Quick Take
- Best for: Fans of murder mystery or fantasy looking to blend genres
- Vibe: Dark and mysterious with incredibly cool nature magic
- Pace: Very steady pacing, not fast or slow, just right
- One-liner: A modern Sherlock Holmes in a fantasy setting
Overview
The Tainted Cup was a recommendation in my Fable Book Club, and I'm really glad it was because otherwise I might not have picked it up. The book centers on Ana and Din, a Sherlock and Watson combo set in a fantasy world with political intrigue and an existential threat ever on the horizon.
Ana - an investigator, and Din - her eidetic assistant - must work together to track down the murderer of Commander Taqtas Blas, one of the highest ranking military officials in Talagray, and the man in charge of overseeing the sea walls that protect them from the oncoming threat of leviathans.
What Worked
The world building in this book absolutely drew me in. Bennett sets the stage with a society set in 'layers' or 'rings' and an ever-growing threat of doom by the oncoming leviathans. As a reader, you know there is always the threat of another attack, and Bennett continues to press this issue by occasionally reminding us with the 'quakes'. A time element like this can really make the pacing feel great. While there may not be constant action there's always a threat of action, keeping the reader engaged and concerned.
The nature magic throughout the story gives the setting a very 'bio-punk' feel. From key elements like the main murder weapon, to background elements like the mushroom air conditioners and bioluminescent lighting provided by the mai-lanterns - the whole world feels alive and magical. Even the locked doors and keys in the world are built with magical plant life.
What Didn't Work
Other than a timing element, I feel like the leviathans were under-appreciated throughout the story. Both leviathan attacks seemed to be over before they even started, and the descriptions of their damage left me wondering if they were really much of a threat at all. I understand that this is a very personal preference, and honestly it took me a few minutes of thinking to consider what I wanted MORE of in the book. This is not necessarily an element in the book that felt like it made the book bad. On the contrary, I couldn't think of anything 'bad' about the book.
Favorite Characters & Quotes
Ana is absolutely my favorite character. She's hilarious and has a lot of sass. She's sarcastic and witty, and she's really a great counter to Din's inexperience. She and din are both very methodical and obsessive-compulsive, but where Din lacks real-world experience in politics and relationships, Ana is an expert.
“Well…hell, I don’t know, bring a big f$@#ing stick or something! Do I have to think of everything?"
"You’re going to be with a lot of elite officers soon, Din. They won’t ask you to talk much, but you need to watch them. Watch what they look at, what disturbs them, and get it all for me. I want to know who we’re working with.” “Is it vialworthy, ma’am?” I said, grabbing my engraver’s satchel. “Of course! Pick a glass and stick it up your damn nose quick!”
“Worms can figure out how to live in any part of you, and eat any part of you, you know,” Nusis said as she searched. “Almost have to admire them, really. I once treated a captain whose legs were so brimming with them you could hear them sloshing about as he sat. Have you ever had an infestation, Kol?”
"And if any of you lose an arm or an ear by accident, don’t fret, children—the medikkers will slap sangri-snails on the wound until they can grow you a new one."
Who Should Read This
Whether you like Fantasy and murder mystery, or only like one or the other, I think this book is perfect for you. If you're a murder mystery fan who's interested in fantasy this could open a massive rabbit hole for you, likewise if you're a fantasy fan but haven't really gotten into murder mysteries.
Final Verdict
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm so glad it was selected as our Book Club pick over on Fable. If you're not in a Book Club I absolutely recommend joining one. You are welcome to join mine, but but even if you don't - go get in a group with other folks who like to read. Let them expand your possibilities and lead you into unknown worlds. Storytelling is so important to humanity, and sharing in story with other humans is a very healthy habit.
God bless. ~Blake