As a sequel to “The Tainted Cup”, the first book in this “Shadow
of Leviathan” series, this novel is simply amazing. Oftentimes, it seems to me,
the second book in a series can be a letdown, especially if the first book was
really good. But I am here to say any such fears with this author’s work have
proven, once again, unfounded. In fact, this one gives us more in all respects.
More plot, more character development, and much more world-building but in a
way that doesn’t beat the reader over the head but rather lets it unfold as
necessary to round out the various settings.
While Ana brings her genius for detective sleuthing, she is
also an eccentric who prefers to wear a blindfold most of the time so as to not
let her vision interrupt her thinking. Din’s perfect memory is ideal for
interrogating suspects and witnesses and is able to “play-back” the facts
verbatim if required. Useful in discovering discrepancies, to be sure. The
murder mystery is off and running, but soon grows to something much more epic.
Author Robert Jackson Bennett has proven many times before
that he is a master at building original fantasy worlds, demonstrating in-depth
world-building with all the trappings you’d hope for. This is a rich world,
with unusual circumstances, cultures, and motivations.
Many reviewers compare the mystery elements of these novels
to a Sherlock Holmes/Watson experience, but I think a much better analogy are
the works of Rex Stout. Here, Din is the fact finder, the one who goes out and
about gathering evidence much like Archie Goodwin. We get most of the story
from his perspective. Ana, like Nero Wolfe, largely remains behind and waits
for the information to come in where she then analyzes, deduces, and brings her
genius to bear.
The entire novel moves along swiftly as the original murder
case grows to something affecting most of the known world. I loved discovering
new abilities in other characters, engineered enhancements that I shall not
divulge for fear of spoilers. This is “smart” fantasy to be sure, neither a
D&D adventure nor a Hercule Poirot murder mystery. No matter what you call
it, it is exceptional, and certainly a fun read. I look forward to the next
book in the series, not only for another complex murder mystery but also to
learn even more of this unique world.
Highly recommended.