If you’re looking for a new series to read, I highly recommend the His Fair Assassins trilogy. It’s probably one of my favorite young adult historical fiction fantasy romance books, simply because it has several bad-a** female characters, cute romances, and there’s something so charming about stories dealing with ancient gods and saints. Would you call that a historical romantasy book? I guess we’re making up a new genre!
I would say that if you liked Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, but are looking for something with a little more fighting, this series is absolutely the one for you.
His Fair Assassins Background
His Fair Assassins is a trilogy (with a new spinoff book) that combines history, fantasy, and romance in an unforgettable way. The series is set in medieval Brittany, France, and follows the journey of a young girl named Ismae and her friends, who are trained as assassins in the convent of St. Mortain, the god of Death.
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (Book 1)
Grave Mercy follows the story of Ismae Rienne, a young girl who escapes an abusive arranged marriage and is taken to the convent of St. Mortain, where she discovers her destiny as a handmaiden of Death. Trained as an assassin, Ismae is tasked with carrying out the will of the god of Death by serving as a deadly instrument in the political intrigues of 15th-century Brittany.
As Ismae navigates the treacherous court of Brittany, she becomes embroiled in a web of deceit, power struggles, and dangerous alliances. Her loyalty is tested when she is assigned to protect Duval, a mysterious and enigmatic man with ties to the throne. Amidst her mission and the political turmoil, Ismae discovers secrets about herself, her abilities, and the true nature of the world she inhabits.
Filled with intrigue, suspense, and a touch of romance, Grave Mercy intricately weaves together history, politics, and a strong female protagonist who grapples with questions of loyalty, duty, and her own burgeoning feelings. It’s a captivating tale of a young woman navigating a dangerous world, bound by her faith and her own sense of justice. It also features a slow burn forced relationship in a forced proximity with an enemies-to-lovers vibe. What’s not to like?
Dark Triumphby Robin LaFevers (Book 2)
Dark Triumph continues the story in the His Fair Assassin series, focusing on Sybella, another young woman who is part of the convent of St. Mortain. Unlike Ismae, Sybella’s past is shadowed by tragedy and darkness. Tasked with dangerous missions by the convent, Sybella is sent back to her childhood home, a place of haunting memories and cruelty, to gather information crucial to the survival of the duchess of Brittany.
Haunted by her past and wielding her skills as an assassin, Sybella navigates a treacherous landscape filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and adversaries seeking to destabilize Brittany. Amidst her mission, she encounters Beast, a noble knight whose own secrets and past intertwine with hers. As they reluctantly join forces, Sybella’s loyalty to the convent and her personal quest for justice become entangled.
Dark Triumph delves into Sybella’s harrowing journey, filled with suspense, complex characters, and unexpected alliances. It explores themes of resilience, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of darkness. Through Sybella’s trials and the challenges she faces, the book offers a gripping narrative that reveals the strength and complexity of its protagonist, creating a captivating tale of courage and sacrifice. It’s also a grumpy-sunshine novel, so there’s that.
Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers (Book 3)
Mortal Heart concludes His Fair Assassins and follows the journey of Annith, another young woman trained in the convent of St. Mortain. Annith has trained rigorously as an assassin, but she finds herself overlooked and kept within the convent’s walls despite her readiness to fulfill her duties.
Frustrated by being left behind, Annith discovers secrets about her past and the convent’s intentions. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a quest that takes her outside the confines of the convent walls and into a world rife with political intrigue and danger.
As Annith navigates the complexities of her mission, she faces challenges that test her resolve, beliefs, and loyalty to the convent. Along the way, she encounters unexpected allies and adversaries, all while discovering her own strength and abilities.
Mortal Heart intricately weaves together themes of destiny, loyalty, and the struggle between duty and personal choice. Filled with suspense, richly developed characters, and unforeseen revelations, the book offers a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of identity and the pursuit of one’s own path in a world filled with secrets and deception.
What Sets it Apart
What sets the His Fair Assassins trilogy apart from other young adult fantasy series is its complex and compelling characters. Ismae, Sybella, and Annith are all strong, independent young women who are determined to make their own way in the world. They are also flawed and vulnerable, struggling with their own fears and doubts, and facing difficult moral choices that test their faith and their loyalty.
What sets the His Fair Assassins trilogy apart from other young adult fantasy series is its complex and compelling characters. Ismae, Sybella, and Annith are all strong, independent young women who are determined to make their own way in the world. They are also flawed and vulnerable, struggling with their own fears and doubts, and facing difficult moral choices that test their faith and their loyalty.
The world-building in the series is also rich and detailed, drawing on real historical events and legends to create a vivid and compelling world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality. The author’s research into medieval history is evident in the way she portrays the politics, religion, and culture of the time, adding depth and nuance to the story. And trust me on this, the setting is spectacularly done. Normally I hate books with intensive world-building, but because this is based on actual events, it wasn’t difficult to understand the world LaFevers created.
Another standout feature of the series is its exploration of the theme of love, both romantic and platonic. The relationships between the characters are complex and often fraught with tension, as they navigate the difficult terrain of duty, loyalty, and personal desire. The romances in the series are also handled with care and sensitivity, avoiding many of the clichés and pitfalls of the genre.
Show & Tell Book Nook Rating:
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
Spice: 0 /10
Final Bookish Thoughts:
Overall, His Fair Assassins is a fantastic fantasy romance you should add to your tbr. The characters are compelling, the plot is clever, the romance is sweet, and the historical fiction feel adds a unique depth to the stories. I’ve read these novel countless times and haven’t ever grown sick of them. Though I am waiting for a TV series – think young adult Handmaids Tale… now that would be something!
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