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nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction.
It’s official. I love this series. I don’t know what took me so long to catch up with the rest of the world (actually yes, I do – TIME – there just isn’t time to read ALL the books!), but I am so glad that I did!
This second book follows Sybella. Her story is woven together with Ismae’s, so we get to learn some of the things that were going on with Sybella while the later events in book one were happening, and then we see where the story goes from there. I personally loved Sybella’s story – it may have been my favorite of the three. It’s a little darker than the first book in the series, but it still has all of the things I loved from book one – fantastic worldbuilding, a rich history, twists and turns, romance, and characters with depth!
What I loved:
Sybella’s secrets.
Right from the very start of the book, we learn some really interesting information about who Sybella is and what her assignment has been. We also start to see some of the horrors that she lived through as a young girl that sent her to St. Mortain in the maddened state that she arrived. But Sybella’s full story unfolds throughout the book, and we learn more and more about her background as the book goes on. I loved delving into that mystery and learning about what has turned Sybella into the somewhat hard, wild girl who Ismae met in the first book. Sybella’s story is compelling, and I felt connected to her from the very start, making this a fantastic read!
Complex family ties.
Sybella’s family ties are hinted at in the synopsis, and it sounds horrible – and, well, it is. Not only does Sybella want to escape her past (and gain vengeance), but she doesn’t want anyone to know about her family ties because she is ashamed of who she is. Sybella learns as the book goes on that she is not defined by her family, and that she has proven her own worth. I also love that Sybella’s relationship with her family is complex – especially where it comes to her brothers. Sybella loves one of her brothers, and he adores her and wants to protect her, in many ways, but that love has been twisted because of the circumstances that they grew up in (as is hinted at in the synopsis). I love that LaFevers showed the confusion and pain that can come with this sort of relationship – and the ultimate conclusion is both satisfying and saddening.
The romance.
I absolutely adored the Beast in the first book, so I was so happy to see that he was going to be center stage in this book! I loved the fact that Sybella sees past his physical appearance to the proud, loyal and passionate man who would do anything for those he loves (and for his country). The romance started out looking like it was going to happen a little fast, but it actually took quite a while to develop, which made me very happy. I thought that Sybella and Beast were perfect for each other – both loyal, strong and fierce, but also vulnerable in many ways.
The history. Once again, LaFevers managed to pull me into this 15th century world and the political intrigue that surrounded the duchess at the time. I absolutely adored this setting in the first book, and that didn’t change for book two!
The negatives:
Quick turnaround.
One character’s turnaround at the end of the book seemed to happen a little bit suddenly, and it felt a tiny bit convenient, but it worked so perfectly in other ways that I could forgive that.
Another fantastic book in the series!! In fact, I loved this series so much that I actually just moved right on to the third book (which is a feat for me since I’ve had such a hard time finishing series lately!). So, be watching for that final review. And, if you haven’t read this series yet, you are definitely missing out. Pick it up now!! I give this book 5/5 stars.
It’s official. I love this series. I don’t know what took me so long to catch up with the rest of the world (actually yes, I do – TIME – there just isn’t time to read ALL the books!), but I am so glad that I did!
This second book follows Sybella. Her story is woven together with Ismae’s, so we get to learn some of the things that were going on with Sybella while the later events in book one were happening, and then we see where the story goes from there. I personally loved Sybella’s story – it may have been my favorite of the three. It’s a little darker than the first book in the series, but it still has all of the things I loved from book one – fantastic worldbuilding, a rich history, twists and turns, romance, and characters with depth!
What I loved:
Sybella’s secrets.
Right from the very start of the book, we learn some really interesting information about who Sybella is and what her assignment has been. We also start to see some of the horrors that she lived through as a young girl that sent her to St. Mortain in the maddened state that she arrived. But Sybella’s full story unfolds throughout the book, and we learn more and more about her background as the book goes on. I loved delving into that mystery and learning about what has turned Sybella into the somewhat hard, wild girl who Ismae met in the first book. Sybella’s story is compelling, and I felt connected to her from the very start, making this a fantastic read!
