Alchemists Rule
Review: The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
It’s rare to get an entire fantasy world where the primary magic system is alchemy, but Bennett does this ably. In some places it feels more like bioengineering with designed mushrooms and growing your wallpaper. It feels, in other words, more like science than magic, but I’m told it’s alchemy ;).
Our protagonist, Kol, is an “engraver,” a man genetically engineered to have an eidetic memory. He’s also dyslexic, a fact he’s concealed from everyone. He even cheated on his exams to hide his inability to read.
He’s not just a little bit dyslexic. He’s a huge bit dyslexic. And his mentor, Ana, is autistic. Neurodivergence flows through this book, and they’re both totally badass.
It’s a murder mystery at some levels, but is really more a political thriller in its heart. It also features leviathans invading during the wet season, which are terrible destructive beasts that also give the best alchemical reagents.
This may be the first book I have ever looked at and said “This author played Blades in the Dark.”
Recommended to secondary world fantasy fans who want something with absolutely no visible lineage to Tolkein. And Blades players.
I received a copy of this book in the Hugo packet.