Book Review: “Dark Triumph” (His Fair Assassin #2) by Robin LaFevers
“Dark Triumph” (His Fair Assassin #2) by Robin LaFevers (2013)
Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Page Length: 385 pages (hardcover edition)
Synopsis:
When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge – but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons.
But her assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for… (Goodreads)
Book Review:
The awesome assassin nuns of the Saint Mortain convent are back in another adventure filled and action packed book. This time around we follow Sybella, and we get to hear her story and see the world from her eyes.
I’ll admit, coming back to this series was a bit challenging for me. And it wasn’t because I didn’t like it, but the time gap between reading the first and second novel was a long stretch of time. I was a bit confused to who was who and couldn’t exactly remember where the story left off. Luckily the author added a nifty little character glossary in the beginning of the novel, which helped me get back into the story.
I enjoyed the fact that whereas the first book was kind of laying out the story for the convent and the girls (mainly Ismae’s story). This book, like the author states in her note, took a more personal turn. In the first book we see how damaged Sybella is once she arrives at the convent. This book explains why and shows the readers all the hardships she endured before being taken in by Saint Mortain. Even though the book is more personal, we still get lots of action/fight scenes and as well as mystery/suspense.
On the last note, I just want to say the writing in this series is incredible and is so detailed. I can imagine the very surrounds of Brittany and France before my very eyes. I felt that I was an assassin nun along with Ismae and Sybella carrying out dangerous top-secret missions.
Final Verdict:
Another great novel in this epic series! I read the synopsis of the third novel and I can’t wait to get my hands on it! 5 out of 5 stars!
I’m so happy to hear that the second book is as good as the first! I was fascinated by Sybella, and really wanted to know more about her. Need to get around to reading this one, though it’s been so long since I read the first one, too. It’s one of my favorite historical YA series I’ve ever encountered. Before I read Grave Mercy I knew very little about medieval Brittany, but you’re right about how the details make it all so real. Great review, and thanks for reminding me to get back into this series!
You’re welcome! The third novel is supposed to profile Annith (also from the first novel). I like the direction that this series is going. It’s very unique and refreshing!