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Courting Darkness #2
Igniting Darkness
When you count Death as a friend, who can stand as your enemy?
Sybella, novitiate of the convent of Saint Mortain and Death’s vengeance on earth, is still reeling from her God’s own passing, and along with him a guiding hand in her bloody work. But with her sisters on the run from their evil brother and under the watchful eye of her one true friend (and love) at court, the soldier known as Beast, Sybella stands alone as the Duchess of Brittany’s protector.
After months of seeking her out, Sybella has finally made contact with a fellow novitiate of the convent, Genevieve, a mole in the French court. But when Genevieve mistakenly draws the attention of the French king to the convent of Saint Mortain and its deadly arts, she may do her sisters (and herself) more harm than good. Sybella, having already drawn the ire of the French regent, may not be able to depend on her sister and ally as much as she hoped. Still, Death always finds a way, even if it’s not what one expects.
Sybella, novitiate of the convent of Saint Mortain and Death’s vengeance on earth, is still reeling from her God’s own passing, and along with him a guiding hand in her bloody work. But with her sisters on the run from their evil brother and under the watchful eye of her one true friend (and love) at court, the soldier known as Beast, Sybella stands alone as the Duchess of Brittany’s protector.
After months of seeking her out, Sybella has finally made contact with a fellow novitiate of the convent, Genevieve, a mole in the French court. But when Genevieve mistakenly draws the attention of the French king to the convent of Saint Mortain and its deadly arts, she may do her sisters (and herself) more harm than good. Sybella, having already drawn the ire of the French regent, may not be able to depend on her sister and ally as much as she hoped. Still, Death always finds a way, even if it’s not what one expects.
560 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2020
170 people are currently reading
12184 people want to read
About the author
Robin LaFevers
10 books3,115 followersSee R.L. LaFevers
You can find her most current blog posts--including information about the upcoming COURTING DARKNESS--over there.
You can find her most current blog posts--including information about the upcoming COURTING DARKNESS--over there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 382 reviews
November 11, 2020
4.5 Stars ⭐️. Love these books! Happy with this ending!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
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June 17, 2020I received this complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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August 28, 2019COVER REVEAL! THE EXCITEMENT IS REAL!!
June 4, 2022
I wasn't completely sold on the first book, but this installment wrapped everything up nicely, and I really enjoyed both of these series. Lady Sybella 4EVA
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His Fair Assassin Trilogy
Grave Mercy, #1 ★★★★☆
Dark Triumph, #2 ★★★★☆
Mortal Heart, #3 ★★★★☆
Courting Darkness Duology
Courting Darkness, #1 ★★★☆☆
Igniting Darkness, #2 ★★★★☆
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His Fair Assassin Trilogy
Grave Mercy, #1 ★★★★☆
Dark Triumph, #2 ★★★★☆
Mortal Heart, #3 ★★★★☆
Courting Darkness Duology
Courting Darkness, #1 ★★★☆☆
Igniting Darkness, #2 ★★★★☆
April 17, 2022
4.5 stars
Praise Mortain! I’m finally done! I have been waiting since Grave Mercy for a happy ending for these characters I have grown to love so much over these years. I will say this book in particular may not be my favorite out of all of the books, I still really enjoyed seeing how each characters’ story wrapped up.
First, Sybella. I have always, always loved her fierceness, her loyalty, strength and love she has for her sisters and friends, even showing kindness to the people she really dislikes. She is truly a wonderful heroine and I’m glad to see her journey extended in this duology. Her and Beast are so good together. Beast reminds her that there is light alongside the darkness in this world. Truly so absolutely wonderful together!
Now onto Genevieve. I had mixed feelings about her in the last book because let’s face it. She can be naive, too trusting and made some really stupid mistakes in the last book. This book is about her trying to fix her mistakes. She really was trying to help but when she realized she made this colossal mistake, she does try to make amends. She is a bit unpracticed but it’s understandable since she left the convent at 12 and never got to finish her training. In this book, I appreciated her efforts to make things right again or at least to the point where her friends and sisters wouldn’t be in danger from the Crown. She definitely redeemed herself throughout this book.
Gen and Maraud are a couple I can totally get on board with. They didn’t have much time for romance, same for Beast and Sybella, but I can see them lasting. They have to rebuild trust now and then but I liked how she opens up to him. He is someone she can rely on but he isn’t asking for her soul in return, just to earn their mutual trust.
I did find Gen’s relationship with the King to be very interesting. The King is super clueless and sheltered. He takes people word just because they promise and really is only receiving the facts from a bunch of liars. Then he decides to make his own decisions at the stupidest times. He always had a fondness for Gen and that helped a lot in this book. Gen wants to offer friendship to him. She doesn’t exactly respect him but has seen kindness and honor in him so she sees hope even when the King is against her and Sybella. He does redeem himself as a leader in the end so I see hope for him. I’m impressed by her patience in him. I would have smacked him if he wasn’t the King.
I wasn’t bothered by the multiple perspectives. We not only have Sybella and Gen’s perspectives but also a little of Aeva and Maraud’s as well. It made sense why we had to know what was going on with them but at the same time I kind of wish the story would just be from Sybella and Gen’s perspectives only just to be consistent.
Lastly, the overall plot. I’m not going to lie, the plot is a little bit of a jumble. A little slow at times. I wasn’t as engaged when reading this book compared to the other. We have so many separate and overlapping story lines. I really wanted to know about Sybella and her sisters. Then there is Sybella vs the King, the Regent, General Cassel and a bunch of other people. They find out she is an assassin so they assume she is responsible for every death known to man. Like umm, hello? Don’t your guards and soldiers kill? Don’t they have swords and other weapons are their disposal? What about the bloodthirsty General Cassel? Is he not also equally capable of killing? Why are they are so ignorant? Like yes, Sybella doesn’t mind killing but only to protect those she loves or in defense. Only when absolutely necessary. I was so mad on her behalf.
Basically, the storylines were resolved in the end but I also feel like will there be more books. This story ended but I feel like we could fast forward to 18 years later and see how the next generation is going? I’m up for that.
