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A review by luluwoohoo
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
☀️☀️☀️☀️⛅
Murder mystery meets fantasy in one of the most inventive, riveting books I've come across in a good while!
The combo genre isn't one I've come across before but I found myself loving it. The worldbuilding is uniquely detailed and, at times, a bit of a struggle to keep up with (mostly ranks and other such terms - a glossary and character list would have helped) but proved to be the greatest strength of this novel. The focus on plants as a means to enhance and manipulate was interesting and well explained. I do hope future books in the series give more details on the process involving enhancement and alterations.
The two lead characters are both really enjoyable to read. Ana is eccentric, witty, brusque and everything you expect of a Holmes-style investigator. Her strange habits demand the necessity of Din, a serious and decidedly green engraver, who acts as her eyes and ears. Their banter is wonderfully funny and I enjoyed the growth of their relationship as the novel went on. The side characters were all interesting too (even if I sometimes mixed them up)
The writing is easy to tear through when combined with a decent pace. I was captivated from the first chapter and found the pacing overall quite well managed amongst the hefty worldbuilding and red herrings to sift through for the final reveal.
I loved reading this and cannot wait for the second book to come out in a few months. It's a triumph of fantasy AND mystery that shouldn't be ignored.
☀️☀️☀️☀️⛅
Murder mystery meets fantasy in one of the most inventive, riveting books I've come across in a good while!
The combo genre isn't one I've come across before but I found myself loving it. The worldbuilding is uniquely detailed and, at times, a bit of a struggle to keep up with (mostly ranks and other such terms - a glossary and character list would have helped) but proved to be the greatest strength of this novel. The focus on plants as a means to enhance and manipulate was interesting and well explained. I do hope future books in the series give more details on the process involving enhancement and alterations.
The two lead characters are both really enjoyable to read. Ana is eccentric, witty, brusque and everything you expect of a Holmes-style investigator. Her strange habits demand the necessity of Din, a serious and decidedly green engraver, who acts as her eyes and ears. Their banter is wonderfully funny and I enjoyed the growth of their relationship as the novel went on. The side characters were all interesting too (even if I sometimes mixed them up)
The writing is easy to tear through when combined with a decent pace. I was captivated from the first chapter and found the pacing overall quite well managed amongst the hefty worldbuilding and red herrings to sift through for the final reveal.
I loved reading this and cannot wait for the second book to come out in a few months. It's a triumph of fantasy AND mystery that shouldn't be ignored.
"Civilisation is often a task that is only barely managed. But harden your heart and slow your blood. The towers of justice are built one brick at a time. We have more to build yet."