisely this layered storytelling that fans of the genre will appreciate. The book leaves readers with a satisfying resolution to its central mystery while opening up new avenues for future narratives.

Rating Breakdown:

Plot: 4.5/5 - Engaging and intricate, with a compelling mystery at its core.
Characters: 4.5/5 - Ana and Din's relationship continues to evolve, providing both comic relief and depth.
Setting: 5/5 - Exquisitely crafted, with a world that's vivid and full of wonder and danger.
Writing Style: 4.5/5 - Bennett's prose is captivating, though occasionally dense with detail.
Themes: 4/5 - Richly explored, though the thematic depth might be slightly overshadowed by the plot's complexity.
Overall Enjoyment: 4.5/5 - A highly enjoyable read that enriches the series' mythology and character development.

In summary, "A Drop of Corruption" is a testament to Robert Jackson Bennett's skill in fantasy and mystery writing, offering readers a dense, thought-provoking, and thrilling journey through a world where every drop of corruption tells a deeper story.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Random House for the ARC of A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett.

Any new readers should definitely read The Tainted Cup before attempting A Drop of Corruption.

The series picks up on Ana and Din's fifth case. They have been sent to Yarrowdale. Parts of a body have been recovered, and it's suspected they belong to a missing treasury officer. Given this officer was part of the delegation negotiating with the King of Yarrowdale about its full joining to the empire in the next decade, there are layers of political stressors and intrigue and the Empire's best detective needs to be on the case. But a murder isn't all Ana and Din discover, and from here it's a developing pulse pounding race to find the murderer before the whole empire is in massive danger.

This is an excellent second book to the series. Robert Jackson Bennett gives us more of the Empire, introducing us to the second most dangerous place to the Wall, the Shroud, where the Empire drags the bodies of dead leviathans to harvest the magic in their blood to create the reagents that keep the Empire running - both in terms of preventing illness/injury/contamination, but also in creating research to further the aims of the empire and the abilities of its people. It was great to see Din experiencing both places, and letting his experiences speak back to the plot and the setting as we better understand how two such terrifying places protect all the lives of the Empire, and the further luck of those in the inner rings.

We also get way more exposure to Ana Dolabra in this novel, which was my only criticism of the first book. We see so much more of her process, her emotions, her maneuvering and her weakness in a way that really humanizes her, even when she seems superhuman. We see the way she and Din grow closer, and how, in her own way, she tries to help him stabilize himself in this career he doesn't really want. It was nice growth in their relationship and in recognizing the value of their work.

I can't wait to see what comes next! I was so excited to see the first book make it to the final round of the Goodreads best fantasy books of 2024, and A Drop of Corruption should definitely be included in 2025. This series is the perfect high fantasy mystery - it's Sherlockian, which is its own brand of fun, but the world building is what truly makes it stand apart from any others in the genre.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group for the early reader copy!

This was an absolute delight! A wonderful continuation of Ana and Din's story with a satisfying and interesting mystery fuelling the action! I could not put this down and cannot wait for friends to dig in and experience this exciting continuation! Learning more about the world was fascinating. I love these characters and cannot wait for their next adventure.

A worthy follow up to The Tainted Cup, sure to be a big hit in 2025.

This fantasy/mystery can technically be read as a standalone but I don’t recommend it as you’ll miss much of the world building and character development that make this series great.

For lovers of fantasy, sci Fi, and Sherlock. The plot is unique and the characters witty and endearing. Sweet Din and unhinged Anna return, with the welcome addition of Malo who I hope to see in many adventures to come.

Even better than the first book, which is a high bar! A Drop of Corruption is an atmospheric, enthralling mystery that expands the fantastic world building from the Tainted Cup. It was a joy to return to Din and Ana on another romp. I can't recommend these books enough and I'm thrilled that there are more to come. I can't wait until this one releases!

