A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett was one of my most anticipated audiobooks of 2025. Narrated by Andrew Fallaize, this is the second novel in the mystery fantasy series, Shadow of the Leviathan. Addictive, with rich characters, suspenseful plot and brilliant world-building.
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Narrator: Andrew Fallaize
Length: 15 hours and 51 minutes
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x
The brilliant detective Ana Dolabra may have finally met her match in the gripping sequel to The Tainted Cup—from the bestselling author of The Founders Trilogy.
In the canton of Yarrowdale, at the very edge of the Empire’s reach, an impossible crime has occurred. A Treasury officer has disappeared into thin air—abducted from his quarters while the door and windows remained locked from the inside, in a building whose entrances and exits are all under constant guard.
To solve the case, the Empire calls on its most brilliant and mercurial investigator, the great Ana Dolabra. At her side, as always, is her bemused assistant Dinios Kol.
Before long, Ana’s discovered that they’re not investigating a disappearance, but a murder—and that the killing was just the first chess move by an adversary who seems to be able to pass through warded doors like a ghost, and who can predict every one of Ana’s moves as though they can see the future.
Worse still, the killer seems to be targeting the high-security compound known as the Shroud. Here, the Empire's greatest minds dissect fallen Titans to harness the volatile magic found in their blood. Should it fall, the destruction would be terrible indeed—and the Empire itself will grind to a halt, robbed of the magic that allows its wheels of power to turn.
Din has seen Ana solve impossible cases before. But this time, with the stakes higher than ever and Ana seemingly a step behind their adversary at every turn, he fears that his superior has finally met an enemy she can’t defeat.
My expectations were high and I am excited to say Bennett delivered and then some. Din and Ana tackle a case that has far reaches across the empire. I found myself immediately drawn into the story as we get updates about our characters. You’ll want to grab your earbuds and listen as Andrew Fallaize narrates this engaging mystery.
In A Drop of Corruption, we’ve got a bit of a locked door mystery. The story takes us to the canton of Yarrowdale, which sits at the very end of the Empire. Here a treasury officer goes missing from his room. A room which is locked from the inside, in a building whose exits are guarded. Ana Dolabra, a brilliant, eccentric investigator, is called, along with her assistant Dinios Kol (Din). The case that unfolds was addictive, as Ana soon realizes we are dealing with a murderer and his objective is far from complete.
Bennett expands our knowledge of this world as we learn their adversary is targeting the high-security compound known as the Shroud. We learn of the Titans and their strand assent and language. We also learn a great deal about our investigator Ana and her quirky ways. Din also had colossal problems, and I was curious about how he would handle them.
The world is immersive, and I soon found myself swept up in the characters, the suspenseful cat-and-mouse chase where the villain seems to know their every move, even before they do. Danger, discovery and brilliant storytelling await you.
While this particulate case wraps up, the ending was very climatic and had me holding my breath as things were revealed and well, you’ll need to listen and see for yourself. I cannot wait for the next audiobook. Bennett is an auto-buy for me and I highly recommend listening. I also ordered a physical copy.
Andrew Fallaize narrates and does a brilliant job of capturing the personalities of our main characters, as well as providing unique voices for others. His accents and tones enhance the tale and hold me captive.
While each book deals with a fresh case, I recommended listening in order for several reasons. There is an overall arc, the world-building is expanded and the relationship and backstory of Ana and Din grow with each novel.
About Robert Jackson Bennett
Robert Jackson Bennett is a two-time award winner of the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel, an Edgar Award winner for Best Paperback Original, and is also the 2010 recipient of the Sydney J Bounds Award for Best Newcomer, and a Philip K Dick Award Citation of Excellence. City of Stairs was shortlisted for the Locus Award and the World Fantasy Award. City of Blades was a finalist for the 2015 World Fantasy, Locus, and British Fantasy Awards.
About Andrew Fallaize
Andrew Fallaize is a New York-based British actor and voice-over artist. In the UK, he appeared regularly on BBC Radio 3 and 4 with recordings of fiction and nonfiction. His work also includes numerous commercial voice-overs for leading brands and companies.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
kilaocr
hi, i like your post
Nadene
This sounds good
sherry fundin
I love when an author surpasses my expectations. Thanks for introducing me to a new for me author.
Sophia Rose
This was definitely one of my top ten anticipated reads and when I was done, ended up a favorite of the year. I just love this world and Din and Ana!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I loved this and my review is tomorrow. Excellent review. I have been reading the ebook versions and you know it’s great when even a long book keeps me reading at bedtime without getting drowsy. I did just buy The Tainted Cup on audio on sale, though.