From Sybella to Beast, Annith to the Queen, I was really reading this series for all of these amazing characters. Long may the Queen reign! I’m sad the story is over but I hope this won’t be the last book in this world.
2020: When did the publication date move?? It’s October now! That is so far away!! :(
2019: Damn that cover! Literally on fire. 🔥❤️
Praise Mortain! I’m finally done! I have been waiting since Grave Mercy for a happy ending for these characters I have grown to love so much over these years. I will say this book in particular may not be my favorite out of all of the books, I still really enjoyed seeing how each characters’ story wrapped up.
First, Sybella. I have always, always loved her fierceness, her loyalty, strength and love she has for her sisters and friends, even showing kindness to the people she really dislikes. She is truly a wonderful heroine and I’m glad to see her journey extended in this duology. Her and Beast are so good together. Beast reminds her that there is light alongside the darkness in this world. Truly so absolutely wonderful together!
Now onto Genevieve. I had mixed feelings about her in the last book because let’s face it. She can be naive, too trusting and made some really stupid mistakes in the last book. This book is about her trying to fix her mistakes. She really was trying to help but when she realized she made this colossal mistake, she does try to make amends. She is a bit unpracticed but it’s understandable since she left the convent at 12 and never got to finish her training. In this book, I appreciated her efforts to make things right again or at least to the point where her friends and sisters wouldn’t be in danger from the Crown. She definitely redeemed herself throughout this book.
Gen and Maraud are a couple I can totally get on board with. They didn’t have much time for romance, same for Beast and Sybella, but I can see them lasting. They have to rebuild trust now and then but I liked how she opens up to him. He is someone she can rely on but he isn’t asking for her soul in return, just to earn their mutual trust.
I did find Gen’s relationship with the King to be very interesting. The King is super clueless and sheltered. He takes people word just because they promise and really is only receiving the facts from a bunch of liars. Then he decides to make his own decisions at the stupidest times. He always had a fondness for Gen and that helped a lot in this book. Gen wants to offer friendship to him. She doesn’t exactly respect him but has seen kindness and honor in him so she sees hope even when the King is against her and Sybella. He does redeem himself as a leader in the end so I see hope for him. I’m impressed by her patience in him. I would have smacked him if he wasn’t the King.
I wasn’t bothered by the multiple perspectives. We not only have Sybella and Gen’s perspectives but also a little of Aeva and Maraud’s as well. It made sense why we had to know what was going on with them but at the same time I kind of wish the story would just be from Sybella and Gen’s perspectives only just to be consistent.
Lastly, the overall plot. I’m not going to lie, the plot is a little bit of a jumble. A little slow at times. I wasn’t as engaged when reading this book compared to the other. We have so many separate and overlapping story lines. I really wanted to know about Sybella and her sisters. Then there is Sybella vs the King, the Regent, General Cassel and a bunch of other people. They find out she is an assassin so they assume she is responsible for every death known to man. Like umm, hello? Don’t your guards and soldiers kill? Don’t they have swords and other weapons are their disposal? What about the bloodthirsty General Cassel? Is he not also equally capable of killing? Why are they are so ignorant? Like yes, Sybella doesn’t mind killing but only to protect those she loves or in defense. Only when absolutely necessary. I was so mad on her behalf.
Basically, the storylines were resolved in the end but I also feel like will there be more books. This story ended but I feel like we could fast forward to 18 years later and see how the next generation is going? I’m up for that.
From Sybella to Beast, Annith to the Queen, I was really reading this series for all of these amazing characters. Long may the Queen reign! I’m sad the story is over but I hope this won’t be the last book in this world.
2020: When did the publication date move?? It’s October now! That is so far away!! :(
2019: Damn that cover! Literally on fire. 🔥❤️
August 16, 2020
Man, those last 50 pages were intense! The book ended too abruptly for my liking but everything before that was splendid and just what I want from historical fantasy. Knowing the author has done thorough research on the topic makes me take off my hat before her because not only did she manage to accurately represent the living conditions and customs of that time, she also tried to stay as true to the historical events as possible.
All the characters were delighting and almost felt like real people to me and while I still have some questions as to the whereabouts of certain individuals, I am happy to say that I'm mostly satisfied with this conclusion. Mostly.
The thing about historical fiction is that it tends to drag and through parts of the book it felt like they were going back and forth a lot, accusing one another before the king, betraying and killing, trying to cover it up just to have someone else tell on them. But then again, that time in history is infamous for its cruel reputation and boy am I glad I wasn't born in medieval times.
I don't know what it was but this new duology didn't have the same vibe to it than the 'His Fair Assassin' trilogy and was largely lacking in the romance department, very much to my disappointment :(
All the characters were delighting and almost felt like real people to me and while I still have some questions as to the whereabouts of certain individuals, I am happy to say that I'm mostly satisfied with this conclusion. Mostly.
The thing about historical fiction is that it tends to drag and through parts of the book it felt like they were going back and forth a lot, accusing one another before the king, betraying and killing, trying to cover it up just to have someone else tell on them. But then again, that time in history is infamous for its cruel reputation and boy am I glad I wasn't born in medieval times.
I don't know what it was but this new duology didn't have the same vibe to it than the 'His Fair Assassin' trilogy and was largely lacking in the romance department, very much to my disappointment :(
August 16, 2020
Honestly, as a finale I was a bit let down by this.
The multiple POV style is not executed well enough here, and the narrative just felt disjointed and didn't flow!
I felt quite bored through a lot of this, which is a shame as I rather liked the first book in the duology and the original trilogy!
Also, I really didn't connect with Maraud's narrative at all in this? Which is odd since I quite liked him in Courting Darkness
The multiple POV style is not executed well enough here, and the narrative just felt disjointed and didn't flow!
I felt quite bored through a lot of this, which is a shame as I rather liked the first book in the duology and the original trilogy!
Also, I really didn't connect with Maraud's narrative at all in this? Which is odd since I quite liked him in Courting Darkness
Want to read
October 20, 2016Annnd now I have a 2019 shelf. o.O
December 5, 2020
Finally able to read the full novel thanks to my library. Absolutely loved it. The tension is knuckle biting as all the players gather in for the absorbing finale.
