This was even better than the first book! Fantastic characters, unique and intriguing world-building and an engaging mystery - I did figure out all of the twists ahead of time, but it kept me guessing long enough that I just felt clever for doing so, rather than bored.

Ana and Din are back in a new mystery that gives us a few more clues about their world and the mysterious leviathans.

Some back story: Ana and her assistant Din live in an Empire where during the rainy season, leviathans -giant sea creatures that remind me of Godzilla – come ashore, causing death and destruction. To combat these monsters, the population has collected the blood of the creatures and used it to enhance themselves – having an incredible sense of smell or sight for example, or in Din’s case, a photographic memory. Meanwhile, Ana’s augmentation remains hidden, from both the reader and Din. It’s implied that it enhances her brilliance and helps her to solve criminal cases, but as a side effect, causes her to be easily overwhelmed so she frequently wears a blindfold. It’s a bit like Nero Wolf and Archie Goodwin; like Nero, she heavily relies on her assistant Din to go out in the world, and report back what he sees so she can solve the case with her intelligence.

Their most recent case takes place in a small kingdom just outside the Empire. It’s along the coast near where the carcasses of the leviathans are taken to be stripped of all the valuable bits before floated out to sea to be disposed of. It’s a bit backwards, but of high strategic importance. A treasure man, in the small kingdom to discuss merging the kingdom into the empire, has disappeared – he went to bed, and his room (heavily guarded – even people in fantasy realms don’t like tax agents) in one of the upper floors was empty the next morning with traces of blood on the bed. Because of the possible political implications, Ana is given the case. She quickly figures out how the agent was murdered but finds another dozen or so questions that need to be answered. At each step, it seems like the killer has anticipated their move, raising the pressure even more in the tense situation.

I adore Ana and Din! They’re such a good combination with Ana being totally aware of what Din is thinking. They’re protective of each other as well, much like Din taking care of an elder relative, or Ana taking care of her young nephew. The mystery was lovely, a bit like an onion where’d they’d peel back one layer to find another. I also love how there’s layers of mysteries within the books: in this one, there’s the question about what happened to the treasury officer and why, but also the ongoing one about what exactly are the leviathans. Sometimes I get tripped up by fantasy novels and fighting with the world building, but not in this one (and the previous one, The Tainted Cup) which I found easy to read. In a few spots, Din didn’t know something which allowed the writer to have another character explain it to him and thus spell it out for the reader.

Highly, highly recommended. I’m already looking forward to the next one in the series. I received a copy of this from NetGallley.com that I voluntarily reviewed.

Many years ago, RJB with a single book made me a lifelong fan, and every book of his I’ve read since has only reinforced that opinion for me. And now he gives us A Drop of Corruption, which might very well be the best thing he’s written to date.

It’s been a few years since the events of The Tainted Cup, and Ana and Din have a comfortable partnership, solving multiple cases across the breadth of the empire. But when they arrive in the Kingdom of Yarrow to investigate the death of a diplomat, what starts as a locked room mystery quickly becomes a conspiracy that threatens the security of the Empire itself. It’s a case that will push them to their limits, and can very well be the final chapter in their partnership.

You thought The Tainted Cup was creative, fascinating and entertaining? RJB made us hold his beer before he sat down to write this one, because holy crap. I just have to start with the worldbuilding, because in this outing we’re in a very edge-of-civilization style setting, and it’s where the biopunk element hits a whole new level. Juxtaposed against another civilization with more mundane technology and governmental systems we get to appreciate firsthand just how different, strange and preferable the Empire is to the more run-of-the-mill style imperiums. Imagine a world where rulers actually decided to focus on their subjects and not on their pride, greed or vanity. Imagine a world where the one makes the sacrifice for the betterment of the many, regardless of whether their contribution will be acknowledged. These are all things RJB plays around with in this story in all the best ways.

