A review by youcancallmefi
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

Thank you to publishers and Netgalley for this arc.

I think reading this so closely after finishing The Founders Trilogy tainted my enjoyment. 
Let me get started that saying that overall I can say this was enjoyable to read, and I can divide my reading experience with the two halves of the book. The second part was significantly more enjoyable and fast paced and increased the rating for me.
It’s an unique work of murder mystery set up in a fantasy setting which I have not read many of.
The main reason for my love for The Founders Trilogy is the character work which I though it was …..tepid here. I much enjoyed the secondary characters than the main character. Din’s personality was quite, well, dim, for the most part of the book but I did end up loving his attitude and demeanor toward the end of the book. I would have also enjoyed more if there was more of the ins and outs of characters relationships. Anna felt a bit like Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock Holmes which I loved, definitively my favorite character.
The author continues to show excellent skills in world building, layering all the bricks of a good setting: politics, the empire, the stakes, the intricate surroundings. 
The murder mystery was a bit lukewarm for me but I can’t pinpoint why. Some of it felt quite predictable as loads of evidence was sprinkled through the book, I think.  
Overall, I did enjoy this experience and am keen to dive in to the next book.