Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 30/05/2025
Published by: Hodderscape
ISBN:B0DNNFQLDN
With its delightful detective-sidekick duo, rich fantasy world, and another gripping murder mystery, ‘A Drop of Corruption’ lived up to the high expectations set by the previous book.
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The smooth reintroduction of the world and main characters, Din and Ana, drew me back into this series with ease. From there, the story launches into a complex locked-room murder mystery, with Din and Ana conducting interviews and following leads to unravel the truth behind the death, as well as a high-stakes threat. While there was a moment in the middle when the storyline felt drawn out, the mystery packed impressive twists that kept me engaged throughout. I was also satisfied with the well-crafted resolution, especially since I did not see most of the final reveals coming.
Sometimes the smallest thing can sometimes prove to be of greatest importance
The contrast between Din’s reserved personality and Ana’s sharp, brazen and eccentric nature creates an entertaining dynamic that deepens as they open up further to one another. Their interactions are also brilliantly used to explore themes of justice, corruption, and power, making the storyline even more compelling. Besides this, both Din and Ana shine individually. More is revealed about Din’s backstory, tying in with new internal conflicts that add to the complexity of his character. Meanwhile, Ana’s quirks reach new heights, and while more about her modifications and motives are revealed, there is still much to uncover.
A fresh cast of secondary characters helps drive the storyline, especially Signum Tira Malo. Although I initially struggled to remember their unique names, these characters became more memorable and fleshed out as the story progressed, even more so than those in the first book. I also appreciated the expanded world-building, as the story is set in a new location within the Empire. The details of the rich cultures, political tensions, and biotechnological advancements are smoothly woven into the story, creating a fascinatingly complex setting. However, there was one modern reference that felt jarringly out of place in the fantasy world.
To serve is a tremendously humbling thing.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Which of the new aspects of the world did you find the coolest?
Definitely the (bio)technology! From body augmentations to the percolator, which allows you to inhale steam for effects like appetite control, relaxation, and focus, every aspect was incredibly fascinating.
Q: Do twins or triplets run in your family or someone you know?
Not in my family, but I’ve met several people with twins and triplets. I can only imagine how challenging it must be to care for two or three babies at once. Major respect to those who manage it—it’s no small feat!
Q: What are your thoughts on the subtle romantic angst?
Honestly, I wasn’t really invested in the minor romance Din had in the previous book, as it felt underdeveloped. As a result, Din’ feelings of longing and loneliness in this book didn’t really resonate with me. Ana’s interest in Din’s casual hook-ups also puzzled me. While it seems unlikely, I’m on the fence about a romance between Ana and Din.
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson is another book with a captivating blend of epic fantasy and mystery. For those who prefer pure mystery without fantasy elements, you can’t go wrong with Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series or the iconic Sherlock Holmes series. Both series feature great crime-solving duos.
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Q: Would you want any of the body augmentations mentioned in this book?
Q: Have you ever eaten oysters?
Q: What are your thoughts on the exploration of justice in this book, how it’s presented in fantasy books, and how it occurs in our world?
Q: What is the best locked-room mystery you’ve read?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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