Drop of Corruption picks up where The Tainted Cup left off (kinda), diving back into the gritty underbelly of the Empire with Din and Ana once again at the heart of the mystery. Right from the start, the book gives off a distinct old-school crime show vibe — the kind where the city is a living, breathing thing and corruption seeps into every corner. I was immediately hooked by the atmosphere.

I have to be honest — fantasy books with taxes and debt from a dead parent? Not exactly my favorite trope. There’s something about mundane bureaucracy in a magical setting that makes me squirm. But it serves a purpose here, grounding the world and adding another layer of tension to Din’s already precarious situation.

The world-building really shines in this sequel. Where the first book introduced the crumbling Empire, Drop of Corruption digs deeper into the foundations that brought the world to its current state. The political and social structures feel more fleshed out, making the mysteries feel like part of something bigger — a puzzle with pieces scattered across the Empire’s history.

What stood out most is how much the job has changed Din. He’s less hopeful, more cynical — a natural progression given everything he’s been through. I sometimes struggle with sequels because characters either change too much or not enough, but Din’s evolution feels just right. Anna, on the other hand, remains steady — but there’s a sense that more of her backstory is about to unfold, especially towards the book’s end.

The writing feels more fluid this time around. The back-and-forth between Din and Ana is still sharp, but the flow feels smoother — or maybe I’m just more familiar with Bennet’s style now. Their dynamic continues to give Sherlock and Watson in the best way, especially as this mystery leans more into outwitting the criminal rather than simply solving the crime.

One of the standout moments is the midway murder switch-up. Just when I thought I had a handle on the plot, a new murder happens, reinvigorating the entire story. It adds a layer of unpredictability that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Reviewing mysteries — especially sequels — is always hard without giving too much away. But what I can say is that if you enjoyed The Tainted Cup, this book offers something a little different: a different vibe, a different mystery, and a different approach. The heart of the story is still there, but with higher stakes and a more layered narrative.

Rating: 4/5

Would I recommend it? Absolutely — especially if you’re a fan of crime stories wrapped in dark fantasy settings. Just maybe brace yourself for some fantasy bureaucracy along the way.