(thank you netgalley and random house publishing group - del rey for an arc in exchange for an honest review)

❝ And all the world a savage garden, mindless and raging.❞

A Drop of Corruption is the second entry in the Shadow of the Leviathan series. Robert Jackson Bennett looked in the eye of middle-book-syndrome and said “no”

Now an official officer in the Iudex Special Division, Dinios ‘Din’ Kol is sent ahead to investigate the scene of a crime in Yarrowdale. The Kingdom of Yarrow — considered a canton — is to join the Empire in a deal made centuries ago, foregoing many of their cultural practices, but not everyone is fond of the idea. Though the locals are eager to leave behind the Yarrow monarchial government, the royalty seek to end the deal as it would mean losing the advantage they have in sourcing many of the alchemical potions derived from the felled leviathans. But before they join the Empire, they must pay taxes and no one likes the taxman. Which is why it is less of a surprise when Immunis Mineti Sujedo of the Imperial Treasury is found dead. No, what is a mystery is how he died.

In a guarded locked room, high up in a tower with no exits, a pool of blood no one can survive losing is found. No body is in sight and everyone assumes the man had been murdered and the corpse disposed of. But when remains are found in the swamp miles away, the Empire calls on its most brilliant and mercurial investigator, the great Ana Dolabra to solve this mystery. What Ana doesn't know is that she is about to meet a rival who will challenge her throughout the investigation.

The mystery in this book is my favourite so far. There’s nothing I love more than a classic locked-room mystery and while Ana is quick to solve the how — the who, why and to-what-end of the mystery were the most engaging and heart racing. Especially the who. The antagonist here is quite possibly my favourite I’ve read in a murder mystery. They had our cast (and me!) sweating. What made me realise that we had a near-genius in our hands, was that towards the 90% mark of the book, our antagonist’s plans had our genius Ana say three words — “I don’t know.” When I tell you I got chills.

Everything was alleviated in this book: the humour, the characters, the mystery and the worldbuilding. By Sanctum the worldbuilding in this book was insane. The atmosphere in the first chapter had me so immersed, I practically felt the suffocating heat of the swamp and the putrid smell of rotting fish. The Empire’s capabilities were expanded in this book and nothing portrayed this more than the augurs. Chapters 45 and 46 were chef’s kiss, chef’s kiss, chef’s kiss! Here’s to the next book and it hopefully starting with Din throwing up as it has in the last two books.

❝ I suspect you shall come to realize what many Iudexii eventually learn—that though the Legion defends our Empire, it falls to us to keep an Empire worth defending. ❞

Whew what a ride. Still thinking about the appropriate rating. It is not as good as the first book which took the whole five stars but it is still very good so the real rating is 4.5 stars. I did really really enjoy this one and the fantasy part was really cool so I round it up. I am glad to see more character development with the MC and his crazy boss. Looking forward to the next one!

I received an eARC of this title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This book is amazing! The way it is written is intriguing and easy for me to read. The plot is suspenseful and keeps you guessing. While I did guess who the culprit was early-ish on, I had no idea the motive or even the how. That kept me reading. I needed to know how it all went down.

The characters are lovable if not flawed in their own ways. Dolobra is an interesting character and more of her story is opened up to Din.

First things first … I LOVE THE COVER!!
This book was an amazing mix of imagination and intrigue it had my attention from the moment I pick it up!
The clues and twists are set up so well and honestly had me looking at my imaginary audience(we’ve all been there don’t judge me)
I love how you had to truly think while reading this book, well if you’re like me who has a perpetual need to figure things out before they get revealed you do!!
The fantasy side of this book called to me in a way not many do and I loved the way it was all set up!

As intricately woven as its first novel, A Drop of Corruption is a wonderfully strange and clever mystery that starts out with an intriguing premise that soon further unravels to reveal more complications. Dionos Kol, our recurring main character, has once again been summoned to a place few step foot in with his superior, Ana Dolabra. Once again, these detectives are handed the task of solving a seemingly impossible mystery: a man who vanished from his rooms without a trace only to be found dead in a canal. The world these two are in is a strange and wondrous place, with the entire Empire depending on the blood of the mysterious leviathans that rise from the sea during the wet season. The world building is done well in this book, for although we are in a strange environment, the author is able to describe everything to make it all make sense without extraneous amounts of info dumping. I loved learning more about the leviathans in this book and seeing Kol and Dolabra work together to solve the mystery. I look forward to reading about their adventures in the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for giving me access to a copy of this book!

