Week 50 Review: The Tainted Cup

From Goodreads:

A Holmes and Watson-style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett

In Daretana's greatest mansion, a high imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree erupted from his body. Even here at the Empire's borders, where contagions abound and the blood of the leviathans works strange magical changes, it's a death both terrifying and impossible.

Assigned to investigate is Ana Dolabra, a detective whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities. Rumor has it that she wears a blindfold at all times, and that she can solve impossible cases without even stepping outside the walls of her home.

At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, magically altered in ways that make him the perfect aide to Ana's brilliance. Din is at turns scandalized, perplexed, and utterly infuriated by his new superior—but as the case unfolds and he watches Ana's mind leap from one startling deduction to the next, he must admit that she is, indeed, the Empire's greatest detective.

As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the Empire itself, Din realizes he's barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he'll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.

By an "endlessly inventive" (Vulture) author with a "wicked sense of humor" (NPR), The Tainted Cup mixes the charms of detective fiction with brilliant world-building to deliver a fiendishly clever mystery that's at once instantly recognizable and thrillingly new.

My Review:
I had such a great time reading this book! I haven't read his other series yet, but I'm interested in it-and I'm excited to continue this series, because this was a fantastic read! I enjoyed it so much, and I need to read more by Robert Jackson Bennett! 

This world was so interesting to read! With the plants and how they've affected this world, was so fascinating to learn more about! That this case has the politics of the Empire and the contagion of leviathans? It was captivating and so creative and had some really great atmosphere! 

Then there was this strange case, with the tree in the dead body, that's not normal, and given who it was and where it was found adds some complications. That Ana is a very creative detective whose methods are her own and very original, made this case one I had to read! 

All these elements, the world, the mystery, and the characters, came together to craft this amazing book! They worked to bring this story to life, to keep the pages turning, and the need for more, more story, more information, made this book just an epic read, and I can't wait to see where the series go from here! 

Reading this book was so great, and I can't wait to continue on, and more by Robert Jackson Bennett! 

Author: Robert Jackson Bennett
Series: Shadow of the Leviathan #1 
Read: December 11th, 2024 
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Sounded really good, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book! 
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: February 6th 2024

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars