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House of Crimson and Clover #4

Beyond Eventide: Bound

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Dive into the secret, ancient, powerful world of two New Orleans families, the Deschanels and the Sullivans…

Beyond Eventide: Bound, a novella, is book 2.5 in the House of Crimson & Clover Series. Not a standalone story, its plot makes the most sense only after having read the companion novel, Book 2, The Illusions of Eventide.


Finnegan St. Andrews has lost everything. His perspective on the world is forever changed.

Anasofiya Deschanel no longer knows who she is...or what. She longs both for what she has, and all she has left behind.

Aidrik the Wise has vowed to do anything for his evigbond. As he watches her life force slowly ebb, he begins to understand the sacrifice he must make to save her.

All three individuals are bound by love, promises, and the undeniable threads of fate.


The House of Crimson and Clover Series:
Series Prequel - St. Charles at Dusk
Book 0.5 - Beyond Dusk: Anne (novelette)
Book 1 - The Storm and the Darkness
Book 1.5 - Beyond Darkness: Shattered (novella)
Book 2 - The Illusions of Eventide
Book 2.5 - Beyond Eventide: Bound (novella)
Books 3 and Beyond: TBA

Surrender, a Crimson & Clover short story, can also be found in the All Our Love collection, by Novel Grounds.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2014

25 people are currently reading
483 people want to read

About the author

Sarah M. Cradit

99 books899 followers
Sarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.

Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.

Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.


Connect with Sarah:

sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Julie .
4,250 reviews38k followers
April 11, 2014
Beyond Eventide: Bound- A House of Crimson & Clover novel- Book 2.5 by Sarah M. Cradit is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
In this novella we pick up the story with Ana being with Aidrick. Ana is pregnant and Aidrick has used a bit of unfair persuasion to get her to go away with him.
Back in New Orleans, Nicolas is out of his element dealing with family dynamics. He has passed over his right as heir to Ana and to her unborn son. However, it is decided that in order for Aleksandr to be the rightful heir he must be born in wedlock. Naturally, under the circumstances that's going to be a litte hard to arrange. The usually smart mouthed Nicolas is no longer his confident self.
Finn? Well, our hearts go out to Finn. He knows Ana loves him, but she loves Aidrick also. So, Finn does a lot of meditating and thinking until it is determined that he must find Ana and marry her to save the Deschanel family. Along with him on the journey is Ana's cousin, Anne and Tristan. To complicate matters, Anne has fallen in love with Finn and can not stand this entire situation. She really does not like Ana and believes Finn deserves better.
Ana? She is not doing so well. She had accepted her role but as her pregnancy advances so does her depression. It seems that having her heart halved by loving two men is slowly killing her. This makes it even more important for Finn to find her.
This is one of my favorite series. The author is wise to continue to move the series along in different directions. Each book leaves us feeling satisfied, but anticipating the next step. This story has not one, but two love triangles. The unassuming and mild mannered Finn is really appealing to the ladies. He will appeal to the reader too, since he has the ability to be a "book boyfriend". No, he is not alpha or a warrior in tartan, or anything like that , but he is very strong from an emotional standpoint and will go to great lengths to to save the woman he loves. He will also compromise in order for the relationship to work. So, in the end we will have to see who has the greater will- is it Aridrik or Finn?
The distressing part of the story is Ana's physical and mental condition. We have always known Ana to be fragile when it comes believing she is deserving of love. However, she has never been like this. Will Finn make to her before their son is born?
But, the funniest thing was seeing Nicolas actually at a loss at to how to handle things. Yes, he's still a butt at times, but in this story he has lost some of that edge... not totally, but a little. So, this will be a good lesson for Nicolas. He will learn he is not in control of everything like he always seemed to think he was. Is it possibly Nicolas could be learning a little humility?
This book is the bridge that leads to the next foray into the series that suggest yet another turn in the road. I'm excited to see where the author will take us next!
If you enjoy paranormal romance, fantasy, family secrets and drama, and well developed characters I really think you will love this series. A+ all the way! (5 stars)
May 1, 2014
I have been waiting to write this review for some time. Not because I didn't love it, but because I wanted to do it justice.

This novella was beautiful. I adore Nicholas and always have, so to see him grow and become this amazing person is so heartwarming. He has always been the leader, so to speak, in the family, and to see how he cares for his family and the sacrifices he makes is such an important step forward in his character development.

Ana's side of the story broke my heart. She is going through things during this pregnancy that really mess with your head. She is in love with two different men and going through her depression has you wondering if she is capable of actually being strong enough to carry this baby to term. At times, I thought I was going to cry.

