Shadowed by Despair

Cruel Curses #3

by Candace Robinson

Sometimes the land chooses for you…

Perin expected eternal darkness after his death, yet the land of Laith has other plans for him. Snapped awake with a desperate hunger for flesh, he fights the urge to feed, knowing that once he gives in to temptation, there is no turning back.

Tavarra’s deepest desire was always to be human. By the time she was granted her one true wish, the journey had already claimed those she cared about, including Perin. Alone and on the brink of forgetting how to truly live, she searches for new purpose.

When Perin finds Tavarra, it gives them both the strength they need. Despite the unpredictability of him being the monster this time, Tavarra chooses to help break Perin’s curse by journeying with him to retrieve an enchanted liquid for the Stone of Desire. Tied by fate and loneliness, they must cross the sea into a deadly part of Laith, and find the liquid, before Perin’s increasing hunger overtakes him.

Perfect for fans of Holly Black and Sarah J. Maas. This final book in the Cruel Curses series comes full circle with twists and turns, second chance romance, and heart-stopping action in an epic fae world.

*Includes a bonus short story featuring Brenik from Clouded By Envy

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Ebooks

ebook

First published May 19, 2020

About the author

I spend my days consumed by words and hoping to one day find my own DeLorean time machine. My life consists of avoiding migraines, admiring Bonsai trees, watching classic movies, and living with my husband and daughter in Texas—where it can be forty degrees one day and eighty the next!

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Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed By Despair is the third book in the Laith series written by Candace Robinson. I previously read and reviewed the earlier two books, both taking place in an intriguing young adult and fantasy realm. The book is due to launch on May 19th of 2020, and I was lucky enough to get an early copy from the publisher. Since I really enjoyed the first two, I definitely needed to finish this trilogy. Before you keep reading, note... there might be a spoiler about earlier books, so be careful. You've been warned!

Curious by temptation? Frightened by the power something might have over you? What if you've died, and it broke our heart in a previous book? Can we recover? Possibly... but only if you've come back to life in a peculiar way. What exactly happened to Perin? And how will Tavarra, our resident warrior queen who fell for him after losing her precious friend in a vicious killing, handle it? These two have a bit of a torrid fling going on, yet they can't help letting their independent streaks get in the way. Will love conquer all, or will the pain of the past and the new lives within them hurt their chances?

Robinson knows how to capitalize on imagination and build panic. I had moments where Tavarra was in near-danger, and I couldn't tell whether or not she would let her own beast come to the surface or learn from past mistakes. When she meets a stranger, from a species whom normally she should fear and kill, things take a bit of a change... simultaneously, Perin is on his quest to figure out how he is still alive. I love the back and forth scenes, and when these two come together again, it's powerful. I must admit, I do miss my little bats tho...

I'm sad the trilogy has ended, but I love Robinson's writing style. I've read both of her current series, and she has a new one starting up this fall. I look forward to taking that one on too. Hope you take a chance on this author, lots of great moments to really draw you into the story.

[Dannii Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third instalment in the Laith series.

Perin suffered in book two but will he be saved in book three? Past pain overwhelms these characters, but can they find a way or to persevere? And if they manage to overcome these obstacles, will they move on entirely, or return to the root of their heart's desires?

I can always count on Candace Robinson for two things - to deliver a thrilling story I struggle to put down, and to consistently change direction in her series so each instalment has its own unique vibe. Despite being the third in a series, this book felt unlike the ones that had gone before. Book one was the most Gothic of the instalments, book two had a whimsical spin to it, and this was the most thrilling and horrifying of the three!

Despite being dissimilar in theme, the three books were united in just how mesmerising they were. The blend of fantasy and romance with the new and twisted elements ensured I was always in for a surprise and always down for whatever wild ride these characters would take me on.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Candace Robinson, for this opportunity.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When all that follows you is darkness, the only way to go is forward.

Candace Robinson closes out her Shadowed Trilogy with a resounding sendoff! SHADOWED BY DESPAIR is part dark adventure, part romance and 100% journey into another world where humanity can be evil and monsters can have heart.

