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The Seven #1
1970
Seven Siblings. Seven Years. Seven Spellbinding Novels.
1970. New Orleans.
The seven Deschanel siblings live with their long-suffering mother in an historic Garden District mansion. Each of them unique. Each of them born with a gift. In some cases, a gift they wish they could give back.
When August Deschanel died, he left his wife, Irish Colleen, with more than seven children to raise. She inherited a job she was never prepared for: bringing up his heirs in a world she doesn't understand. She’d never seen true magic, not before marrying into the most prominent—and mysterious—family in New Orleans. Now, she can’t escape it.
Irish Colleen knows a terrible secret. Her youngest, a prophet, has seen a future that is unavoidable: the Deschanels will not leave 1970 without losing one of the seven. She knows only that it will happen, but not when, how… or to whom.
Charles, the playboy heir apparent. Augustus, the family fixer. Colleen, the unfailing pragmatist. Madeline, the bleeding heart. Evangeline, the genius. Maureen, the dreamer. Elizabeth, the tortured one.
One of her children must die, and Irish Colleen can do nothing to stop it.
1970. New Orleans.
The seven Deschanel siblings live with their long-suffering mother in an historic Garden District mansion. Each of them unique. Each of them born with a gift. In some cases, a gift they wish they could give back.
When August Deschanel died, he left his wife, Irish Colleen, with more than seven children to raise. She inherited a job she was never prepared for: bringing up his heirs in a world she doesn't understand. She’d never seen true magic, not before marrying into the most prominent—and mysterious—family in New Orleans. Now, she can’t escape it.
Irish Colleen knows a terrible secret. Her youngest, a prophet, has seen a future that is unavoidable: the Deschanels will not leave 1970 without losing one of the seven. She knows only that it will happen, but not when, how… or to whom.
Charles, the playboy heir apparent. Augustus, the family fixer. Colleen, the unfailing pragmatist. Madeline, the bleeding heart. Evangeline, the genius. Maureen, the dreamer. Elizabeth, the tortured one.
One of her children must die, and Irish Colleen can do nothing to stop it.
258 pages, ebook
First published November 13, 2018
1597 people are currently reading
2619 people want to read
About the author
Sarah M. Cradit
99 books899 followersSarah 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
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 91 reviews
March 25, 2021
Ended up really enjoying this book! I haven't read any others in the series so I plan to "catch up" now. It appears I've read this one out of order but I had no trouble following the characters or story line. It was a fairly quick read... slight warning for folks that like to be made aware - this is an R rated story.
Enjoy! :)
Enjoy! :)
Want to read
April 7, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/25/2020)! 🎁
December 10, 2020
Not my cup of tea, or coffee, or...
I am a child of the 70's. I read in an authors note that the book was well researched in that area. I loved the premise that 7 siblings had 7 different "gifts" or powers. The New Orleans setting also appealed to me, although I knew it could mean the story could become diabolical.
I didn't get that far in the book to find out. First of all, the whole 70's theme had a "trying too hard" feel to it. In those days, anything depicted on film or advertisement was done with a heavy hand, including fads and all that goes with it. Too many peace signs, and use of words like GROOVY and orange bell bottoms on every page did not catch the feel of the 70's, it just reminded me I was reading fiction.
There are two basic types of "witchy" books: earth mother, whimsical, magical type...or hard edged, evil witch, diabolical type. I prefer the first, if its well done and not silly or childish. I sometimes like the harder edged stuff if its well done and rightness prevails.
So I tried to like this book. As I said, it had some great basic ingredients but it was absolutely NOT well done. Some of the descriptions that were probably meant to be "racy" were just disgusting. Not even shocking, just no class rot.
When a story includes basic premise of being fantastical, it needs to balance with basic truth about human nature and character. This book didn't deliver that.
Not my kind of witch book. Perhaps it is yours, if you prefer darker fantasy and don't care if books are character driven or not.
I am a child of the 70's. I read in an authors note that the book was well researched in that area. I loved the premise that 7 siblings had 7 different "gifts" or powers. The New Orleans setting also appealed to me, although I knew it could mean the story could become diabolical.
I didn't get that far in the book to find out. First of all, the whole 70's theme had a "trying too hard" feel to it. In those days, anything depicted on film or advertisement was done with a heavy hand, including fads and all that goes with it. Too many peace signs, and use of words like GROOVY and orange bell bottoms on every page did not catch the feel of the 70's, it just reminded me I was reading fiction.
