Review: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Published April 3rd, 2013
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
385 pages (Hardcover)

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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. The convent views Sybella, naturally skilled in the arts of both death and seduction, 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. 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? (From Goodreads)

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I love this book!  I LOVE THIS BOOK!

I love the setting.  15th century Brittany is a nice change for someone who doesn't usually do historical.  The writing is that strong!  I mean, my knowledge of 15th century Brittany is pretty much non-existent, but I was instantly drawn in and embracing it!  I felt like I was there!  The conflict is awesome.  I loved the battle and the strategy and alliances and twists and turns!

I love the characters!  Sybella is a badass who's been through some serious shit.  She has some suicidal tendencies, and it was a joy to see her progression!  Then there is Beast, who is a f**king beast!  Again, badassery.  In Samantha's world, this instantly meant *swoon*!  The character development was amazing.  Every single character has depth and complexity that comes out through the story.

I love the plot!  Dark Triumph starts part way through the events of Grave Mercy (check out my review here), and explains what Sybella was up to during the first book.  Sybella's progression in dealing with her past while battling the political turmoil of the novel intertwined beautifully.  I also like that this book highlights more of a personal side to the series.  Grave Mercy focused more on the politics and history, but this time round we see more romance and personal relationships.  Robin LaFevers actually addresses this in an Author's Note at the end of the novel.  I'm glad that she does, because it was what I was thinking the whole time!  Dark Triumph was a perfect balance.

Dark Triumph is amazing and gorgeous and spectacular.  It will draw you in and tear your soul apart!  So, you know, go buy this book immediately!

"Waiting On" Crown of Midnight

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating!

This week I am excited for...

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice. 
Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for? (From Goodreads)

Okay, I want to talk about this for a second, and direct you to my review of Throne of Glass.  Apparently I liked it, but I honestly don't remember why I liked it.  Either I've changed a lot over the past year, or I really liked it and forgot what it was about.  Assassins and Choal.  That is seriously all I remember.

This is why I am excited to read Crown of Midnight: what was it that I liked and do I still like it.  Crown of Midnight is out next week, on August 27th, 2013.  I've seen a lot of positive reviews, and a lot of people saying that this book outdid it's predecessor, so I'm thinking it is time for a reread of Throne of Glass!

And I am sorry, but I hate these new covers.  If I weren't so curious, I would never buy this.  That's just my personal opinion.

Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Published August 7th, 2012
Bloomsbury
416 pages (Hardcover)

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. 

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. 

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined. (From Goodreads)

I've had my eyes on Throne Of Glass for a while.  I am so happy to say that it lived up to the hype.  Throne Of Glass had me from start to finish.  It was one of those books that makes you wonder why you had to read it right away, but you will gladly embrace the suffering until the sequel.

If there is one thing to know about me, beyond that I like reading and coffee, it's that I like a good assassin.  They're dangerous and intriguing.  Celaena is also witty.  A snarky assassin?  Sold.

But beyond Celaena, all of the characters had there own mysterious elements and layers.  I found myself wanting to figure them all out, and know they're secrets.  This book offers the perspective of multiple characters, rather than just Celaena, which left Throne Of Glass playing out like a movie in my head.

Then there is the love triangle.  I like how the romance is kind of down played, not taking much of the attention until later in the book.  It's also not overly complicated, and works out all too well for me not to suspect some SERIOUS drama in future books.

And for the record, I am fully on Team Choal.

Now off to got find me those FOUR e-novellas that were released before the book.

Much love, Samantha