Book description
"A thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish."--Amal El-Mohtar, The New York Times Book Review In 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.Review"This fantasy mystery novel introduces two dynamic detectives in a strange and frightening world, as if Nero Wolfe were solving mysteries in Area X. . . . The Tainted Cup is a thoroughly satisfying delight from start to finish."-The New York Times Book Review "Great fantasy detective stories are too rare, but Bennett . . . more than delivers."-The Washington Post "Holmes and Watson get a new twist in this fantastical noir set in a mysterious empire . . . Perfect for those who loved China Mieville's Perdito Street and Kraken but wished there was more camaraderie and crime-solving."-CrimeReadsAbout the AuthorRobert Jackson Bennett's novels include the Founders Trilogy and the Divine Cities Trilogy, which was a Hugo Award finalist in the Best Series category. His books have received the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Prize, and the Philip K Dick Citation of Excellence, and been finalists for the World Fantasy, Locus, and British Fantasy Awards.
Digital Moonshine
This app's sleek design and effortless controls have made audiobook listening an immersive experience. 📚 Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks – wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! 👗🎧 Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place! ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
CyberScribe
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. ListenBook has made audiobook listening more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches.
Intimidation Station
With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks. Very convenient. Listening stats feature keeps me motivated to read more. Love it!
Lord Nikon
Audiobooks on this app have made my daily walks a time of reflection and inspiration. 🌟 Reading has never been this easy – this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. 📚💫 This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Rusty Vortex
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! Bookmarking on ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off – no more searching for my spot! 📱 Unlocking the world of literature with just a tap – this app is my digital library card! 📚📱 📚 Farewell, boredom during ironing sessions – audiobooks make it a breeze! 👗🎧
Gamer Bean
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver – no more losing my place in the story! I'm hooked on this app's sleek design and seamless performance – it's a must-have for any reader. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. ListenBook's player features are incredibly helpful. Chapters and bookmarks make navigation easy. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
Fiend Oblivion
Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's functionality is a true delight. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling with friends and family. It fosters connections and conversations. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off.
Mr. 44
This app is my travel companion – making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. 📚✨
High-Fructose
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files! ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Bridge Whip
I'm absolutely in love with this app! It's like a library of stories in my pocket. 🎧 This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! 📚🍳
Bae
🎉 Rekindling my love for stories – this app's accessibility has reignited my passion! 📖🚀 Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Insane SweepKick
I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. This app's sleek design and intuitive features make it my trusted partner in exploring new narratives. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
Uluru Walker
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Seal Snake
The fact that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats without DRM protection is a huge win. 🚶♀️📖 Discovering new worlds on my daily walks – this app is my travel companion! 🌍🎧 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. 📚✨ The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Killer Grenade
ListenBook's sleek layout and quick chapter access have made my audiobook journey incredibly enjoyable. ListenBook makes organizing my audiobooks simple. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
NightDream
💡 This app has made my daily schedule more interesting – 'reading' on the go! 📱🚶♂️ I’m so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Troublemasher
ListenBook's focus on quality and user experience has made it my go-to app for audiobooks and educational content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available.
VisionVoyager
The intuitive interface and seamless navigation make this app a joy to use. This app's features, from bookmarking to customizable playback speed, are fantastic. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Gold Bentley
Precise controls on ListenBook give me complete command over my audio playback. 🎉 The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. 📱🎧
Essex
Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience