I really tried many times to read this story. It sounded like a good story but I ended up having to DNF it by 20%. I felt like nothing had really happened that made me want to continue on with the story. I appreicate the chance to review but sadly just felt lost with the world building and the characters didn't hold my attention enough to continue on.

TL;DR: this was an excellent murder mystery with a fantasy/sci-fi spin. I absolutely loved the opening scene (what a terrible -but very cool- way to die), and I was immediately invested in the world-building, characters and overarching mystery. can't believe it took me all year to prioritize, but now I don't have to wait so long for the sequel. Big recommendation.

delightful little murder mystery!! rjb is so good at worldbuilding and thinking about the interlocking politics of a world, and slowly unfurling them for a reader, and this was no exception!! I was so charmed by the whole experience

I have tried to start this book 3 separate times over the past 8 months and I just cannot get into it. The beginning is incredibly dull for me and my interest tapers off quickly.

The Tainted Cup possesses an incredible uniqueness just like his Founders Trilogy did. Yes, it's a play on Holmes-and-Watson, yes, it's a bit gender-bit, and yes, it's got a mystery that keeps you guessing to the very end. The characters are a mystery of their own and many secrets are still maintained by the end of this book. Very much looking forward to the next installment!

Robert Jackson Bennett's The Tainted Cup had an engaging mix of fantasy and mystery that kept me turning pages. I will look forward to the next book in this series.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

**4.5-stars**

Ooo, this was hella entertaining and creative. I am very much looking forward to the next installment, as Ana and Din make the perfect detective duo. This was my first time reading Robert Jackson Bennett and I was impressed from the start. His writing felt, for lack of a better word, substantial. Everything was lush, every description, every characterization, it was a delicious read.

It did take me a minute to feel comfortable with the fantastical setting, as there's a lot to take in, but once I was able to relax into it, I had such a great time. I'm hoping in the 2nd-book that we learn a bit more about the world and all the fantastical elements within it, as I did feel a little unmoored in this at times, NGL.

I did love the blending of a fantastical world with an investigative mystery/thriller. Ana Dolabra, as the lead, more experienced investigator, did remind me a lot of Sand da Glokta from Joe Abercrombie's First Law series. Glokta is one of my most beloved characters from that series, and I have a feeling that I'm going to grow just as attached to Ana. There's something so brilliant about her, but you also feel an underlying sinister nature, even when she's acting on the side of good.

There's a morally grey vibe exuding from her that I'm instantly attracted to. And then there's Dinios Kol, her new assistant. He's such a sweet baby cherub. I know we are just going to see him grow so much. The mystery was also so compelling. I loved how dark it was. People dying as trees erupt from inside their bodies!? What!? I have never read anything like that before.

I'm so excited to continue on with the series. As mentioned above, I am hoping for more world development in the next book. I'd like to learn more about the true nature of the Leviathans and their relationship to the people of Daretana. I feel like we've barely scratched the surface of all this world has to offer. I'm sure it is going to exceed even my wildest expectations.

Thank you to the publisher, Del Rey, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to reading all the things from Robert Jackson Bennett!!

I went into this book with expectations of a good murder mystery in a fantasy world but came out with my mind blown. Ana and Dinios are my new favourite detective duo and their character dynamics were soooo well written. I cannot wait to read more of their adventures in the sequels. The murder mystery itself was soo well handled and I was indeed surprised by the reveals. The world building and the overall vibe or mood set by the writing needs a separate essay because wow!!! I haven’t read such well written and intriguing magic system and world in quite a while and am eagerly looking forward to exploring it further in the future instalments. Overall utterly fascinated and highly recommended

Robert Jackson Bennett’s "The Tainted Cup" has a premise that hooks you right from the start, blending mystery, magic, and a dash of intrigue. It’s an idea with a lot of promise, but the execution doesn’t always hit the mark.

One thing the book does well is pacing. Bennett keeps the story moving at a steady, engaging pace, so it never feels like it’s dragging. The combination of fantasy elements and a mystery plot keeps things interesting enough to hold your attention, even when other aspects don’t quite land.

The characters, for instance, can be pretty inconsistent. Sometimes their actions or personalities shift in ways that don’t quite make sense, which makes it hard to connect with them or get invested in their stories. That lack of consistency also undercuts some of the emotional impact the book could have had. The worldbuilding also feels quite muddled at times. The rules and structure of the world don’t always get the explanation they need.