This was such an excellent continuation of Din and Ana’s adventures! Robert Jackson Bennett’s world-building is truly remarkable, and he continues to create settings and systems that feel immersive and alive. The characters are just as vibrant, leaping off the page with depth and personality, which makes their journeys even more compelling.

I also found it easier to follow the plot this time around, having already been introduced to the intricacies of the world in the previous installment. It’s impressive how the story avoided feeling repetitive while expanding on the world’s mysteries and stakes.

The resolution of each plot point was satisfying, especially Din’s decision to stay with Ana rather than join the Legion. It was a meaningful moment that reinforced the bond between them and added emotional weight to the story. As for Ana’s unusual augmentations—I had a hunch something was up, but the final reveal was still a shock! It definitely left me eager to dive deeper into her backstory in the next book.

This series just keeps getting better, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for these characters and this world. Bennett has set up so many intriguing possibilities!

Ana and Din are caught in a vicious and deadly web of deception. This second book in the Leviathan series, is deep and almost overwhelming in detail, danger and mystery. Another slow read for me, as the story abounds with strangeness. Excellent read!

The wait is finally over, and it was worth every minute! Din has returned, and his character growth in this sequel did not disappoint. After finishing the first book earlier this year, I couldn't wait to dive into this one. The ending left me on the edge of my seat, eager for the next installment.

Seeing Din's evolution and how he navigated the challenges was truly rewarding. This book not only met my expectations but exceeded them, setting the stage for even more excitement in the future. Get ready for another thrilling ride with Din!

Rating: 4.5/5

This sequel is an incredible continuation to the brilliant first novel, The Tainted Cup. This experience continued the originality, high-quality world-building, elaborate cast of characters, and fascinating mystery that I enjoyed so much from the first novel. I absolutely loved reading this and I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

This book follows Din and Ana on their latest escapade, leading them to the canton of Yarrowdale to investigate the case of a man who seems to have disappeared into thin air, despite the circumstances making this seem impossible. Din and Ana quickly deduce that this is no disappearance, but a murder, with more heinous acts to follow. However, this culprit is far more intelligent than the perpetrators of their previous investigations, and it seems Ana may be falling behind in this game of cat and mouse.

This book set up the investigation, mysteries, and hooks to keep you invested very fast, making it so I was unable to stop reading. I must admit, I ended up reading the final 80% of this book in just one day because I needed answers and a resolution. This is a welcome change from the first book, with my only complaint from the original novel being that I didn't feel as hooked as I should for a murder mystery novel. The stakes are higher, the world and political climate are more revealed, and the main characters are unraveled in new ways.

The way I couldn't put the book down ended up going hand in hand with one of my tiny criticisms, which is that the information this book throws at you can be so intensive and overwhelming that it could occasionally leave me lost as a reader. I believe this problem could have been somewhat remedied if I had read at a slower pace or revisited sections when necessary. However, this book was so darn interesting that I couldn't help but read it at full steam ahead. Because of this, I often found myself feeling like I did back in college when I was studying the night before an exam, where my brain felt like it was going to explode from all the knowledge I was cramming in there. This is such a minor note though, and to be honest, the worldbuilding and dialogue in this is so incredible that I was happy to be absorbing all this information.

The characters are, of course, still phenomenal. Din remains one of my favorite protagonists, Ana is as eccentric and captivating as ever, and we are introduced to a new cast of allies and suspects for the pair to play off of. My favorites are absolutely Malo and her crew of wardens, self-described "feral dogs" that act as the guardians of Yarrowdale from the smugglers in the jungle. The wardens, and Malo especially, end up far over their heads, getting pulled into this investigation alongside Din, which leads to some incredible banter and dynamics.

All-in-all, an incredible sequel, that I will absolutely be buying and rereading upon its official release. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the first book, and I am beyond excited to read the next book in this series.

I was so excited when I was approved for the ebook. I had sped through the first book and truly loved it. This book just as amazing. it continues with a look into how the monsters aren't necessarily the ones outside the walls and there are internal issues that need to be dealt with.. I felt that the ending was statisfying enough that this could be the end of the series as well (though I would really love to have more).

