Drop of Corruption: Discussion Thread

[Trisha]

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.

[Trisha]

Part 1

(view spoiler)[ wow, crazy murder. I love Ana and the way she breaks down what she suspected. I, too, thought it wasn't actually the right man - he'd dodged too many people when he got there

but why the tapping and then the man with the actual box also tapping. Is there something to that or is it the same man?

and what was stolen?

I do like this new area - Yarrow - it sounds rough but Din seems to find his way no matter where. I like Malo too! (hide spoiler)]

it's so good to be back with Ana and Din! I love this duo!

[Trisha]

Part 2

holy overgrown forest!
(view spoiler)[ that scene WAS wild! I can't even imagine seeing those things in real life. I'm glad Din was able to shut down the craziness and focus - lock in. He got some good details and was able to analyze a lot. But yes, burn. it. down. Ugh

and then the second spot - the coin again. so wild that the one noble gave it away so freely - and with such pretty words
and why was he meeting with someone who manipulates emotions? Is HE behind it all? Is he manipulating someone to sabotage their negotiations? is he tired of being put off for 2 years?

so many possibilities. I can't wait for Ana to learn all that happened!

oh and the tapping. What an amazing thing to learn - that it's, of course, a language tied to mute monks. I love that Ana picked it up so quick! (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Part 3

oooh it's gearing up

(view spoiler)[ HOLY MOLY~ the King?! wow, that is high ambition!

no closer to me knowing who though
and wow, all the lies around those 2 and the shroud. now we know why everyone was stalling them

but who in their inner circle would he have infiltrated?

Ana is just so good - but what was with eating all that scary food? I love that she can taste where things have been and learn about the area around them - like when she was eating the oysters

(hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Part 4

oooh
(view spoiler)[ what could the prophecy mean that Ana just gave?
is she (or someone) going to pay off his debt? leaving him free to choose where he goes?

and will someone close to him end up being the bad guy? I'm really hoping not Malo
I agree, it feels like this could be a fight for the crown, right? or at least a fight to try to put someone else at the crown and in control
so who could do that other than someone who is a twin or triplet and has a right or fight for the crown.

hmmmm. . .who could it be. . . (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

and I'm done

OMG that was So good
(view spoiler)[ wow, I wondered if someone had been replaced but I'd hoped it was actually the prince, the next one to rule!

and WOW! Ana gave Din so many clues and hints. wild, she is one of the old reborn. I love that she trusted him so much!

and yay! Ana found Malo a placement - and hopefully we will see her again the next book! her skills were such a good fit! (hide spoiler)]

I am not a series girl so when I find one I love this much, I never want it to end! I hope hope hope we get a book 3!! 🤞🏼🤞🏼