The Mysterious Daughter

The Undoubtable Rose Beaufont #1

by Sarah Noffke, Michael Anderle

Rose Harkness is not just mortal. She’s half magician. And she’s in a lot of trouble.

By the way, she’s not a Harkness, either.

Her entire life, she’s been guarded, shielded, protected.

She’s also been lied to…

When a magical dragon emerges, Rose learns the truth.

Now, Rose must leave the safety of her only home—and embrace her birthright. Can she do it?

The House of Fourteen is relying on her.

The Mortal Seven need her.

Her real family, the Beaufonts. Well, they can’t wait to meet her.

Rose doesn’t know much about the world, but what little she knows will be turned upside down.

Mortals are destroying themselves using magic from the black market. The world has been overrun. The House of Fourteen can no longer govern magic as they’ve done for centuries.

They need a new type of warrior.

They need a witch hunter.

Can Rose embrace both her family and her magic to stop mortals before they destroy themselves?

The future depends on it.

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Magic, Fiction

295 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2023

About the author

Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/

Reviews

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually this author combination writes adult. This one I would think would be classified more as a New Adult. There is genuine humor, sometimes a little overdone, scenes that were heartwarming and made me laugh aloud. Unfortunately the main character is a bit dense and unrealistic - even with the mother's weirdness, the lack of emotion seemed extreme. Mainly this reads very middle school YA with adventure choppiness, writing style, childlike dialogue, and story simplicity. It would have been fine if it was supposed to be a middle school type adventure novel, but as a New Adult Fantasy type it feels very watered down and doesn't stay consistently enjoyable other than a few giggle scenes.

[Elizabeth]

Wow. The writing is not good. DNF.

[GEOrocks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick listen. The snarky dragon/chimera was the best part!

[William J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m hooked again

I try to keep up with the Beaufont’s but there is there’s always another saga popping up. Keep them coming, love it 😊

[Megan (lost among the stacks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly loved the other series Michael Anderle collabed on and so I decided to give this a try based solely on that. And boy howdy am I glad I did!

This is such a cute, quirky little read. I enjoyed all the characters, each contributed to the story to make it come together. Elvis the Chinese dragon is a fun sidekick and absolutely one of my favorites! Rose is a good female main character though she falls into the trap of found "heir" and quickly becomes great at using powers she didn't know she had for 20 years. Rose does seem extremely sheltered and while her mother was trying to keep her hidden it seems very over the top.

It does appear that there are two other series that precede this series and I do feel may add more backstory. However, as I jumped straight in with this one and picked up well enough it is not completely necessary to read them to understand this book.

I love it and cannot wait to continue!

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having a break from the Beaufonts, reading The Mysterious Daughter felt like coming home. I love all the characters who we have met in previous Beaufont family books, and in this one we are introduced to Rose and her side kick Elvis. Having been sheltered and hidden by her mother for all her life, Rose is thrust into a new world where all her thoughts and beliefs are turned upside down. The Mysterious Daughter is setting up the series with Rose being introduced to Elvis, her family and the strange new world she has become a part of. Some things were a little unusual like her mother just completely disappearing from her life with no contact - but push that aside and it was a great start to the series.

[Morgan Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun quick read! I would recommend this to any young readers out there if you want a quick fantasy read. The characters are quirky, there's fun magic, and just an easy read.

A few things that were really unbelievable:
- she's suppose to be 20 and I kept thinking she was like 14. Even with her being kept away from the world by her mom, it still came across as lacking and I felt harmed her character foundation.
- there's a comment about how they can eat anything and not get fat, this isn't needed. It sounds small but a young kid could read this and get the wrong indication. There's a few other phrases within the book that has this flavor and it definitely made me cringe
- even though this is meant for adults, it's very much a YA read
- the familiar sidekick gets annoying very, very fast

Other than that, it was fun. Don't know if I'd continue the serious but I appreciated the opportunity to read it.

