I had a great time reading this book. Ana Dolobra returns in her role as the very unique detective and her investigator, Dinios Kol does his usual amazing job. He follows orders, even if they make him sick.

This time they are brought in to backwater Yarrowdale to find a missing treasury agent, oops, a murdered treasury agent, or a murdered and missing agent?. The local help and the strange, yet intriguing mysteries made this a can't put down book. I will admit, I did not always understand exactly what was being described to me because I have no real frame of reference for some things. Just know, it does involve the Leviathans, well maybe not living ones. Enough. I don't want to have any spoilers here.

Jump in and go along for the ride. It is always interesting and never boring. Ana and Kol do have a moment too. Loved it!

I would like to thank Penguin/Random House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

Bennett has taken book 1 and expanded it and produced a surprising and action-packed mystery. Bennett has developed characters that you can’t wait to read about. Ana has such quirky ways on how she solves the crimes that she has been assigned to. Din as the assistant investigator and her eyes out on the field to help her with the evidence. Ana and Din have been sent to Yarrow to investigate the strange murder of a member of the Treasury delegation. They are hit with one surprise after another while trying to solve this murder. Bennett’s writing is smooth, clear, concise and keeps you reading to find out more about Ana and Din and the murder that they came to investigate. I highly recommend this book whether you are a mystery, fantasy or science fiction reader. Thank you, Netgalley and Hodderscape for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (4 stars)

I absolutely adored The Tainted Cup, and I've been waiting since it was published to read more about Din and Ana and the Empire they both serve. I love their lightly Sherlockian relationship: Ana, the great investigator, who relies on Din (who's not dumb except in comparison with Ana) to be her eyes, ears, memory, and sometimes hands and feet. In A Drop of Corruption, Ana and Din must uncover a murderer (pretty easy stuff for Ana). But when it turns out that the malfeasant has similar attributes to Ana (special augmentations that can make one hyperaware of patterns) they realize she may have met her match.

I loved everything about this book. In the first one, Din came across as unworldly, and he still has a side of naivety in this one. But the reader soon learns that anyone might seem naive next to Ana, and Din's after-hours exploits really don't qualify him to be considered unworldly. The secondary characters are well-drawn, and Malo is especially appealing. And while the world building is expansive and the plot complex, I never got confused or overwhelmed. I'm not quiet about preferring a book not to be too long, but when every paragraph serves a purpose, as it does here, I don't even notice 480 pages slip by.

And I loved the theme of the book, too. In The Tainted Cup, we were introduced to this fantasy world where different characters are expected to "augment" themselves for the sake of duty (and a civil servant's paycheck). Getting used to this empire takes a little bit of time. But the benefit of understanding how the Empire works means that now we can be introduced to MORE countries where things DON'T work the same way. As Ana puts it, some citizens work to maintain the empire; others others work to keep it a place worth maintaining. And this book helps explain why.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Well it’s official, I didn’t think I could love them even more than I did in the first book, but here we are. Their banter is TOP TIER! I will read anything with these two psychos

A Drop of Corruption is the sequel to Robert Jackson Bennett's The Tainted Cup, which introduced us to an investigator, Ana Dolabra, and her assistant, Dinios Kol. Ana and Din respectively fill the Holmes and Watson roles of a classic mystery. And this one is just as interesting as the first installment as the investigators are called in to solve the mysterious disappearance of a Treasury official. Entertaining complications ensue. But the key is Bennett's world building, which is incredibly rich and thoughtful. I have greatly enjoyed all of his books and this is no exception!

First of all, thanks to Netgalley and Del Rey for letting me read an eARC of A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett. A Drop of Corruption follows The Tainted Cup, which was the debut book in the Shadow of the Leviathan series. A Drop of Corruption continues and builds on The Tainted Cup's success for deftly blending mystery with fantasy by simply giving us more. Dolabra and Kol are a fantastic duo with amazing characterizations that build life into them as well as the diverse world they inhabit. The mystery Dolabra and Kol are solving this time around is even more complex and larger than the one in the first book. Dolabra and Kol venture into the kindom of Yarrowdale to solve the disappearance of a missing Treasury officer and from the onset they are bombared with complication after complication. I HIGHLY recommend A Drop of Corruption to fans of the first book and both to lovers of fantasy and mystery as well.

