Book Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2)
Author:  Robin LaFevers
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 385 pages
Publication Date:  April 2, 2013

From Goodreads:
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:

I really liked this book and here's why:

1.  Sybella.  Sybella is such a wonderfully well-drawn and complex character.  It's slowly revealed throughout the book how brutal her life has been.  Her father, even her brothers…it's all just so dark and twisted.  My heart broke for her and what she had to endure. Although Sybella is broken to a certain extent, she's also strong and the main thing keeping her going is vengeance against her father.   

2.  World-building.  I love the world Robin LaFevers has created.  Assassins trained by nuns…brilliant.  The politics, back-stabbing, and scheming…loved it all.  

3.  Sybella's relationship with Beast.  I loved how good he was for her and how he accepted every single part of her, even though she kept many secrets from him.  To see how he loves her unconditionally when she doesn't feel worthy to be loved was beautiful.  My only complaint is that their relationship progressed a bit too quickly for me.  They hadn't really had many conversations when Sybella realized that she loved him.  But maybe, given her tortured background, it makes sense that she fell so quickly for such a decent guy.

4.  Action and adventure.  Plenty of it.  I couldn't put it down.

If you haven't read this series, I definitely recommend it and I can't wait to read Mortal Heart.

Posted by:  Pam