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

Midnight Dynasty Act I: Malediction, a novella, is the first of three serial installments of Book 3 in the House of Crimson & Clover Series. Not a standalone story, Dynasty’s plot makes the most sense only after having read at least Book 2, The Illusions of Eventide.


The Deschanel Curse, dormant for a decade, has returned with a vengeance.

Seers across the family are coming together, hopeful the Deschanel Magi Collective can solve this malediction that has plagued the family for nearly two centuries.

But how do you combat the blood oath of a grieving mother?

As the body count rises, it becomes apparent that strength, love, and ancient power provide no protection from destiny's cruel hand.

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)
Book 3 - Midnight Dynasty (a serial novel in three acts)
-----Act I: Malediction
-----Act II: Convocation
-----Act III: Omega

House of Crimson & Clover Lagniappes (Bonus Stories):
Surrender (included in the All Our Love anthology by Novel Grounds)
Fire & Ice (included in the From the Ashes anthology by Dauntless Indies)

Upcoming Releases:
Book 3.5 - Beyond Midnight: Asunder (novella)
Book 4- Empire of Shadows
And many more to come...

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2014

167 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Julie .
4,251 reviews38k followers
June 8, 2014
Midnight Dynasty by Sarah M. Cradit is a 2014 Independent publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Midnight Dynasty: Malediction- Act 1 ( The House of Crimson and Clover)

This full length novel will be issued ala' e-series format. This is the first release.

Family or generational curses are often fodder for conspiracy theorist. From the Guinness Family curse, to Bruce Lee's family and of course the Kennedy's ,we have oft speculated on the apparent bad luck that runs is some families.
The Deschanel family curse has lain dormant for ten years, but it looks like it' s back and making up for lost time.
Tristan's life is so sad and your heart will break for him as he struggles to come to terms with his family all their turmoils. His mother gives dire warnings to the family to refrain from falling in love, to avoid marriage, and most of all put off having children. Geez! Well a guy could get lonely under those conditions and so Tristan thinks having an affair with a married woman could be the solution. No strings, no curses, right? This is the Deschanel's we are talking about so things aren't as simple as all that. Tristan has monumental panic attacks if the word love comes up in a relationship.
While not everyone in the family is convinced there is a curse, things have escalated to the point where a Magi Collective is about to be convened and I really want to see what happens with that!!
Lets not forget about Oz who is also a part of this story and I do hope he gets a little closeup time.

And last but not least... Jacob and Amelia. Well crap! We gotta do something about this curse and in a hurry. This couple deserves happiness!!

Also, included in the book is the family tree map and this is a real must for fans of this series. I love interwoven family sagas and this one really had a Gothic tone and left me with a sense of impending explosions and you are warned... this curse will threaten more family members before all is said and done.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters a bit more. Ana, Nicolas, Finn, and that crew of people were not featured in this installment and we presume things are status quo with them at the moment. I am looking forward to seeing how all this plays out and I'm really stoked about the Magi Collective.
I've said this before about this series, but it warrants mentioning again. This story has so many layers and elements that it would really make a great book club read. It's part fantasy, part paranormal romance, part mystery, and part family saga. The author crafts each installment carefully so that the reader is never sure what direction she will take next. So far I have never been able to guess what these characters will do or what will befall them next.
Caution: There is a cliffhanger- however, I did mention this book was being release like an e-series, so another chapter will be out soon!!
Once more, if you are not reading this series.. what are you waiting for??!!
Profile Image for Shelby.
219 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2016
** ARC Provided By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review **

*** Definite 5 Star Read! ***

Wow! Just, wow. Midnight Dynasty, Act I: Malediction is so extremely well written. Sarah M. Cradit had me hanging on her every word.

I loved the way this book focused on a different character's life and perspective with each new chapter. It was great getting to know some of the newer characters to this series a little better. A few of my favorite parts of were: 1) Amelia's memory of her and Jacob's blossoming friendship in college, 2) Colleen's recollection of how the Deschanel curse originated and 3) that ending!