Thank you NetGallery, the publishers, and the authors for letting me review this book!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're looking for a YA fantasy/magical world book, this one was pretty good. Main character repeats thoughts occasionally and some characters are a little over the top, but that isn't completely unexpected with YA. A lot of build up with the climax right at the end, but it's the first of a series. Probably other books in the series don't have quite as slow if a start.

[Wende · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

It is the start of a new series and I am not sure about it. Rose is okay but Elvis was to much. The world building is okay but I was not fond of it. The book is not terrible and I will read the next one to see if it picks up.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysterious daughter

Love this latest take of the Beaufont family observatories and plenty of fun I highly recommend this to everyone well deserved 5 stars

[Clayton Falter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Endless Perky Surprise

Also unending airhead naivety and continuous calamitous startlement. I think the oversold point is unbelievable levels of innocence and purity for the main character and chaos from those closest to her. To an annoying level for the average reader. Otherwise the general story concept has some potential. The question will be if the author continues to bury it under too much cuteness or will it develop to where the story is worth digging out.

For now the first book in the series is primarily a razzle-dazzle show with strong attention-deficit tendencies. Not something deeply engaging yet. But that could change. Or maybe the series appeal is simple mind erasure for stress relief.

[LWM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute concept, but Rose & Elvis talked too much while arresting.the witch. . .

This storyline was interesting in that it features a world in which magicians existed alongside other paranormal species, and witches had become the scourge of magic users, stealing magic in exchange for their souls. Magic use was policed and controlled by a unique council consisting of members from longtime families with power, magic, wealth, and inherited rights to ruling positions, along with mortal representatives, also from well known, established families with their own strengths -- all were appointed by gods and elders. Rose is a unique magical manifestation, half mortal and half magician, conceived when her mortal mother was courted by her father Clark Beaumont, who was somehow magically hidden and.concealed from the magical community and her father. She was raised in isolation with her mother, tutors, and.household staff until her aunt, a Mortal Seven, was.killed, and the position was passed to her, bypassing her unsuitable (and cowardly) mother. As the new Mortal Seven, Rose inherited a duty to bring a certain powerful coven of witches under control and eventual elimination.

Rose is twenty and had been taught magic didn't exist, and she'd considered her life lonely, boring, and always missing something unknown but vital. When a Chinese dragon suddenly interferes with her piano lesson and appears just before.her heretofore unknown Aunt Liv, whom she.discovers is the sister of her very much alive father. Leaving her mother behind without regret but also with considerable resentment, Liv portals her to a completely different world.

I liked the first half of the book, which was mostly the history of her conception, her mother's betrayal and disappearance with an as yet.unborn Rose, and the details of Rose's return to her father, adapting to having aunts and other extended family as well as having magic and learning how to perform the duties of her new position. Then she and Elvis, her chimera, nearly flubbed bringing in a witch from the coven under her purview by over sharing and talking too much. I cannot rationalize how or why the witch had to know what she was, what Elvis could do, or have as much information given to her during Rose and Elvis's word vomiting. They let her run away four times before finally subduing her in a limo, of all things! A lot of page flipping and skimming went on, and I was considering giving up altogether, except I was curious whether witch would escape. Three stars - I'm not sure I can get through the series if the dialogue and action stretches out to be akin to watching paint dry. Again, cute concept, a little different take on magic and view of witches, so it's a toss up. Rose still has hidden magical depths to reveal, so I'll continue reading in anticipation of that. Certainly not a waste of time; just pushed at my tolerance level toward book's end. . .

[Tom Intiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

And they’re off!

That headline was supposed to convey the energy and excitement of an announcer at the horse races as the gates fly open and the horses gallop down the track. Sadly, I believe it failed miserably.