There are two basic types of "witchy" books: earth mother, whimsical, magical type...or hard edged, evil witch, diabolical type. I prefer the first, if its well done and not silly or childish. I sometimes like the harder edged stuff if its well done and rightness prevails.
So I tried to like this book. As I said, it had some great basic ingredients but it was absolutely NOT well done. Some of the descriptions that were probably meant to be "racy" were just disgusting. Not even shocking, just no class rot.
When a story includes basic premise of being fantastical, it needs to balance with basic truth about human nature and character. This book didn't deliver that.
Not my kind of witch book. Perhaps it is yours, if you prefer darker fantasy and don't care if books are character driven or not.
November 6, 2018
I feel like I've been waiting forever for this book. It was odd, reading about the previous generation from the Crimson & Clover series. At first, I found it a bit disorienting, reading about the people I'd read about in previous books, only now they were young and prone to the mistakes the young are apt to make. It took a little while to get myself into the right frame of mind. Even then, I found myself comparing a young Colleen or Evangeline to the ones with grown children in the books I'd already read.
The fascinating thing about these kids growing up was something which I'd never given much thought. They grew up during the seventies, not more than 10 years older than me, and it was a tumultuous time to navigate the teen years — particularly difficult for those who felt misunderstood by their parents, or in this case, their mother.
There was something inevitable about the ending, and though I kept hoping I'd be wrong, I knew I wouldn't be. There were lots of drugs and lots of sex, but not much intimacy or understanding, though there was never truly any doubt this family loved one another. That's what made the ending so much more heartbreaking — the things we say in anger that we may never have the opportunity to retract, the things we fail to say, the love we put off showing to those who mean the most to us.
Nearing the end, tears streaming down my face, I remembered why I love Sarah Cradit's books. Her writing is real, it's clear and honest, and lasting. She effortlessly creates characters who come alive and remain a part of you. She tells stories that are engaging and often allegorical, never heavy-handed or didactic, and always emotionally gut-wrenching. She is one of those authors who had perfected the art of storytelling, birthing characters and plots that are interconnected in unimaginable ways, while telling the saga of generations. In a word — wow!
The fascinating thing about these kids growing up was something which I'd never given much thought. They grew up during the seventies, not more than 10 years older than me, and it was a tumultuous time to navigate the teen years — particularly difficult for those who felt misunderstood by their parents, or in this case, their mother.
There was something inevitable about the ending, and though I kept hoping I'd be wrong, I knew I wouldn't be. There were lots of drugs and lots of sex, but not much intimacy or understanding, though there was never truly any doubt this family loved one another. That's what made the ending so much more heartbreaking — the things we say in anger that we may never have the opportunity to retract, the things we fail to say, the love we put off showing to those who mean the most to us.
Nearing the end, tears streaming down my face, I remembered why I love Sarah Cradit's books. Her writing is real, it's clear and honest, and lasting. She effortlessly creates characters who come alive and remain a part of you. She tells stories that are engaging and often allegorical, never heavy-handed or didactic, and always emotionally gut-wrenching. She is one of those authors who had perfected the art of storytelling, birthing characters and plots that are interconnected in unimaginable ways, while telling the saga of generations. In a word — wow!
June 12, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this series. While I think that it could have been an interesting story and series, I feel that the way it is structured and some of the worldbuilding caused me some struggles getting through Nineteen Seventy.
For me, the key problem is that I don’t care about any of the characters. I don’t see them as being particularly redeemable in any fashion. They are rich people, with rich people problems, and hints of a dash of urban fantasy thrown in for good measure. Although it is potentially and interesting story series, I don’t have any interest in finding out the future for any of the characters. It seems like it will become a tragic train wreck.
Another issue with this instalment of the series is the worldbuilding. I found the dialogue was current, and I didn’t think that it matched the time period. The characters were using idioms that were 21st century, but the story takes place in 1970. Also, song titles and artists were scattered through the story which were chronologically correct, but they seemed to be added as a topping, names which are probably recognizable today, but with no real research or thoughts given as to why bother to include them. Kind of like name dropping.
I did find the overall story idea compelling and did entertain the idea of trying the next one in the series, but in the end, I decided that I wanted to spend my reading time elsewhere. I think that this first installment is a slow start to wherever the author is planning to go. This story focuses on the older kids, but there is some potential for the younger ones, who seem to have interesting powers. Another time perhaps. I am rating this one a strong two of five stars.
