DARK TRIUMPH by Robin LaFevers
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| Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin Trilogy)By: Robin LaFevers Published by: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children ISBN: 0547628382 Genre: Fantasy / YA Author’s Website: Format of Review Copy: Hardback Recommendable for people who enjoy: action adventure, historical fiction, and/or strong female characters |
Synopsis (from Amazon):
Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.
But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?
This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.
My Thoughts:
I’ll start out this by just telling you up front… I LOVED THIS BOOK.
The beginning of DARK TRIUMPH was a little confusing for me, and I had to read it twice before I realized what was happening. In this book, which is the second book in the series, the beginning is actually like a rewind of the end of book one, Grave Mercy. Only, in this version we are getting the scene from an alternate perspective.
DARK TRIUMPH follows Sybella, one of the side characters from the first book. She is, like Ismae, a Daughter of Mortain (an assassin for Death). Just like Ismae, she is a strong female lead. And just like with Ismae, there is an unexpected love interest. *who, btw, was my favorite character in the first book! OMG!*
I love the “story” of this series. So much so, that the romance didn’t bother me AT ALL. Which is odd. I hate romance. Usually. In fact, I may have swooned a time or two in this one. haha. OMG, Im such a girl!
This book has historical aspects, action, drama, thrills, romance… Did I mention action? Unlike the first book, Grave Mercy, at no point in this story was I wishing it would “get on with it.” The pacing for me was perfect. Along with the plot.
In Conclusion:
Great series! I definitely recommend this to you guys! I was surprised that the second book did not follow the same characters as the first but I think it allowed me to love this “world” more. You must read the first book, Grave Mercy, before reading this one though, or you will be completely lost! Looking forward to book three and yet another set of characters!
Mom Notes:
I think this book would maybe be best for ages 13+. Contains violence. The main character is an assassin for Death. Death in this book is a “god”, and I feel this may lead to questions about faith and religion/beliefs for younger readers.
For Parents and Students:
This title is not currently listed. However book one in the series, GRAVE MERCY, is listed as:
ATOS Book Level: 5.9
Interest Level: Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
AR Points: 20
Lexile: 850L