I did not like this as well as book 1 in the series. It was too long-winded, took more time to get to the good bits, I feel like a good portion could have been more concise. The world and the characters are just as intriguing, but this story left me wanting more or less as the case may be, not as satisfying as book 1, sadly.

I can't get enough of this series! I think I said this about the first book, but this series is for anyone who loved the dynamic of Sherlock and Holmes. This book continues to follow our duo as they work to solve another case, all while giving us more insight into our eccentric genius and her investigator. I will continue to recommend these books to anyone who will listen!

4.5

I enjoyed reading the second installment of this series, though I did wish I read The Tainted Cup again just to refresh my memory. The great thing about A Drop of Corruption is that the action started almost immediately, since the context and characters were already established. This was something that the Tainted Cup was a bit slow to get into, so I really appreciated the fast-moving plot here. I appreciated that there were several ongoing and continuous mysteries at once, though I was slightly disappointed by a couple things:
- Din's character seemed kind of different from before -- more assured in a way, but still obsessing over (in my mind and Ana's mind) the wrong things. This could be somewhat frustrating since I generally found Din to be quite competent.
- Some mysteries fell a bit flat with me, since I was able to puzzle out some crucial pieces quite quickly. I know I get to metagame it since there's an aspect of "if it's mentioned in the plot it must be important" but still -- Ana should have figured some things out faster.
- The climax of the supervillain's take down was a bit anticlimactic imo -- mostly around the reasoning.

I was excited about certain reveals, though I think they would have been more impactful if there was more established world-building around the empire and its domains.

Received a free copy from Netgalley.

The Tainted Cup was my favourite release of 2024 and I raved about it constantly, so I had very high expectations for A Drop of Corruption. And I’m glad to report that it did not disappoint. This series continues to be the best combination of fantasy and murder mystery with a side of one of the most interesting worlds and magic systems ever created, and crazy loveable characters, that I did not know I was missing in my collection (and in my life!!).

Book 2 brings us along with Din and Ana to the Kingdom of Yarrow, expanding on the world already presented in the previous book, to investigate a new, an even more gruesome, case. Nothing is what it seems and even though this is, first and foremost, a fantasy book, I bow down to the author for intertwining such a wonderful mystery thriller. I just love an impossible locked room mystery that evolves into a big conspiracy. And if these are related to some horrific biological weapons that educate us on the brilliance of the world and magic system created and lead to even more gruesome deaths? Well, what can I say? This is just my kind of book. Add some political intrigue, corruption, cultural clashes and some very light philosophical topics and I just got a new favourite!

Ana is still my absolute favourite character, with her eccentric, sometimes rude and definitely strange behaviour that everyone puts up with because of her brilliance. I liked to learn a bit more about her, and that whenever Ana started putting pieces together, she did so by dropping clues in her speech, but not fully unravelling everything right away, as this allowed me, as a reader, to think about what further pieces I could put together myself. In this, I felt that I was right there with Din, who was also trying to keep up. I love a good character development, so of course I’m here for Din struggling with money, his job and his purpose while somehow always finding himself in the world's most deadly places and most dangerous situations.

My only complaint was that the start was a bit slow for me, as it seems like a big shift from the Tainted Cup and Din is a bit lost (in his job? In his life? We get you Din!) so I think I got lost as well until Ana entered the scene and somehow chaos ensued but I was hooked. However, to be fair, I think that particular to me.

Overall, this book was an excellent follow up for fans of Fantasy and Mystery, building up on an unrivalled world building and magic system, well written and developed characters, cultural clashes, bureaucracies and power corruption. Now, I’m (not so) patiently waiting for book 3!

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey and NetGallery for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Is it to soon to ask to be considered for an ARC of book 3? Pretty please with a cherry on top?