LaFevers is a magical writer. Her notes about Anne are fascinating. I so enjoyed the full novel. A sampler is never enough when you're left champing at the bit wanting more. What can I say? Great historical fantasy that I'm sure to reread in the future.
Well, this SAMPLER certainly ignited my interest! 💥 ❤️
Once more the continuing fight for fifteenth century Brittany's freedom from the rule of France flares into action in this cutting edge historical fantasy. Of course now that's translated into keeping Queen Anne of Brittany safe in King Henry's court. Those keepers are assassins in service to Mortain--the God of Death.
There's discord and unsanctioned actions in Henry's court, including one surmises, the King's sister, one of his most influential advisors. And then there's the Church, that it's hinted at, would like to abolish Brittany's freedom to acknowledge other gods--the Nine. As the queen at one stage states to the King's Bishops, "they have fallen out of fashion in France.”
Nestled in the midst of this fight is Genevieve the acolyte who was one of two young maids inserted deep undercover into Henry's court by the abbess of Saint Mortain Convent years ago. And even this was a slight of hand.
Beast and Aeva have escaped with Lady Sybella's young sisters but pursuit is close behind.
It's now up to Genevieve and Sybella to guard the queen even as they come under fire from the King and others. The situation is becoming more complex and tricky, especially as the King is now aware of who Sybella and Genecieve are.
I was only a couple of chapters in and am already completely hooked, eagerly awaiting the full novel, even as I and the book inhabitants' wonder just what is the end game?
A Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Sampler via NetGalley
LaFevers is a magical writer. Her notes about Anne are fascinating. I so enjoyed the full novel. A sampler is never enough when you're left champing at the bit wanting more. What can I say? Great historical fantasy that I'm sure to reread in the future.
Well, this SAMPLER certainly ignited my interest! 💥 ❤️
Once more the continuing fight for fifteenth century Brittany's freedom from the rule of France flares into action in this cutting edge historical fantasy. Of course now that's translated into keeping Queen Anne of Brittany safe in King Henry's court. Those keepers are assassins in service to Mortain--the God of Death.
There's discord and unsanctioned actions in Henry's court, including one surmises, the King's sister, one of his most influential advisors. And then there's the Church, that it's hinted at, would like to abolish Brittany's freedom to acknowledge other gods--the Nine. As the queen at one stage states to the King's Bishops, "they have fallen out of fashion in France.”
Nestled in the midst of this fight is Genevieve the acolyte who was one of two young maids inserted deep undercover into Henry's court by the abbess of Saint Mortain Convent years ago. And even this was a slight of hand.
Beast and Aeva have escaped with Lady Sybella's young sisters but pursuit is close behind.
It's now up to Genevieve and Sybella to guard the queen even as they come under fire from the King and others. The situation is becoming more complex and tricky, especially as the King is now aware of who Sybella and Genecieve are.
I was only a couple of chapters in and am already completely hooked, eagerly awaiting the full novel, even as I and the book inhabitants' wonder just what is the end game?
A Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Sampler via NetGalley
April 23, 2021
'And though this moment feels hopeless, that doesn't mean I must give in to despair. Hope need not shine brightly. It need only be a dogged refusal to give up.'
I don't mind a bit of Historical Fantasy, especially if the re-imagining of historical events includes kick-ass murderous nuns! LaFevers has a lovely way with prose and certainly created some excellent heroines here, but for me the characterisations of the 'bad guys' felt a tad archetypal caricature-like (i.e. the 'scheming Regent', the 'corrupt Noble', the 'evil General' - presented as fairly one dimensional). Even so, I imagine this story of intrigue, set during the aftermath of the French-Breton War, will go down very well with a more YA audience - 3.5/5 stars, rounded up.
I don't mind a bit of Historical Fantasy, especially if the re-imagining of historical events includes kick-ass murderous nuns! LaFevers has a lovely way with prose and certainly created some excellent heroines here, but for me the characterisations of the 'bad guys' felt a tad archetypal caricature-like (i.e. the 'scheming Regent', the 'corrupt Noble', the 'evil General' - presented as fairly one dimensional). Even so, I imagine this story of intrigue, set during the aftermath of the French-Breton War, will go down very well with a more YA audience - 3.5/5 stars, rounded up.
March 28, 2020
I received a sampler copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
The sampler I received was only 100 pages but I was gripped after the first 20. This book is fantastic so far and I really want to continue reading it all asap!
The characters are diverse and strong female leads and the story is intriguing.
This is a must read for Throne of Glass, Game of Thrones or Leigh Bardugo fans!
The sampler I received was only 100 pages but I was gripped after the first 20. This book is fantastic so far and I really want to continue reading it all asap!
The characters are diverse and strong female leads and the story is intriguing.
This is a must read for Throne of Glass, Game of Thrones or Leigh Bardugo fans!
December 24, 2020
It's funny because I think I've given every book in this universe 3 stars - and I think that sums it up nicely. It's a solid 3 star series. It's really hard with historical fiction to find that balance of facts and entertainment. Sometimes the plot gets bogged down by the historical elements that it's hard to find it's way out. And that kind of happened with this book, but it was able to pull it together at the end.
This book took me 10 days to read which is insane for me. I just could not get into it. I would read a few chapters a night and then be done. It just wasn't catching my interest. The pacing was slow, I disliked one of the main characters so much that I hated reading her chapters. It was a struggle to push through. But I did and it finally picked itself up. Once all the pieces were in place, things finally started happening at a quick pace leading up to the final showdown. I guess it's good that I can't DNF a book lol (it's really not, there's times where I wish I could just stop reading. Anyway...)
I will say that one of the positives about this book is how much research the author did. While she does say in her author notes that she had to speed some time lines up and fudge some other dates/people, for the most part, she kept to history. And I appreciate that. Everything felt real for the time period and true to the nature of the book. I just would like to see her work on the pacing in future books.
