Book Review: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
Posted on March 21, 2024 22 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)
2024 DNFs: Part 1
Posted on March 13, 2024 19 Comments
This year I made the resolution to stop treating DNF like a bad word, setting aside books just aren’t grabbing me because life is too short and the TBR is too long. And well, I’ve never been one to do anything halfway. We’re only into March and I already have a handful of abandoned books.
Keep in mind though, just because I DNF a book doesn’t mean it’s bad. It means that, for whatever reason, I just wasn’t feeling it and saw no compelling reason to continue. For most books, that determination was made at around 25-33%, enough to safely say I gave it a fair shot. That said, my commentary is meant to provide feedback because even though I may have given up on a book, others might find that it works for them. Perhaps my perspectives can assist you in determining whether you’ll enjoy it or not.
I received review copies from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my reviews and all opinions are my own.
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Del Rey (February 13, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
I had such high hopes for this one, but after the the initial rush, the momentum fizzled and I couldn’t muster up much interest for the main characters or the plot. I did enjoy the writing style which was very readable, and it was the prose that initially captured my attention. However, for a novel described as a heist story, the energy was lacking. After almost a hundred pages in and we were going nowhere fast, I decided to throw in the towel.
This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Quirk Books (January 16, 2024)
Length: 304 pages
This book had an incredible premise inspired by the true events of the Dyatlov Pass incident in which nine hikers died under mysterious circumstances in the northern Ural Mountains in 1959. Unfortunately, after several false starts where I found myself rereading the first few chapters multiple times, I finally realized it was the writing style that did not work for me. Alternating between a matter-of-fact documentary-type prose and some of the more abstract dreamlike sequences threw me for a loop, and the POV switches also proved too confusing and annoying. If you’re a fan of the concept behind movies like The Blair Witch Project though, this might be one to check out.
Mogsy’s Rating: DNF
Genre: Science Fiction
Series: Book 1 of Frontlines: Evolution
Publisher: Brilliance Audio (January 1, 2024)
Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
DNFing this one actually broke my heart a little. There was nothing inherently wrong with it; in fact, it was quite action-packed and entertaining. The problem was, I also knew it wasn’t going to amount to anything more than that. Having greatly enjoyed Marko Kloos’s Palladium Wars series, I had expected a similar caliber of epic space opera intrigue and complexity. To be clear, there’s absolutely nothing wrong about a dystopian surival story about a girl and her dog, and dog lovers are sure to love this one, but at the time I was hankering for something more impactful.
Book Review: Murder Road by Simone St. James
Posted on March 6, 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.
Murder Road by Simone St. James
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (March 5, 2024)
Length: 350 pages
Author Information: Website
On a dark and lonely road in rural Michigan, July 1995. Newlyweds April and Eddie Carter are on their way to their honeymoon destination when they make a wrong turn onto Atticus Lane. In the blackness of the night, they suddenly spot a lone hitchhiker in their headlights, stumbling and incoherent. At first, the couple think the hitchhiker, a young woman, is drunk. But when they get her into the car, April realizes the stranger is covered in blood. “I’m sorry,” the woman says. “He’s coming.” Soon, their car is pursued by a pickup truck barreling through the darkness.
Chased into the sleepy town of Coldlake Falls, they make their escape. But it is too late for the young woman, who dies at the local hospital, and the police are now making the Carters their prime suspects for her mysterious death. It seems that this is not the first time something like this has happened on Atticus Lane, where murders involving hitchhikers have been happening for years. As April and Eddie try to clear their names and find the real culprit, they uncover a haunted history in Coldlake Falls going back decades. But the two of them have secrets of their own as well—something to hide and something to fear—and the truth may yet tear them apart.
This is the premise of Murder Road, the newest thriller by Simone St. James which combines horror, mystery, and a generous helping of the supernatural. This is also the third book I’ve read by the author, and so far, it’s probably my favorite—and the creepiest. St. James has a real knack for crafting hauntingly atmospheric stories, and the suspense in this one was through the roof! Remember to proceed with caution, and whatever you do, don’t read this alone at night!
