Author: Robert Jackson Bennett
Published: February 6, 2024 by Del Rey
Format: Hardcover, 410 Pages
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Shadow of the Leviathan #1
Blurb: In Daretana’s most opulent mansion, a high Imperial officer lies dead—killed, to all appearances, when a tree spontaneously erupted from his body. Even in this canton at the borders of the Empire, where contagions abound and the blood of the Leviathans works strange magical changes, it’s a death at once terrifying and impossible.
Called in to investigate this mystery is Ana Dolabra, an investigator whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities.
At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol. Din is an engraver, magically altered to possess a perfect memory. His job is to observe and report, and act as his superior’s eyes and ears--quite literally, in this case, as among Ana’s quirks are her insistence on wearing a blindfold at all times, and her refusal to step outside the walls of her home.
Din is most perplexed by Ana’s ravenous appetite for information and her mind’s frenzied leaps—not to mention her cheerful disregard for propriety and the apparent joy she takes in scandalizing her young counterpart. Yet as the case unfolds and Ana makes one startling deduction after the next, he finds it hard to deny that she is, indeed, the Empire’s greatest detective.
As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the safety of the Empire itself, Din realizes he’s barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he’ll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.
My Opinion: A dive into a world where magic and mystery connect. The journey begins with a learning curve; the characters, intricate settings, and detailed world-building require a bit of mental juggling. From military ranks and magical specialties to corruption and leviathans, it's a novel that demands—and rewards—close attention.
Ana Dolabra, an eccentric detective who wears a blindfold to avoid being overwhelmed by her surroundings, is a fascinating figure. Her reputation precedes her, and her investigative skills shine through despite her self-imposed sensory limitation. Her assistant, Dinios Kol, whose many iterations of his name and rank is the newest addition to her sleuthing team. Din, as he’s called, is magically altered—his ability to recall dialogue and situations through scents in vials he carries makes for a curious take on their investigation. However, Din has his own struggles which brings a relatable human touch to his character. Their dynamic can be infuriating and Din often finds himself playing catch-up, yet his humorous outbursts provide much-needed levity in their exchanges.
While comparisons to the classic Holmes and Watson duo are inevitable, there's a hint of Rear Window in the narrative. Ana’s reluctance to leave her cottage, with Din's doing the actual footwork, is reminiscent of Hitchcock's iconic film.
Bennett skillfully blends magical world-building with a captivating mystery. The storyline alternates between the two, making it hard to decide which aspect stands out more. The pacing keeps readers on their toes with many quotable lines and memorable moments. One line lingers, suggesting a potential hint at Din’s past.
This novel is a tale that captivates with its characters, plotting, and a blend of magic and mystery. The relationship between Ana and Din propels the story forward, ensuring readers are entertained, challenged, and left wanting for more.
Called in to investigate this mystery is Ana Dolabra, an investigator whose reputation for brilliance is matched only by her eccentricities.
At her side is her new assistant, Dinios Kol. Din is an engraver, magically altered to possess a perfect memory. His job is to observe and report, and act as his superior’s eyes and ears--quite literally, in this case, as among Ana’s quirks are her insistence on wearing a blindfold at all times, and her refusal to step outside the walls of her home.
Din is most perplexed by Ana’s ravenous appetite for information and her mind’s frenzied leaps—not to mention her cheerful disregard for propriety and the apparent joy she takes in scandalizing her young counterpart. Yet as the case unfolds and Ana makes one startling deduction after the next, he finds it hard to deny that she is, indeed, the Empire’s greatest detective.
As the two close in on a mastermind and uncover a scheme that threatens the safety of the Empire itself, Din realizes he’s barely begun to assemble the puzzle that is Ana Dolabra—and wonders how long he’ll be able to keep his own secrets safe from her piercing intellect.
My Opinion: A dive into a world where magic and mystery connect. The journey begins with a learning curve; the characters, intricate settings, and detailed world-building require a bit of mental juggling. From military ranks and magical specialties to corruption and leviathans, it's a novel that demands—and rewards—close attention.
Ana Dolabra, an eccentric detective who wears a blindfold to avoid being overwhelmed by her surroundings, is a fascinating figure. Her reputation precedes her, and her investigative skills shine through despite her self-imposed sensory limitation. Her assistant, Dinios Kol, whose many iterations of his name and rank is the newest addition to her sleuthing team. Din, as he’s called, is magically altered—his ability to recall dialogue and situations through scents in vials he carries makes for a curious take on their investigation. However, Din has his own struggles which brings a relatable human touch to his character. Their dynamic can be infuriating and Din often finds himself playing catch-up, yet his humorous outbursts provide much-needed levity in their exchanges.
While comparisons to the classic Holmes and Watson duo are inevitable, there's a hint of Rear Window in the narrative. Ana’s reluctance to leave her cottage, with Din's doing the actual footwork, is reminiscent of Hitchcock's iconic film.
Bennett skillfully blends magical world-building with a captivating mystery. The storyline alternates between the two, making it hard to decide which aspect stands out more. The pacing keeps readers on their toes with many quotable lines and memorable moments. One line lingers, suggesting a potential hint at Din’s past.
This novel is a tale that captivates with its characters, plotting, and a blend of magic and mystery. The relationship between Ana and Din propels the story forward, ensuring readers are entertained, challenged, and left wanting for more.
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