Book Review: The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg
Posted on April 25, 2024 6 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Angry Robot (April 9, 2024)
Length: 384 pages
Author Information: Website
Everyone, I present to you the hidden gem of the year! I had absolute blast with The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg, which took me by surprise in the best possible way, throwing open the doors to a fantasy world unlike any other.
The book opens with our protagonist stalking his prey. Ex is the youngest member of an order of demon slayers protecting the Suyoram Kingdom from the ghosts and monstrous spirits known as Phi, and he’s about to fulfill another contract. But as usual, the rural village that hired him ends up being unable to pay in full, leaving Ex in a bit of a jam. His path takes an unexpected turn, however, when he encounters Arinya, a pregnant warrior heading into the demon-infested forest search of its resident witch. Since Ex is going the same way, he agrees to escort her.
As it turns out, Arinya was looking for someone to perform a spell that would safeguard the soul of her unborn baby. In the process, Ex discovers the truth behind Arinya’s identity and why she needed the protection ritual, leading to his vow to keep her safe. As the two of them venture deeper into the treacherous wilderness, Ex’s feelings for his traveling companion begin to deepen, throwing his entire mission into disarray. His hunt for a legendary demon remains his ultimate goal, but his burgeoning affection for Arinya is also forcing him to confront his own vulnerabilities.
This is a story that takes readers on a whirlwind adventure that’s both thrilling and entertaining. The Last Phi Hunter grabbed my attention right away with its breezy prose and witty tones. It also excels in its pacing, unfolding quickly and organically while revealing details about the world, its magic, and its Phis without missing a beat. Even though it’s a lot to take it, there is no sign of the dreaded infodump here—instead, it’s just one amazing discovery after the other.
The characters are another highlight. I loved Ex, a young man who thrives on solitude, but finds his world turned upside down when he crosses paths with Arinya. Their shared experience on the road fosters a bond that transcends their initial circumstances, though their relationship does hit a few speedbumps along the way. The dialogue though was sublime and, in some cases, made me laugh out loud. Fantasy fiction involving demons and monster hunters often leans heavily into bleakness, which makes the unexpected humor a breath of fresh air.
Indeed, for a fun read that defies expectations, I highly recommend The Last Phi Hunter. The plot twists and turns on a wild journey that’s unpredictable as it is exciting. The Southeast Asian inspired world-building is particularly impressive and would delight readers who enjoy stories threaded with rich folklore and tales of mythological creatures. A must-read for anyone seeking an inventive, captivating fantasy adventure!
Book Review: To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang
Posted on April 20, 2024 11 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang
Mogsy’s Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Gods Beyond the Skies
Publisher: Del Rey (April 16, 2024)
Length: 368 pages
Author Information: Website
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang swings for the fences with an enemies-to-allies plot set in a world where its magically gifted denizens are ruled by their more technologically advanced conquerors. Yang Ruying is our protagonist, a woman “blessed by Death”, born with the ability to steal the life force from others with a touch. Many years ago, her home of Pangu, a fictional realm heavily influenced by Chinese culture and mythology, was invaded by colonizers from Rome who emerged from a portal in a sky and took over in a single day. Her people are further oppressed and controlled by the enemy with the introduction of a highly addictive and deadly drug known as Opian (yes, a heavy-handed allusion to opium) which keeps its users in a docile, languid state.
One day, a chance encounter on the street with the youngest Roman prince, Antony Augustus, leads to Ruying’s powers being exposed and her eventual capture by the Romans. Antony, however, offers her a deal which would ensure her safety and those she cares about—her twin sister and their grandmother—but only if she agrees to become his personal assassin by eliminating his political rivals. Ruying accepts reluctantly, but only after Antony convinces her that he is different from the rest of his family in that he genuinely wants to build a better Pangu to benefit both their peoples. But can a Roman really be trusted? Or is this simply Antony’s wily ploy to seize the throne? It’s a bargain that forces Ruying into a terrible choice, but as time passes, neither can she help or deny her deepening feelings for the charming prince.