If you're a fan of this series, DON'T MISS THIS ONE! There is a ton of stuff going on with the Deschanel's that you're not going to want to miss out on!
Profile Image for Felicia Tatum.
Author 56 books466 followers
June 1, 2014
Holy intense storytelling! This is raw with emotion, intrigue, and all the Deschanals I love so much. We meet some new people, while getting to know others a little better in this first installment of Midnight Dynasty. I can't wait to see what happens next!!
Profile Image for Echo.
362 reviews50 followers
June 14, 2014
I need cookies and maybe even a xanax after reading Midnight Dynasty, Act I: Malediction, seriously. Spectacularly written with a sense of foreboding that had my stomach in knots - I loved it! After reading all of the previous novels in this series and loving them, I was thrilled to be able to read more about the Deschanel's. I love this tight knit, magically gifted family. And this time it's all about the Deschanel curse - yay! - it's back and ready to take down some beloved family members.

It was awesome to delve back into the Deschanel family, while I've loved the fantastical elements that have taken over the last two novels, I really love this family and it was nice to have the focus be entirely on them. It was also pretty great learning more about the curse itself and how the curse came to be.

I loved that the story was told from multiple points of view, with a tiny bit from Elizabeth and some from Colleen. The best was Tristan and Amelia though, I really like these two, they might actually be my favorites of all of the characters so far. I adore Tristan and really loved being in his head. The surprise character that stole the story for me though was Amelia, I really like her. And I love and freaking adore her relationship with her long time boyfriend Jacob. Jacob is awesome, really really awesome. Oh, the cuteness with these two.

This book does end on a killer cliffhanger and the only thing that is keeping me from completely losing my mind over that ending, is that the next installment will be coming along very soon. I love this series BIG TIME and can not wait to see what is going to happen next. I need more of these characters. I am also rooting for a certain couple to get a very happy ending, we'll see what happens. Either way I can't wait to see if this curse will take everything or if maybe, just maybe, this amazing family can kick this curse in the teeth and move beautifully forward in life.

I do want to say though, if you haven't been reading the series then you need to go back and do so before reading this book. The storyline of the series is big, with a huge cast of characters and should definitely be read in order.

For everyone else, go grab this gem and read it. It's awesome!

Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.

Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books
Profile Image for Shawn Verdin.
61 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2014
Seriously, what’s not to love? New Orleans. An age-old Curse. A family with dynamics and gifts that are unparalleled. And writing so solid and so engrossing that you can’t put it down. That’s what Midnight Dynasty is! All of this and more. The House of Crimson & Clover is one of my favorite series, and Midnight Dynasty, even though we’ve only been treated to Act I thus far, has already climbed to the top of my favorites within the series.

As we get to know the family members better and Cradit sorts out details for us, I’m doing some sorting of my own. Jacob and Amelia, or Jamelia as I like to affectionately call them, have solidified their position as a favorite couple of mine, one I’m rooting for. There is a sweetness about their relationship that cannot be denied and a love, I believe, that runs deep. Tristan, well I just love him and his uniqueness. I want to “squish” him with hugs and cook him a big pot of gumbo…he needs some comfort food. The Deschanel Magi Collective…can I please attend one of the meetings Aunt Colleen is going to call? I can’t imagine anything more entertaining than all of those personalities in one room!

And lastly, that ending y’all! Wow! If you like a little reading with your “OMG” “WTH” “What did you just do to me Ms. Author lady” moments, then you’ll love this one!

Midnight Dynasty: Act I is a definite 5-star read that will leave you wanting more! This incredible series just kicked things up a notch, and you don’t want to miss one word!

**An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Brian & Tara.
19 reviews
June 8, 2014
Key Plot Elements: drama; paranormal artfully blended with fiction to the point you forget it isn’t fact; romantic sub-plots; limited adult sexual content.

