
The Tainted Cup
Shadow of the Leviathan, Book 1
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Narrated by:
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Andrew Fallaize
About this listen
A peculiar crime. A brilliant investigator. A mystery of epic proportions.
In an opulent mansion at the borders of the Empire, an Imperial officer lies dead - killed when a tree spontaneously erupted from his body. Even here, where contagions abound and the blood of the Leviathans works strange magical changes, it's a death at once terrifying and impossible.
Called in to solve the crime is Ana Dolabra, an investigator whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricity. At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol, an engraver, magically altered to possess a perfect memory.
Soon, the mystery leads to a scheme that threatens the safety of the Empire itself. For Ana, all this makes for a deliciously thorny puzzle - at last, something to truly hold her attention. And Din? He'll just have to hold on for the ride.
An eccentric detective and her long-suffering assistant untangle a web of magic, deceit, and murder in this sparkling fantasy reimagining of the classic crime novel - from the bestselling author of The Founders Trilogy.
©2024 Robert Jackson Bennett (P)2024 Penguin Random House AudioCritic reviews
'Part Sherlock Holmes murder mystery, part Through the Looking-Glass, The Tainted Cup is one of the wildest, most original stories I've ever had the privilege to explore' WESLEY CHU
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What listeners say about The Tainted Cup
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Davie
- 04-11-25
Unique, immersive and engaging...a must read
I can't decide whether the narration or the writing deserves most praise.
Can't remember the last time I found a book this interesting. Totally engaging and entertaining. A truly outstanding story. Characterisation is immaculate.
...this is all enhanced by the most amazing narration. The excellent interpretation lifts this unique world off the page. The world is totally immersive but I don't feel like I heard one line of exposition. The pacing is perfect.
If you're thinking about this, go for it. You won't regret it. I'm off to buy the hard copy as well.
A great piece of work.
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- Anders Lynggaard Isaksen
- 04-10-25
Intriguing at least
The worldbuilding and lore is very interesting and I am quite eager to find out more about this setting.
Sadly the characters fell completely flat for me. The narration was a mixed bag with most characters, apart from Ana having voices that made them seem old and somehow obese.
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