A Drop of Corruption" by Robert Jackson Bennett is the second installment in the Shadow of the Leviathan series, following the adventures of the eccentric detective Ana Dolabra and her steadfast assistant, Dinios Kol. Set in the distant canton of Yarrowdale, the narrative kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of a Treasury officer from a locked room, a case that swiftly escalates into a complex murder investigation. While "A Drop of Corruption" delivers a compelling mystery with sharp wit and a richly textured setting, some may find it adheres closely to the formula established in the first book, lacking the same fresh impact. Nonetheless, it stands as a solid sequel that will satisfy fans of the series and leave them eager for the next installment.

Another outstanding book by Robert Jackson Bennett. Fantastic follow up to Tainted Cup. I could not have asked for more. Amazing book.

The Tainted Cup was my first 5-star book in 2025. I absolutely loved it so I was so excited to pick up this book and continue following along with these characters. While I didn't love it AS much as the Tainted Cup, this was still an extraordinary read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a unique mystery.

This book continues on following the one-of-a-kind duo, Ana Dolabra and Dinios Kol. The plot of this series is similar to a Sherlock Holmes detective kind of series if Sherlock Holmes was a brilliant, middle-aged woman who constantly blindfolds herself because new environments and too much going on around her overwhelms her senses and Watson was the young sidekick with a unique version of a photographic memory. Ana and Din are recruited to investigate once again when a man goes missing from his gaurded room with no signs of escaping but leaves blood all over his sheets. This is only the beginning as they begin to unravel everything.

Ana is possibly one of my all-time favorite characters. She is so fascinating and I have never read a character even similar to hers. And Din is also a favorite, but I do feel like we got more from him in the first book of this series. I think having Captain Kepheus in the first book allowed readers to get more emotion from Din so I'm hoping he makes an appearance in the next.

The ending of this book kept me on my toes and I never know where Robert Jackson Bennett is going to take the plot and the twists at the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and thank you to NetGalley for the eARC and letting me share my thoughts!

Finally we return to the lives of Ana and her assistant Din in another fantastic murder mystery. The banter between the two investigators continues to be some of my favorite.

During this story we start to have questions around Ana and her abilities - which even from book 1 was a big interest of mine. The leviathans and the shroud, the place where the leviathans are harvested, are two things this book explores a little, but not as much as I'd wish. The stories stay true to it's murder mystery fashion - while dropping small hints of the world they inhabit. While there was a lot of explaining/telling and less showing in this story, I still had a great time with it and believe anyone who enjoyed book 1 will enjoy this one as well.

I'm so glad I found this series! The second book takes us back to Din and Ana and a new mystery. This series is a perfect blend of fantasy worldbuilding and intriguing mystery that delivers on it's conclusion.

The canton of Yarrowdale, a highly-charged political area of the Empire, as it is not quite acquired yet into the territory, is in a bit of a tizzy. On the brink of its allegiance to the Empire, after many decades of negotiations, one of the Empire's officials disappears without a trace. By the time he is found, it is in pieces and nobody can figure out how he left his locked room, high up in a tower. It is, once again, time to call Ana Dolabra and her assistant Dinios Kol. As in the first of this series, the initial murder is solved with relative ease by this genius investigator, but in solving the initial crime, only a dozen more questions come up and a much larger conspiracy is revealed. Readers follow along with Ana and Dinios as they play empirical and local politics, travel through mysterious and murky lands, and eat really weird meals (at least, on Ana's end) before uncovering the true nature of the crime and finding the one responsible for it.
This second novel in the Shadow of the Leviathan series was a bit surprising to me. I liked the first installment, but wouldn't say I loved it. However, I enjoyed this novel much more than the first. I'm not typically a fantasy reader, so it could be that the world had already been constructed in my mind and there was less work on my end as I entered this murder mystery (which is what I really come to this series for). However, it could also be the difference between audiobook and text. The first novel I read through audio and this one I read on my Kindle. Either way, I found this mystery to be captivating, unique, and a lot of fun. I was guessing and second-guessing all kinds of potential outcomes and was never correct, but that's always fine with me. For this reader, the second in this series was a win!

