Review by vgdesigns - A Drop of Corruption

vgdesigns 's review for:

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett

5.0

mysterious medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Bountiful Worldbuilding

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett pairs bountiful worldbuilding, with a murder mystery shrouded in political intrigue. A cross-genre story that will keep you guessing until the end.

Investigator Ana Dolabra, and her assistant Dinios Kol are sent to the edge of the Empire, the murky swamps of Yarrowdale, to investigate the locked room murder of a Treasury Officer. What they find is a sinister plot involving the Shroud, an impenetrable living structure where Titans are harvested. It is up to them to find the killer before the blood of the Titan is used to inflict horrifying destruction. A warning for vomiting, descriptions of dead bodies, and body horror.

Book two of the Shadow of the Leviathan series does not disappoint, with its fast-paced mystery set in a uniquely plant-based Empire. The new setting of Yarrowdale expands the history of the Empire, while introducing the process of harvesting Titans, in an organic way without bogging down the reader with worldbuilding. The introduction of local characters helped as well, to bring added levity and complications to the investigation. Ana and Din both have their own personal challenges. As Din wonders if there is any purpose in his current appointment, while Ana keeps vailed secrets.

Overall, the setting adds haunting vibes, and an unpredictability to a well know mystery trope. The reader may realize who the killer is early on, but the why and how is entirely up to the imagination of Robert Jackson. A must read for fantasy and mystery fans!

Content Warnings