Words on Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers (His Fair Assassin #2)

Assassin nuns in medival Europe
Feb 3, 2015
2 min read

Unlike Grave Mercy, we don't get Ismae's POV in this follow-up. Instead, we get Sybella's.

Following her duty to Mortain, Sybella has returned to the family she was desperate to flee. And, to be honest, I don't blame her - her father? Yeah, he's Count d'Albert.

Sybella is working as a spy in her father household, carrying out Mortain's will as needed. She is disgusted by her father's behavior and his betrayal of the Duchess. Likewise, she is also terrified of what he is capable off, and she must tread lightly around her brother. Let's just say that the love he has for her isn't exactly brotherly. Yeah. Yikes.

Sybella does manage to get away from her father, but not without taking with her a valuable captive, the Beast. Sybella and Beast make their way to the Duchess, where they must face an increaisngly dire situation. The Duchess's chances aren't looking good, and she must prove very lucky and resourceful if she can win the war that is clearly unavoidable.

While with the Duchess, Sybella is also reunited with Ismae, one of

her dearest friends. Ismae shares her new views about Sybella's role as Death's handmaiden. Combined with the Abbess's inconsideration on Sybella's feelings, Sybella begins to have second thoughts. She also finds un unlikely ally with Beast, who is just more proof that looks aren't everything.

I always found Sybella's character very interesting, and I'm glad that we got to learn more about her. She may seem like a tough, hardened assassin, but once you get to know her you see that she has a soft side. She doesn't let her past experiences (Or her temper!) rule her, and she's very strong, considering her past. It's also obvious that she is very fond of Ismae, who, if you think about it, is one of the only people who ever showed her kindness in her past.

D'Albert is a truly disgusting person, and that's no secret/news. But trust me - after reading this, if you're anything like me, you'll hate him a lot more than you already do. And yes, that's possible. Sybella's brother may also seem pretty aweful, but in the end he's a good man at heart. You get a very good idea what Sybella must feel like living with two people like these sickos, though. It's pretty scary.

This was a great sequel! The plot is fast-paced with plenty of action, and I love everything we learn about the characters and the way they

develop. The book was very suspenseful and kept me hooked. The overall plot of the series and the rising war with France also continues to develop and kept me guessing. This was a great historical fic, and I loved it! 4/5.