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lorilaws's review
4.0
Grave Mercy was an unexpected gem for me last year. I went into it with some hesitation, but promptly devoured it and then added it to my favorites of 2012 list. I was so blown away by the world that took fantastical elements and added them into a historical setting. The idea is genius and so readable. I’m not the biggest historical fan, so I was just absolutely thrilled with the execution of Grave Mercy and I’ve been anxiously awaiting Dark Triumph ever since.
Dark Triumph is a companion novel that takes place right after the first book, but with a different main character. I was the tiniest bit sad when I found that out. I adored Ismae and Duval. Their romance was sooo swoonworthy and Ismae’s growth was fabulous. I guess that leaves little room for another story from her point of view, right? I was excited to get to know Sybella better and to learn more about her mysterious past.
Sybella wasn’t as easily likable as Ismae for me. She is very rough around the edges and harsh. She has an excellent reason to be. With her upbringing and family it’s a wonder she was even half as well adjusted and nice as she was. She does kick a lot of ass and has less qualms about it than Ismae, which I really liked.
There were just a few things that kept me from OMGLOVING this one like I did the first book. The biggest thing was the romance. It doesn’t show up until you’re well into the story and then it shows up suddenly and without much warning. One minute they were disdainfully helping each other and the next Sybella was utterly in love. It moved way too quickly for me and without much logic behind it. After the warm and fuzzy swoon fest in Grave Mercy I was pretty disappointed with this romantic story line. There’s also a lot of angsting about things that obviously aren’t going to matter on Sybella’s part. I definitely think that some of her emo worrying could have been removed from the story and it wold have been better.
All of that being said I still really enjoyed Dark Triumph. It has all of the same political intrigue and incredible fantasy elements as the first book. I was pulled right into the story from the very first chapter. These are sweeping epic fantasies and I really can’t recommend them enough.
Dark Triumph is a companion novel that takes place right after the first book, but with a different main character. I was the tiniest bit sad when I found that out. I adored Ismae and Duval. Their romance was sooo swoonworthy and Ismae’s growth was fabulous. I guess that leaves little room for another story from her point of view, right? I was excited to get to know Sybella better and to learn more about her mysterious past.
Sybella wasn’t as easily likable as Ismae for me. She is very rough around the edges and harsh. She has an excellent reason to be. With her upbringing and family it’s a wonder she was even half as well adjusted and nice as she was. She does kick a lot of ass and has less qualms about it than Ismae, which I really liked.
There were just a few things that kept me from OMGLOVING this one like I did the first book. The biggest thing was the romance. It doesn’t show up until you’re well into the story and then it shows up suddenly and without much warning. One minute they were disdainfully helping each other and the next Sybella was utterly in love. It moved way too quickly for me and without much logic behind it. After the warm and fuzzy swoon fest in Grave Mercy I was pretty disappointed with this romantic story line. There’s also a lot of angsting about things that obviously aren’t going to matter on Sybella’s part. I definitely think that some of her emo worrying could have been removed from the story and it wold have been better.
All of that being said I still really enjoyed Dark Triumph. It has all of the same political intrigue and incredible fantasy elements as the first book. I was pulled right into the story from the very first chapter. These are sweeping epic fantasies and I really can’t recommend them enough.
hildamarie's review
2.0
Second offering in the 'His Fair Assassin' Trilogy. The heroine here has a very dark past and the characters presented are also very twisted. But I still enjoyed it. A very damaged girl, with little hope or will to live, finds a way to love and hope, as well as a desire to move on from her past torments and embrace the present. I think for teens who have experienced trauma, that she is could be a very strong figure. I did not like this one as well as the first, but I am still looking forward to the third!
writings_of_a_reader's review
5.0
This was one of those rare occasions when the second book in a series is just as good as the first. I love reading historical fantasy and I absolutely love this series. One thing I really liked about Dark Triumph is that Robin LaFevers picked one of the most unlikely characters from book one to be the love interest for Sybella in this book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
teaturtlesandbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.5
lynseyisreading's review
4.0
Death and duplicity
What do you get if you cross a nun with an assassin?
It kind of sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, doesn't it? Well, in my opinion, what you get is absolutely fantastic historical fiction set in an era rife with conflict, treason and foul play, and a country in turmoil. Add to that compelling mysteries, strong heroines, and beautifully underplayed romances and I'm seriously in my happy reading place with the His Fair Assassin series.
I loved book one, GRAVE MERCY, when I read it last year, so I was super excited for this book since I was already was familiar with the heroine, Sybella, and desperate to find out how she was surviving in such close proximity to the disgusting Lord d'Albret.
He really is sickening as villains go. And although his character is described largely through flashbacks and recollections in this book, he still remains a terrifying and threatening presence throughout, especially for those who also read GRAVE MERCY and are familiar with his ruthlessness. He's the type of man whose very name is enough to make a person quail. I thought the connection between Sybella, D'Albret and our hero, Beast, was very intriguing and also rather sad.
Speaking of Beast—or the Beast of Waroch, to give him his full title—he was an unusual hero, to say the least. Not remotely handsome (other than in the eyes of someone who already loves him, perhaps), but very sweet. He's described as large, scarred, but with a heart-melting smile. I liked him a lot. Especially in how he let Sybella do what needed to be done, and was so patient with her as she worked through her many issues. Their romance was very subtle—perhaps a bit too subtle, actually— but the thing to remember about this series is that it's historical fiction with a romance, rather than a Historical Romance. And yes, there is a difference. A huge one. So, if you're looking for a bodice-ripper, this isn't it. In fact, I believe it's even classed as a YA book, although I disagree on that. If, however, you're looking for a really meaty, plot-dense historical novel with a sweet romance woven in—happy days.
The plot centres around the political maneuvers of many of the same players from book one, and indeed, picks up from the point of the end battle where Beast went down. That's not to say it was all politics, however. There was plenty of action and Sybella had many opportunities to shine. I was surprised to discover Sybella had a lot more to her story than you might have thought, actually. Turns out she's been holding out on everybody about who she is...
There were some very slimy secondary characters and some weird incestuous relationships involved which all got a bit hinky, but it was interesting to read nonetheless. I'm also interested in the developments with regards to the convent and can't wait to see how all that turns out. Perhaps in Annith's book, as she is up next in MORTAL HEART which comes out in 2014.
All in all, although I preferred the romance in book one, this book definitely didn't disappoint and had much more action.
An easy 4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
What do you get if you cross a nun with an assassin?
It kind of sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, doesn't it? Well, in my opinion, what you get is absolutely fantastic historical fiction set in an era rife with conflict, treason and foul play, and a country in turmoil. Add to that compelling mysteries, strong heroines, and beautifully underplayed romances and I'm seriously in my happy reading place with the His Fair Assassin series.
I loved book one, GRAVE MERCY, when I read it last year, so I was super excited for this book since I was already was familiar with the heroine, Sybella, and desperate to find out how she was surviving in such close proximity to the disgusting Lord d'Albret.
He really is sickening as villains go. And although his character is described largely through flashbacks and recollections in this book, he still remains a terrifying and threatening presence throughout, especially for those who also read GRAVE MERCY and are familiar with his ruthlessness. He's the type of man whose very name is enough to make a person quail. I thought the connection between Sybella, D'Albret and our hero, Beast, was very intriguing and also rather sad.
Speaking of Beast—or the Beast of Waroch, to give him his full title—he was an unusual hero, to say the least. Not remotely handsome (other than in the eyes of someone who already loves him, perhaps), but very sweet. He's described as large, scarred, but with a heart-melting smile. I liked him a lot. Especially in how he let Sybella do what needed to be done, and was so patient with her as she worked through her many issues. Their romance was very subtle—perhaps a bit too subtle, actually— but the thing to remember about this series is that it's historical fiction with a romance, rather than a Historical Romance. And yes, there is a difference. A huge one. So, if you're looking for a bodice-ripper, this isn't it. In fact, I believe it's even classed as a YA book, although I disagree on that. If, however, you're looking for a really meaty, plot-dense historical novel with a sweet romance woven in—happy days.
The plot centres around the political maneuvers of many of the same players from book one, and indeed, picks up from the point of the end battle where Beast went down. That's not to say it was all politics, however. There was plenty of action and Sybella had many opportunities to shine. I was surprised to discover Sybella had a lot more to her story than you might have thought, actually. Turns out she's been holding out on everybody about who she is...
There were some very slimy secondary characters and some weird incestuous relationships involved which all got a bit hinky, but it was interesting to read nonetheless. I'm also interested in the developments with regards to the convent and can't wait to see how all that turns out. Perhaps in Annith's book, as she is up next in MORTAL HEART which comes out in 2014.