From the start, the story had me hooked with its nostalgic mid-90’s setting, and as someone who has lived through that glorious decade, I felt instantly transported back to the time of grunge rock, Princess Diana love, and when ubiquitous smartphone use was still a distant reality. The plot itself was a rollercoaster of questions and elusive answers which are revealed gradually, and the mystery comes at us from two angles—first, who has been killing hitchhikers along Atticus Line, and second, who are April and Eddie, and what aren’t they telling each other?
On that note, the characterizations of our newly married couple were excellent, drawing readers deeper into their complicated lives full of past trauma and lies of omission, and strong supporting characters mostly made up of Coldlake Falls residents rounds out the rest of the cast. From the surly local cops to the quirky owner of the bed and breakfast, their various personalities helped bring the town to life.
Speaking of which, Coldlake Falls itself could be a character in its own right, a town full of suspicious people, thick with unease from witnessing so much death and tragedy, not to mention it is also home to a legend about a vengeful spirit. In other words, the perfect setting for a ghost story.
If you are an admirer of Simone St. James, Murder Road is not one you’ll want to miss, and for fans of chilling tales that send shivers down you spin, this novel delivers in spades. Just remember to keep the lights on while you read—you never know who or what might be lurking in the shadows.
Book Review: Three Kinds of Lucky by Kim Harrison
Posted on March 2, 2024 9 Comments
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
Three Kinds Lucky by Kim Harrison
Mogsy’s Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Shadow Age
Publisher: Ace (March 5, 2024)
Length: 464 pages
Author Information: Website
Though she is the author of much beloved and celebrated The Hollows series, the books of Kim Harrison have always eluded me…until now. I fell into a bit of a reading funk this winter, but thankfully, her new novel Three Kinds of Lucky was the ideal pick-me-up to break me out of it.
As the story begins, we meet Petra Grady, a sweeper extraordinaire. What is a sweeper, you ask? They have the unglamorous yet essential task of cleaning up the messes caused by doing magic, which leaves behind a hazardous byproduct known as dross. Of course, the cruel reality is that Petra possesses no magic of her own, so she has resolved to become the best at what she does.
But then along comes the magical prodigy and her childhood acquaintance, Benedict, who has stormed back into her life with new breakthrough research that can make her entire existence obsolete. He’s about to perfect a process that would neutralize dross, essentially putting all sweepers out of a job, and unfortunately, he needs Petra’s expertise to complete his work and her participation isn’t exactly optional.
However, Benedict, for all his genius, lacks Petra’s insight and deep understanding of dross. When an unexpected and tragic accident throws the world into chaos, the two of them are forced to go on the run. Now their only hope rests on another fugitive who may or may not be a reliable ally, and Petra must face a difficult choice: cling to the established but comfortable order of her past, or face an uncertain future where she can use her hidden powers to change the magical landscape.
This opening installment of The Shadow Age series was as fun and fluffy as I expected. That said, there were a few hiccups. For one, I found the initial set up to be incredibly drawn out—not surprising given the amount of world-building and new terminology this first installment had to cover, but I thought the information could have been a less dumpy and more integrated into the introduction. And second…oof. No spoilers from me, but I will say that, speaking as a dog lover and owner, there was a certain part that was incredibly difficult for me to read. So yeah, not exactly all sunshine and pixie dust.
Once the story gets going though, things do get better. Harrison masterfully weaves a world where magic is both commonplace and perilous, which should make fans of the supernatural genre feel right at home. The concept of dross and the requirement of a specialized clean-up crew to handle it is an interesting one, leaving readers excited to learn more. Petra, an unconventional but resourceful main character, also holds lots of promise. Granted, it typically takes more than one book for me to feel fully invested in an urban fantasy protagonist, but this first book has established a good foundation for her personality and magical powers, making me curious to see where future installments will take her.
In sum, it’s the dawn of The Shadow Age, and while the intro of Three Kinds of Lucky was a bit of a slow-burn, overall things are off to a great start. Like me, some readers may find the pacing uneven at times, but the book ultimately delivers an engaging and entertaining plot featuring well-drawn characters. A mix of adventure, romance, and self-discovery, I believe it will appeal to urban fantasy and paranormal fiction fans alike.
