Triumph struggles through existence so un-triumphantly she often wonders why she is even named that. She knows it is in reference to her absentee mother, Victory, but it is so unfitting that it should have been changed years ago. Part of her has always suspected that she did not belong here on earth with normal people, so it is almost a relief when she discovers the real reason her mother was never around is because she is an alien from another planet. When Triumph gets the opportunity to meet Victory for the first time, she finds out that the mother she always dreamed of is nothing like she imagined. She does not know whether it is best to try and get to know her, or just go back to life without her, but the choice is taken away when she is captured by Victory's enemies. Can Triumph rely on Victory to save her, or will she have to find her own way out.
I'm not the target audience for this book - this is a YA book, and I haven't been Y for a long time. I believe a teenager would like this very much. Like many books of this genre, you have an unhappy, somewhat rebellious teen girl living with her dad and who knows nothing about her mother. She discovers that the real reason she doesn't fit in is that she is special - very special. I don't want to give away much, but I was genuinely surprised by the revelation about her mother that gets the whole plot going.
Triumph is a dark, emotionally intense continuation of the Victory/Triumph Duology that draws you deep into the mind of a broken, complex protagonist. Kaycee Rose explores heavy themes with care, creating a story that is unsettling, gripping, and difficult to put down. Triumph’s inner struggle feels raw and realistic, and the twists surrounding her past add layers of tension and intrigue. The dynamic between Triumph and Dedrick is chilling, complicated, and strangely compelling, keeping the story moving at a steady, suspenseful pace. This is a thought-provoking read that will resonate with readers who enjoy darker, psychological storytelling.