It is a rare thing that I find a second book in the series that is even better than the first. This book was amazing! The mystery, the political intrigue, the characters. It has been a long time since I've seen characters and world building done this well. I love Din and Ana and their relationship, and even the side characters are interesting and draw you in. This series is honestly such a fresh concept that I can not wait to see where it goes. I have a feeling something big is coming, but I can't quite put my finger on it! This is one book series that I'll definitely be keeping my eyes on!

<strong>ARC/Superb Follow-up To Book 1</strong>

Such vivid, descriptive writing. The details in which Bennet provides the reader, makes one truly sink into every aspect of the book, seeing it luminously unfold before your very eyes, as picturesque as a movie.

What a magnificent, gifted storyteller Robert Jackson Bennet is, rarer than you may imagine.

At 61% in, I posted this update on my GoodReads account:
"Since receiving this early release, I have been consumed with gloriously devouring it.
Though it cuts greatly into my winter knitting time 🤭, I have practically been incapable of putting it down."

Bennett is a masterful narrator, drawing the reader along with his divine, exceedingly powerful narrative of the investigation involving Din and Ana.
I predict high praise for this 2nd book in the series."

No detail is too small for Bennett to expand upon. From every character, co-character, world building, he resplendently illustrates every solitary aspect. The descriptions of the different races, the enhancements, augmentations, clothing, finery, even the food and drink, they partake in, leaves no doubt this world exists! The lines he feeds Ana and Din are sometimes clever, yet others complex, and most definitely hilarious as well, especially coming from the mad genius Ana.

If you’ve yet to read the first, run out as quickly as possible to do so, and get ready for the upcoming release of this one on April 1st, 2025! You won’t be disappointed!

I was so excited when my request for the ARC of this particular manuscript was approved. Thank you to the publishers, and to NetGalley for their wonderful site to bring writers, publishers, and readers, together.

Note: I received an early release of this manuscript from NetGalley and Del Rey/ Penguin Random House, and have at my own discretion and opinion, chosen to post a review.

I enjoyed spending more time with one of the quirkiest investigation duos, Ana and Din as they work another strange case.
Just like book one, the world-building is extraordinary. Robert Jackson Bennett creates a fantasy world that is so detailed it comes alive in your mind. His world of plants, fungus, and the leviathans is so interesting.
My favourite part of these books are the two main characters. I especially love Ana’s sharp tongue, and quick wit. In this book, I would have liked more time spent on the relationship between Ana and Din as their banter is so fun. I’m hoping in any future books we get to learn more about their backstories (especially Anna).
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC and the below is an honest review:

If you loved Tainted Cup and wanted more from Ana and Dio this is for you. The world continues to build and fill out in a very satisfying way.

I will say that as a fantasy reader and not as much of a sci-fi reader I would classify this book as more sci-fi (thus 4.75 ⭐). I will say I enjoyed Foundryside a bit more.

The mystery was absolutely gripping and still gave the wonderful Sherlock Holmes vibes. The reveal at the end was absolutely amazing. I did not see it coming but on reflection the clues were there but nicely hidden (I unfortunately should have paid closer attention).

Lastly I would highly recommend this book to anyone I see. This author has a way of making you feel like you are somewhere else and in the action. Please do yourself a favor and read this book (audiobook makes the mystery even harder and I don't recommend this version)

I think I've said this before, but I'm not normally a fantasy reader. However, I am absolutely here for A Drop of Corruption, the 2nd installment in the Leviathan series (that I am loving) from Robert Jackson Bennett! 

   There is so much detail in the world building, but the story isn't weighed down by it and is just so fleshed out and visual. 

   Not giving any of the plot away, but we are back with detective Ana and her trusty side, Kol. I found great joy in reading the dynamic between these two. Serious hilarious and acerbic. The relationship is expanded upon more in this novel, as we meet a new set of characters when we follow them to another mysterious land to solve a case of a missing Treasury official who vanished from a heavily guarded tower, and rapidly turns into a murder investigation. 

    So, again, I'm not giving away the plot or anything here, but I'm just going to say if you like reading mysteries, give this series a go (think otherwordly Sherlock). It's detailed and well thought out. It's very twisty with many subplots that combine together for a satisfying ending to the case.