I'm not much of a historical fiction reader, but the "His Fair Assassin" trilogy and "Courting Darkness" duology intrigue me hugely. I mean, assassin nuns? What more do you need to know?

And this sampler for the second and last book in the "Courting Darkness" duology picks up almost immediately from the ending for courting Darkness and it moves at quite a speed. I struggle with reading historical fiction but this moved along nicely and I am intrigued to see where this book is going to go or how it's going to end.

The only thing that might annoy people is the sampler is so short (11ish chapters) and the multiply points of view (mainly from Sybella and Genevieve [first person narrative], but we have two other character's povs [in third persons narrative]).

But this has wetted my appetite and am now going to get self up-straight with His Fair Assassin trilogy and, hopefully, reread or audiobook Courting Darkness again before August 2020 release

I wouldn't have downloaded this title if the description had indicated that it was sampler instead of the full novel. I thought it was too good to be true and I guess it was. Anyway, what I did read was great and I am really excited to read the full book once it is available.

Looking good! From the cover and the excerpt it sounds like it will be a promising sequel. Will definitely keep an eye out for the full version!

This was a great sampler of whats to come. I wish is was the whole book. I really enjoyed the first book in the series and this book will be just as amazing! The detailed writing is exquisite. The storyline is suspenseful. I can’t wait to read the full story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an excerpt of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The sample does a good job at a light summary of the events that happened in the first book, without feeling too heavy-handed. While I have some distaste for the romances (usually far too heterosexual and cliched, as well fairly obvious when the book begins), it's an easy escape.
Genevieve explains her motivations once more, and some politicking drama begins. Looking forward to finishing it up!

My sample was sent to me by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I really liked getting to read this sampler! I've loved the His Fair Assassin series for years, and so far I'm really enjoying this continuation of the world. I'm so excited for the release of Igniting Darkness and I can't wait to read from Sybella's perspective again.
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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.

Thank you NetGalley for providing a “sampler” for an honest review. Although I enjoyed LaFevers’ His Fair Assassin trilogy, that feeling does not extend to her Courting Darkness duology. The crux of the issue is my apathy towards the main character, Genevieve. I simply cannot summon the energy to care about her plight. Additional content may improve my opinion, but as of now, I am firmly disinterested.

I am so sad this was just a sampler. I wanted to keep reading and find out what happens. Very well written, and very interesting. I am excited for this book release!