And then lets get to the mystery. It begins with a locked room story, and what for other books would be the entire mystery is little more than a jumping point for RJB’s story with dramatic ramifications. One of my main issues with The Tainted Cup is that we were never quite given the full picture to figure it out ourselves, in this outing we get everything in the most random, obscure ways that have major ramifications. Read carefully and read well. Aside from the mystery that’s the overarching plot, we also have the mystery of Ana that gets dived deep into in this book, and RJB sets us up spectacularly with a neat bit of misdirection in that regard. And then there’s Din’s personal circumstances, quite familiar to the average reader in the predatory way one of his obligations rears its head, that combined with his other aspirations creates a friction point between him and Ana that gets played with. Of course, every dynamic duo has to go through a moment like this to come out stronger at the end, but if they do I’ll leave for you to find out - never assume you know what’s going to happen when RJB’s at the wheel.

For overall reading experience, this was just start to finish entertaining. The mystery hooks you deep and keeps you going, multiple threats on short deadlines rear their head to keep the tension and intensity up even as we delve deeper into the mystery and technology of this incredible world. Mystery, fantasy and horror are combined in such a wonderful way in so many moments of this book that there’s little doubt in my mind this is a book that’s just going to be better on a re-read. A wonderful instalment in what I hope is going to be a series longer than a trilogy. This world is rich in content, strange in texture and with plenty to explore and enjoy. And if you liked The Tainted Cup, you’re absolutely going to get your fix with this one.

NOTE: Youtube link goes public on March 5th, 2025 @ 3 PM EST.

Din's eidetic memory and Ana's inhuman intellect have helped them solve mysteries all over the empire, but nothing prepares them for what they encounter in the backwater of Yarrowdale. A bureaucrat who vanishes from a locked room and reappears in pieces is just the first link in a conspiracy that's been brewing for years. Their opponent is omniscient, ruthless, and horrifyingly adept at the dark magic that passes for science in this world. Simultaneously a fast-paced horror/fantasy/mystery and a scathing indictment of corrupt institutions. Ana is chaos personified, and the morally-tortured Din is her ballast.

Murder mystery//Sherlock & Watson//lush, botanical world//political undertones//humor//sinister deeds

I’ve probably mentioned The Tainted cup about 200 times over the last year, so you could say I was VERY excited to read this. And it was a GREAT time. I’m still processing my full thoughts on it and how it compares to my love for book one. Discovering this world for the first time definitely had its charm in Tainted Cup. But the pacing and mystery aspects of book two really shined! Another conundrum, more fascinating world building, and new side characters were introduced (including a new fav character!) Ana is iconic and hilarious as usual, and Din goes through is own complex journey. I love their dynamic. Alongside the humor, the story explores the complexities and darker side of human nature and power.

RJB has managed to create one of the most fascinating worlds that continues to surprise me, without bloating the story via info dumping. Much like book 1, the story feels mostly independent, and yet once again, I am so excited for the next installment 😩 can’t wait to hear all your thoughts once you’ve read it!!

I received an early copy via NetGalley.

This second book in the Shadow of the Leviathan series is somehow more gripping than the first. These books are brilliant: fantasy murder mysteries with a whiff of ancient Rome, overlaid with a veneer of weird horror. Bizarre as the combination is, it works in Bennett's masterful hands.

This mystery is set in an outpost that presents a peculiar mystery: a treasury official vanishes from a locked hotel room, pieces of his body later found in a remote swamp. On the case is Din, a magically-enhanced engraver, meaning he can commit to memory whatever he experiences by aligning it with scent cues. He works for Ana, a Holmesian reclusive genius who is blind, perhaps a lunatic, sometimes driven by bizarre, insatiable hungers and obsessions. She can see patterns no one else can.

This book is an incredibly fast read. I had trouble putting it down. I really hope Bennett continues this series for many more books, as I am in awe of the world and characters he has created.

The cover was very interesting. It’s very different from what you see in the market but the story line was fantastic! I haven’t rwad a book like this one before.

A satisfying follow-up to THE TAINTED CUP, one where Din is a little more world-weary. The mystery is just as twisty, however, and Jackson Bennett reveals more about Ana, rather than keeping audiences dangling. His author's note is also well worth a read on how fantasy relates to the political landscape. I eagerly await the next installment in the series.

