NA fantasy romance for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Holly Black.He only ever wanted to be human. She only ever wanted to save him. Sometimes the very thing you wish for, is your undoing…Brenik has always been envious of his twin sister, Bray. Everything always came naturally to Bray, even after crossing through a portal from their fae world, while Brenik spent his time in … world, while Brenik spent his time in her shadow. So, when Brenik discovers a way to get what he has always desired—to become human—he takes it. However, the gift turns out to be a curse that alters him in ways he never saw coming.
Bray can’t help but be concerned for her brother, more so when he vanishes. While waiting for Brenik to return, she meets two brothers who realize she isn’t human. Her dark bat-like wings are proof of that. But somehow, an aching bond forms between Bray and the hot older brother, Wes.
When Bray reunites with Brenik, she finds he has an overpowering need for blood stirring within him. If Bray doesn’t help Brenik put an end to his curse, it will not only damage those who get close to him, but it could also destroy the steamy romance blooming between her and Wes.
Clouded By Envy is the first installment in this highly addictive series with enticing shifters, scorching romance, and morally gray characters. Scroll up and one click today for your next MUST read!
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In my quest to become a more well-read and genre-diverse connoisseur of great literature, I often pick up a book that I think will be one thing yet turns out to be something quite different in a wonderfully shocking and engaging way. I’ve read several novels written or co-written by Candace Robinson in the past, but when the opportunity to read her upcoming release, Clouded by Envy, arose, I had to jump on it — initially from the cover alone. What is that!?! I bet you want to know… it’s gorgeous and captivating and peculiar and oddly sensual, don’t you think? Throw in the always-intriguing concept and deadly sin of envy (I’m Roman Catholic, so my repression requires me to love it) and you’ve got all the makings of a fine book. Guess what? It totally lives up to that hype!
I’d classify it as science-fiction, fantasy, young adult, re-appropriation of a few fairy tales, and life advice. There are two worlds. There are twins who were abandoned by their parents. When they’re magically transported to a human environment, and they only look human at certain points in their lives, there’s bound to be a plethora of page-turning scenes, intense thrills, heart-stopping emotions, and a few eye squints — at least for me because I kept finding myself trying to guess how it could possibly end given the different themes encircling this complex story.
Robinson excels at capturing the young adult voice of someone yearning to escape and find whatever’s missing in their heart or mind. She draws you in based on the sadness of what’s happening to a seemingly kind and lovable character, then tosses you to the wolves with a scene so crazy or shocking, you no longer know what to believe. After being tossed around a bit, you develop your own sense of connection and wait for the next shoe to drop. In this case, the characters often forget to wear shoes, so it’s kinda fun to see how that eventually plays out (just including a little side humor so after you read the book, you’ll get what I am saying here).
If you like something different, or something you know well but that’s been turned upside and written from the perspective of a non-human creature, you’ll enjoy this novel. It’s on the shorter side in page count which makes it easy to get through in a few hours one afternoon or evening. It’s also something you can put down and pick up again without feeling lost. The story is told in alternating perspectives from the twin protagonists, but there’s a few other character POV’s sprinkled from time to time so you see what’s happening in totality. What a ride! I look forward to seeing everyone’s thoughts and reactions when it’s officially released in early 2019. I got lucky and received an ARC (thank you) which made me quite happy… this is the 4th or 5th book I’ve read by the author… always leaves me thirsting for the next one.
Fantasy is somewhat hit and miss for me. It takes a writing style that feels real, and a story line that’s truly kissed with emotions in order for me to love a fantasy book. I’m SO thrilled to say that Clouded by Envy did not disappoint! In fact, it really set the bar high! This is the first book that I’ve read by Candace Robinson, and it most certainly wont be the last.
Bray and Brenik are siblings of a different sort. They’re fairy(ish) creatures who call themselves bats. They came to Earth by way of escape from their own falling world. They couldn’t be any more opposite. Bray has dedicated her entire life to protecting Brenik. They’re twins, yet she’s the older of the two, and has always been much stronger in every way… physically, magically, mentally and more. Although, Brenik practically owes his sister for his entire existence, as he never would have survived without her, he’s still full of spite and jealousy.