While the core concept of this book is intriguing, its execution left me wanting more. Don’t get me wrong, there’s lots to like here. For instance, the story takes place in a world with a fascinating mix of elements, including a conquered population with lost magic, a dystopian setting with hints of historical colonialism, and a tenuous political alliance between two intriguing characters. That said though, many of these aspects felt undeveloped.
My main complaint is the vagueness of the world-building. Even with all the infodumps, I found it difficult to envision Pangu in my mind with its mix of sci-fi and fantasy components, because neither side was fleshed out completely. The details surrounding the magic system that encompasses Ruying and others’ powers are left mostly unexplained, and same goes for the Roman’s technology which was frustratingly hazy. This lack of clarity, combined with the inclusion of seemly random historical and cultural references to both Chinese dynasties and the Roman Empire felt neither here nor there, making the book’s entire concept feel disjointed. In my opinion, Chang could have created her own original societies and made her world more immersive while still achieving her same message. I’m also of the mind that authors should use foreign sayings sparingly, especially if you’re just going to translate them in the very next line. A touch of another language can add depth to the world-building, but too much makes it feel like superficial window dressing, not to mention it’s extremely distracting.
Also, I’m not sure if To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods was marketed as YA novel, but there are definitely elements of one. I have a sinking feeling that we are building towards a love triangle of sorts, though as others have mentioned, Ruying’s relationships with the two main men in her life are both kind of icky. But, to the author’s credit, I think there is great restraint being shown on the romance side of things which, despite its issues, wasn’t too intrusive.
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods may be an ambitious but messy debut, but I think there is still potential here. The core conflict between love and duty is strong, and the plot itself is engaging. I will likely pick up the sequel to find out what happens next, and hopefully it will also smooth out some of the rougher edges.
Book Review: Immortal Pleasures by V. Castro
Posted on April 15, 2024 11 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Immortal Pleasures by V. Castro
Mogsy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror, Romance
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Del Rey (April 16, 2024)
Length: 304 pages
Author Information: Website
I probably should preface this review with a caveat: Immortal Pleasures by V. Castro is not going to be for everyone. It caters to a specific kind of reader, perhaps one who is a little more into the spicier side of things than I am. Apparently, the “seductive dark fantasy” blurb in the publisher description just means sex, sex, and more sex with barely a plotline to be glimpsed. But I’ll try to be fair.
First, the story. Centuries ago, when Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez began his colonization of the Americas, he was helped by a Nahua woman who served as his translator. Known as La Malinche, she became branded as a traitor for her part in the eventual conquest and genocide of her own people. This book, however, offers an intriguing twist on history, reimagining her as an immortal vampire who now seeks vengeance on her old enemy. Reborn as Malinalli, she has taken on a personal mission to travel the world and reclaim stolen artifacts to their rightful countries and cultures.
Emotionally though, Malinalli feels empty. Her long years of wandering the globe by herself has made her long for love and connection, a yearning which leads her to Dublin, Ireland where she meets a human named Colin, a horror writer who immediately makes her his muse. The two begin a whirlwind romance, jet-setting off together on Malinalli’s hunt for a pair of Aztec skulls which have deep ties to her own traumatic past. But unexpectedly, fate throws another suitor her way, a fellow vampire who is much older and whose own quest may align with our protagonist’s.
To begin with the positives, I simply adore this cover. Very Queen of the Damned. The premise is also fascinating; I was not very familiar with the historical figure La Malinche, but after reading this book I went down a rabbit hole of looking up more information about her and I always like gaining new knowledge.
Unfortunately, the list of negatives is a bit longer. As alluded to earlier, the vibe is certainly striving to be Anne Rice-y but the writing is subpar with info dumps galore and disjointed prose with awkward, clunky descriptions occasionally resulting in unintentional hilarity especially during the sexually explicit sequences. Malinalli herself is completely unconvincing as a centuries-old vampire who supposedly travels around the world, with the emotional intelligence of someone with far less experience and maturity.
Finally, we arrive at the stuff where your mileage may vary. Obviously, a sexually explicit warning is a given. If you’re thirsting for a racy vampire romance and don’t mind sacrificing plot complexity and character depth for some hot and steamy content, this book could work for you. But those looking for a well-developed story will be left disappointed and feeling hollowed out.