Overall, though, worth a read--but make sure you're in a mindset to fully pay attention, or you'll miss something important.

"The Tainted Cup" is a gripping and intricately woven story that blends suspense, mystery, and historical elements seamlessly. The plot is compelling, with unexpected twists and a steadily building sense of tension. The characters are well-crafted, each with distinct motivations that add depth to the narrative. While the pacing is mostly strong, some parts of the story feel a bit drawn out, slowing the momentum. Nevertheless, the author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail bring the setting to life, making it an immersive experience. Overall, it’s an engaging read for fans of thrilling historical fiction, offering both intrigue and emotional depth.

I am a great fan of SFF mystery stories and this one is a corker. I liked everything about it and recommend it highly. Ana Dolabra is a great character too. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that I found the biological enhancements used by the Empire. The sound a bit icky.

I LOVE RJB. He’s such an incredible writer and world builder. I can’t say enough good things about this.

This was a fascinating read and my first book this author. I enjoyed the premise and the mystery. I haven't read a fantasy book like this and I was engaged. When I read books like this I try so hard to figure out the big reveal and I couldn't have been more off! The author did a great job with creating with world and setting the story up from the start. The language is a little more fowl than I usually read, but I was able to look past that and focus on the story.

Thank you to the publisher for contacting me with the NetGalley link.

This book is a captivating and immersive read that hooks you from the first page. The writing is beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and strong character development that makes the story come alive. The plot is well-paced, balancing moments of tension with quieter, reflective scenes that allow the characters to grow. The themes explored are deep and thought-provoking, resonating long after the final page. Whether it's the emotional depth, the twists and turns of the plot, or the unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys rich, engaging stories. Highly recommended.

A wonderful introduction to a Robert Jackson Bennett's new fantasy world, giving you a sense of familiarity while stepping into something new. To succeed in writing a novel that crosses between two genres, it must be able to stand on it's own in both. The mystery aspect of this novel is well crafted and could be retold in a world without magic and still be an engaging story. Din, Ana and the rest of the cast are interesting and characters who stand out and feel unique. This is very solid start to the series and I will be following the rest of the books closely. I believe that this will be a series that continues to grow, just like the magic seen within the novel.

"The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett is my first read by this author, and I was introduced to his work through NetGalley. The novel offers an intriguing blend of fantasy and murder mystery, set in a richly imagined world. I particularly enjoyed the clever plot and the well-drawn characters, especially the dynamic between Ana Dolabra and her assistant, Din. The world-building in "The Tainted Cup" by Robert Jackson Bennett is quite impressive and adds a lot to the overall experience of the novel. Here are a few aspects that stood out: The novel is set in a unique world that blends elements of fantasy and mystery. The detailed descriptions of the environment and the societal structures create a vivid backdrop for the story. Bennett includes many intricate details that make the world feel lived-in and real. From the architecture to the cultural norms, every aspect of the setting is thoughtfully crafted. The incorporation of magical elements into the world-building is seamless and adds an extra layer of intrigue. These elements are well-integrated into the plot and character development, enhancing the overall narrative. The atmosphere of the world is carefully constructed to complement the mystery and suspense of the story. This helps to immerse the reader and heighten the tension throughout the novel. Overall, the world-building in "The Tainted Cup" is one of its strong points, providing a rich and engaging setting that enhances the story and characters. While some parts of the story felt a bit slow, the overall narrative kept me engaged. Bennett's unique take on the genre has piqued my interest, and I look forward to exploring more of his work in the future. #netgalley #thetaintedcup

If you're looking for a fantasy-world murder mystery with class politics intrigue and some cool augmented powers-plus-disability navigation then here we got! Even if you're not looking for it, may I suggest The Tainted Cup?

Dinias Kol, is sent to investigate a murder -- at the rest home belonging to one of the world's most powerful families. There he finds a high ranking officer... who has been murdered via the sprouting of a particularly viscous and virulent plant. This is the first block in a carefully constructed Jenga tower of deception, more murders, and sociopoltical ramifications that stretch over years and across the whole of the empire itself. (I would also be remiss not mentioning Ana Dolabra, basically Din's detective boss, as she's my favorite character -- eccentric and so smart in a Holmes-ian way, laying the pieces together for others to figure out before she explains them better.)

There was also the pleasant surprise of Din's bisexuality and also his fantasy world dyslexia.

