The Storm and the Darkness

The House of Crimson & Clover Series Prequel

By: Sarah M Cradit

Narrated by: LC Kane

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

Ana Deschanel made a terrible mistake. The only chance of protecting the other people involved is to flee New Orleans, the only home she has ever known, for the quiet solitude of the remote North Atlantic. 

Summer Island, Maine (population 202) is not the tranquil escape Ana envisioned. The locals are distant and cold, especially her neighbor, the reclusive veterinarian Jonathan St. Andrews. Her only lifeline is the kind but odd caretaker, Alex Whitman, who conveniently shows up at all the right moments, warning her she’s completely unprepared for a Summer Island winter. As the first seasonal storm approaches to whispers of an island shutdown, Ana realizes she may soon be cut off from the rest of the world.  

After a surprising encounter with Jonathan’s diametrically different brother, Finn, Ana braves the storm to return something he lost, only to slip and fall on the jagged shoreline. The St. Andrews brothers find her in the nick of time, and bring her back to their home to ride out the blizzard. As both the storm and Ana’s condition worsen, the St. Andrews brothers learn there are more sinister forces at work closer than they ever imagined.  

With no help from the outside world, they must find a way to protect themselves from both the storm and the growing darkness that looms across the island. 

©2013, 2015 Sarah M. Cradit (P)2016 Sarah M. Cradit

The Storm and the darkness

Any additional comments?

In this book, the characters had twists and turns that you don't see coming. This is the story of Ana.. She is highly intelligent. She does what she can to keep a wall between herself and others except for Nicolas. Her close dependence on her cousin Nicolas and his on her is what she has come to depend on.

Fantastic!

I've been a fan of Sarah Cradit for a long time. She's a fantastic writer, who has this uncanny ability to really built a world that's so lush and so real, you honestly believe it's out there, waiting for you. The storm & the darkness was my introduction to her world in eBook form, and I loved it even more in audio form! LC Kane is a brilliant narrator are really brought Sarah's vision to life. I was lost. Entranced in this story and the way to flowed. Fantastic! If you're new to these stories, or a fan of the eBook. This world is worth visiting again. This was a fantastic eBook and I look forward to listening to more of Sarah's world! Outstanding!

Good read, kept me interested

What did you love best about The Storm and the Darkness?

I like the writing style of the author. She kept me engaged throughout the entire book and I enjoyed the slight twist of the plot.

What did you like best about this story?

Same as above. It was a great story and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Which character – as performed by LC Kane – was your favorite?

the performance of Ana was wonderful.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions, just an overall good book.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Fantastic

Where does The Storm and the Darkness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 25

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that it kept me interested and wanting to know more about this family and particularly this island experience for Ana

What about LC Kane’s performance did you like?

L. C. Kane did a fantastic job narrating this audio book. I was captivated with the story because of the many voices that complimented the author's great story line

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No extreme reactions, just an overall good book.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher

The Storm and the Darkness

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes. Liked the narration by LC Kane.

Have you listened to any of LC Kane’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

LC Kane did a great job narrating the various characters in the book.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

At first, I liked the fact the story was told form many various view points.

But at some point, I realized it made it hard for me to connect with the characters.

I listened to book but wasnt 100% involved.

I kept listening because but was looking for that thing that will

A book like no other

The beginning is slow at first. I wasn't quite sure what I was listening to. But, once it got into the main story, I was enthralled! Tears, laughter, heartbreak, fear... It was all spectacularly spread throughout the book. I look forward to reading the novella and next book in the series

I loved this book!

I loved this book. It was suspenseful. It was full of flawed characters that the author Sarah M Cradit and narrator LC Kane brought to life. Their feelings and interactions felt so very real. I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend this audio book.

The Darkness Within And Without

If you could sum up The Storm and the Darkness in three words, what would they be?

Mindblowing Gothic Fun!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Storm and the Darkness?

When Ana and Finn have dinner and Alex overhears them talking together... OMG!

Which scene was your favorite?

The hospital confrontation between Ana and Nick ... All cards on the table!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The conversation between John and Augustus almost made me cry ... And I DON'T cry! So poignant and surreal... Just... Wow.

Any additional comments?

This series must be listened to (or read) in order. This is the first real book. There are ancillary books that may be listened to (or read) at any time but I suggest leaving them for later! This is THE place to start! I can't wait to listen to Shattered!


Ana has never had a meaningful relationship with anyone really... Except her cousin Nick. They grew up together, from the nursery on, as almost siblings and best friends. Or maybe more... Noone has ever gotten through her outer shell other than him. Not even her father, Augustus, holds a bigger place in her heart. He is her calm, her rock and the only person who accepts her as she is. Too bad she betrayed them all and had to run far away to Maine, and her house on Summer Island, to minimize the damage to her whole world. Being away from him is hard. But they talk every day. At least she has Alex, the faithful and helpful caretaker of her house, to help her out and teach her what she needs to know. Why is everyone so against her? Can she ever win them over? Do they realize she is different from them in the most fundamental way? Who is the guy who always smiles and waves to her? Can she survive the winter alone on the island?


Finn is drawn to the Deschanel girl in a way he doesn't really understand, even as his brother John, is repulsed. But John doesn't like anyone ... So no surprise there. Being a fisherman is his life and all he wants. Or at least that is what he always thought. Having her as their closest neighbor hasn't helped him keep his distance. Should he introduce himself finally? Or leave well enough alone? Is she worth the chance of upsetting the careful order of their lives?


Filled with Southern Gothic themes even while set on a remote Maine island, this paranormal suspense thriller is filled with unconventional romance and plenty of mystery. It is a late coming of age story for the unlikely heroine of this family saga filled with darkness, horror and hope. A truly one of a kind experience that can't missed!


***This series is suitable for adult listeners (or readers) who enjoy dark paranormal fantasy with Southern Gothic mores and conflicted villians (who hide behind kindness) with touches of romance, family secrets and plenty of thrills, mystery, suspense and horror while still allowing for hope :)


***Not for the closed minded or feint of heart***

Give Cradit some credit- sorry...

So, this book was dark but surprisingly I didn't mind because it was so deep and multilayered. The main character, Ana, moves to Maine- all well and good but it takes a long time for us to figure out why and they just keep comin. The floodgates are not totally unleashed until the end during, of course, a huge storm while she's staying in the home of a set of brothers who are secretly both in love with her. I am always able to figure out the "who done its" but this was a shocker- you won't be disappointed. I'm all over the light-hearted romances but this one kinda blew me away! Surprise surprise surprise.

This audiobook was gifted in exchange of a honest review from audiobookblast.

Wonderful paranormal mystery & a pinch of romance

Would you listen to The Storm and the Darkness again? Why?

Yes, there are layers upon layers in this book. Like a blooming flower the plot reveals itself petal by petal before you get to the heart of all the characters. A second listen will be a must to appreciate the hints and smaller details along the way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Storm and the Darkness?

The kitchen confrontation between all the characters. What a great way to demonstrate all the main characters strengths and weaknesses............... in a crisis of considerable proportions. (No spoiler alerts here)

Which scene was your favorite?

SOOOOO many of them, each unique and special in its own way. I did especially like Fynn's bedside vigil, he was super sweet.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it built up beautifully and gradually introducing tid-bits which kept you wondering what was going to happen next with each and every character. Not so much edge of the seat but more of an enticement or a teaser to keep you speculating.

Any additional comments?

The narrator did a fantastic job. She was so lovely to listen to and she did justice to each character.