A Drop of Corruption is another masterpiece of a fantasy murder mystery. If you liked the first book in the series, there is no question, you should also read this one. In many ways I have very little to say about this book other than "It's perfect, I loved it" but I'll do my best.

As with the A Tainted Cup, the mystery is juicy and complicated and interesting. The writing continues to be spectacular and engaging. The world is also still just so interesting and well-crafted. This book focuses on different aspects of the world-building, which makes everything feel new (to the reader and to Din) but it still remains so connected and coherent.

Once again, the relationship between Ana and Din is brilliant and drives so much of plot. It is every bit Sherlock and Watson, except overt homoerotic tension has been replaced by a platonic bond of motherly? affection that is no less strong. One of my favorite things about this book was the reciprocal vulnerability between Ana and Din and the way their trust in each other grows.

In sum: no notes, brilliant book, you should read it.

First off, thanks for the ARC!

This is the second part of the Shadow of the Leviathan series.

NO spoilers for the first part or this one!

I read the first book two months ago, and I really liked it, but I had some doubts about wanting to read the next part.

But when I saw the second part, I jumped at the chance to request it.

And I'm so glad I did!

1️⃣Each part features a murder that Dinios Kol and his boss, the brilliant and quirky Ana Dolabra, investigate, and they're all caught up in the intrigues and politics of this captivating world with tons of seas and the Leviathans, who are the biggest threat to it all. Din's job is to observe, report, and act as Ana's eyes and ears—literally, since she's got this quirky thing about wearing a blindfold all the time.

2️⃣The main plot of the second part involves a bizarre murder in a locked room. The characters get pulled into a world of conspiracies, strange crimes, and shocking twists that even Ana struggles to predict, and she has to push herself to the limit. The action takes place in a remote corner of the Empire—a place that isn't technically considered part of the grand state but is crucial for its stability and even survival.

The series is told from Din's first-person perspective. There are small details and descriptions that make you feel like you're right there with him.

Ana's central antagonist turns out to be a sadistic genius who can stay several steps ahead. Gradually, Din uncovers not just the mysteries around him but also Ana herself—her tragic secrets and true nature, which really adds depth to the story.

New characters are popping up that I really liked. And I ended up loving the main characters even more.
Ana>>>

Now I definitely know that I’m looking forward to the next part🙌🏻

Heads up, there are some gross descriptions in the book, so don’t read it while you’re eating❗️

4,5/5⭐️

📜🗡🩸🧫🪙

The Tainted Cup, the first book in this series, was my favorite book from this year and I’ve been thinking about it pretty much constantly since my first read in February. I could not get enough of the uncanny biopunk world (there’s so much care and realism put into the systems of this setting) and the characters (loved the humor and heart in all of their interactions). A Drop of Corruption delivers on both of these things, and more. It’s a very ambitious novel, revealing much more of the political, biological, and infrastructural underpinnings of the Empire while still maintaining a satisfying murder mystery and further developing the main characters. And it is wildly successful in all of these aspects.

Starting with a classic Locked Room murder mystery setup, the characters quickly realize their killer intends to target the Shroud, the compound where the Empire’s best scientists synthesize the remains of leviathans into the many reagents used in the first book. This lets the reader learn alongside Din about the complex systems in place to bring the alterations from the Shroud to wherever they’re needed in the empire, and is a great way to set up both the stakes for this mystery and a changing world for future books. The mystery also brings Din and Ana into the negotiations between the Empire and the tribute kingdom of Yarrow, bringing politics to the forefront of this novel as well. All twists are carefully hinted at in advance, with no details wasted, making for extremely satisfying reveals at every turn.

I was very impressed with how the themes of autocracy and civic duty suffuse multiple aspects of the mystery, as well as Din and Ana’s own character arcs. Many scenes involving this theme really got to me emotionally: one of the antagonists’ confessions in which they reflect on the role these themes played in their actions, and Din and Ana’s final interactions right before the epilogue.

