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.
JK Friend
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Sherm
β° Waking up to audiobooks β mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! βοΈπ§ The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys. Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. I can't get enough of the smooth playback experience. It's like a symphony for my ears.
WittyWordsmith
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. The app's versatility in audio downloading is unmatched. It's a comprehensive solution for my audiobook needs.
Santa's Little Helper
ListenBook has rekindled my love for audiobooks. The app's interface is beautiful and user-friendly. The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Bang Shift
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. An audiobook lover's dream come true! This app's seamless functionality and diverse format support make it my go-to choice for immersive storytelling. ππ§
Hitch Frenzy
ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. The app is so versatile. It works with all my audiobook formats.
Spicy Thunder
π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Skirble
This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. π₯ Simplifying my reading routine β the app's functionality ensures I'm always one click away from literary adventures. ππ I love how I can adjust the skip intervals. Itβs perfect for my listening style.
Snow Hound
π Reading has never been this easy β this app fits right into my fast-paced lifestyle. ππ« Simplifying my reading routine β this app's ease of use is remarkable. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Austin Shamrock
Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces.
The Beekeeper
Audiobook pleasure without the fuss β this app's functionality is top-notch. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time.
Tacklebox
The basic audio filters are a game-changer. Adjusting playback speed is a breeze. I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits.
Ella of Light
The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
CyberScribe
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π
Blister
ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze.
Dark Matter
The range of audio formats supported is incredible. No need to worry about file conversion. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Widow Curio
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
DragonBlood
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Sky Trinity
ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. ListenBook has all the features I need in an audiobook app. My top choice! ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
21st Street
With ListenBook, my audio content is organized, accessible, and ready to inspire me. ListenBookβs support for CarPlay and Apple Watch is fantastic. I can listen anywhere. 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.
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