Part one of Midnight Dynasty is focused in New Orleans with all the rich local flavor Sarah Cradit does so very well. I won’t mince words: this series beginning is a shocking and emotional rollercoaster ride. Several times my chest ached as I watched the terror unfold through her vivid use of language. She doesn’t pull any punches.

Set in current time, you see remembered snippets of how the Deschanel curse came to be, and how it has manifest in the past. This new perspective fits beautifully in with the series, connecting previously “random” tragedies. Family members gifted with paranormal abilities sense more horror is on the horizon, but are at a loss as to how they can avoid the curse’s cruel hand.

Intersecting with this drama is perilous romance. Is loving, and being loved, worth the risk with the scepter of death on the horizon? Good intentions definitely go awry.

Act I, the first of three acts, ends unapologetically with a shocking cliff hanger that will leave you anxious for Act II. Helpful addition of an abbreviated family tree in the back gives a wonderful perspective on exactly how detailed the Deschanel world is.
Profile Image for Teri.
Author 8 books177 followers
June 5, 2014
The secrets in this family just keep on coming, making these books near impossible to put down and after reading the family tree at the end of this book, I noticed some questionable things we haven't even touched on yet! I hope this author will keep putting out these books until all questions are answered - and with these families, that could be a while.

I had a love/hate relationship with the cliffhanger ending of Act I. On one hand, it's not the ending I wanted because I felt like I really got to know this victim. But on the other, this cliffhanger really ramped up the anticipation level for Act II.

As usual with this series, Act I is a gripping read, but make sure to read the preceding books first.

This review is based on a digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Adele.
13 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2014
All I gotta say is OHH MY GOD! Sarah has done it again! Malediction had me at the edge of my seat until the last word and then... BAM! Hit me with another shocker!! Sarah is an unbelievably talented author and gets you hooked into her world with such ease, is like watching a movie and all of a sudden you're part the scene playing before you. Being an avid reader I tend to read a lot of books, and sometimes lose track of the characters in books that come as a series. So seeing the genealogy at the end of the book was an extra bonus!! Anxiously waiting for Act II - Convocation. Please Sarah, if you're reading this... Please release it soon... I'm in serious need of a fix...
Profile Image for Pamela Beckford.
Author 4 books21 followers
June 2, 2014
First of all, let me say I love the House of Crimson and Clover Series. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition. However, I felt like it presented more questions than it did answers with the Deschanel family. They are so interwoven with the Sullivan family and are, indeed, cursed. Can they ever break free and be happy?

Not being a patient person, I'm not sure I can wait until Part 2 is released. It was a bit of a cliffhanger. A very good cliffhanger. One that has me clamoring for more.

I do recommend this book. But only if you've read the earlier books in the series. I give this five out of five stars.

I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kristy Gillespie.
Author 5 books56 followers
June 12, 2014
With each novel and novella from the House of Crimson and Clover series I read, I fall in love with the series a little more! I won't give away any spoilers but I will say that I gasped at the end of this one b/c it ended with a serious cliffhanger. Also, Sarah added a genealogy to the end of this novella which is helpful in keeping track of the characters. Like another reviewer mentioned, I'll be impatiently waiting for Act II!
July 2, 2014
Sarah has done it again! Brought me into a story and left me wondering, what in the world is coming next?! This review has taken me much too long to write given real life has been interfering, but I had some time today and I cannot sit on this any longer! If you haven't read this series you really are missing out!

The Deschanel family is crazy unique. It has a long standing history of both amazing gifts and a frightening curse. Now suffice it to say with the good comes the bad, but in this family both are extremes. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat dreading and anticipating, in equal measure, the next page turn.

I am not going to give away spoilers, it is a novella for crying out loud, but I will say you feel deeply for everyone involved. Your emotions get tangled into this family and you feel as if the things surrounding them are surrounding you too. I cannot wait for the next book!

Yes, you have heard correctly, you will need to read the others before this one. But trust me, that journey will be one you will never forget or regret! For those of you who have read the series, this will answer a lot of questions you may have from previous books. Enjoy!

