Title: The Tainted Cup
Author: Robert Jackson Bennett
Pages: 413
Series: Shadow of the Leviathan #1
Release: February 6, 2024

From the physical structure of the world to the unique botanical magic employed within its (very big) walls, Robert Jackson Bennett has built an undeniably cool sandbox to play around in. This first book of the trilogy is a dynamic fantasy murder mystery that should please longtime RJB fans and newcomers alike.

I’ve always enjoyed Bennett’s sharp dialogue and great character work. Here, I loved the master and apprentice dynamic between Ana and Din. Ana, especially, was a superbly written character. It’s never enough to be told a character is a genius, we have to see it in action and Ana’s genius is all show and no tell.

While I wasn’t always captivated by the mystery at the heart of the book, Bennett builds out the layers of the conspiracy nicely and doles out the twists and reveals in a satisfying manner. I am truly excited to see what the next book has in store, as it seems like Bennett has just scratched the surface of what stories are possible within the Empire of Khanum.

★★★½

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.