This series is my first experience reading something by Robin LaFevers, As it is a sampler, there's not too much I can go into. However, I really enjoyed this sampler! I think it continued smoothly from the last one, and I definitely wanted more after I finished. I can't wait to get the full book!

I was given an e-copy sample of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased and honest opinion.

I have never read any books by Robin LaFevers. I also was not aware that this e-copy was only a sample of the book, instead of the book itself. With all of that in mind, I have to say that I enjoyed what I had. It is obvious, however, that the book picks up where the first left off. There are mentions of events in the previous novel, but without that knowledge, I admit to feeling lost and confused.

In order to better understand what I have read, I would need to start at the beginning. So I must remove a star because the book was a sample, but will add this series to a long list of books waiting to be read.

Enjoyable sampler that sets the stage for what is coming. Though the sampler was short, it demonstrates that this book picks up right where the last left off with many twists and turns to come.

I had the opportunity to read an excerpt and what I read I liked so far.

It’s intriguing and leaves you wanting to read more.

Awesome definitely recommend this for your tbr pile

This sampler contains the first 11 chapters of the final installment of Courting Darkness/His Fair Assassin Series. This picks up where Courting Darkness leaves off and continues to follow Genevieve and Sybella as they navigate the politics of the French court and the dangers within. The both have to wrestle with their duties as novitiates of the convent of Saint Mortain, their loyalty to the Duchess of Brittany soon to be Queen of France, loyalty to the crown of France, and their own personal desires and conflicts. The girls are caught up in what can only be described as a live match of chess and the loser will pay dearly.

I've since gone on to finish the entire book and I was not disappointed! This sampler give you a small glimpse of what happens in this finale of the series. This is jam packed with historical references, political intrigue, deception, friendship, and a bit of romance.

I would not recommend starting with this book as it heavily relies on information from the previous book. You could potentially begin with Courting Darkness, but I feel that beginning with Grave Mercy and reading the original trilogy would give the reader a much richer reading experience. The author does a good job filling in gaps to make the duology stand on it's own, but the reader would gain a much greater understanding of the convent, the politics, and the events of the past by reading the original trilogy.

I got a copy of this book as an arc from NetGally. I read the first book in this series and couldnt wait to read this book. It was a great read and continues the story great. I can't wait to read the next book. I would recommend this book to everyone.

WOW, just WOW!!!! This book, OMG this book & series are EVERYTHING!!! What a superb ending to not only the duology, Courting Darkness, but the original trilogy series, His Fair Assassin. There is action, love, as well as political intrigue and machinations, together with battles and, of course, assassinations. All the story arcs are brilliant, but the women are what makes this book, and both series magnificent. Together, Sybella, Genevieve and Queen Anne are a force to be reckoned with and I would not bet against them.

Oh, Sybella is one badass botch!!! What a great, fabulous and absolutely fantastic story arc. She is everything you would ever want in a lead main character, smart, funny, strong, vulnerable, and a survivor. Her relationship with Beast is just as endearing as it ever was. He devotion, love and respect to Sybella is palpable. They give you all the feels. EEEEKKKK!!!!

Genevieve, she too has a terrific story arc as she comes into herself more in this installment. She owns her mistakes and learns from them. Genevieve’s journey from feeling forgotten and lost to finally trusting Sybella and in her training showed her maturity and growth as a character. Through that growth, she can trust her instincts when it matters. Genevieve and Sybella make a fantastic team and you cannot help but to root for them.

Queen Anne, former Duchess of Brittany, is cunning, strong, and loyal for a girl in her mid-teens. She goes through hell because of the King and his sister, but through sheer determination and a wee bit of luck, she triumphs over her enemies with the assistance of Sybella and Genevieve.

There are also several amazing minor characters that help move the story along, which by the end comes together flawlessly. If you cannot tell, I loved this book as well as the four (4) previous book and was very sad to come to the end of my time in this world. Do yourself a favor and read this series. You will not be disappointed you did, you will only disappointed when you have read the last word of the last book in this story.

One word of caution, this series contains violence, domestic abuse, and sexual assault. Please be sure to read all the trigger warnings as the ones I have listed may not be all of them. In my opinion, this book and the series is more new adult / adult dark fantasy historical romance than YA.

Please note, I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

I really, really, really enjoyed this book. I felt it was much more cohesive than the previous one and I love books much more where 'team Good' isn't separated. The power dynamic between Sybella and Gen was so fun to navigate and the story was so clearly FIGHT THE PATRIARCHY which I absolutely adored. One of the villains is noted as being the hero of her own story and suffering from being undermined her entire life.