In crossing from one world to the next Bray is given a gift, as the gatekeeper type creature, called the Stone of Desires (I love this creature BTW, he’s like a rock and comes to life, and described to perfection!) The stone creature can sense her pure of heart and the love she has for her brother despite his own plague of hate and loathing. Bray is given the gift of transformation from fairy to human. As their new lives on earth is a confusing one, they luck out and meet a human who helps them immensely. When she passes and a couple of human brothers wind up moving into the old woman’s house things continue to progress.
Brenik continues to grow more spiteful. He knows that he could never survive without Bray, yet he hates her for it almost as much as he hates himself. He realizes that it’s wrong what he feels, and although he tries countless times to put his emotions in check he struggles with it. Eventually, as he too acquires the gift of human transformation, it comes with a cost. He has a thirst for blood, along side a Dorian Grey type clause. Clearly he spirals epically.
At first Bray doesn’t know where her brother has disappeared to, and she’s very worried. She winds up growing close to the human sibling brothers living in the house by the fruit tree they’ve lived in since coming to Earth. They’re good people and Candace develops their characters and relationships well. Bray has a connection with the older brother, and I love the build up and practical aspects of their growing friendship.
Eventually Bray and Brenik are re-connected, but what becomes of each of them was completely unexpected. The ending wasn’t at all what I expected to happen. I loved the surprises, but I’ve got to say it’s a very bitter-sweet ending. SAD!! There are so many twists in this tale. Nothing goes the direction you’d expect, so the entire story stays fresh which I loved!
Very unique and totally entertaining! Bray and Brenik are siblings that are sort of like fairies, they are in danger, so they escape to the Earth. They are tiny, so they can live in a tree hole. Brenik has always been jealous of his sister, Bray, so that begins to cause some major problems. The book has POV’s from both Bray and Brenik. They experience a loss that causes Brenik to freak, and Bray needs to figure out what to do. Brenik is a bit tough to like because he’s selfish; he tries not to be, but he just can’t help it sometimes. His story takes some interesting turns, and it’s rather sad at times. He ends up in some pretty dark scenarios. I was thinking Brenik was like Dorian Gray from the beginning and it’s confirmed later in the book that that’s what the author was going for, so if you know that story, you know it’s not the happiest. This isn’t a light read, and does have some adult elements. Bray only wants the best for her brother, but he’s pushing her away. Bray meets Wes and his younger brother, and they all have a sweet bond. I enjoyed the banter between Bray and Wes, and they have a good connection. The books goes in some surprising directions that kept me interesting the whole way through. I’m not in love with some of the ending, but overall, the story is engrossing. Candace Robinson has an unique writing style and things don’t go quite how you expect in her books; she keeps you on your toes and I like it! Plus, I loved all of the 90’s references! Fun! Looking forward to seeing what she writes next! I voluntarily read an early copy.
5 stars I was given this arc from the author in return for my honest thoughts and my review. I really enjoyed this story. This book is something I have never read. Now going into this story I went in not knowing anything. I didn’t want to know anything. I have read Candace other two books and they are amazing. This story is about twins a girl named Bray and her twin brother Brenik. Now these twins are not your normal twins they are bats. Who mother didn’t want anything to with two little bats. So these two young bats were alone to take care of themselves. Now Bray she was a lot bigger and stronger then her twin brother. And Brenik always felt like he didn’t know where he belonged. These two escape their homeland. And when they did Bray was the only one who received a gift. And from there we learn how jealousy has taken over Brenik. This amazing quick read and the writing didn’t disappoint me. This book is wow book. Never was it predictable for me. Highly recommend this book or anything Candace writes. This book comes out February 2019 preorder it.
Candace Robinson has done it again! She’s created a story that uses fact and fiction to weave a spell over the reader and leave them wanting more. When it comes to a book by this very talented author, I know I’m going to take a journey with memorable characters who will surprise me along the way. She combines horror with the paranormal and uses books or films we know so well to give her readers stories that shine and remain with them for days after. There’s just something about this author’s work that stands out and has me excited for the next book despite this genre being one I don’t read much of. Candace Robinson’s books definitely aren’t to be missed, and the words best to describe them are – twisted magic!