Ultimately, this is a novel with a captivating concept, but subtlety and nuance are not its strongest points, and even the historical element was a bit weak. Still, managing expectations will be the key to your enjoyment. Bottom line, Immortal Pleasures occupies a specific niche of dark fantasy romance which won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but will delight its target audience.
Book Review: Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes
Posted on April 10, 2024 13 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Science Fiction, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Nightfire (April 9, 2024)
Length: 377 pages
Author Information: Website
My first introduction to S.A. Barnes was with her debut Dead Silence which, to be honest, I enjoyed but did not love. But because the reasons had less to do with content and more to do with the book’s structure, I was much more optimistic about the author’s next novel Ghost Station and was ultimately glad I decided to pick it up.
Once again, readers are plunged into the chilling atmosphere of a sci-fi horror adventure, but this time we trade the haunted confines of a space-faring luxury cruise liner for an abandoned facility on a remote planet. The story follows Dr. Ophelia Bray, a psychologist burdened with a complicated past with ERS, a syndrome linked to space travel that manifests as hallucinations and violent outbursts in the afflicted. As a result, she has dedicated her life to studying the condition, but when she is assigned to the tight-knit crew of an exploration ship, she faces immediate resistance. Used to working in the most isolated parts of space and depending only on each other, the crew is resentful of Ophelia’s presence, some of them reacting with outright hostility and skepticism that ERS even exists.
However, Ophelia is undeterred, recognizing the psychological challenges that might arise with her new team members. They are still trying to come to terms with the recent loss of one of their own, not to mention that the previous crew assigned their mission had vanished without a trace, leaving behind an unsettling mystery. The destination planet itself is a wasteland littered with the ancient ruins of a forgotten civilization, leading to even more questions about what might have happened to the station’s previous occupants and Ophelia’s concerns that they may be walking into the same trap.
The thing I love most about space disaster stories is the atmosphere, which Barnes has proven skilled at crafting. This book has it all: a derelict station, creepy alien ruins, the unforgiving coldness of space, and of course, the terror and claustrophobia that arise when things go wrong. The prose perfectly captures the feelings of suspense and tension that draw me to these kinds of stories, and I am driven to keep turning the pages in order to unravel the truth.
That said, effective dread is something that takes time to build. This results in the slow-burn nature of the story, which works surprisingly well here, transporting the reader alongside the crew as they uncover the station’s disturbing secrets—and the secrets amongst themselves. The narrative also takes its time developing the characters, especially Ophelia’s perspective which gives insight into her backstory, her thoughts and motivations, though she does keep certain details of her life close to the vest, making her an unreliable narrator at times and adding another layer of mystery to the plot.
Unlike Dead Silence, which employed a dual-timeline approach split into two halves of the novel, Ghost Station unfolds in a more linear fashion. This allowed for tighter focus on the immediate events and the escalating danger as the crew faces more challenges and threats, creating a sense of horror that builds more organically.
Overall, I enjoyed Ghost Station which kept me hooked with its interesting characters and mysterious plot, though the novel’s true strength lies in its tantalizing atmosphere steeped in psychological suspense. This is a much more solid showing from S.A. Barnes, which makes me excited to see what she does next.
Book Review: A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland
Posted on April 5, 2024 12 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Dell (April 9, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that catch you off guard. A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland wasn’t initially on my radar, but as soon as I found out about its premise, I knew I had to read it. Inspired by the classic legend of the Selkie Wife, this novel is a historical fiction retelling that combines a captivating blend of Celtic folklore, sapphic romance, and just a tiny dab of the fantastical.
The story opens in a small, Nova Scotian town in the early 1800s. It is a community of mostly farmers and fishermen, and our protagonist Jean is the only midwife for miles around. One stormy night, while getting ready for bed in her lonely seaside cottage, she hears a cry from outside and is shocked to see a pregnant young woman—clearly in labor—stumbling along the shore. After hustling the drenched woman indoors, Jean realizes she is speaking in a foreign tongue, hampering their ability to communicate. Despite this, Jean manages to get the woman to trust her, helping deliver her baby safely.
