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Midnight Dynasty #1

A Tempest of Discovery

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Nicolas Deschanel spent thirty-two years holding court as the princeling of New Orleans and heir to his family's dynasty, with no obligations beyond his own pleasures. Following a storm of events, his rock bottom leads him back to his family, where he finds redemption in contrite service. Paired with the pragmatic Lauren-who is deeply skeptical of his reformation-the two spend their days in seclusion, cultivating the lofty research goals of the Deschanel Magi Collective.

Charlotte Fontenot is calculated and driven in her approach to her mission in Paris. With help from her cousin Julian, they follow Gabrielle and Lawrence Henry, siblings whose unusual behavior has caught the attention of witches in Paris. The cousins quickly realize neither sibling is what they seem, and Charlotte's fearlessness leads her closer and closer to mysterious philanthropist Lawrence.

With Charlotte and Julian settled in Paris, Nicolas and Lauren shift their focus to a special, secret project: quietly and carefully investigating the women of the powerful LaViolette family, distant cousins of the Deschanels. This assignment quickly leads them down a dangerous path, one where turning back is no longer an option. Events in both New Orleans and Paris begin to spin wildly beyond the control of all involved, and when the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same.

From USA Today bestselling paranormal author Sarah M. Cradit comes a thrilling new series, Midnight Dynasty.

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2018

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About the author

Sarah M. Cradit

92 books865 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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Community Reviews

5 stars
77 (35%)
4 stars
60 (27%)
3 stars
48 (22%)
2 stars
21 (9%)
1 star
9 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews356 followers
January 22, 2018
-Lindsey, 5 stars

Powerful is just one word I can use to describe this story.

Ms. Cradit drew me into this story by the second chapter. By the third I could not put it down. I loved how there is so much going on yet I am able to follow without getting lost. The story was very well written, the characters awesome, and the plot will literally make the reader feel like they were there. Not many authors can do what she does, but she was able to make me feel what the characters were experiencing. This book was a great start to the new year for me.

I cannot wait to see what’s next up for this series because by the end of this book I needed the next one.
Profile Image for Jules The Book Junkie Reviews.
1,488 reviews91 followers
December 29, 2017
Sarah M. Cradit has done it again! She has hooked me into a new series. A Tempest of Discovery is the first book in Ms. Cradit’s new Midnight Dynasty series. This series is a spin-off from her House of Crimson & Clover Saga. Ms. Cradit gives new readers sufficient background information—through family trees and descriptions—to full appreciate each character and their relationships.

In typical fashion, Ms. Cradit creates a detailed world in which her characters exist. She has obviously researched the locations, as the setting descriptions are vivid. The book is well paced and the storyline flows effortlessly. The story is told from multiple points of view with chapters alternating between the main characters.

Gabrielle and Lawrence Henry are deliciously sinister characters. These two bring a fantastic sense of doom and evil to the story. Their every move heightens the foreboding and story tension. Naïve cousins Charlotte and Julian are out of their league when sent to investigate the Henry siblings. The tension between Lauren and Nicolas continues to build as they pursue their research for the Deschanel Magi Collective.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Tempest of Discovery. The montage of characters, the sinister foreboding, and the gripping story line made this book a quick read. It is a solid start to another great saga from author Sarah M. Cradit.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com.
Profile Image for Ellee.
531 reviews64 followers
November 8, 2023
I love starting a new series, especially the ones
from this author. All that attention to detail, and
all of world building, and character development,
it's amazing. Loved all the dark tones, and the story
intrigue. The attention to detail was amazing, as
well as the world building, and character development.
I highly enjoyed the multiple pov's. That twist at the
end left me wanting to read more.
Profile Image for Maddie Platt.
66 reviews
July 4, 2024
This felt super rushed and I am left with soooo many questions, but no inclination to read the next book.
Why does Lauren hate Nicolas so much? I still don’t get it.
Charlotte is a bit of a brat, I don’t understand her and Lawrence’s intense connection, and now she’s also got a different Mum and Sister and it’s actually all about her??
So many plots going on, not enough story, background and context.
Not really attached to any of the characters
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kayla.
104 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2023
Truthfully, the last month has been a whirlwind month for my family, but this book was great to escape to. It was a little slower in the beginning (although that could also have been my distracted brain), but once it picks up it reels you in and you're eager to learn more and get to the next piece. This series is supposed to be dark and witchy, and it is, but to me it wasn't dark in the "trigger my trauma" sense, just in the nature of some of the activities. And the lead up at the end of this first book to prep you and get you ready for the second book is phenomenal.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,345 reviews29 followers
August 29, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and, as a huge fan of the Crimson and Clover series, I was excited to read this new one. I was not disappointed. Nicholas Deschanel plays a big role in this intro to the Midnight Dynasty series, and Colleen makes a few appearances as well, effectively tying into the C&C series. Here, there is more focus on Lauren Weatherly as well as a few Fontenots I don’t recall from other books. Additionally, we are introduced to two new New Orleans families - the Laviolettes and the Henrys. The Laviolettes are distantly related to the Deschanels, while the Henrys are nouveau riche.