Incredible attention to detail brings each character to life, each scene is vivid and played out in my mind so well, I felt I was there. Follow Perin’s tortured story, his quest for redemption and with Tavarra’s help, he will race against all odds to save what good still remains within.

Once again, Candace Robinson proves she is a master artist at her craft as page after page flies by fueled by emotion and a desperate need for more than darkness after death.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Candace Robinson! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Laith - Book 3
Publisher: The Parliament House; PublishDrive edition (May 19, 2020)
Publication Date: May 19, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 240 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Theresa Braun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful wrap up to the trilogy set in Laith. Robinson's world building shines once again as she takes some traditional monsters and makes them her own. A blend of horror, fantasy, and romance, fans of any of these genres won't be disappointed. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest making sure you start at the beginning to get the full experience. Also, make sure to have some tissues on hand, since this is an emotional roller coaster that will leave you with some bittersweet, feel good vibes by the last page.

[Candace Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in the Laith trilogy and it all comes full circle here. I’ll miss these characters! ❤️

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this trilogy from the Laith world. Every book is sooo good, but I have to say this one is my FAVORITE...I LOVED IT!!!!!!

Perin’s story begins so tragic. But he meets up with Tavarra and it becomes not just an awesome adventure story, but a wonderful romance!!!

Tavarra stays by Perin’s side through his journey to find his cure from being a zombie. The love Tavarra shows, staying by his side helping him with his need to feed and fighting to find the cure, it’s so moving and I was completely wrapped up in it. The world in this book is incredible, with all the creatures and challenges it holds. The book is definitely a hard one to put down, I read it in less than 24 hrs. I’m sad the Laith world series Is over, but I know the author has many more great books to come!!!!

From the first book I read by Candace Robinson I fell in love with her stories. I haven’t missed one since. She has grown so much as a writer. She’s had a gift right from book one, but that gift has truly grown and blossomed. I look forward to reading many more books by her.

[Tracy Auerbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robinson’s Laith series has kept me captivated since the beginning, but I totally fell in love with Perin and Tavarra in VEILED BY DESIRE, so I was absolutely thrilled when I found out that they would have their own book.

Perin just tugs at my heartstrings. I completely fell for him in the last book and was devastated to see his story end. Well, in this third Laith installment, my sweet, tortured Perin is back. No spoilers, but I FELT for Perin so hard throughout his whole grueling journey. Some new characters were introduced and some old favorites were revisited. Vaden is another favorite of mine. Totally worth reading this just to meet him.

The land of Laith sprung to life on these pages and Robinson’s imagery and descriptive details are top-notch. I felt all the beauty and horror of Laith as I read. Can’t wait to see what Robinson brings us next!

[amanda_coffee_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying that I was given ebook arc in return for honest review and my thoughts. I cant believe this is the last book in this trilogy. I love these characters. And how the the author somehow gives these characters back stories and connection between all the characters in these three books. This book comes out May 19, 2020. These three books are books that you can reread. Which side note I plan on doing. Out of all the characters I have to say my favorite character is Tavarra I love her strength and her way of hope. I love that Perin and Tavarra came together on their new journey to help Perin. The places they went it’s almost like I was watching a movie. The creatures and the strange things they saw. I will miss these characters and their world. I don’t want to give to much about the book because there is a lot from book one and two that would spoil this book. But highly recommend this book and the first two books too.

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I was given this title in exchange for an honest review*

This is the last book in this series and I really hate to see it go as this world just feels so unique, dark, and yet so freaking romantic! I wish I could get more in this series but I really do love the ending and felt everything was wrapped up better than I could've hoped for!

Plus, it's got zombies... I mean, come on! You know it's gonna be good!

[Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Note : I received e-ARC of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author. ***

Shadowed By Despair was amazing dark fantasy, final book in Laith trilogy. It revolved around adventurous journey of Perin and Tavarra to break curse but this time not Tavarra’s but Perin’s curse. It was about not judging whole species based on bad experience, two sides of the world that has both evil and good in it, love, new friendship, and for a change let others help and care for you.

