Book Review: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
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!
The BiblioSanctum 
I’m waiting for my library copy 😁
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Yay, hhope you get it soon 😄
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Brilliant review. I loved this one and thought it was the perfect blend of fantasy and mystery as each element was excellent.
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Well said. I’ve always enjoyed fantasy and mystery mashups, this was one of the best I’ve ever had.
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Bennett is one of those authors I keep wondering about. I see his name, usually praised and I think to myself “Hmm, maybe I should check this guy out”. Then bloggers I know (like you) praise him even higher. Which is usually a good thing.
BUT.
(and don’t take any offense at this, please), it is YOU recommending him. You and I have so closely similar tastes and yet, it’s like we’re railroad tracks running parallel. Our interests just never cross. I’ve tried several of your highly recommended books and it just never works out well for me, hahahahaaha. Also, if I remember, most of his books are pretty hefty. So I’d be investing my time as well.
So here I sit, on the fence still 😀
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No offense taken, I have definitely noticed that our tastes don’t always mesh, and while sometimes it has to do with content it seems author style (and changes in their style over time) is a huge factor as well. I am still a huge fan of Sanderson, for example, but I know you’ve been less impressed with him as of late.
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I think you are spot on in your assessment. It isn’t just content.
Yeah, me and Sanderson have parted ways and I don’t see myself ever going back now.
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I was already curious about this new Bennett book, but your comment about it not being a “typical” fantasy raised that curiosity by several notches! 😉
Thanks for sharing!
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This was so good, if you’re considering it, stop pondering and pick it up now 😁
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I love when I see great ratings on a new series by an author I’ve enjoyed. I loved the City of Blades series, and that one also had some very strong characters to pull everything forward. I very much would like to read this one.
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The city of stairs series was amazing, and city of blades was my favorite book. I loved how this went back to the fantasy mystery tradition!
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Yes! I loved this book, such a perfectly balanced combo of elements. I can’t wait to read the next one😁
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Me neither! Love these characters!
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Omg. I NEED it
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Aha, I knew you’d like it! Yay:)
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I’m looking forward to reading this book!
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I saw this one around and I confess that I’m curious about it
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I still have City of Blades on my TBR, but I’m adding this too. I like how it sounds.
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This is on my list of books to read when I get over my “binge read completed series” phase I’m going through right now. Glad to hear you enjoyed it so much
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Fabulous review, Mogsy!! And I completely concur with your opinion. This is right up there as one of my favourite reads of the year so far. I had a really hard book hangover after this one… And I’ll now be tracking down City of Blades, because if it’s as half as good, it’s worth reading:)).
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ooh this sounds fantastic. I was already intrigued by the unusual sounding mystery but I’m thrilled to hear that the fantasy world is well developed too. This certainly sounds like a unique read.
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