The ending of this, while a little rushed, wrapped up the world nicely. We got to see what happened with everyone and everything. While I never fully warmed up to Genevieve, I adored Sybella and her fierce loyalty. She was a fantastic character and I could read stories about her and Beast forever.
I'm interested in where LaFevers goes from here as she has spent so much time in this world. It will be nice to see what she has next.
This book took me 10 days to read which is insane for me. I just could not get into it. I would read a few chapters a night and then be done. It just wasn't catching my interest. The pacing was slow, I disliked one of the main characters so much that I hated reading her chapters. It was a struggle to push through. But I did and it finally picked itself up. Once all the pieces were in place, things finally started happening at a quick pace leading up to the final showdown. I guess it's good that I can't DNF a book lol (it's really not, there's times where I wish I could just stop reading. Anyway...)
I will say that one of the positives about this book is how much research the author did. While she does say in her author notes that she had to speed some time lines up and fudge some other dates/people, for the most part, she kept to history. And I appreciate that. Everything felt real for the time period and true to the nature of the book. I just would like to see her work on the pacing in future books.
The ending of this, while a little rushed, wrapped up the world nicely. We got to see what happened with everyone and everything. While I never fully warmed up to Genevieve, I adored Sybella and her fierce loyalty. She was a fantastic character and I could read stories about her and Beast forever.
I'm interested in where LaFevers goes from here as she has spent so much time in this world. It will be nice to see what she has next.
September 24, 2020
Hnnggg 4.5? This was really good, I loved it.
So I really love this duology. It has almost everything I love: big thick book with lots of pages, badass women, honest and kind men, court intrigue, and magic. It has so much that I love.
Genevieve is definitely my favorite of the two main characters. I just...I really love her. She is so much fun.
Although I do have to admit that I also love Sybella. She and Beast are amazing, especially since BEAST IS UGLY. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling where Beast is actually ugly !!! Finally!! And she's so strong and ugh, maybe she's actually my favorite, I don't know. I can't choose. Don't make me choose.
I love this time period, too, it's actually one of my favorites. One of my own writing projects takes place in this same time period, so maybe that's why. Either way, though, this is such a fun time period to read about.
Looks like I'll need to pick up the original trilogy of this series now 😂
So I really love this duology. It has almost everything I love: big thick book with lots of pages, badass women, honest and kind men, court intrigue, and magic. It has so much that I love.
Genevieve is definitely my favorite of the two main characters. I just...I really love her. She is so much fun.
Although I do have to admit that I also love Sybella. She and Beast are amazing, especially since BEAST IS UGLY. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling where Beast is actually ugly !!! Finally!! And she's so strong and ugh, maybe she's actually my favorite, I don't know. I can't choose. Don't make me choose.
I love this time period, too, it's actually one of my favorites. One of my own writing projects takes place in this same time period, so maybe that's why. Either way, though, this is such a fun time period to read about.
Looks like I'll need to pick up the original trilogy of this series now 😂
February 11, 2021
Is it funny or sad that I finished the duology, Courting Darkness, before finishing all the books in His Fair Assassin?? I feel like I need to redeem myself and dive back into Grave Mercy and set my mind to finish the books that I never read.
For this book, I dove into the audio version. At first glance, though, I did receive that stupid chapter sampler for an eARC and it was very intriguing enough that I was going to wait patiently for it to be published. It took me a while but I'm finally here diving into this beautiful book and hoping that I will get all the answers that I've wished for.
I won't lie. I really did enjoy the heck out of this. The characters themselves kept me engaged - no matter what storyline I was following. Then there's the court drama, which honestly made me snort sometimes. The things that people said were just hilarious to me. Like for example, when someone would point out the obvious - the Queen being a female and such. I wanted to clap for their little lightbulb moment.
Also female assassins are just such bad asses and are constantly underestimated. Each were loyal no matter what and I just fell in love with them no matter what. The only thing I probably would recommend is a slower-ish ending? Which is kind of weird since it was a long audiobook.. but it just felt rushed in some way. Still liked it all though.
For this book, I dove into the audio version. At first glance, though, I did receive that stupid chapter sampler for an eARC and it was very intriguing enough that I was going to wait patiently for it to be published. It took me a while but I'm finally here diving into this beautiful book and hoping that I will get all the answers that I've wished for.
I won't lie. I really did enjoy the heck out of this. The characters themselves kept me engaged - no matter what storyline I was following. Then there's the court drama, which honestly made me snort sometimes. The things that people said were just hilarious to me. Like for example, when someone would point out the obvious - the Queen being a female and such. I wanted to clap for their little lightbulb moment.
Also female assassins are just such bad asses and are constantly underestimated. Each were loyal no matter what and I just fell in love with them no matter what. The only thing I probably would recommend is a slower-ish ending? Which is kind of weird since it was a long audiobook.. but it just felt rushed in some way. Still liked it all though.
August 20, 2020
I loooved the first book in this serie so i couldn't wait for the next one. Kinda sad it was only the first 100 pages but im gonna buy it later to read. Its a very good and well writen story. The story is very original and refreshing and i can't wait to read more!
June 30, 2021
❐ Overall Rating 4½⭐ | Narration 😁 = Very Good
❐ Narrated by Suzy Jackson, Amanda Leigh Cobb, Eva Kaminsky, Brian Munn
❐ Listening Length: 17H 33m
❐ Courting Darkness Duology #2/His Fair Assassin #5
❐ A fantastic ending for this 5 book series
❐ Part Fantasy/Part Medieval Historical
❐ Courtly Intrigue
❐ Romance
I’m not sure why the author called these two books (Courting Darkness & Igniting Darkness) a Duology when they’re really a continuation of the His Fair Assassin Trilogy. Because you should definitely start with Book #1 of His Fair Assassin Series if you’re going to read this duo.
A QUICK BREAKDOWN OF EACH BOOK:
Book #1 - Grave Mercy - Ismae’s story, she’s pretty much a badass. Her story sets the stage for all that’s to come. This one has a single POV from Ismae.
Book #2 - Dark Triumph - Sybella’s story, she is a total badass. Her story, along with Beasts, is the best of them all. You’ll have her POV in each book from now on. This book, though, has a single POV from Sybella.
