Last year I fell completely in love with R.L. LaFevers's Grave Mercy, so I had no doubts that Dark Triumph would be incredible as well. 
 This companion novel follows Sybella, another assassin-trained nun that comes from the same convent as Ismae. While Ismae's childhood was dark, it seems like nothing compared to the violence and cruelty Sybella witnessed and was subject to. 
 Jumping right back into the action where Grave Mercy left off, Sybella is living in the home of the noble d'Albret, who is looking to marry young Anne of Brittany. Eagerly hoping to find a marque so she can end his cruel ruling, Sybella is instead assigned to rescue a fallen soldier trapped in d'Albret's dungeon. 
 Sybella's story is extremely dark and grim, and she is not the easiest or most likable character. She can be quite cold and harsh, and doesn't take to trusting others easily. We learn piece by piece throughout the story the reasons behind her hard exterior. She has an unspeakably difficult past and is still attempting to deal with issues that plague her constantly. It didn't take me long to be very sympathetic and protective of her, and despite the fact that she knows how to take care of herself, there were obvious cracks in her armour. 
 The romance that takes place will seem quite unconventional for YA novels, as the male protagonist is consistently described as ugly and unattractive. It's not the most prominent aspect of the story but the slow burning romance really pulls at the heartstrings and brings together two very tortured characters. 
 I really can't recommend Dark Triumph enough. It's a dark, heartbreaking, gripping book that features an extremely strong heroine. It's a beautiful companion novel, and I can't wait to read what happens next with Annith in Mortal Heart