The Tainted Cup

 Tell me a story... about a mystery and a monster

The Tainted Cup (Shadow of the Leviathan #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett

Publication date: February 6, 2024

Date read: August 2, 2024

Audiobook read by Andrew Fallaize

In Daretana’s most opulent mansion, a high Imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree spontaneously erupted from his body. Even in this canton at the borders of the Empire, where contagions abound and the blood of the Leviathans works strange magical changes, it’s a death at once terrifying and impossible. Called in to investigate this mystery is Ana Dolabra, an investigator whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities. At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol. Din is an engraver, magically altered to possess a perfect memory. His job is to observe and report, and act as his superior’s eyes and ears. As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the safety of 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.

Featuring an unforgettable Holmes-and-Watson style pairing, a gloriously labyrinthine plot, and a haunting and wholly original fantasy world, The Tainted Cup brilliantly reinvents the classic mystery tale.

I first want to commend the work of Andrew Fallaize on the narration. One of the best audiobook readers I’ve come across. His ability to make the characters so unique is incredible - it’s easy to forget that Ana and Din are read by the same person. 

I absolutely loved Din as a character. He is both relatable (in that he often has no idea what Ana is thinking, just like us) and fascinating with the abilities that he does have. And despite being modified to have these special abilities, he still gives off the Everyman vibes that make him such a likeable character. I also think that his interactions with Ana are some of the most endearing moments and often incredibly funny. 

Which brings me to the author’s ability to write a story that manages - all at the same time - to be a really fascinating mystery, a cool fantasy with the kind of world-building that plops you effortlessly into the mix, and a really funny buddy cop story. It’s a wonderfully fun read. 

The mystery included in this story is also well-constructed. It’s a full plot, with twists and turns and buildup that would be commendable in just a standard mystery/thriller. But throw the fantasy world elements in as well makes it doubly impressive. 

One of my top reads of 2024. Recommended to anyone who enjoys a good mystery… or a good fantasy. I don’t even think you have to be frequent readers of both genres; there’s enough of either to keep you entertained. 

Stay tuned for the next post and the review of the sequel. 

Rating: 5/5 stars

Content warnings: body horror, physical assault 

Note: language

Thank you to NetGalkey and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.