I was wondering if Bennett could repeat his success in the second installment of the series, and he did! Oh boy, he did! Again, the book was impossible to put down, and I loved how it expands the world from the Tainted Cup. This one is definitely darker, the murders are more gruesome, and we delve into the complicated politics of the region with colonial tones and shady imperial maneuvers. We get to know Dim more, especially his erm... "physical" side and family problems that force him to take up more financial responsibilities than he can bear.
The intrigue is cunning, layered and perfectly woven into this world's lore. Bennett creates a perfect example of what a fantasy mystery should look like, incorporating the rules of his made up realm into the logical puzzle. At the same time, he indulges his readers with more insight into the mysteries of Leviathans' world itself, making us want more.
I devoured this book and can't wait for another serving.
On the downsides I have only one remark - I feel that Din's problems with reading were completely brushed off here, while they were pretty important in the previous book.

⭐ Rating: 4.25/5

Thank you to Del Rey and Netgalley for providing me with an early review copy!

***Spoiler-free review***

Robert Jackson Bennett’s A Drop of Corruption is a strong follow-up to The Tainted Cup, delivering another engaging blend of fantasy and mystery. It deepens the worldbuilding, sharpens its central mystery, and gives its characters more room to grow. While it doesn’t quite surpass its predecessor, it successfully builds on its foundation and keeps the series moving in an intriguing direction.

The story follows Imperial investigator Ana Dolabra and her assistant Dinios Kol as they take on an impossible case in Yarrowdale: a Treasury officer has vanished from a locked room under constant guard. What begins as a missing-person investigation soon spirals into a tangled murder mystery with far-reaching consequences for the Empire’s power structure.

Stronger Character Work

One of this book’s biggest improvements is its character development. Ana, who at times felt almost mythic in The Tainted Cup, gains more humanizing moments that make her feel more grounded. The introduction of Malo, a gruff and pragmatic new character, adds a welcome dynamic to the team, balancing Ana’s calculated brilliance and Din’s reserved nature. Din himself remains a sharp and entertaining narrator, with his dry humor and self-deprecating charm adding personality to the story.

A Cleverly Woven Mystery

The mystery itself is well-constructed, with Bennett planting clues throughout the narrative in a way that rewards attentive readers. The investigation unfolds at a solid pace, and the mix of deduction and fantasy elements keeps things unpredictable. At times, the added complexity of the world’s mechanics makes certain aspects of the mystery feel a bit abstract, but overall, Bennett keeps the twists engaging and well-earned.

Expanding the World

This installment takes the story beyond the Empire’s core into Yarrowland, introducing new customs, dialects, and perspectives that make the setting feel richer. The deepening lore surrounding Titans and augmentations adds new layers to the world, though it raises more questions than it answers.

My biggest criticism with the book is that while the story is very enjoyable, it feels a bit like a side-quest, one of many potential installments (A la Nero Wolfe). Your mileage may vary as this probably comes down to personal preference.

Final Verdict

A Drop of Corruption is a satisfying sequel that delivers another compelling mystery while expanding the world and deepening its characters. While it doesn’t fully surpass the first book, it continues the series in a rewarding way, setting up intriguing possibilities for future installments.

Recommended for readers who enjoy:

✔️ Fantasy mysteries
✔️ Expansive world building
✔️ A mix of serious stakes and occasional humor

For fans of The Tainted Cup, this is a must-read. A strong continuation that keeps the series moving forward, even if some plot threads remain unresolved.

This book was perfection. I've always loved robert jackson bennett's books, but this series might be his best yet, proven by how superior the first and this book are. I love reading about the characters, their dynamic, and i love how much more depth they have here. The mystery aspect was not lacking at all! I was still left speechless on every turn, and discovering how we reach a certain point is a joy to read. All in all, more people should read this book and series

Wow. You know how you read a book and it’s just amazing and fantastic? Then you read the sequel and it almost always comes up short? That is not the case with A Drop of Corruption, the second book in the Shadow of the Leviathan series. This book was so dang good, as enjoyable, if not more so, than book one. It truly was such a satisfying read.

The relationship between Ana Dolabra and Dinios Kol is so fun to read. Their crime solving skills are so impressive, I find myself wondering, how in the world did the author come up with this? And his world building of the lands of the Empire and beyond, the Leviathans, the way they deal with them and their corpses, just leaves me impressed with the author’s unique imagination.

RBJ is truly a gifted author and storyteller. Can not wait for the next book in this series!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group for sending me an advanced copy of this book.

I absolutely adored The Tainted Cup, so I was thrilled to be offered the chance to get an early peek at A Drop of Corruption in exchange for this review. If you’ve already read The Tainted Cup, I will promise you this, everything you liked about The Tainted Cup is still here in A Drop of Corruption. Intrigue? Check. Din being a bisexual impulsive disaster? Check. Ana acting like a mad scientist? Check. Convoluted mysteries? Check. Weird fungus. Check. Obviously. So if you liked The Tainted Cup, you’ll have a grand old time with A Drop of Corruption. If you didn’t like The Tainted Cup, I’m not sure why you’re reading this review, honestly.

While you could probably read The Tainted Cup and A Drop of Corruption as stand alone novels, I don’t know why you would when you could read them in the proper order and have everything make significantly more sense. So if you haven’t checked this series out and “Sherlock Holmes is a woman, Watson is a bisexual disaster, cthulhu is weird, it’s biopunk and they solve crimes” sounds like a good time to you, get on this series. If you think that sounds like a bad time, you’re probably right, and you should pass.

I recommend this for fans of Bennett’s other work, and people looking for their next Six of Crows fix.

(will post and add links closer to the pub date)

Ana and Din do it again in this vivid dystopian mystery. I feel calling these characters Sherlock and Holmes does not do them justice. Both characters have their strengths, and the first-person POV of Din makes this even more endearing. The minor characters stand out as well. The setting is lush and very detailed, the dialogue is snappy, and the plot pacing is out of this world.
Besides the subtle horror elements, I admire this series for lack of triggering content! I read an AMA the author wrote where he talks about his inspiration for this novel, and it endeared me to the work even more.
Thanks so much to Netgalley for the eARC and the opportunity to read this early.

Fantastic book, it's even better than the original, witch is rare these days. Plot just drives from beginning to the end, fast paced, interesting, intelligent. Great stuff. Can't wait for the next one.

He’s done it again!!! I am absolutely in love with this series, the characters, the world building, all of it. The mysteries are also twisty, dark, and fun to watch Ana and Din unravel!!

If you loved book 1, you will absolutely love this one too.

Din and Ana are back in this sequel that continues the world building of the first installment. They're in a new realm exploring the disappearance of that turns out to be much more complicated than originally thought. These mysteries tend to be extremely complex since the characters are bound by the real world, but they'er ultimately clever and enjoyable.

Ana seems a bit angrier in this book and it might be a tad too long for my preference but it's a worthy follow up.

A Drop of Corruption is everything I wanted in a sequel and more—a brilliant blend of mystery, political intrigue, and mind-bending world-building that kept me hooked from start to finish. Bennett continues to impress with his intricate magic system, weaving together the bizarre and the brilliant in an utterly immersive way. Ana Dolabra is as eccentric and sharp as ever, and Din’s arc in this book adds layers of depth that make him an even more compelling narrator. Their dynamic remains one of the most enjoyable parts of the series, full of wit, tension, and genuine growth. The mystery itself is masterfully constructed, full of twists that had me second-guessing every theory I formed, and the expansion of the world—especially the deeper dive into the Shroud and the political machinations of the Empire—adds an even greater sense of urgency and stakes. I cannot wait to see what Bennett does in the next book—this series is shaping up to be one of my all-time favorites.

I really love the way Bennett builds worlds and magic systems, and his characters are fascinating. Ana and Din are fun to read about and their interactions are delightful - and I feel like both had solid development over the course of this novel.

The mystery and main plot in this are excellent and really pulled me in. I was curious and fascinated the entire time and had such a blast seeing how things got solved!

I can't wait to see how this trilogy ends - Bennett has set up SO much and I am excited to watch him tie it all together.

Absolutely fantastic sequel to one of the most inventive series I have read in a while. Highly highly recommended and am very much looking forward to more. I loved the characters, world building and lore. I had a great time reading this book.