FORTUNATELY, however, Sarah does not! This book launches our newest Beaufort with all of the energy and excitement I failed so badly in capturing. Perhaps I missed my grab it because Sarah so selfishly hoarded it all, or perhaps I just sucked at the of writing it… I’m going to go with the latter. You see, despite her utter despite of all things hippy (I’m poking fun at her author’s notes there), she would seem to be actually quite kind and generous, which only makes a momentary mental vacuum on my part all the more likely.

Also, I find the pacing and style of this book to be much closer to her earliest book than most of her recent stuff has been. I love the Beaufonts, I really do, but I felt like Sarah had dumbed herself down in some ways while telling Paris’ story, and it was losing me. By the end of the FGA series, however, Sarah Classic had returned, and she is nearly in full flower in this book. (I can’t help myself…. to make Mike cringe in horror, think New Coke, followed by a return to Coke Classic)

Speaking of her co-author (and I will confess to being a … Gawd I hate to call it this… but will confess to being a diehard Fanderle), he and Sarah have an ongoing and hilarious “war of words” being waged in their respective authors’ notes, and his salvo in this instance is just awesomely funny. Don’t skip it!

Back to Sarah, this woman can tell a story, let me tell you. I mentioned my disappointment with Paris’ series to illustrate just how good she is at doing that. You see, for all their drawbacks, I not only read all of the Paris books, but I read them first on Kindle Unlimited, which pays authors for each page read, and since they are only paid for the first time an individual reads through a book, I then bought every one of them as individual titles AND then bought each of the omnibus collections when THEY were released.

I did this purely to make sure that she continued to keep telling these stories, because they are just that much fun to read. Here’s the best part. This book is so tightly and nicely written, even if this is your first introduction to the Beaufonts, you don’t need to read the other series first. You should because 95% of them are top-notch, good stuff and you’ll get all the “inside jokes” you would otherwise miss, but again, not necessary to really enjoy this book. In fact, this might actually be a better way to meet “the family,” since you’ll be as new to them as our heroine is.

Bottom line? You can��t go wrong, so pick it up, sit down and ENJOY!

[Scratch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very YA. I picked this up just because I read the term "witch hunter" in the description.

So much buildup for so little payoff. She barely started to do the job of witch hunter when suddenly the book was over. Up until that point, we were given to understand that the protagonist was about 19-20 years old, but she thought, talked, and acted like a twelve year old.

We were told that her mother raised her in a prudish, highly regimented, shut-in lifestyle. Even though she is apparently an adult, her whole life is just piano and language lessons. We know her studies of German and Russian did not stick. We know that her mother had her enrolled in some online college courses, but we never find out what she was studying, and whether she actually liked the subject. She is an adult, but displayed no career ambitions, never discussed the possibility of moving out, and apparently her sole source of joy is that one day a month she gets to eat junk food and skip her lessons.

When the protagonist learns that she is half magician, and, unrelatedly inherits a magical office, the people in charge display confounding stupidity.

The protagonist is appointed by the gods to her office of witch hunter. The council of magicians want to argue the point and not let her do it. Then, when they finally relent, they debate whether she will be allowed any training whatsoever.

They end up letting her have three days to learn magic. Only three days to begin a dangerous job involving blades and fighting witches. And that was them being generous?

Who wants any sort of police officer, magical or otherwise, to have no training? Who benefits from that? And who would expect a twenty-year-old girl living as a shut-in to have any combat skills?

Also, the book blatantly rips off Mulan. The protagonist is paired with a loudmouth talking "Chinese dragon" as her familiar. He frequently talks about having been sent by "the elders." He is meant to serve as comic relief. Hmm. Where have I seen that before?

[Marguerite Corbett · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5*

I listened to the entire story, and by the ending I got interested enough that if number 2 in the series shows up as a free bonus borrow on hoopla I will probably grab it and listen to it... but otherwise I don't think I will continue. I found the premise interesting, it was just the execution I didn't really like.

