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.