There were a couple of quotes that I loved. Interestingly, the most insightful came from Nicholas’ sister Anne: “Selflessness isn’t very exciting, Nic,” Anne said and reached forward to pat his knee. “But it’s exceptionally rewarding. Excitement is transient. Knowing you’ve done well for others last a lifetime…..It’s a difficult thing to accept you are a creature capable of giving love and worthy of receiving it.”

And Julian’s observation of Charlotte was simple, yet sweet: “Charlotte had always worn the brightest parts of herself on the outside, and the darkest within.”

There's a lot of shifting around with POVs, from Lauren to Nicholas to Charlotte to Julian. Events are sometimes retold from an alternative POV; this is particularly useful for understanding Nicholas and Lauren. The switching POVs are surprisingly easy to follow, with zero confusion. As with the C&C series, the steady pace and meticulously plotted story are indicative of so much more to come. I can't wait for the next installment as Sarah Cradit births her latest creation.
Profile Image for Katy Birch.
471 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2018
Wow. I seriously cannot get enough of these books! This Spin Off is set to look just as good and i cannot wait for more.

What i love must about these books is the fact that its complex. Its another book that you are constantly thinking about. Sarah is a genious to write books with so much knowledge and depth. love love love.
Profile Image for Chantell Reid.
411 reviews5 followers
January 22, 2018
Wow! As with her other books, there’s a lot to take in. Be patient and see it through. Cradit’s writing is full of details. The kind that sweeps you away into the worlds she has created.

I can’t wait to read more about Nicolas. He was a character that drew me in when I first started reading about the Deschanels in The House of Crimson and Clover Series.
Profile Image for Nati.
984 reviews7 followers
June 9, 2023
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


EN: Thanks to the author who gave me the book as a review copy my opinion was not affected by it. This book is told from 4 points of view that we follow throughout the book, partly set in New Orleans and Paris and we follow the characters as they try to uncover something. Thanks to the author who gave us a lot of information about the respective families so you could always look at the family trees while reading and that was very helpful. This story has something fascinating both a mix of contempery and paranormal elements and then there is the mystery part that makes everything more interesting and curious. I liked the fact that it was set in New Orleans, because there was something about the city that fascinated and attracted me. I also liked that we follow 4 views, I especially liked Nicolas' view the most because I really wanted to know more about him. But the others had something to do with it and thus only made the story more interesting. Although it took me a little bit to understand the connections, I can say that I am definitely curious about more and what the story has in itself that I can't let go of. And I definitely want to know more, especially with the powerful different families involved. It was a good start for the beginning and I'm looking forward to more.


DE: Danke an die Autorin die mir das Buch als Rezension Exemplar zu Verfügung gestellt hat meine Meinung wurde davon nicht beeinträchtigt. Dieses Buch wird von 4 Sichten erzählt die wir im laufe des Buches begleiten es spielt teilweise in New Orleans und Paris und wir folgen die Charaktere dabei wie sie versuchen was aufzudecken. Danke an die Autorin die uns sowohl sehr viel Informationen über die jeweiligen Familien gegeben hat so konnte man im laufe des Lesen immer die Stammbäume anschauen und das war sehr hilfreich. Diese Geschichte hat was faszinierendes sowohl ein Mix aus Contempery als auch mit Paranormal Elemente und dann kommt noch der Mysterie Part der alles Interessanter und Neugieriger macht. Schon alleine das es in New Orleans spielt mochte ich sehr da die Stadt was an sich hat das mich fasziniert und anziehend. Außerdem mochte ich das wir 4 Sichten folgen besonders die Sicht von Nicolas mochte ich am meisten da ich unbedingt mehr von ihm wissen wollte. Aber auch die anderen hatten was an sich und somit die Geschichte nur Interessanter gemacht. Zwar habe ich ein wenig gebraucht um die Zusammenhänge zu verstehen aber im ganzen kann ich sagen das ich definitiv neugierig auf mehr bin und die Geschichte was an sich hat das mich nicht los lässt. Und ich definitiv mehr wissen will besonders mit denn Mächtigen verschiedenen Familien die eine Rolle spielen. Für denn Anfang war es guter Start und ich bin gespannt auf mehr.
Profile Image for Mandy.
3,929 reviews41 followers
January 14, 2018
Nicolas Deschanel was more into his own pleasure but has changed and is trying his best to be the man he wants and should be. He is working closely with lawyer Lauren and she is sceptical of his redeption as they do the research into the subjects that interest the collective. Charlotte Fontenot and her cousin Julian are on a mission in Paris and are both discovering that they are more than they appear as she gets closer to Lawrence. Nicholas and Laurent then start to look at the LaViolette family and things start to go south on both fronts for the family.

