LaFevers, Robin. Dark Triumph. (His Fair Assassin, Book II)

LaFevers, Robin.  Dark Triumph.  (His Fair Assassin, Book II)     Houghton Mifflin  2013  388p  ISBN 978-0-547-62838-7  hs/adult    Hardback    VG-BN  Fantasy   

When the novel Grave Mercy introduced an order of nun assassins to readers, teens and adults devoured the tale of Ismae, a well-trained but inexperienced novice on her first assignment.  Those readers will not be disappointed by Sybella’s story, which is darker and more intense and introduces a much more seasoned assassin.

Sybella shows a diamond-hard facade to the world to hide wounds inflicted by hurt and betrayal of her psyche.  She has unresolved doubts about her god and her father, Mortain, and she is unable to trust anyone.  She is isolated and suffering.  But Sybella finds warmth and compassion in Beast.  Beast is as ugly and terrifying on the surface as Sybella feels inside.  A wary alliance is kindled into romance. 

LaFevers has written a dark tale of plots, violence and unlikely romance.  Her greatest strength lies in the compelling characters she creates.  Readers will enjoy this absorbing adventure even if they haven’t read the first book.  But have Grave Mercy on hand -- they are bound to come back to demand it!

Summary: Sybella, a cold-hearted assassin, finds redemption in an unlikely character: Beast.  This is the sequel to Grave Mercy, which introduced an order of nun assassins.

Assassins-Fiction, Romance-Fiction, Death-Fiction                 --Hilary Welliver

LaFevers, Robin. Grave Mercy. (His Fair Assassin.)

LaFevers, Robin.  Grave Mercy. (His Fair Assassin.)   Houghton Mifflin  549p

$16.99      978-0-547-62834-9       hs/adult          VG-BNS      Fantasy    

If you like mysteries, politics, and romance, with a little fantasy thrown into the mix, read Grave Mercy by newcomer Robin LeFevers.  Rescued from a brutal marriage, Ismae becomes a “Saint”, one of Death’s handmaidens in a convent of assassins.  Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts.  When Ismae receives an important assignment to the high court of Brittany, she finds herself woefully underprepared, not only for the deadly choices that must be made in a world of intrigue and treason, but also for an impossible situation she must face.  How can she kill a target who has stolen her heart?

Ismae is a compelling protagonist, believable and engaging, except in her romance with Duval.  Whenever her love interest enters the picture, our tough, capable, intelligent heroine becomes useless.  Ismae excels at martial arts, but skipped most of the convent’s classes on “womanly arts”.  Nonetheless, readers will be engrossed by the slowly smoldering romance as it builds to a climax.

The political intrigue is set in 15th-century Brittany and provides good insight into the politics of that time.  LaFevers vividly describes the era from peasant hovels and superstitious villagers to the sophisticated Court and its intrigues. 

This is a promising debut novel.

Historical fiction, Fantasy, Assassins–Fiction              -- Hilary Welliver     

Schrieber, Joe. Au Revoir Crazy European Chick.

Schrieber, Joe.  Au Revoir Crazy European Chick.  HoughtonMifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher,

2011.   190p.   $16.99.  ISBN 978-0-547-57738-8     hs (Grades 9-12)  Mystery/Detective            VG-BN

Perry is interning at a law firm at his father’s insistence in order to nab a college recommendation.  But Perry prefers to jam with his band and is bummed when his parents insist he take a quiet, unattractive foreign exchange student, Gobi, to the prom instead of performing with his band.  When students at the prom insult Gobi, Perry punches the worst offender.  As Gobi emerges from the free-for-all, she suddenly turns into a sleek beauty pulling Perry toward his father’s Jaguar and insisting he drive to NYC.  Along the way, Perry realizes Gobi has targeted five individuals believed to be responsible for her sister’s death.  Even Perry’s family is not safe from Gobi.  Armed with many weapons, Gobi has an ability to deftly deflect attention when guns blaze and bombs go off, while holding Perry hostage and insisting he be her “get away” man.  Perry becomes less naive as the killings continue, and he learns to stand up for his interests.  

Suspend your disbelief and rocket along on prom night in a five-stop tour of death.   This story has nonstop action with a hint of humor.  A creative ending signals continued adventures for Perry and Gobi in the future.  Quirky chapter titles that are based on typical college essay questions foretell the upcoming action and provoke laughter.  The book cover is a map of NYC that spotlights the target sites so readers can keep up with the mayhem in the story.  It's too bad that the book jacket may turn off male readers, as this is really a great guy read.  Schrieber’s first YA novel is a tour de force that will appeal to all YA readers.            Subject: Assassins -- Fiction                          Lois McNicol