‘She felt lit up, brighter than the moon and all the stars combined.’ – Bray
This 5 star story introduces us to Brayora and Brenik who, despite being twins, appear to be very different. Brayora is lightness, and Brenik is darkness. Brenik has always felt like he lives in his sister’s shadow, and over time the envy and hatred he feels grows and leads to him making a deal that even the devil would be proud of. It’s not until he loses something that matters to him that he realises how low he has sunk and he makes the ultimate sacrifice, which I feel redeems him. Whilst Brenik’s life takes a dark turn, Bray’s appears to take a different direction and she finally finds what she’s always denied herself. However, this leads to a surprising twist in the story that had me gasping and re-reading to ensure it had actually happened. This is something I’ve come to expect from this author, and it’s something she does so well. Even though there’s an epilogue for Clouded By Envy, I can’t help but suspect the story isn’t yet over for Bray, Wes and especially Luca.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book
Clouded By Envy is ONE OF MY TOP 5 FAVORITE BOOKS!!! Back two years ago, in 2017, I had the privilege of beta reading it when Candace first wrote it. I fell in love with the story of Brenik and Bray!!! To see this book getting published brings tears to my eyes! This is truly the most unique fantasy story, and it is full of heart.
Brenik and Bray…twin brother and sister, they have a rough start in life from the moment they are born.
They flee from Laith to Earth. Brenik goes his way…which is not the easy way. Let’s say he does not choose wisely. Sometimes I was so frustrated with Brenik, but overall my heart went out to him. Bray, the protective and caring sister. How could you not love Bray? She has the most beautiful heart. She shares it with Wes and his little brother, Luca.
The characters are so real, so believable. You see the growth in the two main characters, both in different ways. The dialogue is so beautifully written that you become engrossed in these characters. All of them. The plot moves along so that you want to keep reading, you need to find out what happens next. A cool part too is the 90s references! And of course the Dorian Gray comparison!
Don’t miss out on this one!! It is a one of a kind, absolutely enchanting Fantasy that you are going to want to be sure to read!!! I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!! It deserves ALL THE STARS IN THE SKIES FROM EARTH TO LAITH!!!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of CLOUDED BY ENVY in exchange for an honest review. What a ride! Let’s start the review with Brenik. Man, he’s one of my favorite characters because he has multiple layers–the good, the bad, the ugly, and the very-very bad! After escaping his world, he struggles to discover his own identity and finds it difficult to belong. In his journey and as time ticks by, he turns dark and bitter.
Now, enter Bray. For her, life is sunshine with a cherry on top. But when her brother, Brenik, finds her, her world crumbles down, affecting her beloved human friend Wes. When she finds out Brenik isn’t the brother she knew, she desperately tries to help him fight the demons that are torturing him.
Overall, this is a great novel with a twisty, compelling story, and multi-dimensional characters that feel real.
This was a really interesting book and CR doesn’t hold back! No spoilers, but wow. I did not see some of those things coming…
I’m curious about the progression of this series because this story wraps up pretty nearly, bit the epilogue sets us up for more action without clues as to what changes.
Both protagonists have distinct voices in their chapters and I was surprised that most of this book takes place when they’re separate – which was refreshing because we didn’t relive every scene from both points-of-view. Brax and Bray are 20 and this book definitely fits a NA (versus YA) feel for content.
It took me about 40 pages to feel settled in the book, and I think it if was longer, the opening would have felt more fluid.
I received a copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
“Clouded by Envy” by Candace Robinson marks the start on the “Laith” series. The main characters in the story, Brenik & Brayora (Bray), are twins and citizens of Laith, a Fae realm, who flee to the human realm to avoid persecution. Two small fairies, who resemble bats with a humanlike face and very much alike in the outside, but with totally different characters. Bray the girl is easy-going, amiable, smart, and adaptable which enables to form relationships with the humans easily. Brenik is the complete opposite, selfish, self-centered, and consumed by envy at Bray demeanor. As a new human family moves into the house near the tree, where Bray and Brenik have made themselves at home, the twins react very differently. While Bray seek the opportunity at new interactions, Brenik resents the humans and Bray’s success. Brenik strives to become someone he is not, and chooses the wrong path, a destructive one, that brings the twins asunder. But, as always in real life, there is two parts to a story, and while Brenik is at fault, Bray is also not without blame, as she gets too caught in her own adventure world to realize how bad things are going with Brenik.
