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Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Series: His Fair Assassin #2
385 p.
Published: 4/2/13
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Source: TBR pile
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...
My thoughts:
This is a slight departure from the first book. While it is in the same era, the author took greater license with the world and made a more intriguing book. While the first one was more mired in political intrigue, this one is much more action oriented.

We really get to know Sybella in this book and find out just how much she was damaged. However, while finally putting to question what was already in her heart to her head she starts to really see how the world works. She also starts to see her own world in a different light. Once she thought she was unforgivable but now her question is can she be forgiven? Not by others, but by herself.

I also loved Beast! He was gallant, fierce, and loyal. I also loved that he was described not as the unbelievably handsome knight riding on a white horse, but as a ugly, deadly but someone with a kind heart. He actually fit Sybella's insides to a T.

I give this book 5 stars. I really enjoyed my time here even more than the first book. This is a story I wouldn't mind reading again. I recommend it to those that enjoy dark fantasy.

24 comments:

  1. Oh Melissa I still haven't gotten around to read this series but now that all the books are out I do plan on just binge reading all of them. Lovely review :)

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  2. My friends have been kind of mixed about this one so I've been putting off reading it even though it was one of my most anticipated books. I'm biting the bullet and reading it this week!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. If you like fantasy I think you will lean toward really liking it.

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  3. I've heard nothing but outstanding things about Beast, and I really, really want to meet him. I started reading Grave Mercy over the holiday, so I've met Sybella and desperately want to know more about her! So looking forward to this one Melissa:)

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    1. You will love Beast! I can't wait until you get to meet him! :)

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  4. I loved this one, too, Melissa! I think it's darker but the atmosphere REALLY works for the characters and their story. Can't wait to see what you think of Mortal Heart--I need to read that one myself!

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  5. Eppp, I totally need to read this one as well. I feel behind because the book make me anxious.

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  6. I adore Beast! I'm so happy you loved this one too. I think this is still my favorite book in the series!

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  7. I LOVED this book and I'm so glad to hear you did too! She really has created a very emotional series.

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  8. Unlike you, I only liked this one. I thought it was way too dark and the overtones of incest and sexual abuse didn't sit well with me, but I did adore Beast. I'm looking forward to picking up Mortal Heart.

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    1. If the incest and abuse was seen as okay then I would have had a problem with it. I think it showed how far Sybella had to come and how strong she became. Her past didn't defeat her and I loved that about the book.

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  9. One day I will read book 1...one day

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  10. I adore Sybella! This is one of my favorites. And I just have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with your comment response about the incest and abuse.

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  11. Oh my gosh Melissa I adored this too..I actually gave it 6 cups of coffee :)

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  12. I LOVED Beast in the first book so I am so glad (and suspected) he had survived the end of the first book. I have this one just waiting to read. I know I loved His Fair Assassin, but after such a long time, I forget how much until I'm reminded by reviews. I need to read this one. Right away! Thanks for reviewing it!

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  13. wow 5? that's great! And it's good to know this one is more action based like that. Great review!

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  14. Oh dang! Okay I must do book one soon. It has been on my list for a shameful amount of time. (love the new header!)

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  15. Beast seems like a character I would be fascinated by as well.

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