I've always felt really connected to Sybella and her story and I enjoyed watching it go deeper and to show that despite the happy ending of the trilogy, she still has a lot of trauma and responsibilities to deal with.

This book also discussed how dangerous privilege can be and how important it is to confront and hold those in power accountable for their actions. Related to this, though, is the part of the book that made me feel wildly uncomfortable. Long story short, Gen, like the champ she is, makes the king realise his privilege and that he is an abusive asshole which is AMAZING!! However, it seems like his newfound awareness excuses his actions for the last couple books and that is just so not okay (especially since he almost r*ped Gen and abuses his wife terribly). I loved the king being confronted with his privilege but it sets a terrible example that abusive behaviour is forgiven and fine once someone stops being actively abusive. This really was a downside for me because the book was so strong and really showcased the damage that those in power can do-- and the message was sullied by the king not really suffering any consequences for all the lives he put in danger.

I received an excerpt of this one and can't wait to read the rest of the book. I have enjoyed this whole series immensely and can't wait to see how this Duology ends.

Mistakenly downloaded this to realizing it was a sample. Did not read, will wait for the final book to be out.

Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers is the conclusion to the Courting Darkness duology, set in the world of Robin’s beloved His Fair Assassin trilogy. I am sad that I only have a sampler here- but (fair warning) I have been following this series from the beginning and love it more than I can properly express.

When you count Death as a friend, who can stand as your enemy? Sybella, novitiate of the convent of Saint Mortain and Death’s vengeance on earth, is still reeling from her God’s own passing, and along with him a guiding hand in her bloody work. But with her sisters on the run from their evil brother and under the watchful eye of her one true friend (and love) at court, the soldier known as Beast, Sybella stands alone as the Duchess of Brittany’s protector. After months of seeking her out, Sybella has finally made contact with a fellow novitiate of the convent, Genevieve, a mole in the French court. But Sybella, having already drawn the ire of the French regent, may not be able to depend on her sister and ally as much as she hoped. Still, Death always finds a way, even if it’s not what one expects. No one can be trusted and the wolves are always waiting.

The sample I read via Netgalley for Igniting Darkness confirmed my need to read this full book. I do not recommend newcomers to this world start here- as this is the fifth book set in this world and they do build on each other and set up connections and intrigue that newcomers would miss or be confused or bored by because of the missing context. I loved that we get the multiple points of very and a more in depth look at the machinations that keep these characters and this world moving. Anyone that has gotten this far in the series needs to read this book, including myself. I need to get my hands on the full book and I both look forward to and dread it at the same time, because I am not sure I am ready to see this story come to an end.

I enjoyed it and was super glad to have an ARC! The last few chapters were intense and I couldn't put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author Robin LaFevers for this sample in exchange for an honest review.

Igniting Darkness is the second book in the Courting Darkness duology. In this duology, you follow Sybella, daughter of Death.

The first thing I noticed, was that there were only 66 pages. I expected a full book in a series, but instead it was a sample.

In the first book, you follow Sybella who is trying to keep her family safe. But what if you have to trust in someone else, hoping that you find each other in time before everything you love is destroyed?

In the second book, this thrilling and amazing story comes to an end. When Sybella gets the attention of the French regent, will everything turn out okay or will everything be destroyed?

I loved the sample. It was just long enough to end with a cliff hanger that will leave you excited and wanting for more.

I did not realize, as it does not say, this was a sampler of the book. This was a great connection to the first book Courting Darkness! This is on my TBR and I'm excited for when I get to it!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

The sampler of Igniting Darkness showed a wonderful connection between the end of the first book and beginning of second. I am excited to see how this unique story develops!

I didn’t realize this was a sampler when I requested it. It’s a great look at the beginning of the second book in this series.

Excellent preview to the novel. This is a well written and altogether unique YA book. I cannot wait to finished it.

This is a sampler so I didn't read it. It doesn't say anywhere in the description that this is a sampler.

I loooved the first book in this serie so i couldn't wait for the next one. Kinda sad it was only the first 100 pages but im gonna buy it later to read. Its a very good and well writen story. The story is very original and refreshing and i can't wait to read more!

The advanced peek at Igniting Darkness by Robin LaFevers is more pain than pleasure! In the best sense of anticipation, you are given enough room to fall into the world next to Sybella, only to be forced to come to a complete halt just as your beloved heroine is on a razorwire of peril. EVERYTHING is on the line for Sybella- her Duchess/Queen, her young sisters, the Order of Saint Mortain, beloved Beast, and her very life is all at risk because her fellow sister Genevieve, made a mess of everything.

I was crushed to have to wait for publication!