Gradually, Jean begins to piece together the mystery of the strange woman’s appearance. She finds out her name is Muirin, and that she must be the new wife of Tobias, who lives on the land next to Jean’s. Indeed, when Jean heads out the next morning to seek out her neighbor, she finds Tobias frantically searching for Muirin. When the couple are reunited, Tobias seemed relieved and overjoyed at the birth of his son, but Jean notices that Muirin’s behavior becomes guarded and closed off in the presence of her supposedly loving husband. Driven by a fierce protectiveness, Jean sets out to uncover Muirin’s secret past in order to keep her new friend and her baby safe.
At its core, A Sweet Sting of Salt is a heartwarming tale of unexpected love and connection. Jean is the main pillar of this novel, a fantastic protagonist on whom everything significant and amazing about this story is built. Harboring a secret herself, Jean is an ostracized member of her community because of a forbidden relationship she shared with a childhood friend which ended in disaster and heartbreak. Becoming a respected midwife was the second chance she cannot afford to lose, yet she would readily put aside her own needs for those whom she has given her loyalty and devotion.
The plot itself is evenly paced, and while the relationship between Jean and Muirin takes center stage, it is nevertheless handled subtly in a way that never overshadows the other elements in the book. The slow-burn romance is beautifully written with genuine emotional depth, allowing the characters’ bond to develop organically, making it all the more believable.
Finally, the wild and windswept shores of Nova Scotia lend a perfect vibe and Gothic atmosphere to the setting of this novel. In the author’s afterword, Sutherland writes about the very real places that inspired her, and this deep connection to her home can be experienced in the vivid descriptions of the that bring Jean and Muirin’s tale to life.
All told, A Sweet Sting of Salt is a delightful surprise and an impressive debut by Rose Sutherland. For fans of fiction inspired by classic folklore or readers looking for a unique historical novel with a touch of magic, look no further.
Most Anticipated Releases of 2024: April to June
Posted on April 4, 2024 22 Comments
Where has the time gone? With the first quarter of 2024 behind us, it’s time to look ahead to the Science Fiction and Fantasy reads I’m most excited about in the months of April to June. I love making lists, but I also find it helps me plan my reading schedule by focusing my attention on highly anticipated releases and prioritizing review copies, so every quarter I’ll try to put together these must-read posts.
Hopefully I will get to most of them! How about you? What are your most anticipated spring 2024 releases?
April
April 2 – Someone You Can Build A Nest In by John Wiswell, City in Ruins by Don Winslow
April 9 – A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland, The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg, The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence, The Hungry Dark by Jen Williams, The Gathering by C. J. Tudor, The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton, Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes, The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten
April 16 – Immortal Pleasures by V. Castro, Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina, To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang
April 23 – First Light by Liz Kerin, A Letter to the Luminous Deep by Sylvia Cathrall
April 30 – Oracle by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
May
May 7 – The Dark Side of the Sky by Francesco Dimitri, The Silverblood Promise by James Logan, Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
May 14 – The House That Horror Built by Christina Henry, The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
May 21 – You Like It Darker by Stephen King, How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler
May 28 – The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond, Evocation by S.T. Gibson
June
June 4 – Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi, Service Model by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Fiasco by Constance Fay
June 11 – Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin
June 18 – Middle of the Night by Riley Sager, The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant, How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive by Craig DiLouie, Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs
June 25 – Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman, The Daughters’ War by Christopher Buehlman, Echo of Worlds by M.R. Carey, Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine, Midwestern Gothic by Scott Thomas, Foul Days by Genoveva Dimova
Book Review: The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan
Posted on April 1, 2024 18 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Trials of Empire by Richard Swan
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 3 of Empire of the Wolf
Publisher: Orbit (February 6, 2024)
Length: 541 pages
Author Information: Website
Richard Swan’s epic Empire of the Wolf trilogy reaches its conclusion in The Trials of Empire, but this isn’t just your typical finale. It’s one I’ve been waiting for, for a long time. It’s no exaggeration when I say this is the best fantasy series I have read in years, and like any highly anticipated release, I was brimming with both nerves and excitement to get my hands on the final book. Now that I’ve read it, I’m happy to report my hopes have not been misplaced. A tad overlong it may be, but an ending like this can’t be rushed, and Swan has set a high bar for future authors.