Writing was great- like previous books of this series- addictive, compelling, and vivid. Setting of Laith was fantastic. This was amazing book part romance and full of dangerous adventure. I loved how author converted zombie concept into this twisted tale. World was best part of the book. What I loved most was goddess Zada’s story, mystery of Kova Island, and Vaden’s story and his secret.

Overall, Shadowed by Despair was gripping, adventurous, page-turner, and twisted fantasy with amazing world and characters. I recommend it to all dark fantasy lovers, but note it should be read it order.

Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...

[Janet Womack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed By Despair is the last book in the Laith trilogy. This time we get to follow Perin's story. This book gives you a little of everything (action, dark romance, internal struggles, horror, amazing characters, great settings). Although I have loved all the Laith books, Shadowed By Despair is my favorite. When Perin, Tavarra, and their new companion Vaden travel to Kova we enter a place where the landscape is as evil as the creatures that live there. I love that Candace shows us monsters can have a heart and some humans have none. The entire Laith trilogy is worth rereading.

[Emma Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review here: https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/20...




Opinions: I'm always nervous reading the final installment of a series, but stress was the only emotion I didn't experience while reading Shadowed by Despair! It was a roller coaster of fear, anticipation, and love - an epic finale if I know one! As much as I can say "every page is better than the last," I really must focus on the fact that every book was better than the last! Clouded by Envy was a hearty introduction to the Laith realm, but Veiled by Desire and finally Shadowed by Despair climaxed the series and brought it all to a magnificent, empowering end. Shadowed by Despair is one of those books that you never want to end but you need to see what happens! Watching Perin and Tavarra, two characters who have made a lasting impression on me, meet their destiny was heart-wrenching and eye-opening, just like the conclusion of all my other favourite elements! All I can say is that I was an emotional mess after finishing this book. Shouting, crying, and squealing: three signs a reader loves the book they're reading! All in all, Shadowed by Despair was a masterful ending to this magical series. I strongly recommend you check out Candace Robinson's "Laith" series right now!

My Favourite Thing: Once again, I'm truly in awe of the characters. Sequels are often hard to judge, but everything is straightforward with Robinson's "Laith" series: it's magnificent. The character's consistency between books is amazing. Their perseverance is inspiring. The long-term character development is eye-opening. Candace did not skip planning any little detail; everything is mapped out and complex and perfect. Robinson's displayed passion is pertinent in my appreciation for these books!

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!

[Dave Wickenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third Laith story. We revisit the savage world and meet up with two familiar characters; Perin, who returns from the dead as a flesh eater and Tavarra, who was once a werewolf but whose curse has been lifted. In desperation to rid himself of the curse, Perin travels to the Stone of Desire and the entity within the Stone sends him on a quest for a lavender liquid on the other side of the sea.

He is reunited with Tavarra and a new ally, a Jovkin, named Vaden. They travel across the sea and must cross a land with strange creatures and dangers to find the liquid required. They must also learn to trust each other.

The story is a fast moving fantasy with danger lurking behind every corner. The author presents a surprise ending that pulls the trilogy into a satisfied conclusion. Very well worth the read.

[meghann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww this was such a great ending to this series. Everything came full circle in this one, and I loved seeing Perin and Tavarra teamed up again, especially with an unexpected ally. This journey was even more challenging than the last, and the stakes were high. I absolutely loved the ending, especially that final scene. Can't wait to binge read all three books again soon.


***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadowed by Despair is the third book in Candace Robinson’s Laith series, and it’s a must read if you enjoyed Veiled by Desire. In fact, I recommend avoiding this one until you have read Veiled by Desire, as the elements in this one build a lot upon what happened in the prior book.

With Shadowed by Despair we’re introduced to more of Laith. If you thought you knew the world, think again. There is plenty more to experience, and with this zombie story, Candace Robinson introduces us to elements we have yet to see. Moreover, elements we think we know are taken to new places. It’s a story that turns our knowledge into something more, one sure to have you hooked throughout.

