Dark Triumph

Starred review from February 25, 2013
In this electric sequel to Grave Mercy, LaFevers tells the story of another 15th-century “handmaiden to Death” from the convent of St. Mortain, Lady Sybella. Raised in terror by her father, the monstrous nobleman D’Albret, Sybella was barely sane when she entered the convent. Years later, still filled with rage, she has returned home to spy on the traitorous D’Albret and foil his attempt to kidnap and forcibly marry his liege, the young Duchess of Brittany. Sybella must navigate a complex web of political subterfuge, violence, and self-hatred to stay alive, while secretly assassinating those traitors whom the god Mortain has “marqued” for death (“When I see a dark shadow covering his chest, my heart soars. He is marqued! This makes everything so much simpler”). Ordered to save the life of the ugly Beast of Waroch, a knight loyal to the duchess, Sybella soon ends up on the run from her father’s vengeance. Brimming with powerful emotions, thrilling sword fights, and accurate period detail, this tightly plotted tale will enthrall readers of romantic historical fantasy. Ages 14–up. Agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency.