Name: Courting Darkness
Rating: 4.076923076923077 (26 reviews)
ISBN: 9780358238386

Robin Lafevers

From New York Times bestselling author Robin LaFevers comes Courting Darkness, a "sharp and breathless," (Kirkus) historical fantasy for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Game of Thrones. Set in the world of the His Fair Assassin series, this first in a new duology now has four starred reviews!

Courting Darkness

Robin LaFevers

When Sybella discovers there is another trained assassin from St. Mortain's convent deep undercover in the French court, she must use every skill in her arsenal to navigate the deadly royal politics and find her sister-in-arms before her time--and that of the newly crowned queen--runs out.

It’s really incredible historical fiction with just a tiny hint of fantasy (with the assassins being daughters of Mortain and having some death-related abilities). The court intrigue and immersion in the world are unparalleled.

However: strong disclaimer that this series (and this book in particular, more than I remember from the first trilogy) contains lots of historically realistic violence against women, including coercing young women into being mistresses, death in childbirth, and humiliation relating to marriage and virginity.

Liz Griffin

It’s really incredible historical fiction with just a tiny hint of fantasy (with the assassins being daughters of Mortain and having some death-related abilities). The court intrigue and immersion in the world are unparalleled.

However: strong disclaimer that this series (and this book in particular, more than I remember from the first trilogy) contains lots of historically realistic violence against women, including coercing young women into being mistresses, death in childbirth, and humiliation relating to marriage and virginity.

** spoiler alert **
           This spin off was pretty amazing.I love His Fair Assassins Trilogy so much! This is possibly one of my fav series of all time. I absolutely adore the author’s writing and the story is so worth investing in! It’s full of historical events which are completely accurate with a twist of fantasy. My favorite character is and will always be Sybella. She’s badass. Although we see an introduction of a new character in this duology, it didnt lose me on the way nor did I feel like that character was unnecessary. Genevieve is badass as well, witty and self trained basically. The whole gist surrounding the convent, the church, the kingdom, and the laws imposed by the government at the time is completely accurate with regards to the role that a woman played. But these ladies do not oblige by that, there’s feminism but nothing over the top. It’s perfect.What a freaking cliffhanger! I need to know! Sooooo yes! Where is book two?!

Jessika Rucker

I was so entertained by this book! Poison, war, royal politics, subtle romances, this book had it all. Also a stunning cover! This book really caught me by surprise because wasn't sure if I was going to like it at all. I mean A Historical Fantasy is so much fun and I am shaken that I didn't know about it before! I can't wait to read the second book!!

Sheila

I know a book is heckin’ good when I power through all 500 pages within 24 hours! I loved the My Fair Assassin trilogy so much, and Courting Darkness has just continued everything I loved! 

It's amazing that LaFevers didn't even take that many historical liberties with the figures in this book, but knowing 15th century French history shit was already WILD. Sybella was a major highlight of the first trilogy, and seeing her character play out more fully here has been so gratifying. 

The romances in this book are done so well, that gentle push-pull of emotions that I find to be accurate and rewarding. This entire world is everything fictional murder nuns deserve and I love it!

Samantha Bass

This historical fiction/fantasy read is absolutely amazing. It’s clear that an enormous amount of research went into the politics and history occurring in this book which made it that much better. I didn’t devour this book this time - I savored it. I took my time and enjoyed Sybella and Genevieve’s story and I’m so excited to read the original trilogy and the next book in this series! Absolutely stunning read!

Jessica 

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I was sent an eARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not change my view in any shape or form. Review also found here at Booked J. 

First of all, Robin LaFevers is one of my auto-buy authors and I just now realized my reviews of the His Fair Assassin books are MISSING. What?! Those were some of the first books I reviewed after my massive hiatus a few years back. Damn. Second, I'd always hoped that she'd release a book like Courting Darkness. Aka, a companion novel or series. So, this book was IT for me. I was ready to throw down my kidneys for it and sell them in order to be approved for a galley.