Complex family ties.
Sybella’s family ties are hinted at in the synopsis, and it sounds horrible – and, well, it is. Not only does Sybella want to escape her past (and gain vengeance), but she doesn’t want anyone to know about her family ties because she is ashamed of who she is. Sybella learns as the book goes on that she is not defined by her family, and that she has proven her own worth. I also love that Sybella’s relationship with her family is complex – especially where it comes to her brothers. Sybella loves one of her brothers, and he adores her and wants to protect her, in many ways, but that love has been twisted because of the circumstances that they grew up in (as is hinted at in the synopsis). I love that LaFevers showed the confusion and pain that can come with this sort of relationship – and the ultimate conclusion is both satisfying and saddening.
The romance.
I absolutely adored the Beast in the first book, so I was so happy to see that he was going to be center stage in this book! I loved the fact that Sybella sees past his physical appearance to the proud, loyal and passionate man who would do anything for those he loves (and for his country). The romance started out looking like it was going to happen a little fast, but it actually took quite a while to develop, which made me very happy. I thought that Sybella and Beast were perfect for each other – both loyal, strong and fierce, but also vulnerable in many ways.
The history. Once again, LaFevers managed to pull me into this 15th century world and the political intrigue that surrounded the duchess at the time. I absolutely adored this setting in the first book, and that didn’t change for book two!
The negatives:
Quick turnaround.
One character’s turnaround at the end of the book seemed to happen a little bit suddenly, and it felt a tiny bit convenient, but it worked so perfectly in other ways that I could forgive that.
Another fantastic book in the series!! In fact, I loved this series so much that I actually just moved right on to the third book (which is a feat for me since I’ve had such a hard time finishing series lately!). So, be watching for that final review. And, if you haven’t read this series yet, you are definitely missing out. Pick it up now!! I give this book 5/5 stars.
alwaysbooking's review against another edition
5.0
This is the second book in Robin LaFevers His Fair Assassin trilogy. The first book blew me away. Dark Triumph was not what I was expecting however it was just as good. This book was so much more dark than the first book.
Dark Triumph follows Sybella on her journey as Mortian’s assassin daughter. She was basically brought up in his convent from a young age to be an amazing assassin. When you first meet Sybella in Grave Mercy she seems off her rocker. However she bonds with Ismae during the beginning of that book. The convent sends her back to her family to spy on them. Sybella’s family is soooo horrible…. I can’t believe they would send her back there. Anything to do with her family is crazy.. these are probably some of the darkest part of the book. However she is promised that she gets to kill her other father D’albert. This guy is seriously evil people and he raises evil children for the most part. While she is there the convent sends word that she is to rescue beast (who was one of my favorites in Grave Mercy). However things never go according to plan…
I loved the imperfectness of Sybella’s character. She doubts herself so much and whether Mortian would want her to do what she is asked. Why does she enjoy killing evil people so much? Is she as truly evil as D’albert himself?? I loved how both of these book had slow burn realistic romance. Not insta-love at all.. Every character is flawed in some way, no one is safe in these books. Even Beast has a wild side that lets loose during a fight. These books are so well crafted you never know who to trust. Even family is not to be trusted.. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Dark Triumph follows Sybella on her journey as Mortian’s assassin daughter. She was basically brought up in his convent from a young age to be an amazing assassin. When you first meet Sybella in Grave Mercy she seems off her rocker. However she bonds with Ismae during the beginning of that book. The convent sends her back to her family to spy on them. Sybella’s family is soooo horrible…. I can’t believe they would send her back there. Anything to do with her family is crazy.. these are probably some of the darkest part of the book. However she is promised that she gets to kill her other father D’albert. This guy is seriously evil people and he raises evil children for the most part. While she is there the convent sends word that she is to rescue beast (who was one of my favorites in Grave Mercy). However things never go according to plan…
I loved the imperfectness of Sybella’s character. She doubts herself so much and whether Mortian would want her to do what she is asked. Why does she enjoy killing evil people so much? Is she as truly evil as D’albert himself?? I loved how both of these book had slow burn realistic romance. Not insta-love at all.. Every character is flawed in some way, no one is safe in these books. Even Beast has a wild side that lets loose during a fight. These books are so well crafted you never know who to trust. Even family is not to be trusted.. I can’t wait to read the next book.
esshgee's review against another edition
4.0
I am enjoying this fun series and like how none of the main characters are "all" good or "all" bad.
readsbylaura's review against another edition
5.0
I love this book with my whole heart. I love everyone in this book. I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS STORY AND I'M SO HAPPY TO READ THEM!