Finn. I absolutely love this man! There is not one single thing about him I do not adore. And although he has a lot of decisions to make and choices to live by, he seems to me, the most sure in the group. Finn is my second new favorite behind Nicholas. What an all around amazing guy.

There are a lot of other characters I could get into, but I want you to read the book! Sarah keeps you engaged and thrilled to be part of this magical and mystical world!!!

This novella get 5 lipsticks!!! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!

~B~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brian & Tara.
19 reviews
April 6, 2014
Key Plot Elements: romance; drama; paranormal and fantasy; a lovely tour of Wales; chickens; humor (well, I did mention chickens).

Essentially a story of love redeemed, but not the ending you would expect. Nothing about the Deschanels is “normal” though. A poignant and heart-warming read, it completes a love story and prepares the series reader for drama waiting on the near horizon.

While this is a bulge book, filling in the happenings after “The Illusions of Eventide” and tiding us over until the next book, I’m of the opinion this particular installment is required series reading. At a plot progression level, Bound sets the stage for tackling the Empyrean problem. As important, the huge and wonderful leaps in character progression. Ana, Finn, and Nicolas show the most development. Anne, Aidrik, and Aunt Colleen, while they perhaps don’t change, certainly reveal surprising new depth of character. And you also get to meet some fun new personalities who I will let you discover on your own.

If you enjoyed the earlier short, “Beyond Dusk: Anne” you will love this new novella from Sarah Cradit. It reminds me of a perfectly balanced dish: salt to bring out the flavor, a touch sour, and enough sweet to make you want more.
Profile Image for Shawn Verdin.
61 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2014
This series just keeps getting better and better, and I just can’t seem to get enough! Beyond Eventide: Bound is different than Cradit’s other books in the series, yet the same. In Bound, we are treated to Cradit’s talent in writing a true love story. She has the ability to evoke real emotion from this reader, even some “lump in the throat” moments. Cradit is consistent in her insane ability to write complex characters and intricate storylines while delivering those laugh-out-loud “OMG…did he just say that” moments. Some of our beloved Crimson & Clover characters, like Nic and Ana, show some serious growth and maturity in this novella, readying them for things to come. We also get to meet some dynamic new characters, one of which adds mounds of personality and is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I think you’ll love Tristan as much as I do. With Bound, Cradit has given us some resolution to some stories and prepared us for the greatness that I am sure is to come! Bring on the next novel!
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,111 reviews
April 9, 2014
Beyond Eventide: Bound (The House of Crimson and Clover #2.5)

This is the story of Anasofiya Deschel, Finnegan St. Andrews & Aidrik the wise. It is a story of love, hope and sacrifice. It is a follows The Illusions of Eventide. It fills in the gaps and gets deeper into the lives of these three people. I really enjoyed this paranormal/fantasy, the originality of the story line and learning more of each. Ana and Finn are my favorite characters and I loved learning more of their back story.

I Highly recommend this book along with, The Illusions of Eventidealso by Sarah M. Cradit.
Profile Image for Pamela Beckford.
Author 4 books21 followers
April 9, 2014
It was hard to give this five stars...not because it wasn't good, but because I wanted more. I'm already smitten by Finn. This just showed me the depth if his love for Ana. What an incredible story highlighting their love. But also setting the stage for another story in the Deschanel family. Now, if Cradit could just figure out how to write faster

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review - all opinions are totally mine.
Profile Image for Brandy Rivers.
Author 59 books661 followers
April 9, 2014
Loved this addition to the series.
Aidrik has finally found a clue and realizes that Ana needs Finn.
Ana is having a rough pregnancy, and she more than misses her true love.
Thankfully, Finn has realized he's ready to fight for Ana no matter what. Have I mentioned that I love Finn?
Okay, I'm going to stop there so I don't give away the rest. You definitely need to read this story, go through their journey and find out what they choose.
Profile Image for Felicia Tatum.
Author 56 books466 followers
April 8, 2014
What a wonderful story about Ana and Finn! So, so romantic and touching. I read it in one sitting and want MORE! I love this series more than I ever thought possible and absolutely can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Echo.
362 reviews50 followers
April 22, 2014
Wow! I am in love with The House of Crimson and Clover Series. Beyond Eventide: Bound filled me with so many happy feels and I am so excited to see where everything goes from here on out, I have a feeling it's going to be good, really good.