For me, the key problem is that I don’t care about any of the characters. I don’t see them as being particularly redeemable in any fashion. They are rich people, with rich people problems, and hints of a dash of urban fantasy thrown in for good measure. Although it is potentially and interesting story series, I don’t have any interest in finding out the future for any of the characters. It seems like it will become a tragic train wreck.
Another issue with this instalment of the series is the worldbuilding. I found the dialogue was current, and I didn’t think that it matched the time period. The characters were using idioms that were 21st century, but the story takes place in 1970. Also, song titles and artists were scattered through the story which were chronologically correct, but they seemed to be added as a topping, names which are probably recognizable today, but with no real research or thoughts given as to why bother to include them. Kind of like name dropping.
I did find the overall story idea compelling and did entertain the idea of trying the next one in the series, but in the end, I decided that I wanted to spend my reading time elsewhere. I think that this first installment is a slow start to wherever the author is planning to go. This story focuses on the older kids, but there is some potential for the younger ones, who seem to have interesting powers. Another time perhaps. I am rating this one a strong two of five stars.
May 13, 2025
I have got to stop reading books about kids, teens, and young adults as they just seem to annoy me more than anything. This is no exception. I won’t be pursuing this story as it was mostly depressing and a bunch of teen angst. I’m from a big family, I get family drama and sibling rivalry. This was over the top dysfunctional drivel that didn’t make sense. Character behaviors changed as needed to fit the story but had not meaning or growth to them, and the change was often a one off action just to forward a weak plot point. Not a series I will be pursing.
March 13, 2024
I was really confused about the writing style and ultimately where the storyline was heading in the beginning but after around 45% plus things started coming into focus and I was able to enjoy i more. It def reads like a miniseries and I like that.
Something that always frustrates me in ANYTHING is miscommunication trope and it's full of it. Ultimately it's important for what's happening but I could def scream a little over it.
Was emotionally unbalanced by the end. Good times.
Something that always frustrates me in ANYTHING is miscommunication trope and it's full of it. Ultimately it's important for what's happening but I could def scream a little over it.
Was emotionally unbalanced by the end. Good times.
did-not-finish
October 17, 2023I decided it was best if I set the book down after one of our main characters (a grown man) has sex with a fourteen year old girl. He didn’t realize she was 14 cause he was drugged out of his mind. (That’s cool sir, still a crime).
I read other reviews and apparently a 14 year old girl has sex with a professor later on too.
🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
I read other reviews and apparently a 14 year old girl has sex with a professor later on too.
🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
November 6, 2024
(3.5 rounded up)
Great. Now I have to read the rest of the series.
Great. Now I have to read the rest of the series.
January 18, 2023
1.5 stars
Riveting but depressing. There were some cute moments but I was just waiting for it to be over.
Riveting but depressing. There were some cute moments but I was just waiting for it to be over.
May 15, 2022
Intriguing Beginning (or Prequel) Story
This book is part of a much longer series, The Saga of Crimson & Clover. Nineteen-Seventy is actually the first book of a prequel to the main books, called The Seven, & I got it (as well as the first of the main books) for free on Kindle. I decided to start with the prequels before the main series, even though they were written afterwards. The author's website said they can be read in either order. This was also the first book I had read by this author.
Nineteen-Seventy tells the story of the "kids" who will become the family leaders for the main books (of which there are 10 or 12 I believe). They all have powers of some sort, inherited from their father's side of the family. At the beginning of the book we learn that the father has died, so these seven very different "kids" (a term I use somewhat loosely as Charles, the eldest, is 20, while the youngest, Elizabeth, is 11) are being raised by their mother, who has no magic. Their mother is a tough lady but somewhat overwhelmed by the task of raising children with powers she doesn't fully understand.
Right away I was drawn into the family. Each member is a well-drawn & fully realized individual. It was fun getting to know them. The writing was excellent as well. The book ends on a sad note, although it was foreshadowed from the beginning so not super shocking. The family history is dipped into a little bit, including some beautiful descriptions of the family property. The time period (being set in 1970, obviously) is well represented & doesn't feel forced. I think the author did an excellent job of representing the era.
I am really glad that I ran across this book for free, because I'm not sure I would've bought it otherwise, & I quite enjoyed it. I am pretty psyched about the numerous other books taking place with these characters & in this universe. Can't wait to see what comes next for the Deschanels.