In terms of character development, it’s great to see Din and Ana’s relationship evolve beyond what we saw in Book 1. They still clash, to humorous effects, but we get to see the development of their friendship and increased trust in each other. I loved seeing a new side of Ana in the ways she responds to a villain seemingly at or even above her level, and we get more details about the nature of her alterations (very exciting stuff). We also see more of Din’s hopes and motivations now that he’s gained some confidence and isn’t so focused on hiding his secrets.

Being so ambitious in scope, many aspects of the book are even more powerful than The Tainted Cup, such as the aforementioned scenes where Din, Ana, and one of the antagonists fully internalize the themes of civil service. However, this did also result in one or two areas where I felt this book wasn’t as strong as in The Tainted Cup: Certain parts of the villain’s backstory and motivations felt a bit flimsy to me and didn’t fully explain why they executed their plan in that specific way. I also found some expressions of the theme a bit more heavy-handed than I’d prefer: There are a good number of asides where characters will criticize the Yarrow monarchy in a way that doesn’t serve a purpose in the plot other than reminding the reader that autocracies are bad, which, if you already agree with that, feels somewhat boring to read. On the other hand, the theme ties really beautifully into both Ana and Din’s arcs and more than makes up for these moments.

Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit, but very very very slightly less than The Tainted Cup. As said above, this is due to the occasional too on-the-nose expressions of the theme, a few nitpicks with the villain, and Strovi not being present; but also because The Tainted Cup is a very high bar to clear, being one of my favorite books of all time. Still, A Drop of Corruption is an extremely strong sequel and I’m looking forward to the next installment 1000%.

This continues to be a series built in a lab specifically for me. Ana continues to be an eldritch Nero Wolfe and Din continues to own my entire heart. there are images in this that will probably haunt me (in a good way, mostly) for a while. The Tainted Cup was my first book by Robert Jackson Bennett, and I've read almost his entire back catalog since (highly recommended). His previous series led me to expect complicated, nuanced politics as one of his strengths, and A Drop of Corruption leans into all of that. It's a noir, a high fantasy and a damn good mystery! My only regret with reading these right as they come out is that I have to wait so long for the next one, when all I want to do is mainline the entire story.

Brilliant second book, at least as good if not better than the first one !

I enjoy Din and Ana very much, for their characters but also for their relationship. I know some people find Din very dull and flat, but I do not have that feeling. Yes, he isn't a very strong focus for the story, but it has to do with the kind of story that is being told, more plot focused even though the characters aren't left behind. As for Ana, she might come across as a classical, archetypal mad but too clever invistagator figure, and yes, she does, in a way, but she isn't only that. Both her and Din have deeper layer that well explored over the books, in a discreet but very present way. This second book has more of Din's motivations and dreams, plus some very great pining.

Knowing the setting from the first book, we are now sent in another part of the world, close to the Empire but not exactly the Empire, delving into monarchy and extensive "scientific" experiments at the core of the Empire, involving Leviathans' blood. Bennett does a great job at giving the right informations at the right time without burnening the narration, and he has great ideas, creating a familiar and yet deeply alien world, one that hooked me from the start to the finish line. I love a vegetal world, and this series is perfect for that.

As for the plot, it is a masterful one, at least for me. I don't read that much murder mystery, at least not when there isn's some elements of fantasy or supernatural. There are a lot of cues to pick up, red herrings, little twists and revelations cleverly speckled throughout the book. It is really a great joy to create theories as I read. I did love the main antagonist of this book, the guy we had to uncover. He is smart, a little broken, with masterful acting, things I love when well done.

We also meet a lot of new character, and the lack of one specific member of the previous book can be felt in Din longing, but not in a overcoming way, just being there, creating a sense of loss that I enjoyed a lot. In the new cast, we have once again a varied displa of people, with various motivations and behavior, making the story come alive.