It’s not just the world building and new elements that are interesting, as this one will have you hooked on the characters. After reading Veiled by Desire, I was desperate to see how things developed between certain characters. With this one, we get a subtle romance throughout that has you eager to see the characters reach their happiness.

Without a doubt, Shadowed by Despair is a wonderful addition to the Laith world.

[Kattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure, romance, zombies! This book has it all. The ending to the Laith trilogy was very well done. I love Perrin and Tavarra. My favorite scenes where in the hag swamp. Bloody disgusting. 💜 If you haven't read the other two books yet, do yourself a favor and get after it. Classic horror monsters blended in a new way and mixed with quirky new fantasy creatures. Love it.

[R.J. Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadowed By Despair, the third installment of the Laith series casts Perin and Tavarra from Veiled by Desire as the leads, but other memorable characters from the trilogy also make an appearance as well as some new ones. This is the perfectly angsty, suspenseful end to the series. The coolest thing about reading this author’s books is that they are never predictable, and anything can happen. The Laith shows the monster in humans and humanity in monsters and is one cool ride.

[Gerardo Delgadillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHADOWED BY DESPAIR, the last book in the Shadowed saga, is all about humans turned monsters, monster turned humans, and they helping each other. There's an understanding between Perin and Tavarra: He is a monster, and she used to be one. Tavarra now being a human after her wish got granted, knows what Perin is going through, that urge to feed from human flesh (yikes!). She helps him overcome temptation, or at least she tries, as they embark on a journey to the deadliest part of Laith.

This engaging, page-turner book kept me entertained to no end. It has monsters, of course, horror, tenderness, and even funny moments. Overall, a great read.

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series has been fun, cool, and unique! Loved each book! I'd recommend starting from the beginning of the series; well, at least with book 2 since book 1 is more like a long ago prequel. This book picks up shortly after the ending of book 2 in this series. Perin's back, but not quite right. He's not quite a zombie, but has zombie tendencies. Love zombies, so I'm all on board for some zombie action. Perin needs to go on a quest for the Stone of Desire in order to better his predicament of zombism. Luckily, he finds some help along the way because things will definitely not be easy. There's plenty of dangerously creepy creatures out to attack Perin and company on their journey. Along for the journey, is Taverra, who had a moment of connection with Perin right before his "death". Taverra is having a tough go of things with recently becoming human after her beast curse has been broken, and the deaths of her closest friend, Eza, and Perin, so she's sort of just been wandering. Taverra is in for some surprises when she finds unlikely allies and that Perin is sort of alive. This is a totally entertaining adventure; love all the characters, and the whole premise is awesome. Robinson does a great job of creating a different type of creepy world with some super cool deadly creatures; these poor characters have to encounter lots of things that are out to get them. Engrossing read!

[J.A. Ironside · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review

The Laith trilogy comes full circle in this dark adventure/ horror conclusion. Perrin is on a mission to become more than a monster and Tavarra, who used to be one, is out to help him. This was a very different kind of dark fantasy and an unusual romance. One thing that's very noticeable about Robinson's work is that she clearly sees the world slightly skewed from the norm. It makes all her stories both charming and unsettling - a rare talent! I loved the way this conclusion engaged with the theme of what truly makes a person monstrous (spoiler alert, it isn't what you are but what you choose to be.) This was an engaging adventure, fast paced enough that I read it in one sitting. If you're looking for something that's part horror, part fantasy and part romance, I highly recommend this entire series.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed being back in the world of Laith and going on this journey with Perin and Tavarra.

I thought Perin showed lots of courage in spite of everything he was going through. I really felt for Perin and wanted the best for him. Tavarra understood what Perin was going through and showed such strength and compassion, something that Perin really needed. I thought they made an awesome team! Vaden grew on me and I think he is cool!

Shadowed By Despair is the last book in the Laith trilogy and I thought the ending was absolutely perfect!

I recommend the Laith series for anyone that wants to read something that is totally unique!