I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK!
I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK!
eyreguide's review against another edition
5.0
The second book in the His Fair Assassin trilogy centers around the darker character Sybella, who was very compelling from what I saw of her in the first book - "Grave Mercy". And in this book she is even more so. Her family and the background she comes from is amazingly disturbing - just all kinds of awful - and she is damaged quite a bit from her history, although it's not evident just how much at first. Peeling back the layers on Sybella's history was a suspenseful aspect of this story, and showed just how strong a character she was to be able to come out of that experience with some integrity and decency. Sybella was a big reason why I loved this book.
The first part of the story details how Sybella deals with living as a secret traitor in her father's house, and of the intrigues she must dodge as she tries to fulfill her mission. This part of the story was so captivating to me, because of how tense and suspenseful it was to see Sybella flirt with danger. And interesting to see just how vulnerable she was on the inside, when she always presented such a fierce exterior.
And then there's the romance that made me swoon. Sybella is flinty, yet there is one character who sees beyond that and loves every part of her. Just gorgeous. The romance was a bit unconventional too which I loved. It's an unexpected lighter aspect, given how grim the story is for the most part. But it's important because Sybella has had such a difficult past, and she needed someone to help her leave all that behind.
"Dark Triumph" continues the political intrigue from the first book, but this story is more focused on Sybella's character development which I personally enjoyed more since there is a great balance between relationships and the politics of the land. It made for a much more relatable story too since it was so easy to understand Sybella's motivations in such a difficult time for her land. The larger historical context felt very realistic as well, which added another layer to the narrative. This was a captivating read with suspense and a wonderful slow burn romance!
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
The first part of the story details how Sybella deals with living as a secret traitor in her father's house, and of the intrigues she must dodge as she tries to fulfill her mission. This part of the story was so captivating to me, because of how tense and suspenseful it was to see Sybella flirt with danger. And interesting to see just how vulnerable she was on the inside, when she always presented such a fierce exterior.
And then there's the romance that made me swoon. Sybella is flinty, yet there is one character who sees beyond that and loves every part of her. Just gorgeous. The romance was a bit unconventional too which I loved. It's an unexpected lighter aspect, given how grim the story is for the most part. But it's important because Sybella has had such a difficult past, and she needed someone to help her leave all that behind.
"Dark Triumph" continues the political intrigue from the first book, but this story is more focused on Sybella's character development which I personally enjoyed more since there is a great balance between relationships and the politics of the land. It made for a much more relatable story too since it was so easy to understand Sybella's motivations in such a difficult time for her land. The larger historical context felt very realistic as well, which added another layer to the narrative. This was a captivating read with suspense and a wonderful slow burn romance!
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
amym84's review against another edition
5.0
Dark Triumph picks up the from the moment Sybella warns Ismae away from the trap that awaits the Duchess at the hands of d'Albret. Sybella has been assigned to his household for the last six months in order to gain information about his activities against the Duchess and report back to the abbess. What we find out is Sybella's past is more closely linked to d'Albret than we can imagine and this assignment has done nothing to quell the dark memories from resurfacing.
When she gets an order to save the knight (Beast) who fought in the skirmish resulting from said trap, Sybella feels like it may finally be her chance to act her revenge upon d'Albret. When things don't go according to her plan, she starts to question her beliefs in that of her convent, herself, and Death.
I liked Sybella's story much more than Ismae's. For me, Sybella's struggles and constant fight to regain what little power she thinks she has rang true. From her first introduction in [b:Grave Mercy|9565548|Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)|Robin LaFevers|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320269319s/9565548.jpg|14452295] it is quite apparent that life has not been easy for Sybella. When we first meet her she's half mad, and immediately I wondered what happened to her.
