Author: Robert Jackson Bennett
Publisher: Del Rey
Released: April 1, 2025
Received: Own (Aardvark)
Find it on Storygraph | More Fantasy | The Tainted Cup
Book Summary:
Dinos Kol is not on the path he expected, not at this point in his life. He wanted to serve on the Wall, where the bravest soldiers go (and don’t always come back). However, instead, he’s working for Ana Dolabra, a famous and mercurial investigator.
As such, he’s been sent to Yarrowdale, borderline outside of the Empire’s borders, to solve a crime that shouldn’t be possible. It begins with an empty room, a missing person, and part of a body, and it only gets more confusing from there.
My Review:
Yes! I absolutely fell in love with this world when The Tainted Cup was first released, so you can imagine my delight when A Drop of Corruption was announced. I was lucky enough to grab it from Aardvark both times, though I did re-buy The Tainted Cup so I could get the fancy foiled cover. I’m a sucker for pretty covers, I guess.
A Drop of Corruption carries the adventure forward in new and exciting ways. It expanded our view of the Empire, while also showcasing the Empire’s limitations and borders. It was fascinating to see, even without the murder mystery to keep me invested.
On that note, this novel very much felt like a battle of the minds. Ana went up against another brilliant character, and watching the two duke it out was highly entertaining, a mirror match, of sorts. Yes, this does offer some answers about who and what Ana is.
Meanwhile, Dinos is still dealing with some personal drama, ranging from debt to his off-hours habits. These details help to make the character feel more real and human, though I can’t help but feel like we’re setting up for a conflict down the road. Guess I’ll have to keep reading to find out! Now the wait begins again.
Highlights:
- Fantasy with Mystery Elements
- Contagions & Plants
- Pacific Rim meets the Chronicles of Amicae
- Sherlock Holmes vibe (battle of the minds)
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