Review: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

Oozing Atmosphere while sinking its murder mystery hooks into you

The Tainted Cup is everything I come to expect from an RJB novel wrapped in a mystery that takes full advantage of the setting and bio-engineering mechanics introduced in this book.

Robert Jackson Bennett is so good and not touted nearly enough as a fantasy sci-fi author. He is also only improving as his career progresses. This is only the first in what might become a series, and I do so dearly hope that it does. The Tainted Cup can certainly stand on its own, but there is so much more world to explore and characters to unravel that I hope RJB decides to keep bringing us back to the Khanum Empire and Din and Ana.

Let’s talk about that Setting

First off, the setting simply oozes atmosphere. You can practically see the sepia-toned, film grain filters slipping down over the scene in the first few pages. One of my favorite things about RJB’s writing is how his worlds become characters in their own right. You can smell the dank air, feel the humidity on your skin, taste the rot and corruption on your tongue. And the casual use of bio-enhancements, genetic alterations, body modification hits as both mundane and unsettling throughout the entire story. It felt like a grungier, washed out version of a Hayao Miyazaki animation. RJB always takes me to places I don’t expect, and then keeps secrets of the world hidden for later books that totally blow my mind when revealed, even though they are being slowly uncovered along the way.

Is it a Sherlock Holmes clone? No.

This story is in first-person from the perspective of Din (Dinios Kol), which on the surface may put you in the mind of Watson and brings about comparisons of Watson-Holmes relationship for this murder mystery. Din is the assistant to investigator Ana Dolabra, who does have some Sherlock qualities. However, Din’s development and story is much more robust than Watson’s and Ana has way more nuance and secrets than Holmes as a character. While there is certainly a focus on the murder mystery plot (which is very well done), the characters are fully realized and incredibly interesting. I was just as wrapped up in Din’s conflict and story as I was in trying to find the clues to the mystery. And of course there are quirky, interesting side characters as well because it’s an RJB story and everyone just adds to the atmosphere.

Layers upon layers

Layered in with the murder investigation and the characters’ own mysteries is a military element with political intrigue. Oh, and actual Leviathan monsters that threaten the Empire. The story brushes up against Cosmic Horror without really feeling Lovecraftian. The monster/disaster part of the world building is a prime example of RJB holding back and leaving the reader with lingering questions (and desperately wanting more!).

Recommendation

If you go into this story expecting a full-fantasy Sherlock Holmes mystery, your expectations are going to be met and exceeded. I love Sherlock Holmes, and I love a good fantasy detective story. The Tainted Cup scratches that Sherlockian itch while not being like a Conan Doyle story at all. It is distinctly Robert Jackson Bennett and showcases some of his best qualities as a writer. I was thoroughly entertained the entire time I was reading.

So why not a full 5 stars? While the story and characters are entertaining, I was not impacted emotionally by them. The payoff is satisfying, but there are still lingering questions. The slightly under 5 stars is more in anticipation of deeper stories to come in this world and between Din and Ana.

Definitely pick this one up if you are a fan of fantasies with mysteries. The Tainted Cup is also perfect for those who love some superb world building. Combine these two, and I would much rather read more of Din and Ana than Harry Dresden. Obviously, if you’re already a fan of RJB’s other series then you probably have already bought this one too and devoured it or it’s at the top of your TBR (as it should be).

Here’s to hoping that another Shadow of the Leviathan story comes out soon!

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Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Del Rey for providing a digital review copy of The Tainted Cup in exchange for my honest review.

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