This is a wonderful story, beautiful written, with absolute delightful characters, both Bray and Brenik are captivating in their own way, the book tells the events from both points of view, giving the reader a multidimensional view of the action and a deeper insight in the character of the twins, and why and how they are become exactly who they are. Bray is so easy to like, but it is Brenik who eventually steals your heart, despite all his shortcomings and mistakes, her blindness to the love around him. This is an amazing story on love, commitment, despair, the dangers of envy and how to overcome them eventually. An incredible start into a unique new series.
ONE EXCEPTIONAL JOURNEY
Bashing bonkers boo! Candace unleashes one helluva smackdown with this tumultuous tsunami, tugging those heartstrings and bursting every emotion into play, front and center, hooking you from the start and reeling you in for the duration, launching this jewel to new heights. Temperament and perception in every layer you peel back with each page, your drawn into this tangled web so intricately and precise, attentive to the dangerous struggles and thrilling triumphs, exposing the dramatic twists and stunning turns unfold, allies assembled and lines are drawn, blasting this baby into the eye of the hurricane, blowing it into a frenzy with an astonishing culmination, wrapping this gem up sleek, shiny and tight. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating one vivid backdrop that’s so rich and lively it feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Candace, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
This book broke me.
Clouded brings you on a journey with gloriously flawed characters, unapologetic suspense, and a touch of romance. I don’t want to spoil it for you, so I won’t go into too much detail, but Clouded by Envy is a page-turning introduction to the world of Liath. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Brenik and Bray are twins, born on another world, where they are known as bats. After they escape to Earth, they find a place to live, a house with a tree. Brenik and Bray might be born at the same time, but couldn’t be more different. Bray is stronger and bigger, Brenik is weaker and smaller. After 10 years, and overwhelmed with envy he runs away and makes a deal, to become … somewhat human, but it’s really a curse and the consequences are grave. Bray is afraid of him and very worried. However, now that she is alone, she is able to be herself, for the first time ever, without worried that she is hurting someone else. She makes friends with guys next door. It was very cool reading how she grew, the way she discovered the world when she was finally free.
My favorite thing about the book is the dual perspective. We have Bran (his story reads like a villain origin story and I love it! :)). he is filled with envy and jealousy one side and love for his sister on the other side. For a while, love is winning, but when it gets too much he falls for the dark side and makes horrible mistakes. Being bad isn’t always black or white, and Brenik is one of those characters you feel for, you root for him to be better and want him to find happiness. On the other side is Bray, even though she is the “better” one, she lives in shadows as much as Brenik, because she loves him and doesn’t want to hurt him, she constantly pulls back and takes a while to come out of her shell and shine, without guilt.
It’s one of those books you have to read. 🙂 And the ending… was bittersweet, but oh so good. (and I hope it means that there will be more books in this world 🙂 )
Candace Robinson’s writing is very imaginative and is YA fiction which both teens and adults can enjoy. Clouded by Envy is an original story with great world-building and magical creatures. I was surprised that the characters were bat-like creatures but was swept away in the great storytelling. Her writing never fails to surprise the reader.
This whimsically dark urban fantasy was definitely a page turner! The author does a wonderful job of taking the reader for a ride and making us feel like we are a part of the story. I truly enjoyed the dynamic between twins Bray and Brenik and when the two fairies interacted and developed relationships with humans Luca and Wes, it just added another level to the story. The twists and turns of the story itself were exciting and the ending was definitely unexpected. I highly recommend this book!
A rather lovely story about sibling bonds and familial love complicated by jealousy with fantastical characters.
If anyone reading this works in the movie industry, this book is a blockbuster waiting to happen! Intrigue, magic and family interaction all join to make this a must-read for adults and older kids. The projected release date is 2/19/2019.
This is one of my favorite books. Fantasy mixed with romance and a dash of suspense, it will definitely keep you on your toes and make you not want to put the book down. If you are into these types of books, you should read this one.
It’s hard these days to find a fantasy book that’s different OR that has a good mix of explaining a new world yet keeping the characters relatable. Clouded by Envy does that and soooo much more!
Brenik and Bray are the epitome of yin and yang. Such opposites, such love and hate, and pull and tug. My heart both bled and got angry at Brenik, and Bray – SUCH a ray of light. I connected on more than just a reader level with these characters and if you have family that’s ever made you doubt the meaning of the word, you will too.
Beautifully written, a plot that makes you keep on reading even when your eyes are ready to quit! An engaging, heart-filled story with an ending that left me staggered. Loved. Loved. Loved it and recommend it!!!