This book is part of a much longer series, The Saga of Crimson & Clover. Nineteen-Seventy is actually the first book of a prequel to the main books, called The Seven, & I got it (as well as the first of the main books) for free on Kindle. I decided to start with the prequels before the main series, even though they were written afterwards. The author's website said they can be read in either order. This was also the first book I had read by this author.
Nineteen-Seventy tells the story of the "kids" who will become the family leaders for the main books (of which there are 10 or 12 I believe). They all have powers of some sort, inherited from their father's side of the family. At the beginning of the book we learn that the father has died, so these seven very different "kids" (a term I use somewhat loosely as Charles, the eldest, is 20, while the youngest, Elizabeth, is 11) are being raised by their mother, who has no magic. Their mother is a tough lady but somewhat overwhelmed by the task of raising children with powers she doesn't fully understand.
Right away I was drawn into the family. Each member is a well-drawn & fully realized individual. It was fun getting to know them. The writing was excellent as well. The book ends on a sad note, although it was foreshadowed from the beginning so not super shocking. The family history is dipped into a little bit, including some beautiful descriptions of the family property. The time period (being set in 1970, obviously) is well represented & doesn't feel forced. I think the author did an excellent job of representing the era.
I am really glad that I ran across this book for free, because I'm not sure I would've bought it otherwise, & I quite enjoyed it. I am pretty psyched about the numerous other books taking place with these characters & in this universe. Can't wait to see what comes next for the Deschanels.
September 10, 2020
The Start of a Dynasty
This book starts us off on the journey of seven brothers and sisters each with their own special gifts to nurture into their adult world.
It also gives us a picture of their mother Irish Colleen as a not always understanding mother but fiercely protective one.
I only gave this book a three star. It wasn't bad I just could not get into any one character.
In the middle of the book I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue those series but the last few chapters has peaked my attention to go forward with the second installment.
The author did a good job in keeping all the components together except for one misstep.
This book starts us off on the journey of seven brothers and sisters each with their own special gifts to nurture into their adult world.
It also gives us a picture of their mother Irish Colleen as a not always understanding mother but fiercely protective one.
I only gave this book a three star. It wasn't bad I just could not get into any one character.
In the middle of the book I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue those series but the last few chapters has peaked my attention to go forward with the second installment.
The author did a good job in keeping all the components together except for one misstep.
April 1, 2023
Nothing like I expected
I went into this expecting a family full of witches and magic. What I got was a family full of dysfunction and very little magic. I don’t mind the dysfunction, because no family is perfect, but I kept waiting for something magical to happen. One brother has persuasion, one sister can predict the future, one can speak to ghosts and another sister is an empath. I’m not sure what the other siblings are because it was mention so quickly I instantly forgot, or even what the magi council is supposed to do. I’m not sure I want to continue with this series and I was so excited to read Crimson and Clover too.
I went into this expecting a family full of witches and magic. What I got was a family full of dysfunction and very little magic. I don’t mind the dysfunction, because no family is perfect, but I kept waiting for something magical to happen. One brother has persuasion, one sister can predict the future, one can speak to ghosts and another sister is an empath. I’m not sure what the other siblings are because it was mention so quickly I instantly forgot, or even what the magi council is supposed to do. I’m not sure I want to continue with this series and I was so excited to read Crimson and Clover too.
November 11, 2020
This was a freebie that sounded interested, so I downloaded it. I haven’t read the series that this is a prequel to, nor do I know anything about it or this author. So I’m coming at this without completely unbiased eyes. I found the story interesting, and enough so that I am curious about what happens next. There’s an enormous amount of family disfunction here, but also a fair bit of intrigue.
March 30, 2024
Dnf
An absolutely unhinged rape scene within the first 50 pages, and then the so called empath sister decides that it's not important to do anything about a middle grade teacher grooming her 14 year old babysister.... Who is this book written for???
An absolutely unhinged rape scene within the first 50 pages, and then the so called empath sister decides that it's not important to do anything about a middle grade teacher grooming her 14 year old babysister.... Who is this book written for???
November 14, 2018
For me, this story started out slow, with The Seven 1970 and explaining the genealogy of the Deschanel Family. As I got further into the story, it picked up in pass and I really enjoyed it from there. This story takes place in New Orleans during the year of 1970. I could really relate to this time period, because I turned 10 in 1970. I enjoyed remembering back then as I read on.