The story speaks a lot about monarchies and the tendency fantasy has to rely upon them, wether chosing to portray them as positive, neutral or negative. Bennett does a great job a discussing it without directly pointing it out.

Very good read !

At the borders of the empire, contagions are abundant, and leviathans threaten the outer rings. The blood of those same leviathans is a key ingredient in magically transforming people to grant powerful abilities. Dinios “Din” Kol is one of those fortunate enough to have been altered. Due to his extremely enhanced memory skills, he has become an “engraver” and these skills are perfect in his role as assistant to Ana Dolabra, perhaps, the greatest living detective. And now, once again, the pair of them have been called in to solve what seems at first to be a straight-forward locked-room murder mystery.

As a sequel to “The Tainted Cup”, the first book in this “Shadow of Leviathan” series, this novel is simply amazing. Oftentimes, it seems to me, the second book in a series can be a letdown, especially if the first book was really good. But I am here to say any such fears with this author’s work have proven, once again, unfounded. In fact, this one gives us more in all respects. More plot, more character development, and much more world-building but in a way that doesn’t beat the reader over the head but rather lets it unfold as necessary to round out the various settings.

While Ana brings her genius for detective sleuthing, she is also an eccentric who prefers to wear a blindfold most of the time so as to not let her vision interrupt her thinking. Din’s perfect memory is ideal for interrogating suspects and witnesses and is able to “play-back” the facts verbatim if required. Useful in discovering discrepancies, to be sure. The murder mystery is off and running, but soon grows to something much more epic.
Author Robert Jackson Bennett has proven many times before that he is a master at building original fantasy worlds, demonstrating in-depth world-building with all the trappings you’d hope for. This is a rich world, with unusual circumstances, cultures, and motivations.

Many reviewers compare the mystery elements of these novels to a Sherlock Holmes/Watson experience, but I think a much better analogy are the works of Rex Stout. Here, Din is the fact finder, the one who goes out and about gathering evidence much like Archie Goodwin. We get most of the story from his perspective. Ana, like Nero Wolfe, largely remains behind and waits for the information to come in where she then analyzes, deduces, and brings her genius to bear.

The entire novel moves along swiftly as the original murder case grows to something affecting most of the known world. I loved discovering new abilities in other characters, engineered enhancements that I shall not divulge for fear of spoilers. This is “smart” fantasy to be sure, neither a D&D adventure nor a Hercule Poirot murder mystery. No matter what you call it, it is exceptional, and certainly a fun read. I look forward to the next book in the series, not only for another complex murder mystery but also to learn even more of this unique world.

Highly recommended.

I was fortunate enough to previously receive an arc of the first book in this series, the Tainted Cup, which was one of my favorite reads of the year. So I was also thrilled to receive an arc of the sequel! This book takes everything I loved about the first book in this series and builds on it - we get to further explore the Empire, read of new alterations and curious creatures, and are treated to more witty banter between Ana and Din. The Agatha Christie vibes the first book gave me are in full force and effect here, with a complex mystery with many twists and turns. With the backdrop of this unique world, crawling with leviathans, enhanced beings, and advanced science, it is a real treat for mystery/sci-fi/fantasy fans everywhere. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book!

A Drop of Corruption, Robert Bennett Jackson's sequel to the wonderful The Tainted Cup, is simply splendid. From the clever nuanced title to the emotionally fulfilling conclusion, the book is intelligent, gripping, and challenging. Investigator Ana remains an entertaining character, with new abilities and mysteries arising about her fantastic seductive abilities. Viewpoint character and assistant Din develops layers of complexity and emotion. The mystery itself is complex and fulfilling, with many twists and false leads. Brilliant take on the Holmes/Watson motif, but set against the backdrop of an ancient empire based on magic and technology quite unlike our own. Unlike many fantasy "empires", this is complicated, varied, and has a history that makes sense. I crave a third book in this series already.


Thanks very much to the publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for a dispassionate review.