The book plunges readers back into the turmoil of the Sovan Empire. The aftermath from the events of the previous installment, The Tyranny of Faith, continues to reverberate throughout the land. We follow our series narrator, Helena, and her mentor Justice Konrad Vonvalt and their companion Sir Radomir as they go on the run, trying to find sympathetic allies in their fight against the zealot Bartholomew Claver. Their search has led the group to the northern reaches, where the pagan clans still practice the old ways in defiance of the emperor and his Justices. However, the bad blood runs deep, and the clans don’t have much to lose and only freedoms to be gained if Sovan falls.
Thus, our characters are forced to turn their attention to the south, home to a mysterious civilization of wolfmen who have mostly kept to themselves. Having no love for Sova, any support they can give Vonvalt is limited, but their disdain for templars also means a willingness to listen, and it’s a start. Every moment they dally, Claver’s army draws closer to reaching its goal by meddling with supernatural malignant forces that have no business in the earthly realm.
The storytelling has always been on point in this series, but it rises to another level in The Trials of Empire. Once more we have Helena at the helm, recounting the events of her youth apprenticing and traveling with Vonvalt, her idealism acting as a counterpoint to the much older, more pragmatic and brooding Justice. Their dynamic creates a captivating tension, especially as Konrad becomes increasingly obsessed with saving the empire he loves, turning him to some questionable choices.
The plot also delivers on multiple fronts. While a few sections flagged in terms of pacing, these moments were fleeting as the rest of the novel drives towards the climax with pitch perfect tone and impeccable timing. The final battle contained some of the most intense sequences I’ve ever read. This last book also turns pretty dark, delving into territory and themes that won’t feel all that out of place in cosmic horror. Although Helena is no stranger to loss, she and her friends are pushed to some serious extremes in The Trials of Empire; everywhere they turn is more threat, more terror, and more brutality.
But my favorite part is the final act. Impactful without being too bombastic, the ending manages to tie up loose ends while leaving readers with a satisfying sense of closure. It is also fitting, given the themes of justice and the role that Vonvalt plays in the dispensing of it. Ultimately this series is a character study of a great man who is also fallible, which is why the focus on his relationship with Helena worked so well. Trying to apply the law in their imperfect world full of corruption is messy business, and Helena needed the time and experience to grow into the idea that her childhood hero is merely human.
My verdict? Consider this not just a recommendation but a strong request: read this trilogy. You won’t be disappointed by this stunning journey through a universe full of amazing people and cultures, intricate political machinations, and head-spinning plot twists. The Empire of the Wolf stands as a monument to the power of fantasy. I can’t wait to read more from Richard Swan.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Justice of Kings (Book 1)
Review of The Tyranny of Faith (Book 2)
The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones
Posted on March 28, 2024 16 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Book 3 of The Indian Lake trilogy
Publisher: Saga Press (March 26, 2024)
Length: 416 pages
Author Information: Website
The Angel of Indian Lake caps off the Indian Lake trilogy, picking up four years after the harrowing events of Don’t Fear the Reaper. The saga of our heroine Jade Daniels continues, and it’s recommended to read the books in order and be aware that the following review may contain spoilers for the previous books if you aren’t caught up yet.
As the story opens, readers are transported back to Proofrock, Idaho where Jade has also returned following a time of incarceration for past crimes committed. Bearing the physical and emotional scars of her sacrifices and trauma, she is determined to build a new life for herself with the help of her friend Letha Mondragon, whose clout has gotten Jade a job as a high school history teacher.