The Deschanel Family is generations of money, they are the richest family in New Orleans. The seven Deschanel kids were just like any other kids. The only difference is that they are more then dysfunctional then any other family that I know. Their Mother is raising them alone, as their father passed away. Strict Mother, seven kids with abilities, that no one knows about.
The story follows each kid and how they interact with each other. There is murder, rape, bullying, hatred, love, romance and much more. Then you come to then end. I cried and couldn’t believe what happened. Those poor siblings and that poor Mother.
Sarah M Cradit did a really good job at keeping this in the real 1970’s, even though she wasn’t born yet. Once I got into the book, I was glued to the pages and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out. If you were a pre-teen or teen in 1970, you must read this book, I think you would really like it.
The Deschanel Family is generations of money, they are the richest family in New Orleans. The seven Deschanel kids were just like any other kids. The only difference is that they are more then dysfunctional then any other family that I know. Their Mother is raising them alone, as their father passed away. Strict Mother, seven kids with abilities, that no one knows about.
The story follows each kid and how they interact with each other. There is murder, rape, bullying, hatred, love, romance and much more. Then you come to then end. I cried and couldn’t believe what happened. Those poor siblings and that poor Mother.
Sarah M Cradit did a really good job at keeping this in the real 1970’s, even though she wasn’t born yet. Once I got into the book, I was glued to the pages and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out. If you were a pre-teen or teen in 1970, you must read this book, I think you would really like it.
November 18, 2018
In 1970: The Seven (Book One), author Sarah Cradit portrays the excesses and clichés of the decade; this very creative prequel/backstory is replete with peace signs, bell bottoms, sizzlers, Trans Ams, drugs and “free love”.
Ms. Cradit deftly includes much of the year's political and social turmoil, and for readers born after the era, it is a good starting point for some research on recent history!
While Ms. Cradit provides some interesting historical fiction, her book is really about Colleen Deschanel who is the matriarch and leader of the Deschanel Magi Collective Council featured in the author’s House of Crimson and Clover saga. Ardent fans of the series will love the Deschanel’s backstory! You get a sense of why the 1970’s Deschanel kids become wrecks of adults in the saga. They are raised by a “non-magical”, single mom who doesn’t understand or appreciate the gifts her children inherited from their late father.
Raging teenage hormones and unchecked paranormal gifts make for a highly dysfunctional family and high drama in Irish Colleen Deschanel’s household and in 1970: The Seven. Ms. Cradit’s character study and saga backstory can be read as a standalone, but will be best appreciated by her ardent fans who have already read her excellent House of Crimson and Clover saga.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
Ms. Cradit deftly includes much of the year's political and social turmoil, and for readers born after the era, it is a good starting point for some research on recent history!
While Ms. Cradit provides some interesting historical fiction, her book is really about Colleen Deschanel who is the matriarch and leader of the Deschanel Magi Collective Council featured in the author’s House of Crimson and Clover saga. Ardent fans of the series will love the Deschanel’s backstory! You get a sense of why the 1970’s Deschanel kids become wrecks of adults in the saga. They are raised by a “non-magical”, single mom who doesn’t understand or appreciate the gifts her children inherited from their late father.
Raging teenage hormones and unchecked paranormal gifts make for a highly dysfunctional family and high drama in Irish Colleen Deschanel’s household and in 1970: The Seven. Ms. Cradit’s character study and saga backstory can be read as a standalone, but will be best appreciated by her ardent fans who have already read her excellent House of Crimson and Clover saga.
For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
September 16, 2021
Concept was interesting - 7 siblings with supernatural powers living in 1970s New Orleans. But the reality was very disappointing.
I didn't get a strong sense of what supernatural powers each sibling has. Even when they're explicitly stated, the 'powers' play such a minor role in the storyline that they may as well be non-existent for some of the characters. The empath's power just seemed to be that of a normal hormonal teenager, not anything witchy/supernatural. The healers used her power to sort out some minor bruises. The one that can see/speak to ghosts hasn't even told their family about their 'gift.' The 'persuader' uses his skill the most - mainly to get the cops to back off at key points, but that's about it. The one that can see the future makes some pretty big prophesies, but feels very much like an afterthought. The other two siblings don't seem to have powers beyond being an amazingly dysfunctional person, at least that I could tell.
Characters felt a bit one-dimensional, it was hard to keep the 5 sisters straight sometimes and by the end I just didn't care what happened to them. No desire to read the other books in the series.