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Candace Robinson has written a wonderful continuation in her tales of Laith. Perin awoke to find himself buried, after escaping his grave he began his adventure with a visit to the Stone of Desire. Perin and Tavarra are sent on a course that is made even more dangerous by the changes in his own body. See how they overcome their despair.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to The Stone again! This time Tavarra and an undead Perin journey out, finding an unexpected ally along the way. I loved the dynamic between the main characters. This book had a lot of suspense and some pretty creepy creatures!

[Alexa Whitewolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Perin... I begged and pleaded and prayed to my lucky stars to get more of his story, and this last book in the Laith trilogy delivered on every point! Quest, suspense, romance, it was an epic adventure story rolled into a wonderful romance. The zombie theme interwoven throughout had my jaw dropping and me flipping the pages eagerly to see what would happen. There is so much depth and growth in this story, in this entire series, that it's soooooo worth reading!!!! Robinson's description of the settings and world building is off the charts, and this is a great conclusion to an otherwise wonderful series! Can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the 2 other books for a full experience.

[Amber Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series from the beginning and this one was no different. Snagged from the very beginning and unable to stop until it was over. Even after finishing the book i found myself replaying it in my head and unable to read anything else for a while as Perin and Tavarra took up residence for a while. The book is packed full of everything you could ever need, mystery, suspense, love, emotion, fantasy. I also love how each one has a monster theme and getting to figure out what each one is. This is a book I will be buying in physical form so it can live on my shelves forever!

[Patricia Thibodeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. I couldn't stop reading it. A dark romance, which is one of my favorite things. Shadowed By Despair takes you on this wonderful crazy journey. You meet so many new characters and get to love some of the old characters more. I love this book and it is such a great way to end their stories.

[Permanently_Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tavarra is back and Laith has a lot of surprises in store for her. This was the ending I needed. The world building was grander in this novel. More description and new territory to traverse. The tie in with this world's creation was perfectly laid out and questions I had from previous books were answered. What I love most about Laith is not just the sinister plant life but the unique creatures. It's like walking around in the darkest version of Wonderland you can think of. Add a dash of zombie, a sprinkle of mermaid and a slow simmer of romance on a journey and here we are. Don't expect to come up for air while you're reading.

I do not recommend reading this without book 2. There is a lot that ties in from Veiled by Desire and the character connection that is built from that novel is exquisite. These characters flow perfectly into book 3 and introductions are made with new ones to love. I highly recommend this entire trilogy.

I received this ebook from Parliament Press and the author for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts are my own.

Reader warning: sexual scenes and cannibalism.

[laura8759 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Candace Robinson for the pdf download of shadowed by despair the story follows the same characters Rhona, Quill, Lana, Tavarra and Perin but this story depicts Perin and Tevarra's journey along the way they make a new friend Vladen, across the river they head to Kova for enhanced liquid to try and break Perins curse will they make it in time to the stone of desire back on the side they came from. a lot happened in this story that was unexpected I love how Perin cares for Tavarra and tries to protect her from danger the writing was amazing and so was the story can Perin keep the hunger for human flesh away or will the temptation be to much a fun fantasy novel with some romance along the way this is the third book in the laith series I have read all of her books except 1 short story she is one of my favorite authors perfect for when your stuck inside or quarantined it took me 3 days 84 pages a day to read this story, if you like fantasy then this book is your type it also had a lot of action I would recommend this book to my friends and family LAURA8759.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this story, and I loved being able to return to the lovely characters we met in the last book. I was fixated on Perin and Tavarra in the previous book, and I was so happy to see that they returned in this one.

I enjoyed traveling with the quirky crew on their mission because we meet so many interesting characters along the way. There’s minimal romance and I appreciated how tastefully done it was.

The main thing I really want to note is Candace’s incredible job at refreshing the readers’ minds. I read a ton of books, and when there’s a gap in series, I have a really difficult time remembering all the details, and so many authors do a poor job at refreshing my memory which can be frustrating. I loved how this wasn’t all refresher at the beginning but well-balanced throughout the story. Great job!!

I received a copy and volunteered to review it.