Dark Triumph answers all the questions even though they may be harsh and bleak. Things are hinted at and alluded to from the beginning of the story and as it progresses we get a clearer view of what happened to Sybella, but I will honestly say that when she reveals the last bit of her truth it was heartbreaking but showed just how strong of a character she is and how good her heart is. While she may have a bleak past and things have not been easygoing, she still stands up for those that cannot do it herself.
Beast is the obvious love interest for Sybella and Robin LaFevers could not have chosen better. He is a man known for rallying people to the Duchess's cause, but he too has suffered loss. He shows Sybella that loss doesn't have to bring you down it can be used to strengthen.
I like their building relationship more than Ismae and Duval's. Where the previous couple were a little more cautious with their feelings, Beast suffers no caution, Sybella only hesitates because she does not know what it is like to love and to truly be loved in return.
I'm very interested at some choice turn of events mainly having to do with the abbess of the convent. It's been clear from the beginning that she's not revealing all that she's involved in, and her questionable decisions in Dark Triumph only fuel those uncertainties.
I think we will find what is really behind the convent in [b:Mortal Heart|20522640|Mortal Heart (His Fair Assassin, #3)|Robin LaFevers|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392675344s/20522640.jpg|14836642] Annith's story.
So far this trilogy has surprised me with the mixing of historical fact and fantasy. It's been intriguing and mysterious, with twists and turns thrown in along the way. Once I started both books it's been difficult to put them down until they're finished. I can't wait to read the conclusion.
When she gets an order to save the knight (Beast) who fought in the skirmish resulting from said trap, Sybella feels like it may finally be her chance to act her revenge upon d'Albret. When things don't go according to her plan, she starts to question her beliefs in that of her convent, herself, and Death.
I liked Sybella's story much more than Ismae's. For me, Sybella's struggles and constant fight to regain what little power she thinks she has rang true. From her first introduction in [b:Grave Mercy|9565548|Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)|Robin LaFevers|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320269319s/9565548.jpg|14452295] it is quite apparent that life has not been easy for Sybella. When we first meet her she's half mad, and immediately I wondered what happened to her.
Dark Triumph answers all the questions even though they may be harsh and bleak. Things are hinted at and alluded to from the beginning of the story and as it progresses we get a clearer view of what happened to Sybella, but I will honestly say that when she reveals the last bit of her truth it was heartbreaking but showed just how strong of a character she is and how good her heart is. While she may have a bleak past and things have not been easygoing, she still stands up for those that cannot do it herself.
Beast is the obvious love interest for Sybella and Robin LaFevers could not have chosen better. He is a man known for rallying people to the Duchess's cause, but he too has suffered loss. He shows Sybella that loss doesn't have to bring you down it can be used to strengthen.
I like their building relationship more than Ismae and Duval's. Where the previous couple were a little more cautious with their feelings, Beast suffers no caution, Sybella only hesitates because she does not know what it is like to love and to truly be loved in return.
I'm very interested at some choice turn of events mainly having to do with the abbess of the convent. It's been clear from the beginning that she's not revealing all that she's involved in, and her questionable decisions in Dark Triumph only fuel those uncertainties.
I think we will find what is really behind the convent in [b:Mortal Heart|20522640|Mortal Heart (His Fair Assassin, #3)|Robin LaFevers|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392675344s/20522640.jpg|14836642] Annith's story.
So far this trilogy has surprised me with the mixing of historical fact and fantasy. It's been intriguing and mysterious, with twists and turns thrown in along the way. Once I started both books it's been difficult to put them down until they're finished. I can't wait to read the conclusion.
christinaerickson33's review against another edition
5.0
Just like Grave Mercy, I couldn't put this book down. Each new assassin side of the story just brings the whole thing together. The only down fall of having an arc is I have to wait just that much longer for the next one.
a_wren_that_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kraley's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book even better than the first one in the series. There were a few creepy parts, but I really found it a good book.