A Holmes and Watson–style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett“Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett—[a] rising star of fantasy—more than delivers.”—Charlie Jane Anders, The Washington Post“A thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish.”—Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book ReviewIn Daretana’s greatest mansion, a high imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree erupted from his body. Even here at the Empire’s borders, where contagions abound and the blood of the leviathans works strange magical changes, it’s a death both terrifying and impossible.Assigned to investigate is Ana Dolabra, a detective whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities. Rumor has it that she wears a blindfold at all times, and that she can solve impossible cases without even stepping outside the walls of her home.At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, magically altered in ways that make him the perfect aide to Ana’s brilliance. Din is at turns scandalized, perplexed, and utterly infuriated by his new superior—but as the case unfolds and he watches Ana’s mind leap from one startling deduction to the next, he must admit that she is, indeed, the Empire’s greatest detective.As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the Empire itself, Din realizes he’s barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he’ll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.By an “endlessly inventive” (Vulture) author with a “wicked sense of humor” (NPR), The Tainted Cup mixes the charms of detective fiction with brilliant world-building to deliver a fiendishly clever mystery that’s at once instantly recognizable and thrillingly new.
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The Tainted Cup: A Novel
A Holmes and Watson–style detective duo take the stage in this fantasy with a mystery twist, from the Edgar-winning, multiple Hugo-nominated Robert Jackson Bennett“Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett—[a] rising star of fantasy—more than delivers.”—Charlie Jane Anders, The Washington Post“A thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish.”—Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book ReviewIn Daretana’s greatest mansion, a high imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree erupted from his body. Even here at the Empire’s borders, where contagions abound and the blood of the leviathans works strange magical changes, it’s a death both terrifying and impossible.Assigned to investigate is Ana Dolabra, a detective whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities. Rumor has it that she wears a blindfold at all times, and that she can solve impossible cases without even stepping outside the walls of her home.At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, magically altered in ways that make him the perfect aide to Ana’s brilliance. Din is at turns scandalized, perplexed, and utterly infuriated by his new superior—but as the case unfolds and he watches Ana’s mind leap from one startling deduction to the next, he must admit that she is, indeed, the Empire’s greatest detective.As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the Empire itself, Din realizes he’s barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he’ll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.By an “endlessly inventive” (Vulture) author with a “wicked sense of humor” (NPR), The Tainted Cup mixes the charms of detective fiction with brilliant world-building to deliver a fiendishly clever mystery that’s at once instantly recognizable and thrillingly new.
Aktuelle Rezensionen(2)
This book immediately caught my eye because of its cover. A big thank-you to Adrian Verlag for the review copy. Then I read the blurb. A detective story set in a biologically altered fantasy world filled with mysterious creatures? I had to read it right away and I absolutely do not regret it. The two main characters gave me strong Sherlock Holmes and Watson vibes in a world that feels both old-fashioned and completely futuristic at the same time. Biological architecture, fern-paper walls, living systems, Leviathans or Titans, creatures that could break through the walls at any moment. I was hooked from the very first page to the last. My absolute highlight was all the puzzles and how the two of them solved them. Ana and Din are a fantastic duo. Their platonic relationship was incredibly refreshing, full of respect, appreciation, and subtle humor. Another thing that really surprised me in a positive way was how naturally queer identities are woven into the world. Nothing is explained or highlighted, it is simply normal. Exactly how it should be. A small critique and the reason it is not a full five stars for me is that the book could have been a bit longer. The world is so fascinating and unique because it does not use a traditional magic system, but instead leans toward science fiction and biotechnology. That is exactly why I would have loved more background, structure, and explanation to dive even deeper into it. Still, I am thrilled that books like this are being published, and I am extremely excited for the next installment. A definite recommendation. Author: Robert Jackson Bennett Publisher: Adrian Verlag Illustration: Tom Roberts Cover Design: Lydia Blagden Translation (German): Jakob and Karla Schmidt Audiobook (German): Tim Gössler [Advertisement, review copy]
A more riveting tale than any Agatha Christie novel I've read, that's for sure. I always enjoy RJB's world-building and his fascination with the intricacies, the Engineering of the societies in which his characters move, even if they tend to be a step or two removed from the meat and potatoes of said structures. It allows a reason for exposition, which is never a bad thing. I like a well-placed commentary by a crass and impertinent figure (Ana in this one, and Orso in [b:Foundryside|37173847|Foundryside (The Founders Trilogy, #1)|Robert Jackson Bennett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520460880l/37173847._SY75_.jpg|58951160]). Thus far, Din remains something of an overpowered character but I can forgive it. Even he doesn't know the full extent of his power, and it's the first book in the series - of course the drawbacks are few. But I do look forward to how his abilities as an engraver would affect him in the long run.