January 15, 2015

Series Review: His Fair Assassin by Robin LaFevers

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers (2012)
549 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Source: The Library
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon
Goodreads Summary: Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
My Review: When I first started reading Grave Mercy I was slightly reminded of the movie Wanted. Anyway, It took me a while to get used to Ismae and her world, but I'm glad I stuck with the book even though it took me about 100 pages before I really felt like the story was going somewhere good. Grave Mercy focuses more on politics than romance, but that didn't bother me. I really started to care for Birttany and feel what these characters were feeling. I was getting frustrated right along with Ismae, the Duchess, and everyone else, I wanted peace for Brittany as well. I'm glad I finally gave Grave Mercy a chance. It was a very good read.





Dark Triumph (#2) by Robin LaFevers (2013)
385 pages
Source: The Library
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon
Goodreads Summary: When Sybella arrived at the doorstep of St Mortain half mad with grief and despair the convent were only too happy to offer her refuge - but at a price. The sisters of this convent serve Death, and with Sybella naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, she could become one of their most dangerous weapons.

But her assassin's skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to the life that nearly drove her mad. Her father's rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother's love is equally monstrous. But when Sybella discovers an unexpected ally she discovers that a daughter of Death may find something other than vengeance to live for...
My Review: I thought Dark Triumph was the best of all three books in this series. It was darker, gritty, sad, happy, and hopeful. I felt more for Sybella than I did the other two girls the books focus on. She is one strong woman who fights for herself, her sisters, and for good. I was cheering Sybella on from the very beginning. The other best part of this book is Beast, hands down. I loved Beast in Grave Mercy and I grew to love him even more in Dark Triumph. Not only did I like the characters in Dark Triumph more (it was a more character driven story than the first book) but I also thought it was more exciting than the first book. Dark Triumph is a very good book. Even if you were not a big fan of Grave Mercy, I think you will really love Dark Triumph. I felt so many emotions while reading about Sybella and no matter how hard it got at times I loved every single page.



Mortal Heart (#3) by: Robin LaFevers (2014)
444 pages
Source: The Library
Purchase: Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Amazon
Goodreads Summary: Annith has watched her gifted sisters at the convent come and go, carrying out their dark dealings in the name of St. Mortain, patiently awaiting her own turn to serve Death. But her worst fears are realized when she discovers she is being groomed by the abbess as a Seeress, to be forever sequestered in the rock and stone womb of the convent. Feeling sorely betrayed, Annith decides to strike out on her own.

She has spent her whole life training to be an assassin. Just because the convent has changed its mind doesn't mean she has...
My Review: I was nervous I wasn't going to like Annith. I was worried that after reading the previous epic book in the series this one would fall flat. I didn't need to worry. I ended up loving Annith. Also, I loved all the secrets that were revealed surrounding the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain and the other characters in Mortal Heart. I might even admit that I love Annith's love interest more than Beast. Actually, I loved all the new characters that were introduced in this wonderful conclusion to the series. Mortal Heart started off good and ended great. It had some good shocking moments. Basically, it was really good all around. It really made me 100% happy that I gave the His Fair Assassin series a chance. I was so happy that the series ended so well.

17 comments:

  1. Grave Mercy was only a 3-star for me which was a bit disappointing because I had been looking forward to it so much. I was pretty sure I would like the books focusing on the other two girls better, but a so-so experience with the first hasn't inspired me to pick up the other two yet. But seeing you enjoyed the other two better, and particularly the second book reminds me this series deserves a second shot. And I do have the books already, cause you know I was CONVINCED I would love them before I even cracked the first one open!

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    1. I wasn't a huge fan of the first book either, but I LOVED the second book and really liked the third book. I think you would probably like them better than the first one as well. Or at least I think it would be worth trying since you have the books already. :)

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  2. I loved all three books in this series! His Fair Assassin is one of my favourite series of all time. The politics and the romance really kept me engaged so I'm so glad you enjoyed the books too! I was really sad to see it all end but I'm happy it ended on such a happy note :D Great reviews!

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    1. I am glad I finally read this series! The second book had to be my favorite. I just couldn't get enough of Sybella and Beast!

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  3. I really want to read this series. I keep saying I am going to get to it and I don't. I didn't realize each book was a differnt girl. very intersting.

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    1. I actually really liked that each book was a different girl. I didn't realize that either until I got to the next book. lol

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  4. I loved Grave Mercy, and Dark Triumph I fell for hard. I have Mortal Heart but have been fearful of reading it since a lot of folks were disappointed, but you have given me hope.

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    1. Well I hope you like Mortal Heart. I thought it was really good, but I still think Dark Triumph is my favorite.

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  5. I remember wanting to pick this series up, just never got around to it. I might have to eventually pick it up! I'm glad that each book seemed to get better.

    Lovely review!

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    1. That is how I was for such a long time. I'm glad I finally gave it a try.

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  6. I really loved Grave Mercy - I have yet to read the rest so I skipped your reviews just in case but I see you enjoyed the whole series especially Sybella's story. I really think Sybella's story is going to be the best. She's just so wild and haunting :D
    Grave Mercy took me a while to get into too especially figuring out the politically part of it all.

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    1. Sybella's story was my favorite. I hope you love her story as well!! It also makes me glad to hear that I am not the only one that struggled getting into Grave Mercy at first as well. :)

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  7. I'm SO glad you enjoyed the series! My feelings were a bit opposite regarding favorites of the series but they were all very enjoyable for me!! I really think it's hard when there's been a bit of hype surrounding the series. Glad you ended up enjoying them all! :)

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    1. I definitely liked the series overall. I'm so glad I ended up reading it!

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  8. I LOVE THIS SERIES! I think Dark Triumph is my favorite also but Motal Heart was such a good conclusion! Robin LaFevers said she might write more books in this world but it could take while - regardless I am so excited for whatever she gives us next!

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    1. I would totally be down for some more books in this world! Thanks for getting me to read this series!!! I owe you one. :) Maybe two since I loved The Grisha books as well.

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  9. I haven't been too sure about starting on this series because I have seen a lot of mixed reviews, enough to make me wonder! But it seems like the series dramatically picks up in everything after the first book. It would just be a matter of getting through the first!

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