Wow - once again the world that this author has created expands in this new spin-off series which once again this no shortage of drama, danger, twists and turns as the story progresses towards what turns out to be an explosive finale that has me completely hooked - I really NEED to know what happens next after the complete surprise that knocked me sideways at the end of this book. Well written and very clear and easy to understand.
Profile Image for Anshul (stories.buddy).
769 reviews15 followers
July 16, 2023
What do I say about the story?? I am really confused right now that what I feel about this one. It took me almost half of the book to connect with the characters and get hold of the story and where it is going and in what manner. It was not hard but still, it just didn't click with me.

It started with a lot of history about the relations of the characters and their families which I think quite messed things up for me. But once I got the hang of the plot it was pretty interesting. A world of hidden magic and people leading the search for more MAGES and connecting the ongoing powerful families.

The story is written in multiple POVs which helps in understanding the scenario better and the characters are explained with the passion of past and present and their status in this world. The cases they are working on are like mystery plot series we see in shows on television.

The ending blew me and now I am determined to read the next book to know what happens next and how everything was hidden so well from leading families. There is so much to be answered and left for exploration.
Profile Image for The Literary Vixen.
607 reviews21 followers
August 15, 2021
New Orleans is a vibe.
From the culture to the city, everything has that mystery and charm only New Orleans can offer.

Right from the beginning, I was pulled into the world of Deschanels. Nicolas is brooding and struggling with his own demons. That only made him more appealing to me. There is a sense of unseen danger. I can’t properly describe it but you can feel that something monumental is building. That made it impossible to put the book down! I needed to know what would happen next! The characters were interesting in their own way. Intertwined by family yet so very different. The story picks up and I am rapidly turning pages and then Miss Cradit hits me with that ending. BAM! What just happened? Yes my mouth is open. Well done Miss Cradit, well done.

If you’re a fan of stories taking place in New Orleans and love magic, this book and series is for you. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed. Add it to your TBR today! I give it 5 stars.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews36 followers
January 22, 2018
I stumbled onto this author with her last series and you know how it is, I wondered, hoped and prayed that she could pull off a new spin off. Man not only did she pull it off but this spin off book one has me all in a tither and hooked. This author has an imagination that can't be rivaled and she draws you in and makes you a part of the story. As we see Nicolas and the changes he has made and peaks at what the other teammates are doing we see we are in for one heck of a series. I love this author and her characters even when they are doing the unspeakable.

I can't wait to see what this author will do with this new branch of the family and what we may be witness to. The journey promises to be a whirlwind adventure and I can't wait. If it's anything like the last series you will want to read it all because there is always something hidden and these jewels should not be missed.
Profile Image for papplereads.
106 reviews
October 16, 2023
3,5 slightly hesitant stars ⭐️

This was said to be a stand-alone series, with no need to read the previous series even though the characters were already introduced there.

While that was somewhat true and the characters were given some backstory in this book, I found huge chuncks missing. What is the history between Nicholas and Lauren? What was it that Nicholas did for him to be seen as such a bad person?

I was also a little confused about what the point of this book was. Switching between 4 POVs / 2 locations worked surprisingly well, but eventually it seemed the only storyline that mattered was Charlotte's. Why even include the others? This book was basically a prequel for Charlotte's story, so I do not understand why the synopsis focuses on Nicholas and Lauren.

All that being said, the book was written beautifully, and I am sort of invested in the storyline. 🕵‍♀️
Profile Image for Teri.
Author 7 books150 followers
January 21, 2018
While I was melancholy about saying goodbye to many of the characters in The Crimson and Clover series, my favorite, Nicolas, returns to this new saga that looks to be just as mysterious and secretive.

This author always does an outstanding job of making the reader feel as if they're standing in the middle of the setting, observing it on a first hand basis.  I felt as if I'd actually visited Paris and New Orleans.  The chapters rotate with multiple POVs, which is a personal preference of mine, and gives the reader a better opportunity to become acquainted with the new characters.

This series promises as much suspense and intrigue as Crimson and Clover, with both familiar favorite and new captivating characters.

I received an ARC from the author.

