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A review by michela_wilson
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
Happy publication day to the Tainted Cup!
In this fantastical world, you follow Din, the assistant to Investigator Ana, as they unravel the mysteries of the Empire’s inner workings following a series of unusual murders. I never knew I needed a fantasy version of Sherlock Holmes, but I am so glad that it exists!
The world of the Tainted Cup feels like a mesh between Pacific Rim, Attack on Titan, and the Ghibli world of Nassicca. Bennett did a fantastic job creating a world that felt lived in and real while not making it overwhelming for the reader. There is not a single moment when I thought the world-building was getting in the way of the story, which can be hard to find in a lot of fantasy books.
I adored Din and Ana’s relationship throughout the story. The quirky investigator and her assistant have my whole heart and truly it’s their relationship and interactions that made this book fantastic! The mystery itself was captivating. Bennett writes in a way that allows the reader to fully participate in the investigation as well. Each revelation feels earned and makes the overall mystery so much more engaging than most. Get ready for a lot of twists and turns as friends become enemies and foes become friends.
I also love that this book is self-contained. There is no need to wait for the next book to finish the story and it was amazing to not feel trapped into reading a massive fantasy series. That being said I cannot wait to see more of Din and Ana's future adventures and more of this fantastical world.
This book is perfect for any fantasy lover and it lived up to the hype as my most anticipated read of the year!
Thank you so much to Robert Jackson Bennett and Netgalley for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this fantastical world, you follow Din, the assistant to Investigator Ana, as they unravel the mysteries of the Empire’s inner workings following a series of unusual murders. I never knew I needed a fantasy version of Sherlock Holmes, but I am so glad that it exists!
The world of the Tainted Cup feels like a mesh between Pacific Rim, Attack on Titan, and the Ghibli world of Nassicca. Bennett did a fantastic job creating a world that felt lived in and real while not making it overwhelming for the reader. There is not a single moment when I thought the world-building was getting in the way of the story, which can be hard to find in a lot of fantasy books.
I adored Din and Ana’s relationship throughout the story. The quirky investigator and her assistant have my whole heart and truly it’s their relationship and interactions that made this book fantastic! The mystery itself was captivating. Bennett writes in a way that allows the reader to fully participate in the investigation as well. Each revelation feels earned and makes the overall mystery so much more engaging than most. Get ready for a lot of twists and turns as friends become enemies and foes become friends.
I also love that this book is self-contained. There is no need to wait for the next book to finish the story and it was amazing to not feel trapped into reading a massive fantasy series. That being said I cannot wait to see more of Din and Ana's future adventures and more of this fantastical world.
This book is perfect for any fantasy lover and it lived up to the hype as my most anticipated read of the year!
Thank you so much to Robert Jackson Bennett and Netgalley for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.