Review: Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) by Robin LaFevers

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2)

by Robin LaFevers

April 2, 2013

385 pages

 

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

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...

 

Review

 

Dark Triumph was a hard book to read. Not because it wasn't good but because the story was quite dark. Unimaginable things were revealed and I found myself gasping in horror at some of the revelations. Yet the story was so masterfully constructed I was captivated and only wanted more. The political story carried on from the previous book and I found myself still really invested in that storyline.

Before I get to anything, let me just get this one off my chest. The number one thing I wanted from this book was to see D'Albret dead. Like seriously. DEAD. Sybella and I were definitely on the same page. I loathe that man. How can those that follow him be so loyal to him? He's awful. I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say I was supremely pleased to see some people get exactly what they deserved. Maybe not right away but the wait was worth it. Yes.

In Grave Mercy, when we were first introduced to Sybella, she felt like a maniac to me. Having been left with that impression, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy her story. I shouldn't have worried because her journey was just as solid if not more gripping. Her backstory was truly horrifying. Just when I thought her past couldn't get any more shocking, it did. D'Albret murdered her baby right after she gave birth, what!! Without a doubt Sybella has a strong will to be able to hold on for so long. Practically on the verge of insanity, the only thing that kept her grounded was her goal of protecting her sisters and exacting justice on D'Albret. She endures staying in her father's household under the hope that Mortain would mark him. Everyday she suffocates a little more as no mark appears. She's filled with darkness and it shows through her thoughts. Then the best thing happens to her! It or rather he, unexpectedly brings light to her dark existence. 

Sybella meets Beast. More accurately she rescues him from D'Albret's dungeon. They end up travelling to Rennes together and getting to know each other better than they thought they could. He wasn't your typical good-looking, mouthwatering love interest. In fact, we're repeatedly told he's just the opposite. It's a well-known fact he's ugly and I love that. Sybella saw past Beast's exterior and Beast saw through Sybella's past. LaFevers does a beautiful job with connecting them. The romance was subtle and wasn't the focus of the story but it matured beautifully. I craved for more Sybella/Beast moments because they seriously make quite the killer pair. And I do mean killer in every possible way :P

It was so lovely to see Ismae and Duval again! They remind me why I love Grave Mercy so much. Our young duchess is still as angelic as ever. They all care deeply for Sybella and while she found it surprising they cared for her at all, I loved seeing her return their affections. The bond shared by Ismae and Sybella particularly shone on two separate occasions. When the abbess revealed Sybella's identity, Ismae was worried for her but did not think any less of her. Then when Sybella refused (view spoiler)to go back to Nantes and the abbess threatened to send Ismae or Annith, she agreed without hesitation. She was willing to sacrifice herself for her sisters so despite what she thought of herself, she's a good soul!

I love the way Robin LaFevers's writing just flows. I can read on forever. Her plots and twists are so exquisitely developed. The tone and atmosphere are perfect. Her characters are so magically-crafted you can't help but love them. Best of all, her world leaves you wanting more. If you have a taste for historical fiction, this here would be your most excellent choice. Trust me you won't regret it. You won't.