Profile Image for Petula.
2,878 reviews78 followers
January 22, 2018
This is part of a series and must be read in order.
Nicolas Deschanel is turning a new leaf. He has stopped drinking and wasting his time, money and life. He has come in to the family business, magic. He is working with the woman who caused this turn around, but is not in a romantic relationship with her.
Lauren is not magical like the family she is working for but she is a valued member of the team.
Charlotte Fontenot has to take a new team member on her new assignment to Paris. This is only supposed to be a watch and learn job. No danger. They could not be more wrong.
Our teams of investigators work all over the world discovering other magic users, to see if they are good or bad.
A very interesting book, just not enough magic for me.
Profile Image for April Vivas.
189 reviews8 followers
January 24, 2018
From the author of the Crimson and Clover series (one of my all time favs) comes another hit series starting with book one - A Tempest of Discovery: Midnight Dynasty Book One. This book is chock full of everything a reader could want - intrigue, drama, highs, lows, family, secrets and the feels. We follow characters that won our hearts in the previous series in their new adventures and meet some very interesting new characters. as always Sarah M. Cradit has a well written entertaining read. Her imagination never ceases to amaze me. Without a doubt one of my favorite authors. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys the paranormal or just a plain ol' good book!!! Can't wait for the next installment!!!
Profile Image for Deserthomemaker.
876 reviews3 followers
January 29, 2024
I went into this one not knowing anything about it (I’d gotten it as a freebie on Amazon). It was better than most of the freebies I’ve gotten, and I enjoyed it. This is the start of a series, but features characters from a previous series, yet is supposed to be stand alone. While it can be read without reading anything prior (I did!), it definitely feels like there are chunks of backstory missing or assumed that the reader already knows (I didn’t). That said, I enjoyed it enough that I wanted to continue the series (even though nothing really gets resolved in this one) until the epilogue, which ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. Still, it was good enough that I may read the next one.
Profile Image for Armanis Ar-Feinial.
Author 27 books18 followers
September 12, 2024
Not my typical read but I enjoyed it.

This does seem to be part of an existing world, but you can definitely read this by its own. Think of it having a marvel treatment with multiple points of entry. The characters were good, and I think it's considered romantasy? No. There's more of a plot but there definitely is a strong romantic element, surrounding horrible characters. Not that the characters aren't well designed, the opposite really. I just wouldn't want to be friends with them personally.

Come on, a married sister constantly getting in the way with her sister's affairs? Hey, I know I'm married but I really want your boyfriend right now. Mind if I borrow him?"
Profile Image for Marinda.
379 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2018
I was sad to say goodbye to the Crimson & Clover series and all the characters I had grown to love. In this new series we get to see Nicholas and Lauren, Colleen and meet a bunch of new characters to fall in love with. I love this family and the way Sarah writes the characters come alive and you care for them and what happens to them. Nic and Lauren are still working for the Magi and looking into what seems to be another branch of the family and what that brings is just OMG!!! One thing I can say is Sarah knows where and how to end a story to leave you wanting more.
Profile Image for Debi Samuels.
119 reviews
March 13, 2018
Slow. Achingly slow. A lot of world building, a lot of great fill in work, and good character development, but it was almost nothing else. There was vague plot there, but it was probably 15-20% alone with the rest being world building. Not very balanced at all. I didn't hate it, and the twist at the end certainly makes me want to read book 2, but I did find myself skipping and skim reading trying to find some actual "action" or event.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
124 reviews
July 30, 2024
The writing was excellent.
Even though this is a book about witches do not expect a lot of magic.
Couldn't really get invested in the story, the men were more nuanced,but overall the characters were stereotypes incarnate: slutty heiress, overbearing mother, playboy, good girl, serial victim, shrew...
Great setting descriptions and potential, hopefully the series gets better, but I'm not interested in continuing it.
Profile Image for Briana Briggs.
201 reviews12 followers
June 14, 2023
It can be a bit of a struggle to get into a new series with all the new information, but once you get through that, and really into the story, this book is great! Lots of intrigue, twists and turns, and dark depths to explore. I would have liked to see a bit more of the magical side of the Witches, but hopefully we get more of that as the series goes along!
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,904 reviews53 followers
April 13, 2022
A Tempest of Discovery by Sarah M. Cradit is a PG15 mysterious soap opera that takes a full day to read.. I read it in the Adamant Spirits Ukrainian Charity Anthology.
2,034 reviews13 followers
October 26, 2023
There just seemed to be a lot of backstory that I didn't know about. A different review made reference to a related series and that made sense.

I felt lost at times
Profile Image for Mags (mbooksbycandlelight).
612 reviews31 followers
January 4, 2024
2.5 stars
This book had a lot of buildup that didn't culminate into a very interesting ending. Or maybe I'm just not a fan of mysterys? The writing was good, but I didn't vibe with it.
Profile Image for Virginia.
11.2k reviews17 followers
February 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading A Tempest of Discovery, and I'd highly recommend checking it out!
Profile Image for Sandra Alain.
35 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2024
I don't get the positive reviews. This genre has blown up recently and it's hard to compete, I suppose, but I just found this book a bit disenchanted, rather slow and dull.
Profile Image for Nicola Anderson.
149 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2024
Great

What a fascinating story, the characters weave a great tale worthy of further investigation. I look forward to reading them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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