All in all, although I preferred the romance in book one, this book definitely didn't disappoint and had much more action.
An easy 4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
mikayla0806's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
narteest's review
4.0
Read for the 4th Quarter (Historical Fiction) Read for the Quarterly Book Club!
Finished this last night actually, really wanted to know how it ended! I did like this one a lot, maybe because Sybella's story is a lot darker than Ismae's.
Or maybe I just haven't read a really interesting novel lately or maybe I just needed this kind novel at this moment to intrigue me.
More review later!
Update
P L O T
The plot of this story is less like Grave Mercy than I expected. Granted, it has been so long since I read Grave Mercy, I can't even remember the specifics except that Ismae used her body to save Duval (I actually forgot his name too before I started reading Dark Triumph), and then things worked out well in the end. The good thing is, I didn't have many expectations for this sequel/companion novel. Apparently I liked Grave Mercy! But my review of it was sparse and detailess, so anything I really liked, loved or hated is lost in the swarm of a thousand books in my head. The downside of being a readaholic without an eidetic memory (not that I would want an eidetic memory at all--I'd like to be able to forget when I can). However, I rated it pretty good, and what I did write, did not make me any less or any more hesitant to read Dark Triumph. I think, even back then I really wanted to read Sybella's story, mainly because she seemed so unreachable, not like Ismae who seemed so full of hope and belief and faith.
So where Grave Mercy had a more substantial plot about the world and its historical elements, Dark Triumph tends to read as a more solo, individual journey of self for Sybella. Yeah there is a plot, but not as much as the first in my opinion (or from the vague feelings I remember). In this book, the main plot is very simple. Defeat d'Albret. Help the Duchess. That kind of thing. Two sides clearly defined, and a war for Brittany. The historical elements are well tended to (I'm not a historian and have never studied history, but I do like my historical fiction novels every once in a while, and a variety at that--though usually stories older than the 20th century.)
The plot also while it is very simple, it actually doesn't fall flat. I felt the urge to keep reading (and yeah, stayed up to like 2:30am in the morning (continued reading from like 160pages at around 11pm) to finish it all in one go (gawd I am so tired right now, I wonder why I haven't had several micronaps by now!). Mostly, I think I was interested in when Sybella would do two things: a) Get the man; and b) kill d'Albret. I was also wondering exactly what would happen to her family, and what had happened to the family to make it so bloody twisted!
But as for the actual other non-Sybella, and non-romance parts, there weren't actually many elements to the political plot. Like I said, it was very simple. It makes me wonder how the ending will look like in the last book.
C H A R A C T E R S
Sybella! I loved her! But only because she had such a deep character and was twisted in her own way, supported by all the dark events of the past. I hate her family though. But they did shape her. And I felt sorry for her a lot of the time, but she never wallows in self pity, and she does her best to keep trying. I liked seeing how she thinks when it comes to her family. Even though it's all a little sickening, I liked seeing how she stays strong even when she knows she should be afraid. Loved when she had to help the Beast escape. That was funny, specially when she woke up! And while some might go and hate and be stupid, I like how Sybella does her best to put her fears aside and go with the flow. She's a strong character, totally kickass, and not afraid to kill, even though she doesn't always want to. And when Ismae comes back into the picture, Sybella really contrasts to her, in terms of personality. They're similar and different at the same time.
Beast. Oh the Beast. Described as ugly, but really, overall has a really nice personality. And I liked him! And I love that Sybella notices how even after they sleep together, he doesn't look any prettier (I love how normal that sounds, rather than the usual flowery, he looked beautiful even though he was ugly crap). Beast is Beast. He is scarred and considered ugly, but he is beautiful deep down. Which his actions show, and there's no need to dress up his ugliness in pretty descriptions. If that makes sense? I just liked how LaFevers depicts Beast. And also depicts and develops his relationship with Sybella.
THE D'ALBRETS. Gawd. That is one twisted family. Only the sisters are harmless. Being young and isolated, protected from the merciless elder brothers and their father. Sybella is a d'Albret, but she hates that she is. And she hates remembering it. Yet, she is, and because she is, she must use it to her advantage for the convent. Her older brothers are asshats. And Julian, her older brother too I think, but like with her other siblings, is a half brother, was both someone she loved and hated. The relationship between them is....well....a bit incestuous, and at the same time....and I hate saying it, but the ending at the end, resolves it and makes me feel abit better. Then again, how LaFevers treats the whole family dynamic, she treats its carefully and thoughtfully. She puts all the necessary emotions in there so that one should feel how Sybella feels about everyone and everything related to her family. There is so much hate there, and there is also, so much she wished she hadn't done. Sybella's father though, is the worst out of all of them though. He's cruel and callous, and he doesn't care who he uses, hurts, in order to get what he wants: and that is the Duchess's hand in marriage. I think d'Albret is based on a real historical figure. I'm not too sure, but well. LaFevers did well with being creative with this whole period of history.
Supporting characters and return of the old. Loved seeing Ismae and Duval again! That was awesome! They're so cute together. The Abbess has me frowning as always. And we hear about Annith again!
S E T T I N G
Morlaix and Nantes in Brittany. Year: 1489
W R I T I N G
I can't remember what I thought of LaFevers' writing previously, but I enjoyed reading it last night! Maybe it was Sybella, or maybe I just needed this kind of writing at that moment. Either way, I did really like her writing. Written in first person, LaFevers mixes both historical language and contemporary language well. The style of writing has a taste of formality to it, yet isn't dense and a pain to read. Which was beautiful. I almost cried (after all I did lament a bit about this when I was reading the Witch Hunter). It was great. I loved it.
O V E R A L L
I really enjoyed this one! Though now after writing all of the above, the ending while it was nice, I was already happy a few pages before the end of the book lol. Anyway, yes, a suggestive read. And looking forward to Mortal Heart.
Finished this last night actually, really wanted to know how it ended! I did like this one a lot, maybe because Sybella's story is a lot darker than Ismae's.
Or maybe I just haven't read a really interesting novel lately or maybe I just needed this kind novel at this moment to intrigue me.
More review later!
Update
P L O T
The plot of this story is less like Grave Mercy than I expected. Granted, it has been so long since I read Grave Mercy, I can't even remember the specifics except that Ismae used her body to save Duval (I actually forgot his name too before I started reading Dark Triumph), and then things worked out well in the end. The good thing is, I didn't have many expectations for this sequel/companion novel. Apparently I liked Grave Mercy! But my review of it was sparse and detailess, so anything I really liked, loved or hated is lost in the swarm of a thousand books in my head. The downside of being a readaholic without an eidetic memory (not that I would want an eidetic memory at all--I'd like to be able to forget when I can). However, I rated it pretty good, and what I did write, did not make me any less or any more hesitant to read Dark Triumph. I think, even back then I really wanted to read Sybella's story, mainly because she seemed so unreachable, not like Ismae who seemed so full of hope and belief and faith.
So where Grave Mercy had a more substantial plot about the world and its historical elements, Dark Triumph tends to read as a more solo, individual journey of self for Sybella. Yeah there is a plot, but not as much as the first in my opinion (or from the vague feelings I remember). In this book, the main plot is very simple. Defeat d'Albret. Help the Duchess. That kind of thing. Two sides clearly defined, and a war for Brittany. The historical elements are well tended to (I'm not a historian and have never studied history, but I do like my historical fiction novels every once in a while, and a variety at that--though usually stories older than the 20th century.)
The plot also while it is very simple, it actually doesn't fall flat. I felt the urge to keep reading (and yeah, stayed up to like 2:30am in the morning (continued reading from like 160pages at around 11pm) to finish it all in one go (gawd I am so tired right now, I wonder why I haven't had several micronaps by now!). Mostly, I think I was interested in when Sybella would do two things: a) Get the man; and b) kill d'Albret. I was also wondering exactly what would happen to her family, and what had happened to the family to make it so bloody twisted!
But as for the actual other non-Sybella, and non-romance parts, there weren't actually many elements to the political plot. Like I said, it was very simple. It makes me wonder how the ending will look like in the last book.
