Book description
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 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.
About the Author
Robert Jackson Bennett is the author of the Founders Trilogy and the Divine Cities Trilogy, which were both Hugo Award finalists in the Best Series category. The first book in the Divine Cities Trilogy, City of Stairs, was also a finalist for the World Fantasy and Locus awards, and the second, City of Blades, was a finalist for the World Fantasy, Locus, and British Fantasy awards. His previous novels, which include American Elsewhere and The Company Man, have received the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, and the Philip K. Dick Citation of Excellence. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his family.
Fiend Oblivion
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. πΆπ Setting the mood with stories instead of songs β this app is my go-to playlist! π§π The equalizer is a great addition. It really enhances the audio quality.
Winter Underdog
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my constant source of books. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys β this app's ease of use is a winner. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have! I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Bootleg Taximan
π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Snapple Whistler
Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. The customizable controls and playback options cater perfectly to different audiobook preferences. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Stickers
Kudos for the thoughtfully curated collections β I'm discovering hidden gems! Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Frosty Squid
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. With this app, I can enjoy my favorite stories while traveling, making my journeys more delightful. The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
Moon Solitaire
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed.
Gr8 Flick
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. ListenBook's commitment to delivering an exceptional audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π
Thrasher
No more fighting over the radio during family trips β we're all hooked on audiobooks now. The ability to change playback speed and audio volume on ListenBook gives me full control over my listening experience. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Toolmaker
ListenBook's support for playlists in CUE format is a detail-oriented touch I truly appreciate. ListenBook has taken my listening pleasure to new heights β it's a true audio marvel. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the audio quality and ensures that I can immerse myself fully in the content. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched. Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Koi Diva
πΆ Swapping background music for the soothing voices of narrators β audiobooks have become my soundtrack for daily life. π΅π π± Accessing my favorite stories has never been this straightforward β this app's functionality is a bookworm's dream come true. ππ« The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that makes a big difference. It enhances my listening experience. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful way to share the joy of storytelling. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it.
PixelPioneer
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice adds a layer of personalization that I never knew I needed.
Easy Mac
Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. ππ Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing.
Mrs. Voltage
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature.
Indestructible Potato
ListenBook has transformed my mundane activities into enjoyable moments of learning and entertainment. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ
Subzero Taffy
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy of audiobooks. The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. Great for listening to a variety of content. Highly recommend! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch.
Moon Radar
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. My long walks have turned into exciting adventures with this app. Audiobooks have never been this accessible and enjoyable. This app's compatibility with various formats and its emphasis on user experience have made it an essential tool for me. π±π ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy.
Parallax Sugar
I love that I can enjoy audiobooks while cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen. This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer β my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions.
Star Sword
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Mauve Cactus
ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features have become indispensable tools in my audiobook learning.
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