Woah. What a book!
In this book we get up close and very personal with Din, and have a look at what troubles him behind his very controlled facade. It's both fun and messy, up to the point we follow him in a serious realization that will help settle
his turmoil and begin a new, self aware chapter.

We get to know Ana a lot more too, and while she is unpredictable as ever, she is also made bare and vulnerable, and like with Din, this helps us care about her.

From a character stand point, this feels like meeting again with some friends you've been too long away from.

Story-wise, like the first book we have a very rare blend of fantasy, science fiction and murder mystery, where the fantasy word building is quite unique and the mystery full of twists and turns, without a single dull moment. I will not dwelve any deeper in the mystery as I do not want to inadvertently spoil anything.

I feel very small writing praise for this book, as I've just finished reading the author's perfectly worded sentences, and that will make any written text pale after that.

Please let us have many more books in this series. I don't think I'll ever get enough.

I was lucky enough to have received an ARC for this book (thanks so much to the author and to Del Rey), and all expressed opinions are my own.

Once again, I was completely blown away with book 2 in this series! The world itself, the characters and plot line for the second installation, I couldn’t put the book down. I’ve been waiting for any sort of announcement on book #2 and when I had the opportunity to read this one early (thank you NetGalley and publishers!!) I jumped on the chance.

Din and Ana have become two of my favorite characters in all books that I’ve read. This series is such a breath of fresh air and the originality has you seeking more and more, like an addiction! Highly recommend.

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. I really enjoyed this book's predecessor so was very happy to see the story continue on, and also very happy with this book. I loved the world the author created and was happy to return - and reading the other book isn't exactly necessary, I would highly recommend it so that the reader can dive right into this book knowing how this world is structured.

I loved that the characters of Ana and Din were back, and that we were able to have sleuthing and a mystery like before. Although, this time, Ana and Din seemed to be able to get deeper into their characters, and that was the true gem of this book! I did feel rather sad for Din, but I guess not having everything wrapped up with a bow is far more typical. This book also introduced some interesting secondary characters, and it was overall so much fun, I cannot wait to return to this world!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Del Ray/Random House Worlds/Inklore for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ana, I am here for your quirky craziness and wild diet.
Dinios, Iudex Special Division, is sent alongside his mentor, Ana, to investigate a strange murder in Yarrow, far from the Empire’s reach and purview. The deceased was a member of a Treasury delegation, sent to confer with the king of Yarrow on high imperial business.

Ana always makes me crack up. Her eccentricity and Din’s resigned acceptance makes their partnership a delight to behold - fresh, unique, and delightful!

<b>“If she isn’t included in whatever this is, there’ll be hell to pay,” I said. “This is not a threat, but just … physics. When defied, she breaks things.”
</b>
There no live leviathans that far north. Instead, we are introduced to the Shroud where the leviathans bodies are harvested for the augmentation elixirs. It is obviously shrouded (couldn’t help myself!) in secrets.

I did miss the absence of Captain Strovi and the burgeoning romance we got between them in book one. I understand why it wouldn’t make sense for his presence, but I admit to missing him except for mentions of him only through Din’s longing.

This definitely has the potential to be a longer on-going series with an episodic feel with new introductions of locations, world-building, and characters.

<b>“I suspect you shall come to realize what many Iudexii eventually learn—that though the Legion defends our Empire, it falls to us to keep an Empire worth defending.”
</b>
Arc gifted by Del Rey.

Thank Del Rey and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was just absolutely incredible! That shouldn't be a shock to anyone who read the first book, as The Tainted Cup was also a magnificent fantasy-mystery combo, and A Drop of Corruption is really more of the same. You get more of this weird world, you get more of Ana and Din, you get more of the inner workings of the empire, and most importantly you get a whole lot of mystery.

This book just works on every front. The characters are there, the setting is there, the plot is there, the pacing is there. Its an endlessly readable novel that feels way shorter than its 450 pages should. The only reason I could imagine this novel wouldn't work for someone was if they had terrible taste or weren't a huge fan of mysteries as this novel does rely on a lot of classical mystery tropes, other than that though I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for their next great read.

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!