Book #3 - Mortal Heart - Annith’s story, her story is probably the least awesome but it’s also Saint Mortain’s story...and he’s the leader of these badass medieval assassins...so...yeah. This one has two POV’s, Annith’s and Sybella’s.
Book #4 - Courting Darkness - Genevieve’s story, she is another assassin who trained at the convent but not with Ismae or Sybella. She has been in deep cover in France. This has both Genevieve and Sybella’s POV’s.
Book #5 - Igniting Darkness - is the culmination of everyone’s story. This has both Genevieve and Sybella’s POV’s, plus Moreau’s (the prisoner) and also small bits from one of Arduinna’s (who are another group of badass females) followers, Ava. It is a fittingly fantastic ending to a terrific series of books.
**For more on this unique world that these books take place in there is a lot to read up on at the author’s website that you can find here.
🅒🅐🅦🅟🅘🅛🅔 8.74/❿
🅒haracters ￫ 9
🅐tmosphere ￫ 8.5
🅦riting ￫ 9
🅟lot ￫ 9
🅘ntrigue ￫ 8.7
🅛ogic ￫ 8
🅔njoyment ￫ 9
❐ Narrated by Suzy Jackson, Amanda Leigh Cobb, Eva Kaminsky, Brian Munn
❐ Listening Length: 17H 33m
❐ Courting Darkness Duology #2/His Fair Assassin #5
❐ A fantastic ending for this 5 book series
❐ Part Fantasy/Part Medieval Historical
❐ Courtly Intrigue
❐ Romance
I’m not sure why the author called these two books (Courting Darkness & Igniting Darkness) a Duology when they’re really a continuation of the His Fair Assassin Trilogy. Because you should definitely start with Book #1 of His Fair Assassin Series if you’re going to read this duo.
A QUICK BREAKDOWN OF EACH BOOK:
Book #1 - Grave Mercy - Ismae’s story, she’s pretty much a badass. Her story sets the stage for all that’s to come. This one has a single POV from Ismae.
Book #2 - Dark Triumph - Sybella’s story, she is a total badass. Her story, along with Beasts, is the best of them all. You’ll have her POV in each book from now on. This book, though, has a single POV from Sybella.
Book #3 - Mortal Heart - Annith’s story, her story is probably the least awesome but it’s also Saint Mortain’s story...and he’s the leader of these badass medieval assassins...so...yeah. This one has two POV’s, Annith’s and Sybella’s.
Book #4 - Courting Darkness - Genevieve’s story, she is another assassin who trained at the convent but not with Ismae or Sybella. She has been in deep cover in France. This has both Genevieve and Sybella’s POV’s.
Book #5 - Igniting Darkness - is the culmination of everyone’s story. This has both Genevieve and Sybella’s POV’s, plus Moreau’s (the prisoner) and also small bits from one of Arduinna’s (who are another group of badass females) followers, Ava. It is a fittingly fantastic ending to a terrific series of books.
**For more on this unique world that these books take place in there is a lot to read up on at the author’s website that you can find here.
🅒🅐🅦🅟🅘🅛🅔 8.74/❿
🅒haracters ￫ 9
🅐tmosphere ￫ 8.5
🅦riting ￫ 9
🅟lot ￫ 9
🅘ntrigue ￫ 8.7
🅛ogic ￫ 8
🅔njoyment ￫ 9
December 29, 2020
5 Stars
I have really enjoyed the continuation of this story and really loved how things developed.
The world building is fantastic and one of the real hooks in this book and the others in the series.
It really pulls you in to that mediaeval world and is very vivid and engaging. The historical elements are great too and help build the atmosphere and intrigue of that time.
The characters though are what this series is all about and have been from the start.
Ismae, Sybella and Annith have been at the heart of this story and are amazing amazing characters. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses and the characterisations are brilliant from start to finish and as they develop. Also in the last book I didn't really connect to Genevieve but definitely did here and really enjoyed her role. The villains were perfectly villainous too and really added to the story.
The pacing was spot on as were the historical elements. Also the political intrigue was also fantastic and really had one scheming along with them. Plenty of action too which was brilliant and the battle scenes were very well written.
A brilliant end to a brilliant extension of this series and one can only hope we get to read more about these characters at some stage.
But for now I'm just really soaking up what an enjoyable read this was but like I said when I read the first book - Warrior assassin nuns - What's not to like.
Highly recommended
I have really enjoyed the continuation of this story and really loved how things developed.
The world building is fantastic and one of the real hooks in this book and the others in the series.
It really pulls you in to that mediaeval world and is very vivid and engaging. The historical elements are great too and help build the atmosphere and intrigue of that time.
The characters though are what this series is all about and have been from the start.
Ismae, Sybella and Annith have been at the heart of this story and are amazing amazing characters. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses and the characterisations are brilliant from start to finish and as they develop. Also in the last book I didn't really connect to Genevieve but definitely did here and really enjoyed her role. The villains were perfectly villainous too and really added to the story.
The pacing was spot on as were the historical elements. Also the political intrigue was also fantastic and really had one scheming along with them. Plenty of action too which was brilliant and the battle scenes were very well written.
A brilliant end to a brilliant extension of this series and one can only hope we get to read more about these characters at some stage.
But for now I'm just really soaking up what an enjoyable read this was but like I said when I read the first book - Warrior assassin nuns - What's not to like.
Highly recommended
November 25, 2020
Well that is finally over. The sister sequels to the original His Fair Assassin trilogy has come to an end and I could not have been more underwhelmed. By the last forty pages I was rolling my eyes every single chapter. I wish I had been able to enjoy this book more but I just could not find it in me to enjoy it.
The plot(s) consists of Gen, the dumb-dumb left behind in court, revealing that there is indeed a nunnery filled with assassins after the most tepid sex with the King of France. Sybella has finally found Gen and the two of them must blunder their way through the French court, specifically for the sake of their beloved Queen, Anne of Brittany, who seems at constant risk of getting dispatched by her salty sister-in-law and some forgettable and ultimately unimportant nobles. This is the first half of the book, really. People are brought before the King to have a tiff, some shenanigans are revealed - including outright treason - and people leave in a huff, threaten one another and we go through it over and over again AND NOTHING COMES OF IT.
