Along with this mini review, I am linking to both Book Beginnings, a meme in which readers share the first sentence of a book they are reading, hosted by Gillion of Rose City Reader and First Line Friday hosted by Carrie of Reading is My Super Power, as well as Friday 56 hosted by Anne of My Head is Full of Books, in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading.
The walls of the estate emerged from the morning fog before me, long and dark and rounded like the skin of some beached sea creature. [opening of The Tainted Cup]★I stared at the sword, mere spans before my face. Its blade was not shining steel, I noticed, but a pale, sickly, whitish green. [page 146 of The Tainted Cup]
Del Rey, 2024
Mystery/Suspense/Fantasy; 410 pgs
Source: Own TBR
In Daretana’s most opulent mansion, a high Imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree spontaneously erupted from his body. Even in this canton at the borders of the Empire, where contagions abound and the blood of the Leviathans works strange magical changes, it’s a death at once terrifying and impossible.
Featuring an unforgettable Holmes-and-Watson style pairing, a gloriously labyrinthine plot, and a haunting and wholly original fantasy world, The Tainted Cup brilliantly reinvents the classic mystery tale. [From the Publisher]
My thoughts: The bizarre murder of a high-ranking official of the Empire shocks the residents of Daretana. Legendary investigator, Ana Dolabra, sends her new assistant apprentice, Dinios Kol, to the scene of the crime to learn everything he can about the scene of the crime and interview the witnesses.
Robert Jackson Bennett's novel, The Tainted Cup, was everything I hoped it would be and more. The mystery at the heart of the novel is multi-layered, well-plotted, and wrapped tightly in the fantasy world it is set in. As the mystery unfolds, the reader learns more about the Empire, particularly the border cantons and the surrounding area. The border towns are on constant guard against leviathans who may try to breach the outer walls and threaten the Empire. A recent breach of the wall near Talagray has everyone on edge as the engineers try to fix the wall before another leviathan comes along. Meanwhile, Ana and Din's investigation into the officer's death becomes more complicated by the second, leading them right to Talagray, as they follow the evidence.
Din is not an ordinary human, having been magically augmented to have perfect recall. Similar to a photographic memory, but much more advanced. Anything he sees and hears he remembers. He is what they call an Engraver. Other humans throughout the empire have opted for other enhancements or augmentations, providing them with skills and talents that make them invaluable to the Empire. Din himself is very good at his craft. In addition, he is dedicated and curious as well as clever and resourceful.
The novel is told from Din's point of view, and it is through his eyes that we are introduced to the world he lives in, one of ecological wonders. Ana is as much an enigma to Din as she is to us in some respects. Her masterful deduction abilities and reputation proceed her wherever she goes, but there are many things about her Din does not yet know. Ana is rather eccentric, wearing a blindfold most of the time, she literally relies on Din to be her eyes and ears, but she is able to see so much that is going on around her and from what she learns just by using her other senses. She is confident beyond measure and will bend the truth if it gets her what she wants to know. The author likens Ana to Rex Strout's Nero Wolfe character, though I am less familiar with than Sherlock Holmes, who I have also heard her compared to (and Din as her Watson). In my brief internet search about Nero Wolfe, I can definitely see the similarities. (The author also jokes that she is also like Hannibal Lector--which I can see too, sort of).
Din and Ana work very well together with their contrasting personalities and each with their own skillset. Ana may seem like the brilliant one of the two, but no one should underestimate Din. I thought the entire cast of characters in the novel were not only well developed but interesting. They each played an important part. Not one character was superfluous. In fact nothing about this novel was, from the workings of the fantasy world, the ecology, the politics, and hierarchy and classes of people to the simplest and most minor of details.
With a dangerous killer on the loose and the threat of a leviathan attack, tension builds throughout the novel. The mystery is as intriguing as it is gripping, and the world building is incredible in its characters and setting. The mystery has a classic feel to it, but the fantasy elements make it something entirely unique. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and cannot wait to read the next in the series (and go back and read the author's backlist).
Does this sound like something you would enjoy? If you have read it, what did you think?
Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. It is hosted by Linda Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell and Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About. Join in by answering this week's question in the comments or on your own blog.
Do you like to cook or bake? What is your favorite thing to make?
I do not enjoy cooking or baking. Not in the least. I only do it when I have to. Thank goodness my husband doesn't mind doing either!
Do you enjoy cooking or baking?
Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.
Do you belong to a book club? If so, how many members do you have? Have long has it been going on? (submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Review)
I made the declaration at the beginning of the year that this is my Year of Book Clubs. I belong to four currently, which is probably too many, but I enjoy each of them and would join at least one more if I thought I could juggle it (I'm looking at you, Science Fiction/Fantasy book club).
Over the years, I have been in several online book clubs at one time or another, mostly the kind you can read at your own pace and answer questions posted by the host if there's a group read--which not all had. I have long wanted to be a part of an in-person book club. I attempted to join a community one years ago, when my daughter was really young, but it did not work out.