C H A R A C T E R S
Sybella! I loved her! But only because she had such a deep character and was twisted in her own way, supported by all the dark events of the past. I hate her family though. But they did shape her. And I felt sorry for her a lot of the time, but she never wallows in self pity, and she does her best to keep trying. I liked seeing how she thinks when it comes to her family. Even though it's all a little sickening, I liked seeing how she stays strong even when she knows she should be afraid. Loved when she had to help the Beast escape. That was funny, specially when she woke up! And while some might go and hate and be stupid, I like how Sybella does her best to put her fears aside and go with the flow. She's a strong character, totally kickass, and not afraid to kill, even though she doesn't always want to. And when Ismae comes back into the picture, Sybella really contrasts to her, in terms of personality. They're similar and different at the same time.
Beast. Oh the Beast. Described as ugly, but really, overall has a really nice personality. And I liked him! And I love that Sybella notices how even after they sleep together, he doesn't look any prettier (I love how normal that sounds, rather than the usual flowery, he looked beautiful even though he was ugly crap). Beast is Beast. He is scarred and considered ugly, but he is beautiful deep down. Which his actions show, and there's no need to dress up his ugliness in pretty descriptions. If that makes sense? I just liked how LaFevers depicts Beast. And also depicts and develops his relationship with Sybella.
THE D'ALBRETS. Gawd. That is one twisted family. Only the sisters are harmless. Being young and isolated, protected from the merciless elder brothers and their father. Sybella is a d'Albret, but she hates that she is. And she hates remembering it. Yet, she is, and because she is, she must use it to her advantage for the convent. Her older brothers are asshats. And Julian, her older brother too I think, but like with her other siblings, is a half brother, was both someone she loved and hated. The relationship between them is....well....a bit incestuous, and at the same time....and I hate saying it, but the ending at the end, resolves it and makes me feel abit better. Then again, how LaFevers treats the whole family dynamic, she treats its carefully and thoughtfully. She puts all the necessary emotions in there so that one should feel how Sybella feels about everyone and everything related to her family. There is so much hate there, and there is also, so much she wished she hadn't done. Sybella's father though, is the worst out of all of them though. He's cruel and callous, and he doesn't care who he uses, hurts, in order to get what he wants: and that is the Duchess's hand in marriage. I think d'Albret is based on a real historical figure. I'm not too sure, but well. LaFevers did well with being creative with this whole period of history.
Supporting characters and return of the old. Loved seeing Ismae and Duval again! That was awesome! They're so cute together. The Abbess has me frowning as always. And we hear about Annith again!
S E T T I N G
Morlaix and Nantes in Brittany. Year: 1489
W R I T I N G
I can't remember what I thought of LaFevers' writing previously, but I enjoyed reading it last night! Maybe it was Sybella, or maybe I just needed this kind of writing at that moment. Either way, I did really like her writing. Written in first person, LaFevers mixes both historical language and contemporary language well. The style of writing has a taste of formality to it, yet isn't dense and a pain to read. Which was beautiful. I almost cried (after all I did lament a bit about this when I was reading the Witch Hunter). It was great. I loved it.
O V E R A L L
I really enjoyed this one! Though now after writing all of the above, the ending while it was nice, I was already happy a few pages before the end of the book lol. Anyway, yes, a suggestive read. And looking forward to Mortal Heart.
arisofia's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
What's better than assasin nuns? Also, I vet that Beasr is ugly, but do you really have to harp on it every time he comes up?
pragreads's review against another edition
3.0
I will say this: I do not like historical fiction. It was something I'd guessed, but I am sure of it after enduring two whole books on mundane politics that bored my soul to death.
Everyone else who read the book, apparently saw: glorious plot, swoon-worthy characters, a five star read.
What I experienced: Dull, bore-me-to-sleep plot, a 'BEAST' who was obviously, ferocious and ugly, and his blushing belle who came along with copious amounts of unnecessary backstory that included incest as a plot device. Oh, did I mention the 16th Century (?) writing that killed whatever potential this book had?
If that's not enough, I do not have any notes or highlights in the kindle book. And I always, always make notes when reading something worthwhile (or even completely horrible, for that matter).
Everyone else who read the book, apparently saw: glorious plot, swoon-worthy characters, a five star read.
What I experienced: Dull, bore-me-to-sleep plot, a 'BEAST' who was obviously, ferocious and ugly, and his blushing belle who came along with copious amounts of unnecessary backstory that included incest as a plot device. Oh, did I mention the 16th Century (?) writing that killed whatever potential this book had?
If that's not enough, I do not have any notes or highlights in the kindle book. And I always, always make notes when reading something worthwhile (or even completely horrible, for that matter).