The most interesting part of the original trilogy was the God of Death himself stepping down from his godhood to become mortal. I originally hoped that is where the book sequels were going - this god turned mortal navigating his way through the world. NOPE. I had also thought that after dealing with Gen and Sybella in the first book, we would be re-introduced to Ismae and Duval, the latter who is (in the story) half-brother to Anne of Brittany. In the first book of the original trilogy it is made clear he loves and respects his sister and would do anything and everything to protect her. NOPE. I even thought we would return to Richard of Shrewsbury (the younger of the Princes in the Tower, two young nobles who were put in the Tower of London and mysteriously killed after their uncle, Richard III, ascended the throne), who made a brief cameo in the previous book. NOPE.
Instead, we get boring family drama after boring family drama. Anne of Brittany dealing with her sister-in-law and her idiot husband, who spends most of the book sulking how he is not the son his father wanted, how no one understands him, how his sister sucks…. Who cares!?!? Anne of Brittany was this super interesting character and she is left in bed most of the book, only showing up at the end to twinkle her eyes at the main characters after everything turns out to be okay. This wonderful character was forgotten about and only brought up to deal with some bulls*** before being allowed back in bed.
Then there is Sybella dealing with her brother Pierre (who had all the makings of a solid villain but is ultimately wasted) and her younger sisters, Charlotte (the grumpy one) and Louise (the sweet one). We barely get any Tephanie, the gay for Sybella nanny who was a genuinely lovely character that gets shunted to the side. I guess Sybella has a bit of growth in the book? Gen and Sybella have a conversation that basically goes like:
Sybella: I’m so depressed because of the things I did when I was younger
Gen: But what if you didn’t literally know any better?
Syeblla: Yeah but like, still…
Gen: Yeah but like, you were literally 12
Syeblla: OMG I never thought of it like that
Beast (aka Benebic of Waroch aka the Medieval Hulk aka the Big Dumb Dumb) deals with his dad. And by dealing with his dad (who raped his mother and left her pregnant) I mean he kills his dad, who really kills himself, by skewering him on his sword. I was so bored by the end I nearly sighed in relief when I got to end of that storyline.
If Anton Crunard/Maraud (who has his own boring daddy issues but whatever) was the one who needed constant rescuing in the first book in the sister sequel series, now it’s Beast who needs rescuing. He needs to be rescued like two times in the last half of the book and it was such a drag. I swear, Sybella is a morosexual - she can only be turned on by dumbasses who trip themselves into a jail cell. Two things about this - one, Maraud is so boring I forgot to keep writing about him after the first sentence in this paragraph and two, the second half of the book is rescue mission after battle after rescue mission and it drags on for far too long.
We do not get to see Annith until the end of the book, (who has her own half-brother, Maraud, and they get all of like four of five paragraphs talking to each other) who became the head abbess of the nunnery AND is pregnant with Balthazar (the god turned mortal). Again, this would have been a fascinating story in it’s own right, Annith taking over the nunnery and steering it in a new direction but nope. Boring family drama instead.
Oh, Gen and Maraud end up getting together at the end of the book and it was such a non event I nearly forgot about it by the time I finished reading.
I know I have been slagging on this book pretty hard. I do respect Robin LaFevers - she created a mythology out of historical sources and does clearly care about the subject matter. I just wish she has focused the story on literally anyone else in the story, like the two Annes (Anne of Brittany, one of the main inspirations of the story, and Anne of France - the regent and clearly smarter older sister) instead of a moody, damaged girl and an idiot who stumbles from one near disaster to the other.
The plot(s) consists of Gen, the dumb-dumb left behind in court, revealing that there is indeed a nunnery filled with assassins after the most tepid sex with the King of France. Sybella has finally found Gen and the two of them must blunder their way through the French court, specifically for the sake of their beloved Queen, Anne of Brittany, who seems at constant risk of getting dispatched by her salty sister-in-law and some forgettable and ultimately unimportant nobles. This is the first half of the book, really. People are brought before the King to have a tiff, some shenanigans are revealed - including outright treason - and people leave in a huff, threaten one another and we go through it over and over again AND NOTHING COMES OF IT.
The most interesting part of the original trilogy was the God of Death himself stepping down from his godhood to become mortal. I originally hoped that is where the book sequels were going - this god turned mortal navigating his way through the world. NOPE. I had also thought that after dealing with Gen and Sybella in the first book, we would be re-introduced to Ismae and Duval, the latter who is (in the story) half-brother to Anne of Brittany. In the first book of the original trilogy it is made clear he loves and respects his sister and would do anything and everything to protect her. NOPE. I even thought we would return to Richard of Shrewsbury (the younger of the Princes in the Tower, two young nobles who were put in the Tower of London and mysteriously killed after their uncle, Richard III, ascended the throne), who made a brief cameo in the previous book. NOPE.
Instead, we get boring family drama after boring family drama. Anne of Brittany dealing with her sister-in-law and her idiot husband, who spends most of the book sulking how he is not the son his father wanted, how no one understands him, how his sister sucks…. Who cares!?!? Anne of Brittany was this super interesting character and she is left in bed most of the book, only showing up at the end to twinkle her eyes at the main characters after everything turns out to be okay. This wonderful character was forgotten about and only brought up to deal with some bulls*** before being allowed back in bed.
Then there is Sybella dealing with her brother Pierre (who had all the makings of a solid villain but is ultimately wasted) and her younger sisters, Charlotte (the grumpy one) and Louise (the sweet one). We barely get any Tephanie, the gay for Sybella nanny who was a genuinely lovely character that gets shunted to the side. I guess Sybella has a bit of growth in the book? Gen and Sybella have a conversation that basically goes like:
Sybella: I’m so depressed because of the things I did when I was younger
Gen: But what if you didn’t literally know any better?