I didn't get a strong sense of what supernatural powers each sibling has. Even when they're explicitly stated, the 'powers' play such a minor role in the storyline that they may as well be non-existent for some of the characters. The empath's power just seemed to be that of a normal hormonal teenager, not anything witchy/supernatural. The healers used her power to sort out some minor bruises. The one that can see/speak to ghosts hasn't even told their family about their 'gift.' The 'persuader' uses his skill the most - mainly to get the cops to back off at key points, but that's about it. The one that can see the future makes some pretty big prophesies, but feels very much like an afterthought. The other two siblings don't seem to have powers beyond being an amazingly dysfunctional person, at least that I could tell.
Characters felt a bit one-dimensional, it was hard to keep the 5 sisters straight sometimes and by the end I just didn't care what happened to them. No desire to read the other books in the series.
November 13, 2018
Having read The Crimson and Clover series that features these characters as adults with children of their own, then reading this book portraying most of them as teenagers is a treat - but also kind of a shock.
This family is a mess. After losing their husband and father, Irish Colleen is struggling to keep her family together. With each of the seven having their own unique problems and situations, this isn't an easy task. The family is floundering and barely functioning.
Comparing these characters as their teen selves to the adult characters I'm more familiar with, it's easy to see how they've grown and matured. But also evident how choices they made early in their lives affected them later. With some of the names so similar, I have to admit I confused the characters and their stories a few times.
This is a quick read, and it moves at a brisk pace. If you're not familiar with The Crimson and Clover series, I'd recommend starting with that.
I was provided a pre-publication copy of this book by the author/publisher with no obligation for a review
This family is a mess. After losing their husband and father, Irish Colleen is struggling to keep her family together. With each of the seven having their own unique problems and situations, this isn't an easy task. The family is floundering and barely functioning.
Comparing these characters as their teen selves to the adult characters I'm more familiar with, it's easy to see how they've grown and matured. But also evident how choices they made early in their lives affected them later. With some of the names so similar, I have to admit I confused the characters and their stories a few times.
This is a quick read, and it moves at a brisk pace. If you're not familiar with The Crimson and Clover series, I'd recommend starting with that.
I was provided a pre-publication copy of this book by the author/publisher with no obligation for a review
July 28, 2025
I knew I was in for a wild ride when the book description casually mentioned that one of the seven must die, and wow, did Sarah deliver. Nineteen Seventy is haunting, lyrical, and dripping with rich, Southern gothic energy that had me flipping pages like my Kindle owed me money.
The Deschanel siblings are brilliantly flawed, each one feels like someone I know, or wish I didn’t. The emotional tension, the quiet (and not-so-quiet) magic, the slow unraveling of fate, it’s all handled with a touch so graceful it almost made me mad. Like, why is Sarah this good? Who allowed this?!
Also… that ending?? I literally sat in silence blinking at the wall. Goosebumps. Actual goosebumps.
If you love beautifully written family sagas with magic, secrets, and characters that linger long after the final chapter, this one is an absolute must. I already know I’m diving into the rest of The Seven series, just don’t talk to me if anything happens to Evangeline.
The Deschanel siblings are brilliantly flawed, each one feels like someone I know, or wish I didn’t. The emotional tension, the quiet (and not-so-quiet) magic, the slow unraveling of fate, it’s all handled with a touch so graceful it almost made me mad. Like, why is Sarah this good? Who allowed this?!
Also… that ending?? I literally sat in silence blinking at the wall. Goosebumps. Actual goosebumps.
If you love beautifully written family sagas with magic, secrets, and characters that linger long after the final chapter, this one is an absolute must. I already know I’m diving into the rest of The Seven series, just don’t talk to me if anything happens to Evangeline.
November 13, 2018
This book was jam packed full of so much information regarding the family lines in the Crimson & Clover series. Since this is the origins books, we have to go through all of the family lines to understand where the series leads. I haven't read all of the Crimson and Clover series, not that you have to since this is the origins books, but I have to admit it was a bit hard for me to follow sometimes. There is a lot of explaining and you should be prepared for that. But we also get to follow 'The Seven' at an impressionable time in their lives. Get a better understanding of their life at a younger age and the trials and tribulations they experience at the hands of their supposed gifts that they feel are more curse. Be prepared for a lot of information in this first book! I'm excited to see where this will continue.
