The Tainted Cup

About the book

Book author: Robert Jackson Bennett

The Tainted Cup a murder-mystery in a fantasy setting. It’s some sort of fusion between Sherlock Holmes, The Witcher, Game of Thrones and Attack on Titan. We have: a destitute empire with politics and scheming, alchemy and mutagens, big leviathans and brilliant investigators.

It’s an interesting fantasy universe. The plot was alright; it had some twists. However, some details were kind of leading. That is inevitable: you need to make sure the character learns something, but you can almost always bet that thing that they learned or that the some object was described a little “too much in detail” is really important later on. I liked the characters, but they were the weak part of the book. Motives were not, however. The world, while building on “previous” concepts, has an original fusion to it and is refreshing, and the story is immersive.

Reflection and takeaways

It was nice to read some fiction for a change.

I liked the book; I enjoyed it more than watching YouTube.

I didn’t pick up much philosophy from it, or any real world lessons. Only that it is up to you to choose to be good in a world of evil, but that’s hardly new.

“In that case,” said Ana, “how could I possibly say no? Right, Din?”

I said nothing. For there is nothing worth saying when you are being forced into a pit of horrors.

I did get inspired to carry around lockpicks again. I used to do that for years. It came in handy a bunch of times.

Why did I pick it

Got recommended to read it by a coworker. Would I recommend it? If you like fantasy and intrigue. Do I consider it one of the best books I’ve ever read? No, but above average.

Verdict

3.9 /4.