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christiana's review against another edition
4.0
I actually liked this better than the first one! This sequel is a lot more A than Y though, if you get me. Definitely darker than the first book in the series. The nice thing is you'll probably never recommend the second one in a series, so this probably won't even be A Thing.
bright_night's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
brittneywelch's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
salixiverson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
4saradouglas's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book, but not quite as much as the first. It was a solid second book in the series, but I just couldn't connect with the main character as much as the main character in the first book. (Too bitchy!) From reading other reviews it sounds as though some people thought Grave Mercy had too much political intrigue and preferred Dark Triumph because there's more action. I am the opposite and prefer books with a lot of character development and anticipation rather than just nonstop action and death. As with the first book of the series, I felt like this book had a great plot and had a really solid ending. I can't wait for the third to be published!
tinycaredance's review against another edition
3.0
it was fine. basically a copy cat of the first book. the religious implications are a little pushy in parts. i’ll continue the series but i’m expecting the 3rd book to be basically the same
also be aware if TW for sexual abuse and mental abuse
also be aware if TW for sexual abuse and mental abuse
steph01924's review against another edition
4.0
Another good one in the series! I stayed up half of last night because I couldn't put it down.
Man, did Sybella have a dark and twisty life. There wasn't much left out of her backstory - what could happen, did. I'm glad she never got overly morose or introspective. I'm not one for majorly angsty characters, and the author got it just right, doling out pieces of Sybella's history a bit at a time.
I once again enjoyed the historical setting, and I appreciated the author's end note giving us a peek into what she condensed and changed for the story. While the political intrigues of the first book were interesting, I was glad to take a breather and get the more personal story of Sybella.
On the other hand, once again I wasn't wowed by the romance aspect of the book. While I liked the idea of Sybella and Beast together, it just didn't play out on the page in a way that fascinated me and gave me the giggles like other books have managed so successfully. Sybella is no blushing Ismae, but it was just all very adult, and not in the fun, racy way. I liked their earlier conversations and flirting, but it all went too fast and left out any heart-fluttering good bits once Sybella She wouldn't even look him in the eyes and give us any steamy but angry glaring but for once.
It seems like we are going to get I wonder if Annith's story will intersect very much with the other girls'. Luckily it's already out and I don't need to wait any longer than it takes me to turn on my Nook!
Man, did Sybella have a dark and twisty life. There wasn't much left out of her backstory - what could happen, did. I'm glad she never got overly morose or introspective. I'm not one for majorly angsty characters, and the author got it just right, doling out pieces of Sybella's history a bit at a time.
I once again enjoyed the historical setting, and I appreciated the author's end note giving us a peek into what she condensed and changed for the story. While the political intrigues of the first book were interesting, I was glad to take a breather and get the more personal story of Sybella.
On the other hand, once again I wasn't wowed by the romance aspect of the book. While I liked the idea of Sybella and Beast together, it just didn't play out on the page in a way that fascinated me and gave me the giggles like other books have managed so successfully. Sybella is no blushing Ismae, but it was just all very adult, and not in the fun, racy way. I liked their earlier conversations and flirting, but it all went too fast and left out any heart-fluttering good bits once Sybella
Spoiler
was announced as a d'Albret daughter and she simply ignored Beast until he had time to acclimate to the confession.It seems like we are going to get
Spoiler
the Abbess' denouement in book three, as she has gotten pretty bitchy and ruthless at the end of this book and I doubt we're supposed to approve.amybraunauthor's review against another edition
5.0
Ten stars!!
I had high hopes for this series, and this is the book that completely sold me onto not only it, but Robin LaFevers' work as a whole. It only took a few pages for me to become completely obsessed with the characters and the world they live in. This is a dark, grim read, yet it's uplifting moments balance out the horrors of what the main characters have endured.
Sybella is one of the strongest, most empowering female protagonists ever put to page. Her bravery and ferocity in the face of horrors and trials I cannot begin to imagine kept my riveted. The girl endured truly atrocious things at the hands of her family, and her progression through her arc had me hooked. Along with her is Beast, an ugly man with a heart of pure gold. The two of them together are a force to be reckoned with, and their romance completely swept me off my feet.
The writing, action, plot twists, and secrets made for a stellar story. This book is expertly plotted and paced, and makes for a perfect read, despite the truly challenging subjects it tackles. I could not stop reading for anything, and was thinking about the book even after I'd put it down.
This is a masterpiece of character development, romance, plot twists, and growth. Inspiring, moving, and thrilling right from the beginning, this is not a book anyone should miss out on!
I had high hopes for this series, and this is the book that completely sold me onto not only it, but Robin LaFevers' work as a whole. It only took a few pages for me to become completely obsessed with the characters and the world they live in. This is a dark, grim read, yet it's uplifting moments balance out the horrors of what the main characters have endured.
Sybella is one of the strongest, most empowering female protagonists ever put to page. Her bravery and ferocity in the face of horrors and trials I cannot begin to imagine kept my riveted. The girl endured truly atrocious things at the hands of her family, and her progression through her arc had me hooked. Along with her is Beast, an ugly man with a heart of pure gold. The two of them together are a force to be reckoned with, and their romance completely swept me off my feet.
The writing, action, plot twists, and secrets made for a stellar story. This book is expertly plotted and paced, and makes for a perfect read, despite the truly challenging subjects it tackles. I could not stop reading for anything, and was thinking about the book even after I'd put it down.
This is a masterpiece of character development, romance, plot twists, and growth. Inspiring, moving, and thrilling right from the beginning, this is not a book anyone should miss out on!
debbiebarr's review against another edition
5.0
I loved GRAVE MERCY, and was thrilled when copies of DARK TRIUMPH were available at the Heartland Forum trade show last week. As with most sequels, I was concerned that it wouldn't live up to the first book,, but I am happy to say that that DARK TRIUMPH was just as engaging and well-written as its predecessor.
This time around we hear Sybella's story, a girl full of secrets which slowly unravel throughout the book. As with GRAVE MERCY, all of the rich historical details were well-researched and woven perfectly into the story. There was plenty of action, but it's also a more personal story, as Sybella struggles with her own personal demons along with the physical dangers that surround her.
If you haven't yet started LaFevers' trilogy full of kick-butt assassins, wonderful romance and just a touch of magic, do so now! They are well worth the read.
(Definitely recommended for older readers, though, especially this one, as it was, at times, quite dark).
This time around we hear Sybella's story, a girl full of secrets which slowly unravel throughout the book. As with GRAVE MERCY, all of the rich historical details were well-researched and woven perfectly into the story. There was plenty of action, but it's also a more personal story, as Sybella struggles with her own personal demons along with the physical dangers that surround her.
If you haven't yet started LaFevers' trilogy full of kick-butt assassins, wonderful romance and just a touch of magic, do so now! They are well worth the read.
(Definitely recommended for older readers, though, especially this one, as it was, at times, quite dark).
books4susie's review against another edition
5.0
No second book letdown here. Sybella's background was heartbreaking but the story was so worth it! Even better than Grave Marcy.