November 13, 2018
When August died and left his kids in the hands of his wife he thought it would be okay. He was wrong. Without guidance and nurturing their skills have gone unchecked and their mental and emotional health is in dyer need of assistance. Their skills and uniqueness cause a world of hurt and emotional turmoil and they are all struggling and doing the best they can. . . but. . . Ms Cradit takes us back to the days with the seven. There is pain and separation, each one struggling to find their footing. Each is fighting their own battles but it explains so much if you have read the Crimson Series where they are much older and the story more about their off spring. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat and your heart hurting and feeling their pain and confusion, feeling how lost they are and their struggles. It's an emotional time for them all. Awesome read.
March 23, 2021
Epitome of a Dysfunctional Paranormal Soap Opera
No offense meant to the author. This is actually a fairly decent storyline, and the writer knows her stuff. It’s just that the story is full of paranormal adolescent angst and worse. Unfortunately, the paranormal – while it is ‘visible – isn’t as prominent as one might hope. Or at least as I’d hoped. Two things I have a difficult time with as far as fictional storylines are romance and family drama. And while this book (series?) is heavier on the latter, it was enough for me to decide that I really didn’t want to invest my time in the remaining 6 books in the series. At least for now. That could change.
But don’t take my word for it. If this is your ‘thang,’ go for it. Cradit is actually an excellent writer and the storyline IS engaging.
No offense meant to the author. This is actually a fairly decent storyline, and the writer knows her stuff. It’s just that the story is full of paranormal adolescent angst and worse. Unfortunately, the paranormal – while it is ‘visible – isn’t as prominent as one might hope. Or at least as I’d hoped. Two things I have a difficult time with as far as fictional storylines are romance and family drama. And while this book (series?) is heavier on the latter, it was enough for me to decide that I really didn’t want to invest my time in the remaining 6 books in the series. At least for now. That could change.
But don’t take my word for it. If this is your ‘thang,’ go for it. Cradit is actually an excellent writer and the storyline IS engaging.
March 28, 2021
I was attracted to this book because I’ve always enjoyed stories of witches and warlocks and this book brought it into the 1970’s, and set in New Orleans it took me back to my holiday there a few years ago. When I first started to read it, it was a bit slow and so many facts about different members of the family and key dates; I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. Then came the stories of the main characters and their lives and feelings and troubles, and i got drawn into their lives. The characters came to life and although it seemed at first that there wasn’t a lot happening, there was actually a lot going on in this family. The book doesn’t end and it leaves you wanting to read more about how this family of modern day witches and warlocks get on, trouble is, that is what the author wants you to do as I now want to read the rest of the books in series!
August 13, 2021
Confession: this was a DNF for me.
I did read the first half of the book. Then I read a chapter closer to the end. And then I read the last chapter. I just couldn’t get into it. I found the kids hard to keep straight for some reason and it bounced around soooo much. I didn’t feel their powers was as much a focus as their dysfunction.
It really wasn’t a complicated book, what I did read, but felt it was too much trouble to try to keep up with for little reward (specifically not a very exciting book and all the bouncing around between characters). And the characters themselves just have me headaches.
When I first started this book I really wanted to like it. It piqued my interest…and then fizzled. Sorry but this was a pass for me.
I gave it two stars just because I think the concept could have been good if developed a little differently.
I did read the first half of the book. Then I read a chapter closer to the end. And then I read the last chapter. I just couldn’t get into it. I found the kids hard to keep straight for some reason and it bounced around soooo much. I didn’t feel their powers was as much a focus as their dysfunction.
It really wasn’t a complicated book, what I did read, but felt it was too much trouble to try to keep up with for little reward (specifically not a very exciting book and all the bouncing around between characters). And the characters themselves just have me headaches.
When I first started this book I really wanted to like it. It piqued my interest…and then fizzled. Sorry but this was a pass for me.
I gave it two stars just because I think the concept could have been good if developed a little differently.
December 8, 2021
This was definitely an unusual novel. I was intigued because I love witches and I love New Orleans for it's rich history and culture, but neither of these were prominent in the story. If you are looking for a book with intricate, tense family dynamics and rough character issues, this definitely checks those boxes.
I'm at a loss for how to rate this book, truthfully. I was apprehensive in the beginning because some of the characters seemed too whiny and I couldnt keep straight who was who, but as I read, each problem felt more and more real. This was by no means a bad book, bit obviously not an action packed fantasy tale. It's a fictional family with very real problems traversing the 70s.
I do recommend this book as it gives the reader a lot to think about and digest but it's written well enough to read through quickly.
