Dark Triumph: His Fair Assassin, Book 2

Gr 9 Up—Sybella left her father's home and received refuge in the convent of St. Mortain, where the nuns serve Death and train his assassins. She is a skilled assassin and trained in the art of seduction. After believing she has left the torment of her past life behind, the convent sends her home with the promise that she will be able to kill the man who raised her. Unfortunately, he still does not bear the Mark of Death and Sybella is torn between her training and her emotions. She knows that her father is evil and should die, but without the Mark she doesn't want to proceed. The second title (2013) in the series features a gripping story and strong characters that listeners will both love and hate. LaFevers takes the dark times of 15th-century France and adds love, romance, and magic. Although this is a sequel to Grave Mercy (2012, both Houghton Mifflin) in both story and timing, Ismae, who was the main character in the first book, has a small role here, and Sybella is the main character. These handmaidens to Death are fascinating and powerful. Angela Goethals' narration brings the story alive beyond the written word. Her pacing is perfect and her breathlessness during poignant segments makes listeners feel the same sensation. Fans of fantasy and historical fiction will enjoy this audiobook.—Elizabeth L. Kenyon, Merrillville High School, IN