Good news for my kidneys: I didn't have to. When I got approved for this, I'm almost certain I spent a good portion of that day squealing loudly. If you guys heard something inexplicable on November 15th, 2018, that was just me signing onto NetGalley and seeing I'd been approved. I'd apologize but, you know, don't want to. I think receiving an ARC of Robin LaFevers is a pretty good reason for, putting it bluntly, completely losing your shit.

I really wanted to reread the His Fair Assassin books before diving into Courting Darkness but (a) I don't own them and my library doesn't have them anymore, ugh! and (b) Time was a total nag about this book. Time was basically like, wow, Jessica, you cannot reread those books before the release of Courting Darkness. Sad.

That being said: I ADORED Courting Darkness. Like, a lot. A LOT, A LOT. I feel like we're being so spoiled with good books this year and this is definitely one of the many.

It's just so brilliantly high paced and as action packed and intriguing as the books it is a companion to. In summary? Robin LaFevers marry me. It's great. I adored being able to revisit this world and seeing Sybella in particular. Am I Sybella's number one stan? YEP. I'm not sorry.

I mean, I'm sorry, because I'm babbling and not reviewing, when I should be reviewing. So, like, half sorry I guess? Whatever. Back on track, Jessica. Ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh, I can't really say much without spoiling the book because my feelings are all (incoherent screaming) and the plotlines were just so, so engrossing, I couldn't put Courting Darkness down.

It left me wondering: did I consume this book or did it consume me?

This was just an experience. One that was equally quick to devour and the slowest of burns. It's such an odd way of wording it, but it's all I can come up with?

LaFevers continues to impress me and will likely always do so. I wish I had a physical copy of this novel (it's so beautiful!) and the original series, but I'm confident that one day I will own it. That being said, I need the sequel now. I can't wait to continue this planned duology. If you're a fan of His Fair Assassin, you're going to adore Courting Darkness.

Lauren James

Full review on my blog, Storied Adventures

Likes: Sybella. Beast. I need more of them. I liked the world and the politics. I liked the saints and the magic you get if you follow one of them. I liked that you didn't have to read the original trilogy. 

Dislikes: Genevieve. She was selfish, judgmental, and stuck-up. She wasn't even the type of character where you're like, "Ooooh. She's understandably so." Nope. She was just one angry girl that spits at everyone around her. I also don't like the whole bashing Christians thing. I get it, everyone hates us. But, just saying, there is a difference between Catholicism and Christianity. 

I liked this book overall. I didn't love it, but I liked it. I will definitely read the second one and I am still interested in reading the original trilogy.

Hali Rivir Koehn 

Sparrow Hall

Hannah Conard

When Sybella accompanies the Duchess of Brittany to France, she expects trouble, but she isn’t expecting a deadly trap. Surrounded by enemies both known and unknown, Sybella searches for the undercover assassins from the convent of St. Mortain who were placed in the French court years ago. Genevieve has been undercover for so many years, she no longer knows who she is or what she’s supposed to be fighting for. When she discovers a hidden prisoner who may be of importance, she takes matters into her own hands. As these two worlds collide, the fate of the Duchess, Brittany, and everything Sybella and Genevieve have come to love hangs in the balance.

Beverly Jordan

Kristina Sanders

Jess

Zoey Mikalatos

lilac archives

First in a duology, this darkly thrilling page-turner set in the world of the best-selling His Fair Assassin series is perfect for fans of THRONE OF GLASS, RED QUEEN, and GAME OF THRONES. Told in alternating perspectives, when Sybella discovers there is another trained assassin from St. Mortain’s convent deep undercover in the French court, she must use every skill in her arsenal to navigate the deadly royal politics and find her sister in arms before her time—and that of the newly crowned queen—runs out. When Sybella accompanies the Duchess to France, she expects trouble, but she isn’t expecting a deadly trap. Surrounded by enemies both known and unknown, Sybella searches for the undercover assassins from the convent of St. Mortain who were placed in the French court years ago. Genevieve has been undercover for so many years, she no longer knows who she is or what she’s supposed to be fighting for. When she discovers a hidden prisoner who may be of importance, she takes matters into her own hands. As these two worlds collide, the fate of the Duchess, Brittany, and everything Sybella and Genevieve have come to love hangs in the balance.

Courting Darkness

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