I'm at a loss for how to rate this book, truthfully. I was apprehensive in the beginning because some of the characters seemed too whiny and I couldnt keep straight who was who, but as I read, each problem felt more and more real. This was by no means a bad book, bit obviously not an action packed fantasy tale. It's a fictional family with very real problems traversing the 70s.
I do recommend this book as it gives the reader a lot to think about and digest but it's written well enough to read through quickly.
October 20, 2022
One of the seven children will die before the year is out, and nothing can be done about it. Charles, Augustus, Colleen, Madeline, Evangeline, Maureen, or Elizabeth, which one will it be? Irish Colleen does not know which one, but she knows one of her children will die because the youngest one, Elizabeth, said so.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started this book, but I was not expecting a saga, a year in the life of a wealthy family, but as I read, I became more invested in the characters. There is great character depth here, and with any large family, there is always infighting, and now add abilities to these children like healing, influencing, divination, empathy, and so on. You might understand the drama contained herein.
This was one good read. Pun intended. It just drew me in, so I give this good read five stars out of five stars.
I don’t know what I was expecting when I started this book, but I was not expecting a saga, a year in the life of a wealthy family, but as I read, I became more invested in the characters. There is great character depth here, and with any large family, there is always infighting, and now add abilities to these children like healing, influencing, divination, empathy, and so on. You might understand the drama contained herein.
This was one good read. Pun intended. It just drew me in, so I give this good read five stars out of five stars.
January 15, 2026
3.5 stars, which is better than usual for a "try this free ebook to introduce you to the series" read.
The Deschanels are a family of "witches" (like a lot of TV witches it appears they're more psionic), rich and comfortable in New Orleans. In this prequel we meet a bunch of them as teens, variously trying to be responsible, hedonistic, in love, groomed by their teacher, wanting to save the world, etc.
It's very much a series installment — there's no real conclusion, it's just a year in their lives — but it worked for me. However Cradit's anachronistic slang is sloppy (walk of shame, chill pill and trophy wife were not in anyone's vocabulary back then) and there's no particular feel for the era —one of the kids wants to be an activist but I couldn't tell you what it is she's activist about.
The Deschanels are a family of "witches" (like a lot of TV witches it appears they're more psionic), rich and comfortable in New Orleans. In this prequel we meet a bunch of them as teens, variously trying to be responsible, hedonistic, in love, groomed by their teacher, wanting to save the world, etc.
It's very much a series installment — there's no real conclusion, it's just a year in their lives — but it worked for me. However Cradit's anachronistic slang is sloppy (walk of shame, chill pill and trophy wife were not in anyone's vocabulary back then) and there's no particular feel for the era —one of the kids wants to be an activist but I couldn't tell you what it is she's activist about.
November 17, 2023
Why oh why oh why didn't I DNF this.
Firstly, this is not a witch saga. This is a book about 7 self entitled spoilt rich kids who happen to possess a loose term of paranormal powers. Such ass the power of persuasion, seeing dead, healing, and empathy. But that is it. It's not a big part it's not even a small part. It's only an excuse for the shit show of a mother to be an even bigger shit shown of a mother.
The rape of 14 year olds is high in this book, too. Statutory or not rape is rape. And yes, we know it's set in the 70s, so make sure you sprinkle the groovy and flare pants throughout.
Didn't connect with a single character, so on that note, this will be my one and only dive into the dechenelles
Firstly, this is not a witch saga. This is a book about 7 self entitled spoilt rich kids who happen to possess a loose term of paranormal powers. Such ass the power of persuasion, seeing dead, healing, and empathy. But that is it. It's not a big part it's not even a small part. It's only an excuse for the shit show of a mother to be an even bigger shit shown of a mother.
The rape of 14 year olds is high in this book, too. Statutory or not rape is rape. And yes, we know it's set in the 70s, so make sure you sprinkle the groovy and flare pants throughout.
Didn't connect with a single character, so on that note, this will be my one and only dive into the dechenelles
November 14, 2018
When coming across this one and its description it intrigued me. I do so love when a setting is in New Orleans also so that was a double plus. These are going to be some interesting siblings with this starting out centering around how the mama Irish on a learning curve but after all she is a mother. Then there is the kids with each unique with their own story. This also is weaved with magic that will make it all pop. Having myself grew up in 60's and 70's could relate to alot of this with it pulling me in like yesterday. This author will suck you in with not wanting to leave but wanting every last word until she pulls out the next one.
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