*spoilers below

I was very tired of her whining and complaining about her mom. She's 20, yes, very sheltered, but grow a backbone. Her mom was afraid for her life, with reason! Her mom made a decision and somehow hid her existence while living in a mansion, with servants/tutors/college professors and using their actual names??? And while her mother loved and cherished her, she probably never wanted to get pregnant. She was with a magician and normals aren't supposed to be able to conceive children with magicians.... they only got pregnant because of walking into a spell being made for a different couple, a new spell that had never been done before. So its not like she didn't think things through, she didn't know she could have to worry about it. So then in one day she finds out there's magic, and she leaves her mom behind without a backwards glance, and in three weeks she goes from never hearing that magic is real to being the best that ever existed. Gah.

[W · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've seen the name Liv Beaufont before. And I assumed that I would eventually get to that series of books with her as the protagonist. After reading this one, that is highly unlikely.

I definitely have to say that I really like the idea, and world building behind the book. As a book itself seems like it was written for small children, and possibly in one weekend.

Nothing happens for about 85% of the book, and the end is so lackluster that I probably would have been more entertained rereading the ingredients on a Hot Pocket for about 4 or 5 hours.

I stuck with the book to the end, but there are apparently five to six additional books, and there's no bloody way I will subject myself to anything further in this series or the "universe" at large.

I almost gave it two, because I feel like throughout I wanted and perhaps expecting the book to get better, but it never did in my opinion. It just stayed mediocre the whole way throughout, and again nothing happened until the very end.

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's hard for me to describe exactly what didn't work for me, but I never felt drawn into this story. It was a relatively quick audiobook so I was able to finish it in one sitting which is a big reason for why I did not DNF it. The plot felt very simple and the characters weren't particularly relatable or complex. I think the enthusiasm was there but the story didn't hit it's mark. The narrators did a nice job and I liked Rose's chimera but overall the story felt a bit juvenile. I would like to emphasize that it's not a bad story it was just too simple for me as a fantasy novel and I would have liked more world building, complexity and danger. If you're looking for a quick fantasy story and want young adult/new adult vibes this might be one to try. I'll definitely read/listen to the next book in the series to see how it grows. If you're interested the audiobook version comes out today.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it 3 stars just because I don't think it was the right genre/timing for me.

Everything about this, despite the actual supposed age of the main character being older, felt very juvenile.

There were some funny and whimsical moments. It was definitely light and not exactly what I was expecting.

It did have a good storyline and interesting aspects, but overall it felt like something I was more likely to have enjoyed in middle school or early high school... not so much for mid-30's. It lacked depth to me and was very farce-ical (Is that a word? If not, it should be), so that led to more of a child-like feel. The language and conversations of the characters also felt very surface-y to me.

I think this is more suited to younger readers or those that like light, far-fetched, spoof-like stories.

[Dallass · Rating 4 out of 5]

On to a winner, me thinks.

This was such a fun, fast paced adventure. I had such a great time reading it, I flew through this. Rose was interesting. Her parents backstory in the beginning was necessary, even if I wasn’t exactly sure where it was heading, and it saved a lot of potential explaining further on. Loved how Elvis introduced himself to the story 🐉. Only niggling thread was Rose’s mum, and how she just disappeared after the initial confrontation, but will definitely be picking up the next book.

Side note: The Beaufonts are a very interesting clan, and while I was frustrated to see that book two wasn’t available yet, I was very pleasantly surprised that there was a bounty of Beaufont stories to play catch-up with.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

slated as a new adult reader (I'm not certain what that really means), the book is more a Tween/teen level story.

while the story is good vs evil, morals trying to control witches and magic, the heroine is a naive, 20 year old who knows nothing of her heritage or powers. On the day she learns of both, she's tasked with destroying a witches' coven and taking down the black market magic that's overwhelming the world. Really!? The star is a silly, snarky, talking, singing Chinese dragon that's really a Chimera, and the naif.

Maybe it's a video game? I'll probably skip the sequels.

