Review & Giveaway: Dark Triumph by Robin La Fevers

Dark Triumph by Robin La Fevers
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Publication date: April 2nd 2013.
My rating: 5 stars

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.

Dark Triumph is a stunning sequel to Grave Mercy.  I had high expectations picking it up and I was not disappointed.  I loved this story just as much if not more than Grave Mercy!

Sybella is one of St. Mortain’s daughter’s and thereby gifted with deadly talents, and skills in the art of killing to carry out his will.  She owes a debt to the convent in service to St. Mortain since they brought her back from the brink of madness, taking her in at fourteen and training her for special assignments.  Sybella never thought she would be forced to go back to the very same household that caused all the terror in her life, but that’s exactly what she’s had to do.  To aid the young duchess of Brittany she is sent as a spy into the d’Albret’s household, one she knows only too well.   For the last year there she’s been there, languishing in hell until she is instructed to move against him.  The only thing that keeps Sybella going is knowing that she’ll be the one to kill d’Albret, and finally bring retribution to this vile man. 

Finally Sybella receives word to take action, but it’s not what she expected.  Instead she’s instructed to save one of the duchesses’ knights being held in d’Albret’s dungeons, the mighty Beast.

While I was thrilled to pick up Dark Triumph, I was also a little nervous.  Knowing it would be Sybella’s story, I knew it would be darker than Grave Mercy, because she was such a tortured character.  I was even more nervous when I found out Sybella was in d’Albret’s house.  I shuddered thinking of what she might be going through, because one thing you found out in Grave Mercy is that d’Albret was a man of twisted and dark depths!  It was heartbreaking to find out the full story of Sybella’s past but her strength and bravery made you love and admire her.  Plus, she was no defenseless creature, and I love that she dealt out some much needed kick-ass!!  

Another hesitation I had was the thought of a romance between Sybella and Beast.  He’s described as a big hulking and ugly character, and to be honest, that didn’t sound very appealing as a potential love interest.  I had nothing to fear because what Beast lacked in looks he made up for with his big heart, and charismatic personality, he’s like a magnet you can’t help but be drawn to.  I loved the slow progression of their relationship and how is lightened Sybella’s soul.  I can’t tell you how much this romance touched and filled my heart! 

While Dark Triumph is an adventure and full of action, I felt there wasn’t as much focus on political drama as there was in Grave Mercy, and I liked that change. I would like to know more about the abbess: her motivations whether they’re good or bad.  I couldn’t stand the woman for most of the story. 

If you’re a fan of Graceling, Fire, or Poison Study, I highly recommend this story and Grave Mercy.  You won’t be disappointed.  Dark Triumph is a story you won’t be able to put down!  I was addicted to the point of sneaking pages in between work when I could! Robin La Fevers’ writing utterly captivated me, and I will be picking up anything she writes in the future.  I can’t wait for Annith’s story!

A copy of this story was provided by the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in exchange for an honest review.

Now for the good part! I decided to give away my Advanced Readers Copy of Dark Triumph to one lucky reader!  Just fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win. The giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Good luck and thanks for stopping by! 

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