DARK TRIUMPH

Lady Sybella enters the convent of St. Mortain a madwoman and leaves as a trained handmaiden of death. In this second installment in the Fair Assassin series, Angela Goethals uses an even, emotionless tone for her narration. Her counterintuitive choice for this passionate drama works to remind the listener of Sybella's subterfuge and helps the listener keep track of the story's complex intrigue. Only when Sybella starts investing herself in saving a knight whose background and heart are entwined with hers does Goethals let the higher stakes reflect in her voice. She uses a French accent for character and place names, keeping the setting in focus without losing the listener's comprehension. Fans of the first book should enjoy this. M.M.O. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2013]