Courting Darkness
Absorbing historical fiction ramps up the palace intrigue.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Courting Darkness is the first in a planned two-volume historical novel with fantasy elements. It's set in the same medieval French world as author Robin LaFevers' popular His Fair Assassin trilogy and shares some characters with that series. The main characters are trained assassins, so violence from fights and battles use swords, knives, and crossbows. Hand-to-hand fighting includes punching, kicking, choking, and snapping necks. Blood is mentioned as spurting, splattered, etc., without much other detail. A couple of instances of having sex describe kissing and mention caressing breasts and nipples, thrusting, shouting, and grimacing. Other sexual content includes briefly described kisses, mention that in the past, two women practiced having sex with each other, men who have mistresses living in their houses with their wives, confirming virginity after consummating marriage, and sexuality as a tool for spying or trading with men for something you want. Drinking wine is mentioned pretty frequently, sometimes to excess and usually with consequences described. Strong language is rare and includes "merde" (French for "s--t") and "damned." Themes explored include how women were repressed, how pre-Christian religion was repressed and changed to Catholicism, and the power of love. The main characters are good role models for loyalty, bravery, and compassion.
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What's the Story?
COURTING DARKNESS begins when Mortain, the physical embodiment of the god of Death, falls in battle and is gone from this world. Two of his daughters, Sybella and Genevieve, are left to wonder what will become of the convent dedicated to him where they were raised, and more important, which, if any, of the powers he imbued them with they'll still have now that he's gone. The marriage of the duchess of Brittany to the king of France is a perfect opportunity for Sybella and Genevieve to influence the ruling regime and ensure that Brittany remains under the duchess's control, and also to make sure that their convent survives the growing influence of the Catholic Church. As events bring them closer together, they'll have to navigate intrigue and mystery, to say nothing of just surviving to see another day.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of Robin LaFevers' His Fair Assassin trilogy will enjoy this immersive return to Brittany in the 1400s as they follow familiar characters and meet new ones. Courting Darkness still has fights and battles -- and assassinations, of course -- but it also ramps up the palace intrigue. A marriage of political convenience brings the war between Brittany and France to an end, and teens will easily relate to narrators Sybella and Genevieve as they figure out how to stay true to their beliefs, their missions, and their sisterhood while learning who they are and what they're capable of.
If you haven't read the previous trilogy, it may take a little longer to immerse yourself in this world, and it may take some extra time to get to know the characters and some of their previous relationships. But fans of historical fiction that skews a little to the dark side without sacrificing adventure, romance, and strong female characters will find the journey well worthwhile. Nongraphic but mature sexual content and violence make it best for teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Courting Darkness. Is it realistic? How much is OK in books? Is it different for movies, videos, or games? Why or why not?
What about the sexy stuff? How much is OK in YA books? Does it seem realistic?
Are Sybella and Genevieve good role models? Why or why not? What do you like about them? What are their character flaws?
Book Details
- Author: Robin LaFevers
- Genre: Historical Fiction
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Publication date: February 5, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 512
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: March 14, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
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Grave Mercy: His Fair Assassin, Book 1
Violent tale of assassin nun seeking revenge on men.
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Red Queen: Book 1
Action-packed fantasy will grip fans of powerful heroines.
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Dragonswood
Teen girl's bold adventure among dragons, fairies, princes.
For kids who love historical fiction and romantic fantasy
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