The narrator does the best with what she's got to work with. For more on the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible! From the get go I found myself drawn back into the fantastical world of the Beaufont’s and it did not disappoint. Rose is an amazing character, strong, a half magician and a warrior and the house of fourteen is in trouble and needs Rose’s help. After finding out her life is a lie, can she do what must be done and become what is needed of her? It’s an action packed and exciting read that had me on the edge of my seat as we follow Rose on the start of her incredible journey, meet some old friends, make some new ones and join the fight to stop the mortals from destroying themselves and magic.

[Ivan L. Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different kind of Beaufont...

I really have enjoyed all of the series of Beaufont adventures. I am not sure if it is just me, but this series seemed geared towards younger crowd than the others. All of the adventure is there...it just was not quite dangerous and complex. It also could be that this book was a detailed introduction to the newest in the Beaufont line. I will read the next in the series in hope that it selves into a more complex plot. I know these authors are very capable.

[Kikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

plot was good. writing was too much telling not enough showing

The character building should’ve been done up front instead of declaring it when it suited the plot for the character to want to do that thing. It also switched from first person dialogue and thinking to omnipotent narration at weird spots that made for a jarring reading experience and made the story feel unrealistic. It’s a shame because the plot was definitely interesting but I couldn’t get past the writing style enough to start the second one.

[Kady :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I only got 57% into this book before I decided to stop: I was hoping this book would be has good has it sounded, but instead the book wouldn't have any action- or even start talking about taking action. I guess I'm impatient and like the action to start before I get halve way through the book. All it gives before halve of the book is a little "fish hook scene" in the beginning that grabs your attention thinking maybe the action would start sooner. The best part about this book is the Dragon, he is the funniest character in this book or at least in my opinion.

[susan ort · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mysterious Daughter (The Undoubtable Rose Beaufont book1)

I loved this new series on a long lost daughter with new and amazinng powers, and a side kick with a quirky personality! I found them crazy yet paired up nicely to find a new way to get the job done! Adding all the other drama, with new family, all of them famous in the magic World. And new bosses on the Counsel that seem divided in their opinions of her experience, ability, and untapped skills she has yet to learn, makes for an exciting and entertaining story! I can't wait to read the next in the series!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introductory novel. This is basically introducing you to the major characters, and background story. I have NOT read any of the previous Beaufont series, so I am glad that this went into enough details of each of the other characters so I would not be lost. This can stand alone, but it does lack some tension, or love interest. I expect it will be in the future books. Recommend, but you might want to understand that it is a series, and therefor, the basic storyline is probably not going to be summed up quickly.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

New life

Rose is bored and knows something is missing from her life, then she meets Elvis and the Beaufonts and everything changes. She finds out she has magic and is ment to hunt down witches with the help of her new partner Elvis. I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I liked Rose's reaction to her new world and also getting to hear from the characters in the past books. I am looking forward to Rose's new adventures and to see how she takes down the witches.

[Christine Zabik · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Noffke, Anderle you are AWESOME 👍

Most people can read these books in one day. I am slow, so 2 days are good for me and once I started I couldn't stop.
Hubby got worried cause the old lady stayed up until 7:00 am. Then I wonder why everything is blurred??? Um...DUH!!
This story was fantastic. Rose's mom made me beyond pissed. My BP spiked big time!! Elvis is a true hero and I thought the sidekick characters couldn't get any better!! WOOF!!!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, while an obvious expansion of the Beaufont series, seemed much more YA to me. Though the main character is supposed to be 20, her sheltered upbringing starts off with her more acting as an early teen. Then suddenly she adapts amazingly to everything, including fighting and the promise of death. Between that, another snarky/bad joke sidekick, and a disappearing mother. Not certain about this series. I'll try book 2, but I may be waving goodbye to the Beaufonts.

[allen collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Great read!

Just when you think you have seen the crescendo, here come Sarah with another outstanding series. The best part about Sarah is I'm never really sure what's next. Just when you think you have it, you don't. Huge fan, I look forward to book 2. Peace out Tiny Ninja.