Several things that I adored about the newest addition to this amazing series, is that it is told from multiple points of view. I love the vast smorgasbord of characters, every single one of them has me rooting for them. The addition of new characters was awesome, I especially love newbie Tristan, I feel another book crush coming on, he's really great. Then you've got Aidrik, who is a relatively new character that only came onto the Deschanel family scene in the last book, I love him, can't wait to find out more about him. Then of course, there is Oz, love him! And Ana, Finn and Anne, with a chapter from Colleen's pov too! So, like I said - a smorgasbord and it's all kinds of awesome!

I'm not going to go much into the storyline of Beyond Eventide: Bound, I don't want to give anything away. I will say this though, this is fantastically done fantasy. The storyline of the series is getting more complex with each passing novel and this one had some delightfully wonderful surprises that left me with a giant grin on my face by the time I reached the last page. I am so excited for the next book!!

The absolute brilliance of this series though is the incredibly talented Sarah M. Cradit. A wonderfully gifted writer with a true talent for weaving words. It's so beautifully imagined and written, with an attention to detail and characters that I adore. This is truly a stunning fantasy series, but it's also some of the most well done writing that I have ever come across. It's always a joy to open up my Kindle and delve into one of her books.

All in all, I can't recommend this book or this series enough, it is truly one of my all time favorites. I would advise that if you haven't been reading the series since the beginning that you go back to the beginning with St. Charles at Dusk as the series is getting more complex, plus St. Charles at Dusk is just completely amazing! Anyways, I loved it, I love it. Go read it!!

Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.

Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books
Profile Image for Cathy Ryan.
1,267 reviews76 followers
September 1, 2016
I was given an Arc which in no way influenced my review

The Deschanels have serious issues to confront and deal with, not least finding Ana and Aidrik before any harm befalls them. Nicolas has passed on his inheritance to Ana and so to her son. But the baby must be born in wedlock. Will Finn, Anne and Tristan find Ana and Aidrik in time? And will Finn and Aidrik come to terms with the knowledge they both love Ana and she them.

The spectre of the Empyreans’ Eldre Senetat hangs over the Deschanels and their families. They know if the Senetat finds out about them their lives will be in mortal danger. I love the way this story is evolving and the direction it will take is anyone’s guess. I’m looking forward very much to finding out what happens next.

There are some new characters introduced, most notably Tristan who adds to the story and matures quite quickly on this, his first mission for the family.

There’s a lot of character development in Bound. Nicolas is growing up and taking his responsibilities more seriously and even if his self-confidence has suffered a blow there are still flashes of the old Nic. And Ana, in spite of everything that’s happened to her, is finally comfortable with who she is as her emotional tug of war is resolved. I love that Finn is as steadfast as ever and never wavers in his determination to reach Ana.

Although some matters are cleared up this book sets up the excitement and uncertainty of what will happen with the Empyreans. As always, Sarah Cradit’s writing is so evocative and visual and Ana and Finn’s story is quite emotional. The descriptions of Wales are so detailed, I could almost feel as though I were there, shivering in the cold. I love reading or listening and being transported by wonderful writing right into the middle of the story.
Profile Image for Shelby.
219 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2016
* I received a free eCopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review *

Beyond Eventide: Bound is an exceptionally well written love story by the exceptionally talented author, Sarah M. Cradit. This series just gets better and better! Once I started this book, there was no putting it down.

The fantastic thing about Bound, (the whole series really!), is the visual image the author paints for her readers and the emotion she evokes with only words. Sarah Cradit's incredible gift for writing allows her readers to see and feel it all right along with their favorite characters. I felt all of the angst and confusion and heartbreak. And when it all started to come together for Finn, I was right there celebrating with him.

Another great thing about this particular book is that not only do you get to reacquaint yourself with some of your favorite characters like Nic, and Ana, and Finn, and read along as they grow and mature but you also get introduced to some great new characters. I adored meeting Tristan in this book and I can't wait to learn more about him in upcoming books.

Kudos to Sarah M. Cradit for hooking me more and more completely with each new addition. I have the utmost respect for this author and this series.

Profile Image for Teri.
Author 8 books177 followers
April 17, 2014
Just let me say this first - Nicolas is still my favorite character and even though he wasn't the primary focus of this story, he has a way of dominating every chapter he's in. Nicolas showed signs of maturing and accepting some responsibility in this novella but, luckily, that in no way dampened his style of making his opinions known.

After the last book, I honestly didn't know what would happen with Finn, Ana, and Aidrik. My heart just broke for Finn and I never really connected with Aidrik, but after reading this novella, I'm satisfied with the outcome. Their story is far from over, and I'm anxious to see what happens next.

I still haven't read the first book, so I'm not sure if Tristan was a new character, but he was new to me and I enjoyed getting to know him. I think he may play a bigger role in this series in the future.

As always, another gorgeous cover and beautiful story settings. This series continues to be more engrossing with every installment and Sarah M. Cradit has once again proven herself to be a great storyteller.

This review is based on a digital ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Novel Grounds.
1,519 reviews79 followers
May 11, 2014
219028134 Stars
Goodreads|Amazon
Meg's Review:
I am a big Finn fan. I crave more of him so I was super excited to get to read this :) This book was a super extra great read :)

With any novel form Sarah M. Cradit you are drawn RIGHT into it. Her characters and writing style just hooks you. And well, Finn. I mean really.

This novella had a lot I didn't expect which I love in a story. It kept me on my toes both writing wise and emotionally. This takes place after The Illusions Of Eventide, but really give you just as much information as a full length novel. I felt like I really learned a lot form it.

This far into the series I don't want to give too much away, but its a fantastic read that is exceptionally written and developed. I declare this a #MustRead for the series and any #CrimsonAndCloverFan.

http://wp.me/p3iIv8-LW
Profile Image for Shawn Verdin.
61 reviews3 followers
July 11, 2015
This series just keeps getting better and better, and I just can’t seem to get enough! Beyond Eventide: Bound is different than Cradit’s other books in the series, yet the same. In Bound, we are treated to Cradit’s talent in writing a true love story. She has the ability to evoke real emotion from this reader, even some “lump in the throat” moments. Cradit is consistent in her insane ability to write complex characters and intricate storylines while delivering those laugh-out-loud “OMG…did he just say that” moments. Some of our beloved Crimson & Clover characters, like Nic and Ana, show some serious growth and maturity in this novella, readying them for things to come. We also get to meet some dynamic new characters, one of which adds mounds of personality and is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I think you’ll love Tristan as much as I do. With Bound, Cradit has given us some resolution to some stories and prepared us for the greatness that I am sure is to come! Bring on the next novel!
Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,601 reviews96 followers
December 30, 2014
This fast-paced novella gives fans of The House of Crimson and Clover series everything they were craving at the end of the Illusions of Eventide.

The sense of adventure was fun. The potential threat kept me reading long into the night--I had to find out what happened. I really enjoyed the motley group of Deschanels who were introduced in this story, and I loved getting to know Anna (half-sister of Adrienne) more. One of my favorite lines from this book is, "The threads of fate weave slowly until at last, an unbreakable knot". The wedding vows tugged at my heart (you'll have to read the book to find out who gets married)!

Sarah Cradit hit another home-run with me, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!


***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,885 reviews47 followers
June 19, 2014
A quick, yet amazing read by Sarah M. Cradit. It continues on with Ana and Adrik and Finn and the next step in their journey of love, answers and protecting the innocent. I can't wait to see how this plays out as Ana was only a part of herself without Finn and vice versa. I can't wait to see the birth of their baby (yes, I said see as Sarah writes so vividly that I can picture things as if I were there). What happens next in the curse? How will the family move on? So many unanswered questions, and so much more to read, I can't wait!! This is a must read series and a must start from the beginning series, so that the reader knows everything that is going on without any questions, and honestly because you don't want to miss a word of this series, that is how amazing it really is!! Grab this soon and add it to your TBR list, you won't regret it at all!!
Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Adele.
13 reviews6 followers
April 12, 2014
Sarah M. Cradit is without doubt becoming of of my favorite authors. Not only is she personable and answers fan mail, but actually cares about her work and your feedback. With that said, I absolutely loved novella 2.5, Beyond Eventide: Bound. It's amazing how you find yourself lost in the story and imagine yourself part of it. As I said maybe once or twice before, this story gets better and better with each new release. It has everything from romance, ( sweet mind boggling romance) to action, humor and yes.., drama. This is not your typical paranormal love story and I'm so glad to finally see something beyond vampires and werewolves. I highly recommend going back and start reading - A House of Crimson & Clover from the beginning and you'll see what I mean... It gets better and better and you will anxiously be waiting for the next release...
Profile Image for Danyca.
97 reviews7 followers
April 11, 2014
Once again I am pulled into this wonderful world. I feel like I am part of the story watching it as it moves along. I love the introduction into the new family members and learning more about the ones I have already met. I love the way the personality of the characters come to life. The House of Crimson and Clover Series is a series you will want to read over and over again and I can’t wait for the next book to come out. I am very excited to see what happens next for these wonderful characters and to learn more about the ones I have met. This story of Finn and his love for Anna is a true love story. It shows how much Finn and Aidrik really love Ana and what they will do to keep her safe and happy.
Profile Image for Kristy Gillespie.
Author 5 books56 followers
April 15, 2014
The House of Crimson and Clover is a fabulous series & Beyond Eventide: Bound did not disappoint.