This is my first Robert Jackson Bennett book and I fully enjoyed myself -- the sci-fi lore was immersive without being confusing or putting too much expectation on the reader without enough inference to back it up, the characters were unique and had their own, varied motivations, and even though I was late on the draw here finishing this up it means I'm that much closer to book 2! Whoo! There are various things left unanswered and I have some hopes about what they will turn out, but I am happily looking forward to more adventures of Din and Ana and the echos of consequences for the mystery they've exposed.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review and hello, how gorgeous is this cover??

Needed to read this at the right time, both fantasy and mysteries require a bit more brain power for me to read, and now that I've finished it I'm so excited for the next book in the series. Truly well written, the worldbuilding is spectacular, the mystery turns into something sinister. Just chef's kiss!

Stars: 5 out of 5

.I loved this book! There are several authors whose books are a must-read for me, and Robert Jackson Bennett is one of them. Like Brandon Sanderson, I consider him a master in creating complex and interesting worlds with engaging characters you grow to love and root for. I read the Divine Cities and the Founders trilogies before and absolutely loved them, even if both broke my heart with the deaths of certain characters. I can feel that this series will be a favorite as well, judging by the first book.

This story starts with what looks like a straightforward murder investigation but then evolves into something more complex and sinister - a conspiracy that threatens the very foundation of the Empire. However, I must argue that the threat is an unintended consequence of greed and thirst for power. It's interesting how petty the motives are behind some of the most earth-shattering events.

Robert Jackson Bennett once again created a truly unique world where an entire civilization lives in the shadow of Leviathans - huge monstrous beings who come ashore every wet season, and the only thing preventing them from reaching the heart of the Empire and wreaking havoc and death along the way are giant walls and the Legion who man them. And to have even a minuscule fighting chance to defeat those leviathans, the members of the legion themselves are heavily modified by grafts and suffusions, which make them stronger, faster, smarter, but also less and less human. This is a harsh world where the whole economy of the empire and the ideology of its various peoples are targeted toward surviving another year. All kinds of atrocities can be committed and justified to fulfill that goal.

I loved the characters in this book, especially Din. He is a newly modified engraver, which means that he remembers everything he sees, hears, smells, or reads. And I mean absolutely everything. And can recall it in perfect detail, down to people's tone of voice when recalling dialog. He is assigned as assistant to a disgraced investigator who ended up banished from the inner ring of the Empire to the backwater canton where he resides for... doing something. Din feels out of his depth, but he is resolved to do his best, and his best often exceeds all expectations. I loved just how down-to-earth and pragmatic Din is, and that he has a strong sense of justice and a very good moral compass. He might seem slow and emotionless, but he is anything but. He seems mild-mannered and unwilling to cause a scene, but when push comes to shove, a lot of suspects realize that his will is unbendable. He will get his answers with the single-mindedness of a pitbull, no matter the discomfort he must endure along the way.

Ana is another fascinating character and a good foil for Din's perpetual seriousness. She is eccentric, irreverent, and plain weird. She enjoys subverting people's expectations and taking them out of their comfort zone... then observing their reactions and making her conclusions. And a lot is going on in that genius brain of hers. I would love to know more about her backstory. She mentions at one point that she has no grafts of other modifications, that she was just born that way, and then was part of a unique experiment, but we don't get more details. I want to know more!

All in all, I am sold on this new series. I devoured the first book, and I already requested the second one from NetGalley. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys good characters, interesting worlds, and a good murder mystery to boot.

PS: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Robert Jackson Bennett, Random House Publishing Group-Balltine/Del Rey, and NetGalley for an eARC of The Tainted Cup!

I really wanted to love this book, but after the first few interesting chapters I had a very hard time getting through it. The premise was super promising - A man is suspected of being murdered when a tree grows from his body. Unfortunately for me, that was where the interesting bits of the book ended. I found it incredibly hard to follow along and didn't think the fantasy world was well built.

There were many terms referring to rankings in class and the army which were never explained and caused a lot of confusion until I could suss out what they meant - sometimes chapters after having read them.

I also wasn't a huge fan of any of the characters. Ana was entertaining at times, but cryptic and infuriating at others. Din was so smart but acted so incredibly clueless all. the. time. There was also an officer introduced early on who sounded like he wanted to make Din's life h*ll, but then he seemingly disappeared.

There were so many connections to be made and had Ana not explicitly spelled them out, I would have been left scratching my head and not seeing them at all. Nothing seemed to fit together and when it was explained, it almost felt forced.

Overall, I was not a fan of this book but it may be a great book for another reader. I'd give it a 2/5 stars.