Syeblla: Yeah but like, still…
Gen: Yeah but like, you were literally 12
Syeblla: OMG I never thought of it like that
Beast (aka Benebic of Waroch aka the Medieval Hulk aka the Big Dumb Dumb) deals with his dad. And by dealing with his dad (who raped his mother and left her pregnant) I mean he kills his dad, who really kills himself, by skewering him on his sword. I was so bored by the end I nearly sighed in relief when I got to end of that storyline.
If Anton Crunard/Maraud (who has his own boring daddy issues but whatever) was the one who needed constant rescuing in the first book in the sister sequel series, now it’s Beast who needs rescuing. He needs to be rescued like two times in the last half of the book and it was such a drag. I swear, Sybella is a morosexual - she can only be turned on by dumbasses who trip themselves into a jail cell. Two things about this - one, Maraud is so boring I forgot to keep writing about him after the first sentence in this paragraph and two, the second half of the book is rescue mission after battle after rescue mission and it drags on for far too long.
We do not get to see Annith until the end of the book, (who has her own half-brother, Maraud, and they get all of like four of five paragraphs talking to each other) who became the head abbess of the nunnery AND is pregnant with Balthazar (the god turned mortal). Again, this would have been a fascinating story in it’s own right, Annith taking over the nunnery and steering it in a new direction but nope. Boring family drama instead.
Oh, Gen and Maraud end up getting together at the end of the book and it was such a non event I nearly forgot about it by the time I finished reading.
I know I have been slagging on this book pretty hard. I do respect Robin LaFevers - she created a mythology out of historical sources and does clearly care about the subject matter. I just wish she has focused the story on literally anyone else in the story, like the two Annes (Anne of Brittany, one of the main inspirations of the story, and Anne of France - the regent and clearly smarter older sister) instead of a moody, damaged girl and an idiot who stumbles from one near disaster to the other.
September 3, 2020
*Source* Library
*Genre* Young Adult / Historical / Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Igniting Darkness, by author Robin LaFevers, is the second and final installment in the authors Courting Darkness duology. This book alternates between two main characters: Genevieve, who readers were first introduced to in the first book in this duology Courting Darkness, and Sybella, who readers first read about in Dark Triumph, part of the original His Fair Assassin series. The series takes place in the year 1490, but the author takes more than a few twists to historical events to fit her story.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Historical / Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Igniting Darkness, by author Robin LaFevers, is the second and final installment in the authors Courting Darkness duology. This book alternates between two main characters: Genevieve, who readers were first introduced to in the first book in this duology Courting Darkness, and Sybella, who readers first read about in Dark Triumph, part of the original His Fair Assassin series. The series takes place in the year 1490, but the author takes more than a few twists to historical events to fit her story.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Read
March 13, 2020
ARC provided by NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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"Is our meeting a secret?
She sends me a scathing look over her shoulder. "No. I want to sneak up on the herald before I have him announce our arrival."
03-13: I was eager to explore the sampler for 'Igniting Darkness,' the final novel in the 'Courting Darkness' duology by Robin LaFevers.
I've seen the first book around quite a lot in the review and bookstagram communities and wanted to see what it was all about. I was certain I was missing something. The story summaries both sound really good and the covers are beautiful.
Unfortunately, this read was very underwhelming for me.
Those who are familiar with me, know I talk about this all the time. Multiple POV storytelling is tough. When it's done well, it broadens the scope of understanding, helps the reader connect solidly with the story, and provides more room to maneuver character path outcomes.
While this novel is structurally sound, it's also a good example of an author who shouldn't be writing multiple POV. At least, not yet. As LaFevers skills go, that one is woefully underdeveloped. Though each of the characters is saying different things, conveying different experiences.. the author fails to distinguish between their narratives. They all speak in the same 'voice' and the result is uninspired. When pairs of them come together for an exchange, there are times you have to work to recognize which character is speaking.
It's just one uninteresting, monotonous line of text after the other and it shouldn't be that way. Honestly, there is palace intrigue, betrayals, subterfuge, hidden machinations.. all around. There are secret sects and talk of poisonings! These are not the types of things that should be lackluster plot points, but there is no draw to any of it.
Likewise, there's no pull to any of the characters themselves. They are paper thin, not only lacking distinctive voices, but also a sense of earnestness. If they're feeling things, that's not making it off the pages. We're told they're having emotions.. but the author fails to make us experience them. Excuses and explanations for past actions fall from their lips without any expression of passion beyond an appropriately placed bit of punctuation.
What a disappointment.
PRE-ORDER LINKS: AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS | KOBO | WATERSTONES
August 26, 2020
Robin LaFevers owns my ass
October 16, 2022
This book was 540 pages and it feels like I've just read three entire novels.
I am exhausted.
I am exhausted.
August 10, 2020
“An epic finale! Igniting Darkness has it all: political intrigue, delicious romance, action-packed, strong and ferocious lead female characters all painted with a French historical backdrop, making this conclusion to LaFevers’ duology a must read.”
Cecelia Beckman Sheaf & Ink
This review is for the book in its entirety.
Prior to reading Igniting Darkness, I read all three of the original His Fair Assassins novels. I loved the world-building and the way LaFevers drew you in with the historical elements infused with the fantasy of Death’s handmaidens. Where LaFevers molded and shaped these three badass female characters taking on a world made by and for men was one that made the whole experience so incredibly satisfying.
And Igniting Darkness adds to the original thread of the story. Expanding it. Giving voice to new characters and expounding on those original ones. It was exciting to see the movement from Brittany to France and how the daughters of Death would keep their beloved Queen safe.
I was enthralled by Sybella’s transformation. How she was like a phoenix burning bright and brilliant over the course of Courting Darkness and Igniting Darkness. Finding that all she has suffered and endured does not define her future. That she deserves happiness.
Not only is Sybella’s story a focal point, but Genevieve, too in her own right has this major transformation. Like the ebb in flow of the seasons, shedding a winter’s coat for the warmth of spring, Genevieve too begins to find her true self. Where we see chapter after chapter her desperation to make things right after her well intentioned mistake. Always this undercurrent of working to define herself, her purpose, and ultimately be the voice of reason in a torrent of self-interested men.
