A Drop of Corruption (Shadow of the Leviathan #2) by Robert Jackson Bennett

A virtually undroppable read, A Drop of Corruption had me hooked much like Arthur Shelby was on Tokyo, alcohol, and violence.

Robert Jackson Bennett has written eight primary works to date, and I’ve just completed the sixth of them. The only reason I didn’t follow up on Shorefall was because it seemed like a lesser version of Divine Cities, at the time.

Shadow of the Leviathan is a return to Robert Jackson Bennett’s best, and A Drop of Corruption, in my opinion, has managed to outdo The Tainted Cup, which already was a 5/5 star read in my books.

Synopsis

Ana and Din’s next adventure takes them to the jungles of the Eastern Empire, where a most baffling murder of an imperial officer has occurred.

With hardly any clues to work with, the wheels of Ana’s superior intellect begin to whir, and, with the aid of her trusted and capable engraver, Din, the investigation gets underway. But, with the unravelling of each thread, the knot gets tighter, frustrating the usually arrogant and seemingly unflappable Ana, as it becomes clear that this latest perpetrator may just be her match.

But there are secrets within secrets. From the ambitions of kings, to the greed of their royal subjects, and the machinations of various cogs of the Khanum Empire, the truth must spring forth, and in doing so, reveal the identity of one of the most brilliant minds ever to walk the land.

Thoughts

While a comrade in my book club thinks otherwise, I believe that A Drop of Corruption actually outdoes The Tainted Cup in terms of intrigue.

A virtually undroppable read, A Drop of Corruption had me hooked much like Arthur Shelby was on Tokyo, alcohol, and violence.

While it’s very much a plot-driven story, the author continues to expand upon the world of the Khanum Empire, introducing readers to yet another awe-inspiring colossus in the Shroud.

We encounter new secondary characters, all of whom are deeply entwined in the plot and the accompanying mystery, culminating in a resolution with far-reaching implications for everyone.

Lessons

After the exciting resolution to the mystery, I read the author’s note, and in it, I perhaps saw a glimpse into the inspirations behind the writing of this story.

The more I think of it, the more I feel there is perhaps no other genre of fiction more enamored of autocracies than fantasy.
– From the author’s note, A Drop of Corruption

There is a political side to many fantasy epics that mirrors real-world events. While it’s easy to get lost in the worlds that these brilliant minds create, it’s equally easy to forget that these stories are often allegories symbolizing the great events that shape the world today.

From power-hungry autocrats, to oligarchs, capitalists and other movers and shakers across the many principalities of this world, fantasy stories depict the many evils in this world, and the daily struggle of ordinary men against the powers that be, powers intent on risking the lives of innocents, and the safety of the very planet, in their bid for utter dominance.

Verdict

A Drop of Corruption is easily a five-star read. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, this one’s arguably better.

It’s books like these that make readers appreciate fantasy authors for all the brilliant work they do. This book was certainly not a waste of my time, and after spending several weeks plodding wearily through a most disappointing sequel I shall not name, A Drop of Corruption shaped up to be the light at the end of a dark tunnel.

I finished this book in just two days!