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.
Wild Tesla
This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. I can’t believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended!
Storm Master
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. With ListenBook, I've found a convenient and enjoyable way to engage with audiobooks and educational content. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Moon Radar
Audiobooks on this app have turned my exercise sessions into moments of education. I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Genghis Glyph
ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights – it's a true audio marvel. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
Chameleon
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. ListenBook's player features, like chapters and bookmarks, make it a versatile tool for any listener.
Handsome
Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend! Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Wings
🎶📚 Replacing tunes with stories – my house is alive with the sound of narration! 🎧🏠 🎉 Unlocking the door to imagination – this app is my key to endless stories and endless possibilities. 📚🔑 ⭐️ A round of applause for an app that prioritizes functionality – I can seamlessly switch between audiobooks and other tasks. 👏🎧 The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Earl of Arms
I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. This app's support for various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks without any limitations. Adjustable playback speed and volume controls are excellent. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature. I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
ManMaker
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. Every moment is an adventure with this app by my side. Its intuitive features and diverse format support ensure that my audiobook journey is seamless and exciting. 🌌🎧 The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Thunder Tank
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. 📚👏 ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Digital Equinox
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app's ease of use has made my long drives educational and enjoyable. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. The interface is sleek and modern. It's a pleasure to navigate and use the app.
Rusty Vortex
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to play diverse formats flawlessly – it's a game-changer. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasn’t blown away. The narrator’s performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat.
Gro
⏰ Maximizing my time with efficient features – this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. 📚⏳ Say goodbye to boring commutes – this app's immersive audio experience and intuitive controls have transformed my daily journeys. 🌟📚 Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Electric Saturn
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch has made my listening experience even more seamless. Audiobook journey simplified – this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch has made audiobook listening a part of my daily routine.
Mint Ness
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖 The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Fire Fish
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. With this app, I've rediscovered the joy of literature during my daily walks – it's truly invigorating.
Dark Horse
This app has transformed my daily walks into insightful journeys of knowledge – talk about efficiency! This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. 💡 Nurturing my curiosity with audiobooks – this app adds a touch of wonder to my daily routines. 📱📖 Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience.
Sleepwalker
Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content.
Flame OUT
The convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips is a dream come true. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is truly impressive. Audiobook immersion without complications – this app's ease of use is commendable.
Street Jolly
Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked! Perfect for repeat listening! The narrator's performance was so rich with detail that I'm sure I'll discover new layers on a second listen. Their interpretation felt authentic to the material while bringing fresh insights. The audio production was pristine from start to finish.
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