In truth, Genevieve embodies feminist ideals. Like Sybella (and to an extent the Queen) history never gives voice to the women who played major roles in the establishment and sustainability of monarchs. But LaFevers pens those women into being. With strong wills and stronger voices. LaFevers deftly creates characters that jump off the pages fully formed.
Where Genevieve funnels those feminist ideals into fruition in her relationship with the King of France. It is the triumph of the novel in how LaFevers wove together Genevieve and Sybella’s story. Where each works in tandem to obtain the same goal.
Moreover, it is the historical backdrop, the magic of being god touched, and the chapters brimming with action, that makes Igniting Darkness a fast-paced read. I was captivated by the narrative along with the shear force of the female characters showing what women are truly capable of accomplishing.
I truly hope LaFevers isn’t finished with these characters just, yet, as I am completely ready for more.
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
Cecelia Beckman Sheaf & Ink
This review is for the book in its entirety.
Prior to reading Igniting Darkness, I read all three of the original His Fair Assassins novels. I loved the world-building and the way LaFevers drew you in with the historical elements infused with the fantasy of Death’s handmaidens. Where LaFevers molded and shaped these three badass female characters taking on a world made by and for men was one that made the whole experience so incredibly satisfying.
And Igniting Darkness adds to the original thread of the story. Expanding it. Giving voice to new characters and expounding on those original ones. It was exciting to see the movement from Brittany to France and how the daughters of Death would keep their beloved Queen safe.
I was enthralled by Sybella’s transformation. How she was like a phoenix burning bright and brilliant over the course of Courting Darkness and Igniting Darkness. Finding that all she has suffered and endured does not define her future. That she deserves happiness.
Not only is Sybella’s story a focal point, but Genevieve, too in her own right has this major transformation. Like the ebb in flow of the seasons, shedding a winter’s coat for the warmth of spring, Genevieve too begins to find her true self. Where we see chapter after chapter her desperation to make things right after her well intentioned mistake. Always this undercurrent of working to define herself, her purpose, and ultimately be the voice of reason in a torrent of self-interested men.
In truth, Genevieve embodies feminist ideals. Like Sybella (and to an extent the Queen) history never gives voice to the women who played major roles in the establishment and sustainability of monarchs. But LaFevers pens those women into being. With strong wills and stronger voices. LaFevers deftly creates characters that jump off the pages fully formed.
Where Genevieve funnels those feminist ideals into fruition in her relationship with the King of France. It is the triumph of the novel in how LaFevers wove together Genevieve and Sybella’s story. Where each works in tandem to obtain the same goal.
Moreover, it is the historical backdrop, the magic of being god touched, and the chapters brimming with action, that makes Igniting Darkness a fast-paced read. I was captivated by the narrative along with the shear force of the female characters showing what women are truly capable of accomplishing.
I truly hope LaFevers isn’t finished with these characters just, yet, as I am completely ready for more.
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
July 30, 2022
Pretty much felt the same about this one as the first one. Good but not super memorable for me.
September 20, 2020
A stunning conclusion to the His Fair Assassin follow on duology, Igniting Darkness is everything I hoped it would be. There is politics and intrigue, fantastic character development, beautiful romance and a fast paced plot that keeps on surprising. We are re-united with Sybella and Genevieve, both who met for the first time at the end of Courting Darkness (review here). Their adventures were far from over!
Sybella and Genevieve definitely get off on the wrong foot. For one, Sybella doesn’t know where Genevieve’s loyalties lie, and secondly, Genevieve makes a huge mistake that she spends a lot of the book correcting and making up for. The relationship between the sisters is one of the most powerful in the book as they learn to trust each other and bond over their backgrounds.
There are threats all around – the regent is still causing trouble in her efforts to control the King, Beast’s father is also exerting his influence to get what he wants, Sybella’s brother still wants his sisters back and there is a troublesome uprising in Brittany that will only hurt the new Queen of France. With all this going on, there are no slow sections.
Sybella and Genevieve’s powers also become stronger which means that even in the fifth book their are still magical discoveries to make. Together, with their allies, they must protect their Queen and their loved ones from all those that wish to hurt them – a big ask in a history that does not trust women. The romance in this book is just as good, even if it does get put a little on the backburner for all the action that takes place. Beast and Mauraud are great love interests. We even get some of Mauraud’s point of view!
Overall this is an excellent conclusion – the ending made me cry, the characters have found their way into my heart. I can’t wait to see what Robin LaFevers writes next.
Sybella and Genevieve definitely get off on the wrong foot. For one, Sybella doesn’t know where Genevieve’s loyalties lie, and secondly, Genevieve makes a huge mistake that she spends a lot of the book correcting and making up for. The relationship between the sisters is one of the most powerful in the book as they learn to trust each other and bond over their backgrounds.
There are threats all around – the regent is still causing trouble in her efforts to control the King, Beast’s father is also exerting his influence to get what he wants, Sybella’s brother still wants his sisters back and there is a troublesome uprising in Brittany that will only hurt the new Queen of France. With all this going on, there are no slow sections.
Sybella and Genevieve’s powers also become stronger which means that even in the fifth book their are still magical discoveries to make. Together, with their allies, they must protect their Queen and their loved ones from all those that wish to hurt them – a big ask in a history that does not trust women. The romance in this book is just as good, even if it does get put a little on the backburner for all the action that takes place. Beast and Mauraud are great love interests. We even get some of Mauraud’s point of view!
Overall this is an excellent conclusion – the ending made me cry, the characters have found their way into my heart. I can’t wait to see what Robin LaFevers writes next.
January 3, 2021
I love this story world and these characters, but this was looong and slooow, and after all that I was hoping for some bigger payoffs.
Want to read
February 1, 2021I read just a little sneak peek and this out sounds great!
I can't wait to read the rest! And that cover is gorgeous
I can't wait to read the rest! And that cover is gorgeous
March 2, 2021
3.5-4 stars
September 8, 2021
WHY IS THIS SO LONG?! I LITERALLY SKIPPED TO THE LAST FEW CHAPTERS AND I UNDERSTOOD IT BETTER LMFAOO
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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