Book Review: A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke
Posted on February 26, 2024 20 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 Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke
Mogsy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Horror
Series: Stand Alone
Publisher: Berkley (February 27, 2024)
Length: 352 pages
Author Information: Website
Few books have left me as disturbed and creeped out as A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke. This novel delves into the depths of psychological terror and trauma, weaving a narrative that is both addictive and profoundly unsettling.
The story is told in two timelines, first opening in Dundee, Scotland in 1901 with Nicky, a young woman whose father owns the whaling ship Ormen. Times have been hard for her–following a devastating loss, her husband has gone off to war, leaving her alone. After receiving some unnerving news about her father’s business, Nicky heads to the park and is suddenly attacked and abducted. When she wakes, she finds herself inexplicably aboard the Ormen, beginning its months-long voyage to Icelandic waters. As the ship carries her further away from home, Nicky realizes with horror what the crew intends for her.
Meanwhile, the second timeline unfolds in the present day. The wreck of a whaling ship, determined to be the Ormen, has washed ashore in the arctic. A young explorer named Dominique is determined to make her way to the site to document the wreck and find out what happened to it in its last days before it is scheduled to be destroyed. Initially traveling alone, her plans hit a snag when she encounters a trio of adventurers heading to Iceland to do exactly the same thing. Ultimately deciding to team up, the group makes it to the shipwreck only to find themselves stalked by an eerie presence on the ice while trapped in a storm.
Before I proceed with my review, it must first be noted that A Haunting in the Arctic is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the darkest books I’ve read in a while, unapologetic in its portrayal of human suffering. There are sensitive and distressing themes aplenty, most of them dealing with sexual assault and violence. Although these are woven into the very bones of the novel, integral to its premise and progression, the detailed depiction of such scenes may prove distressing to some. Therefore, reader discretion is strongly advised.
That said, this is my third book by C.J. Cooke, and it might be my favorite yet. The author’s strength has always been her remarkable talent for crafting immersive atmospheres, which she displayed even in her earlier novels, The Nesting and The Lighthouse Witches. In A Haunting in the Arctic, Cooke’s prose again brings the setting to life, evoking a palpable sense of isolation and dread.
For all its bleakness though, the novel also contains moments of deep and powerful emotion, exploring themes of loss and resilience. Nicky and Dominique emerge as intricately written characters, both living through their own private hells, yet the subtle connections between them, spanning across time, won’t be fully revealed until much later at the end. The mystery kept the tensions high and added an additional layer of intrigue, keeping me hooked as answers were gradually revealed.
Again, A Haunting in the Arctic was not an easy book to read, nor would it be suitable for all readers. However, I do believe horror fans brave enough to venture into its icy depths will find a haunting narrative that offers gut-wrenching and chilling resonance.
Onward!
Posted on February 25, 2024 31 Comments
Hello all, I’m back after a month’s break, and the time away has been very good for me! Long story short, life has thrown quite a few curveballs my way lately, and between the the demands of work, juggling my kids’ school schedules and activities on top of dealing with the stress of some health issues, I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Needless to say, taking a step back has helped a lot. This period has given me a chance to recharge and focus on taking care of myself and my family. I also learned the importance of mood reading, letting my feelings and emotions guide me when deciding what book to read, even if it’s not a review book (after years of talking about it and swearing I’ll find time to do it, I finally got to read Dune!) and having gotten more comfortable with DNFing, the review pile definitely feels a lot less daunting.
And now I hope to return to regular posting. Granted, there will probably be some changes like fewer features and shorter reviews, at least for the next little while as I catch up on my reading. For the time being, reviews will be the focus. I have quite a few lined up, which I’m eager to share, and I look forward to diving back and reconnecting with everyone!
An Update…
Posted on February 5, 2024 17 Comments
Hi, yes, yes, this thing’s still on! I realize there has been a lack of activity on the blog lately, but well…all I can say is, it’s been a serious case of Januarys. A minor crisis, tons of distractions, and a lack of motivation following the holidays last month came together in a perfect storm to derail me from my blogging and hence you my have noticed things have been unusually quiet here lately.
Rest assured though, everything is fine now, but there are several priorities that still need to get squared away before I can jump back into hobbies like reading and reviewing. And believe me, if I actually had content to post, I would – but I have been DNFing and abandoning books left and right! All of you who’ve been telling me to take it easy or that life is too short for bad books would be supremely proud of me, but I’m thinking there has to be a better balance here!