But with Halloween just around the corner, Proofrock is about to face another massacre. Jade is ready to move on, but unfortunately the town isn’t finished with her yet. The idyllic lake, once a source of beauty but now remembered as the site of so much devastation and bloodshed, now churns with the whispers of the Lake Witch curse. It’s a hair-raising reminder that Jade’s nightmare isn’t over. Armed with her encyclopedic knowledge of slasher flicks, she must rediscover her inner self and become someone who is more than just a final girl—a guardian angel who dares to believe redemption is possible.
The Angel of Indian Lake brings Jade’s saga to a close with a stunning final act which delivers a relentless onslaught of suspense and gore. Like the previous books, this one reads like a loving homage to classic horror movies, and through this framework author Stephen Graham Jones weaves his signature writing style. Fans familiar with his work can expect the practical effects that bring the chills and thrills to life, alongside heart-stopping sequences that keep you on your toes. The picturesque qualities of Proofrock take on a more sinister edge in this context, where terror waits around every corner.
But one of the highlights of the trilogy is undoubtedly Jade Daniels herself. She’s a complex and captivating protagonist. A survivor, not a victim. Despite her rejection of the hero label, she is in fact a kind of final girl, albeit an unconventional one that shatters the mold set by the typical slashers—which is kind of the point. I once again loved the meta-ness of the story, but also liked how the narrative never loses sight of the idea that Jade is a product of her experiences. For all that though, she refuses to be defined by the horrors in her past, and that fighting spirit is both tense and inspiring.
Of the three books in the series, The Angel of Indian Lake is also the bloodiest—probably. But it isn’t just brutal action and shocking twists. Beneath the surface is a more introspective layer that delves thoughtfully into the burdens of cultural heritage and legacy as well as its lasting effects. Jones holds no punches when it comes to violent and uncomfortable imagery, but It’s the emotional depth, a glaring contrast to the blood and gore, that truly elevates this concluding volume by offering a glimmer of hope.
The Angel of Indian Lake is certainly well worth the read for the satisfying ending, but fans of well-written horror in general should also take note, especially if you are a horror film buff. Stephen Graham Jones successfully incorporates classic genre tropes while simultaneously turning them on their head in this fantastic and unique trilogy, and I’m excited to see what he’ll serve up next.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of My Heart is a Chainsaw (Book 1)
Review of Don’t Fear the Reaper (Book 2)
Book Review: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
Posted on March 21, 2024 21 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
Mogsy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Shadow of the Leviathan
Publisher: Del Rey (February 6, 2024)
Length: 413 pages
Author Information: Website
As an enthusiastic fan of Robert Jackson Bennett, I could barely contain my excitement when I picked up The Tainted Cup and found it returning to the genre of fantasy mystery that he so brilliantly crafted in City of Blades which, until now, might be my favorite book the author has ever written. This latest novel, the first in his new Shadow of the Leviathan series, is just as good though, if not even better, and certainly has what it takes to seize the top spot.
The story begins as the residents of Daretana are shaken by a bizarre murder. A high-ranking official of the Empire is found dead in his mansion, but it’s the manner of his killing that has everyone on edge. The victim was found in the morning by his house staff, torn apart by a tree which appeared to have spontaneously sprouted with eruptive force from his body.
Enter Dinios Kol, newly minted engraver and assistant to the legendary investigator Ana Dolabra, known for her skills in reasoning and deduction but also for her many eccentricities. Ensconced in her home and wearing a blindfold at all times, she relies on Din to be her eyes and ears, tasking him to record the details from the crime scene. As the investigation unfolds, Din is both drawn to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the official’s death and completely bewildered by Ana’s unconventional methods and disregard for social norms.
The Tainted Cup is not your typical epic fantasy. Bennett crafts a narrative which sees a masterfully woven mystery unfolding within a richly imagined world, truly outdoing himself in terms of world-building. Readers are transported to a setting where the population is constantly on edge due to the looming threat of monstrous leviathans which can annihilate their existence in a heartbeat. A massive sea wall serves as Daretana’s only defense, a fact of life which shapes the city’s culture, traditions, and fears. Whispers of a strange contagion called Dappleglass add to the unease in a world where certain people, animals, and plants can possess augmented abilities, and the fact that the author can bring all these elements to form a seamless, cohesive tableau that feels at once alien and familiar is nothing short of incredible.