The local independent bookstore has a wide range of book clubs (20 at last count) for just about every genre or interest, and I have wanted to try one for some time now. Last fall, I finally took the plunge and joined the Historical Fiction Book Club. It's a small group, just three of us at the moment, but I have enjoyed our discussions. The other two members have been in the club for years together (others have come and gone), but they gave me a warm welcome. I also tried out the bookstore's main book club, featuring mostly literary and general fiction, which I also have enjoyed.
Since then, I have taken part in the bookstore's Cellar Door Book Club, featuring mostly literary and general fiction books, the Diverse Romance Book Club, and the Mystery Book Club. I actually hadn't meant to join the Diverse Romance group, only planning to attend the January meeting because of that month's book selection, but I enjoyed being a part of the group so much, I decided to continue with it for the time being. I love reading mysteries, so the Mystery group seemed like it would be a good fit.
Two of the clubs meet in-person at the bookstore and the other two via Zoom. Membership varies for each club, ranging in size from three to twelve, depending. All of the clubs have been going on much longer than I have been a member. I think there are more newer members in the Diverse Romance group right now than there are in the others (it's also a newer group). Each club is made up of members of all ages and from varying backgrounds. I love the variety of books read in the book clubs, and they all have their own vibe.
Where do I get the time with a full-time job and a family? At least for the moment, I am at a place in my life where I can devote the time to the book clubs. It's a form of self-care, something I can do for myself that I enjoy. I am not a very social person, but I do like talking about books, and I'm finding it surprisingly easier than I expected given my reserved and introverted nature. I just had to get over my initial fear and anxieties. There is something rewarding about sitting around a table discussing a book we all read, not to mention being a part of a community that shares in a love for reading and books. Will I be able to be so involved in six months? I have my doubts given how much busier life will be getting when my daughter enters high school, but I will enjoy my book clubs while I am able!
Do you belong to any book clubs?
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!
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Oh wow! That sounds like a lot of juggling for all those clubs! Sadly I've never found one. Aspects of the book club setting have always stressed me out. I saw someone mention a book club where you read whatever you wanted and discussed it. That would be one for me, but if we could narrow it down to genre as well, then I'd find my people! Lol.
ReplyDeleteHere's my BBH
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
Jessica - I've heard of book clubs that dedicate one month a year letting members each read different books and then they all share their thoughts on it and discuss it, but being able to do it every meeting would be fun, especially if it's a genre you enjoy! Thank you for visiting!
DeleteI loved The Tainted Cup SO much! You know the Read-along is a sort of book club. You are reading the books and would be more than welcome to join the chats we do. They are Sunday at 3pm ET. No time is a good time I know. The Google meet link is in the post. Also I enjoy cooking and baking, and growing in the garden to make the freshest foods.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
Anne - It was so good! I can see myself re-reading it someday. I almost want to re-read it now. LOL I thought about that--the read-along could count as a book club too. :-) Sundays at noon (my time) is hard for me to make, but I would like to try to make it one of these times. I wish I was good at gardening--or even enjoyed it. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteThe Tainted Cup is on my list! I actually think I'm on hold for the audiobook at my library. I'm so happy to see you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteMy husband does most of the cooking, lol. I don't mind baking though.
Lindsi - Oh! I hope you do get a chance to read and love it as much as I did. If I had to choose between baking and cooking, baking would win. LOL Thank goodness for husband's who cook! Thank you for visiting!
Delete"Robert Jackson Bennett's novel, The Tainted Cup, was everything I hoped it would be and more. The mystery at the heart of the novel is multi-layered, well-plotted, and wrapped tightly in the fantasy world it is set in." This sentence alone makes me want to read the book. Good one!
ReplyDeleteAnne - It was such a good book. Everyone in my mystery book club last night was singing its praises. We can't wait to read the next book. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteGlad to hear that the book clubs are working well for you right now, Wendy. I echo much of what you said about the positive aspects of talking with others about books you've read. You know, when my library manager asked me to moderate the new book group at our branch I told was so scared. I had never been part of an in-person group and really had no idea what I was doing. I found my people. Not sure how I did it was how everyone had experienced it before, but both groups that I moderated are still in existence and that was 2007/2008 time period. I always wanted people to feel comfortable, but also encouraged them to share their thoughts. Tried to listen carefully. I also told people that if you didn't like the book come anyway and tell us why. And move on to read something that works for you. No judgment at all. And you don't even have to try the book if you don't want. Come to the group meeting anyway and listen/participate. We always share about other books we are reading or TV shows or whatever. Hope you have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteKay - I can just imagine how scared you were to moderate that book group--that would probably be me too. I know exactly what you mean about finding your people. I don't jump in right away in most group setting, preferring to observe, speaking up only when I feel comfortable, but I really did feel at home quickly with these groups. It sounds like you were a great moderator. All the book clubs I am in have the same open door policy. Come whether you've read the book or not, liked it or not. I have only attended two meetings of two of the groups, three of another and five of the one I've been in the longest, so it's still early, but I am enjoying the experience. These book clubs are adding joy to my life at a time when it is very much needed and appreciated! I hope you have a good weekend too. Thank you for visiting!
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