The best in the series yet...

I give this 5 lipsticks!

~B~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,604 reviews97 followers
June 7, 2014
I love the House of Crimson and Clover series, and this latest edition adds so much to it. This novella is not a stand alone. It is rather important to have read the prior books in the series to understand all that is going on.

Midnight Dynasty showcases many new Deschanel and Sullivan family members and the secret that they have lived with and must keep from outsiders—even their lovers. Many back stories are presented. The family tree and timeline at the end of the book was a fabulous addition. I love that attention to detail. The author continues to weave together this complex story, and intricate characters and family.

Instead of being presented as one longer book, this part of the series will be presented in three novellas ("Acts"). Thankfully, the wait between books is not too long. Midnight Dynasty is an excellent first act and segue to the rest of the story.

If you're a fan of this series, you'll love this book.

***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
Another amazing book by author Sarah M. Cradit!! I love this series and each book leaves me wanting more and more! The short diclaimer is that: This novella is not a stand alone. It is vital to have read the prior books in the series to understand all that is going on. The second thing that is important is that the first full length book is on sale for perm-free (check it out on amazon: St. Charles at Dusk: The House of Crimson and Clover Series Prequel)!
With that out of the way this book is a major WTF?!?!? OMG!!! I need the next one now books....yep, it's that amazing. I loved learning more about Tristan and his dilemma, Amelia and her love Jacob, and of course what is the deal with Oz?!?! All of your favorite characters are here and are ready to battle the curse that shakes this family down to it's core and it is going to be an amazing thing to see unfold over the next few months....The Cliffhanger was so unexpected and yet it fit the story perfectly as well as the questions that the reader was left with as it ended....stay tuned to see what happens next in everyone's new favorite families, the Deshanels & the Sullivans....
Profile Image for Danyca.
97 reviews7 followers
June 9, 2014
Midnight Dynasty: Malediction – Hold on to your seat you are in for the ride of your life.
Part one in a three part series Malediction is shocking. The curse is coming for members of the family and no one knows who it will take. This book took me on an emotional ride like no other and when the curse hits it leaves me shocked, heartbroken and numb. I knew something was coming but when it came I was not prepared for the total impact it had on me or her characters.
We learn more about family members and meet new loved ones along the way. The more I read in this series the more the characters become like family. Things are not always what they seem though and Sarah M. Cradit has more than a few surprises thrown into this story. Although this is only Act one out of three, this story holds just as much intensity as all the other House of Crimson and Clover books and I am very glad the wait for the next two Acts is short.
Profile Image for Carrie.
38 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2014
Sarah does it again!!

The first in a three part novella series, Malediction: Act One brings us deeper into the history of the Deschanel family, and it's dark curse. We see into the minds and lives of some very important members of the family, feel their fear and their heartache at the loss the curse has caused in the past... and see a glimpse of what might be coming.

Giving us a look at the reason for the infamous curse, Sarah not only makes us want to know more about those times so long ago, she pulls us deeper into the present day lives of her characters and has us reeling at an ending that would make even the most loyal fan want to yell and throw our precious readers.

Acts two and three won't come fast enough for this fan of the Deshanel family, the next full length novel won't either, but for now I'll just have to bide my time and silently curse Miss Cradit for her fantastic writing style and the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers.
Profile Image for Pratr- Authors.
442 reviews10 followers
June 11, 2014
This is a 3 part book about the Deschanel clan and the curse that seems to follow them. We have briefly met Elizabeth and her son Tristan along with Amelia in the last book and this 3 part book delves even deeper into the lives and loves of them. Tristan has promised his mother never to have children and Amelia is convinced that marriage to her long time boyfriend Jacob Donnelly will bring the curse crashing down around him. What follows is terrible visions from Elizabeth and dire warnings for everyone.  The "ending" of part one is such a OMG!! moment I had to write Sarah and yell at her. She said that's how she planned it. I cant wait for the next installment and I'm pacing the floor until July. This is by far the best of the Deschanel clan books and I recommend this book to all the fans of the series. But be prepared for a BIG cliffhanger.  5 impatient stars.
Profile Image for Stalking.
291 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2014
Malediction begins the journey of delving into the Deschanel Curse. Sarah M. Cradit continues to weave her magical tale through the new characters while giving the reader some shocking twists. The rich history of the family mixed with some well thought out historical fiction is captivating. This is just the beginning of an emotional journey that will have far reaching consequences for the beloved characters of The House of Crimson and Clover series!

 photo cryface3_zpsd18d0dff.jpg
24 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2014
This book tells about the lives of Tristan and Amelia. They are cousins and two of the younger members of the Deschanel clan. Tristatn's mother, Elizabeth has been having visions and they're not good. The family curse is alive and well and ready to strike again! The family goes on high alert. Who will be the next vicitim? Only Elizabeth knows and she's not telling. What a cliffhangar! I love this series. It holds your attention and keeps you wanting more. Sarah Cradit has done it again. Malediction is another 5 star book. Keep them coming Sarah!
Profile Image for Christie R..
97 reviews
June 30, 2014
OMG! This book was absolutely amazing!! The Deschanels are a family that have a long history in New Orleans. When the Deschanel Curse returns it sends their lives into a tailspin! When they get together to figure out how to stop it unbelievable things start occurring. Take the ride of a lifetime in this jaw dropping, edge of your seat thriller! I couldn't pick my jaw up off the floor when I read this. Sarah Cradit takes you on an incredible journey that will leave you stunned! Be sure and Buckle up!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Burgess.
Author 11 books57 followers
July 7, 2014
Since I discovered Sarah's writing, (first with St. Charles at Dusk) I've been mesmerized by the world she's created. Her's is the kind of story that you read until you're finished. The laundry can wait, dinner can wait...everything can wait until you've read thru the last page. Malediction was NO exception. Sarah's writing always evokes powerful emotions, but Act One of Midnight Dynasty literally has you laughing, crying, and secretly wishing it could go on forever. Convocation is only a few days away....and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Brandy Rivers.
Author 59 books661 followers
June 11, 2014
In this installment of the House of Crimson & Clover we learn that the Deshanel curse is indeed real.
So many familiar faces are back.
You'll get to catch up with Oz and his strained situation. Learn more about Amelia and Tristan and the way they cope with the reality of curse. How do you protect those you love, when they could easily die if they become involved.
How does the family deal with loss at the hands of the curse. There's so much to learn in this piece of the Midnight Dynasty
3 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2014
This author hits it out of the park, again! Cradit doesn't disappoint and holds the pace and suspense with all of the charectors. I'm going to keep reading as long as she keeps writing!
Profile Image for Amber Proud.
87 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2017
***This book was provided by the author to Nerd Girl in exchange for an honest review***

In true form... disappointment is just NOT apart of Sarah Cradit's vocabulary. And boy am I so HAPPY for that fact.
In this installment we get an in depth look into what started the Deschanel family curse. One word... GRIEF! As the author takes us deeper into the why and when, she continues on her story with our beloved family. Set in New Orleans this story gives us a rich history that only Sarah can deliver. With so much at stake and the curse taking victims one by one the Magi collective need to work together to try to end the violence and this horrible curse.
In true fashion this story leaves you with one hell of a OMG GRRRR cliff hanger. You've been warned lol This book will absolutely leave you not only wanting more, but on the edge of your seat. Twists, turns, despair, shocks and major surprises is exactly what you're in for. You're in for one hell of an amazing roller coaster ride. Congrats Sarah! As always 5 stars!! You blew me away yet again!
Pick up your copy today!! You will NOT regret it!!
Profile Image for Deon.
70 reviews
September 7, 2014
I actually waited to read all three parts at once, so this will be a review of the entire Midnight Dynasty story...
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