Dark Triumph picks up the from the moment Sybella warns Ismae away from the trap that awaits the Duchess at the hands of d'Albret. Sybella has been assigned to his household for the last six months in order to gain information about his activities against the Duchess and report back to the abbess. What we find out is Sybella's past is more closely linked to d'Albret than we can imagine and this assignment has done nothing to quell the dark memories from resurfacing. 
 When she gets an order to save the knight (Beast) who fought in the skirmish resulting from said trap, Sybella feels like it may finally be her chance to act her revenge upon d'Albret. When things don't go according to her plan, she starts to question her beliefs in that of her convent, herself, and Death. 
 I liked Sybella's story much more than Ismae's. For me, Sybella's struggles and constant fight to regain what little power she thinks she has rang true. From her first introduction in Grave Mercy it is quite apparent that life has not been easy for Sybella. When we first meet her she's half mad, and immediately I wondered what happened to her. 
 Dark Triumph answers all the questions even though they may be harsh and bleak. Things are hinted at and alluded to from the beginning of the story and as it progresses we get a clearer view of what happened to Sybella, but I will honestly say that when she reveals the last bit of her truth it was heartbreaking but showed just how strong of a character she is and how good her heart is. While she may have a bleak past and things have not been easygoing, she still stands up for those that cannot do it herself. 
 Beast is the obvious love interest for Sybella and Robin LaFevers could not have chosen better. He is a man known for rallying people to the Duchess's cause, but he too has suffered loss. He shows Sybella that loss doesn't have to bring you down it can be used to strengthen. 
 I like their building relationship more than Ismae and Duval's. Where the previous couple were a little more cautious with their feelings, Beast suffers no caution, Sybella only hesitates because she does not know what it is like to love and to truly be loved in return. 
 I'm very interested at some choice turn of events mainly having to do with the abbess of the convent. It's been clear from the beginning that she's not revealing all that she's involved in, and her questionable decisions in Dark Triumph only fuel those uncertainties. 
 I think we will find what is really behind the convent in Mortal Heart Annith's story. 
 So far this trilogy has surprised me with the mixing of historical fact and fantasy. It's been intriguing and mysterious, with twists and turns thrown in along the way. Once I started both books it's been difficult to put them down until they're finished. I can't wait to read the conclusion.