Finn and Aidrik both love Ana unconditionally; and Ana, in turn, loves both Finn and Aidrik. Most importantly, Ana has learned to love and forgive herself. As much as I’m rooting for Ana’s happiness, my heart breaks for Finn, who is once again caught in the Deschanel family drama. My heart also breaks for Ana’s cousin, Anne, who yearns for Finn.

One of my favorite passages from the novel is a conversation between Aidrik and Anasofiya, when he asked her why she was wearing such a ratty sweatshirt. Ana replied, “Sometimes it’s good to hold on to a piece of who you were. There’s a hope in remembering. You might yet become the person you always tried to be,” (74).
Profile Image for Christie R..
97 reviews
July 4, 2014
Bound is another book in The House of Crimson and Clover series. In this installment Ana is pregnant and Aidrik convinces her to go away with him. Her depression starts to take a deep hold of her and its slowly killing her. Finn is trying to figure out what he can do to get Ana back and save The Deshanel family. Anne on the other hand has fallen for Finn and believes that he deserves better and doesn't like Ana. As this tale unfolds you will find Sarah Cradits writing is imaginative and take you on a journey that you will fall in love with. The Deschanels will become part of you in his series so be prepared to become addicted!
1 review
April 18, 2014
Another beautiful book. Sarah M. Cradit has done it again. Beyond Eventide: Bound is a delightful bridge between books, filling in gaps and increasing the depth of the characters. The imagery is powerful; the emotion real and compelling. As with previous books it has left me wanting more. Previously Sarah has surprised and delighted me with plot twists and direction changes that are completely unexpected. I love that her mind is likely more devious than mine!
Profile Image for Deon.
70 reviews
April 18, 2014
This was an all too short jaunt back to our unusual threesome, though very satisfying. I hope we see more from our new characters in the future, and as always I love time spent with Anne! My only complaint is a bit of repetition in the rehashing of details from previous books (though I loved the use of the meeting to spice up exposition). Once again, I can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Esther Haddie's Haven.
903 reviews58 followers
February 17, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book for honest review.

I absolutely loved this! I love how determined Finn is to get Ana back, and be a father. I love this is more of a love story. Love stories are my thing. Granted, my heart was bleeding for a while, but its totally worth it in the end. Total page turner! And that ending! Oh my gosh! So amazing!

My favorite passage:
308 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2017
Just wow. I was hoping it was as good as the first but I was wrong, it was better.
Profile Image for Darcy.
469 reviews
June 27, 2019
Another great book

Love this series! It has the paranormal and romance weaved together so well, I can't wait to see what happens next!
2,806 reviews13 followers
January 19, 2021
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
Profile Image for Cassey.
1,344 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2017
Finn...is just all kinds of amazing, and really goes a long way to help me deal with the silly that is Ana and Adrik.
1,897 reviews13 followers
August 17, 2015
Finn can’t keep Anasofiya out of his mind. He knew he would do anything to be with her because his love for her was very profound. Anasofiya was suffering and losing the battle. She loved Aidrik but she loved and needed Finn too. Aidrik knew he was losing her. He had kept secrets for her but he would not lose her now so he took a stand. Above all, the Deschanel family had to unite themselves to survive and they were taking measures around that. This second book was more about sacrifices and understanding oneself. Think Finn’s sacrifice was the greatest because he put apart his beliefs and his desires and at the end the magic was with him. Aidrik knew the evigond was magical, a chemistry process. It’s true some of Anasofiya’s emotions has rubbed him but his sacrifice was more a matter of logic. It was necessary to do so and he did it. This was a journey not only for Finn but also for Anna and Tristan. When Anna understood and accepted there was true love between Finn and Anasofiya she could made peace with her feelings against Anasofiya and let Finn go. Tristan grew during the trip and I hope he could fulfill his truly self in the next books. This was a story of intense emotions were we got to know more about Aidrik, Anna and Tristan, the new character. In the first book I felt for Finn and knew he would conquer and win but I looked at Aidrik as the enemy. My opinion of this character changed in this book. I’m eager to know how the characters are going to deal with what is ahead them. Nicolas is still a mystery. Think he had a more serious role and more powers to show but have to read next book to know about it. This fantasy books are really interesting and capture the reader interest quickly. I recommend them.
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