Does the novel position augmentations as something positive? Consider how Din finds meaning in his engraver work, Miljin’s perspective on Sublimes, Strovi’s lack of augmentations, and Ana’s comments about “self-assembly.”

Fantasy settings are still created by real-world authors who have real-world experiences. Does the social or governmental system in The Tainted Cup resemble any real precedents? Does the novel praise or critique these systems? Why?

The Tainted Cup draws from the fantasy and detective fiction genres. How does the novel use the tropes of these genres? How does it combine or subvert them?