Anyway, thank you to those who have reached out. Posting will resume very soon, hopefully, with maybe a few changes – shorter reviews, etc. – while I catch up with my TBR and review backlog. To my readers and publishers, your patience is much appreciated as I work to bring us back to our regularly-scheduled programming!
Book Review: Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
Posted on January 25, 2024 7 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: 3.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of Faebound
Publisher: Del Rey (January 23, 2024)
Length: 400 pages
Author Information: Website
To be honest, as I ventured into the world of Saara El-Arifi’s Faebound, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This was my first book by the author, and I was prepared to let it take me wherever its journey led. What unfolded was an interesting blend of fantasy elements, coming together to create a world that felt both fresh and intriguing, yet at times the narrative occasionally faltered under the weight of its own ambition as it explored its rich world filled with diverse characters and themes.
The story transports readers to a world at war, its Elven tribes locked in a constant struggle while ancient prophecies loom large. Our protagonist, Yeeran, is a disgraced colonel facing exile for committing a grave mistake. Together with her sister Lettle, a diviner, they travel beyond the borders of their homeland only to stumble upon the realm of the forgotten Fae—a lost civilization which has not been seen for a thousand years.
Completely ignorant of the ways of the Fae, Yeeran accidentally kills a high-ranking prince, a pivotal event that sets in motion a series of perilous consequences for her and her companions. Initially facing execution for her crime, Yeeran’s fate takes an unexpected turn following a chance encounter that leaves her captors uncertain about her punishment. Forced to integrate into the enemy’s society, our protagonist must learn to adapt to their ways and harness their mysterious magic, while secretly buying time until she and Lettle can make their escape. Yet amidst this cultural clash, Yeeran can’t help but find herself drawn to the warrior princess and sister of the prince she killed, adding another layer of complexity to her dilemma.
Not going to lie, Faebound was laughably predictable at times, but there’s still an undeniable thread of fun woven into the narrative. If you’re an experienced fantasy reader, there’s a good chance the plot won’t present you with any surprises either, especially given its strong focus on the romantic elements. Still, while its predictability ultimately may hurt the overall impact of key developments and may not resonate or appeal equally with all readers, to the novel’s credit, both its storyline and the romance arc unfold in a slow-burn fashion, emphasizing character backstories and their relationships.
Indeed, I feel that the book’s strengths lie in its characters. Yeeran possesses an engaging voice that offers a fascinating perspective, and without revealing too many spoilers, there is a unique aspect in Faebound that may add a charming layer for fans of talking animal companions in fantasy.
That said, could the world-building use some beefing up? Admittedly, in some areas, I felt it was a bit sparse. The mystique surrounding the lost Fae culture was beautifully portrayed, for example, but the descriptions fall short when it comes to vividly depicting the physical environment. The story also occasionally faltered, giving way to meandering subplots which at times felt disconnected from the main thread. Though some of these provided additional context to world-building, they also risked slowing down the momentum, and there were times I longed for more action.
At the end of the day, I would call Faebound a combination of both highs and lows, featuring compelling elements like rich characters and entertaining themes, though the plot also underwhelmed me slightly with its predictability. However, it was a fast and easy read, and for fantasy readers who appreciate character-driven and don’t mind a slower narrative or more familiar themes, Saara El-Arifi’s new series opener may still offer an enjoyable reading experience.
Waiting on Wednesday 01/24/24
Posted on January 24, 2024 9 Comments
Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly meme that first originated at Breaking the Spine but has since linked up with “Can’t Wait Wednesday” at Wishful Endings now that the original creator is unable to host it anymore. Either way, this fun feature is a chance to showcase the upcoming releases that we can’t wait to get our hands on!
Mogsy’s Pick
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang (October 1, 2024 by St. Martin’s Press)
“Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds.
Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.
Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. When Xishi draws the attention of the famous young military advisor, Fanli, he presents her with a rare opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon. One that could topple the rival neighboring kingdom of Wu, improve the lives of her people, and avenge her sister’s murder. All she has to do is infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.
Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.
Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.”
The BiblioSanctum 