The true stars of the show, however, are the characters. Din and Ana’s partnership thrives on their contrasting personalities—the former’s curiosity, inexperience, and idealistic faith in procedure versus the latter’s genius, brash confidence, and moral ambiguity. Although it’s obvious that their dynamic borrows heavily from the classic pairing of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Bennett infuses his protagonists with their own distinct personalities and the story is told through Din’s eyes, which offers a unique and interesting perspective.
Speaking of which, I loved the well-balanced plot and flawless pacing. The way this mystery unfolds is perfection, delivered with an energy that never wavers, with clues and revelations coming at us with impeccable timing. Twists and turns abound, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that left me eager to get my hands on the next installment.
Needless to say, if you have a penchant for clever and meticulously crafted fantasy mysteries, you’ll need to run—not walk—to pick up The Tainted Cup. Fans of Robert Jackson Bennett will also undoubtedly find this novel to be his greatest triumph yet, putting his remarkable versatility and storytelling prowess on full display. Seriously, don’t miss it!
Audiobook Review: Dark Dive by Andrew Mayne
Posted on March 18, 2024 18 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Series: Book 5 of Underwater Investigation Unit
Publisher: Brilliance Audio (March 12, 2023)
Length: 7 hrs and 33 mins
Author Information: Website
Following a brief disbandment, the Underwater Investigation Unit is back in Dark Dive by Andrew Mayne…and so are the gators! Police diver Sloan McPherson and her colleagues arrive at the scene of an accident where a van transporting a bunch of corpses has crashed into a swamp full of alligators, and of course it had to be mating season. Lusty crocodilians turn out to be the least of her worries, however, when a new case involving a close friend lands on the UIU’s desk. All in the middle of an existential crisis as Sloan ponders her future with the force.
Florida’s expert diving community is like a closely-knit family, so when one of its members goes missing, the news usually makes waves. Still, no one thought it too strange when Fred Stafford, practically a legend in Sloan’s circles, has not been seen in quite some time. The man was experienced, eccentric, and frequently took odd diving jobs and worked alone. But when one of her leads takes Sloan to a flooded sinkhole in the middle of the forest, beside which Stafford’s truck is found empty and abandoned, concern for her friend begins to grow. An investigation of his records also shows mounting gambling debts and shady business partners, making Sloan wonder if she ever knew the man at all. What has Fred Stafford gotten himself into?
If you recall my review of the last Underwater Investigation Unit novel, Sea Castle, I loved the fact that the story took us away from the diving action. That said, I’m aware I’m likely in the minority who felt that way, but good news for those who crave the UIU’s underwater antics—Sloan and the gang are getting back in their wetsuits in Dark Drive. At five books strong, the series is once more plunging readers back into the thrilling world of solving crime in Florida’s waters, and I am still all for it.
I am also excited to see the return of Gwen Wylder, one of best characters to come from the mind of Andrew Mayne. Her relationship dynamic with Sloan was my favorite aspect of Sea Castle, and my wish to have her become a recurring character in the series appears to have been fulfilled as Gwen becomes a contract researcher for the UIU team. Sloan herself continues to be a compelling protagonist, showing a more vulnerable side in Dark Dive as a close call makes her question the dangers of her job and just how much she is willing to risk. Juxtaposed with her sharp reflexes and unwavering instincts, her flaws and doubts make her a relatable and endearing protagonist.
The plot unfolds with multiple layers, taking readers on a tour through the landscapes of Florida, both underwater and above ground as it explores its myths and history, A myriad of mysteries and intrigue also propel the story forward, as themes of death and disappearance, family and friendships add layers of depth and complexity.
Finally, five stars to narrator Susannah Jones who returns once more to give voice to Sloan in the audiobook. If you enjoy exciting stories that deliver a mix of police work with science and technology, these are the books for you.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Girl Beneath the Sea (Book 1)
Review of Black Coral (Book 2)
Review of Sea Storm (Book 3)
Review of Sea Castle (Book 4)
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