Dive into the secret, ancient, powerful world of two New Orleans families, the Deschanels and the Sullivans... From USA Today bestselling paranormal author Sarah M. Cradit comes Empire of Shadows, Volume 5 in the bestselling witches family saga, The House of Crimson & Clover. Not a standalone story, Empire's plot makes the most sense only after having the prior volumes. Two dynasties clash for power. Only one empire can emerge. In a time now legend, a sacred vow united the Farvaerdig and the Tuatha De Danann. One race born of fire, the other risen from nature. Together, they enjoyed centuries of peace and prosperity, under the protective blanket of this hallowed oath. But when war came to the doorstep of the Tuatha, the Farvaerdig turned their backs. Expelled from their lands, those Tuatha who were not extinguished went into hiding, later re-emerging in secret as the Quinlans. The broken vow took its toll on the Farvaerdig, dividing the race into two factions: those willing to fall to heel of new restrictive laws, and rebels determined to restore the peaceful values of their kind. In the midst of years of strife that follows, a Prophecy emerged, promising hope. Unite the races once more, and right the ancient wrong. As the shadows of age and myth are exposed, the Deschanels find themselves deeply enmeshed in this war. Their bloodline and futures closely intertwined with both races, each member of the family must uncover their own vital role in fulfilling the Prophecy or risk decimation. The House of Crimson and Clover Series: Volume I: The Illusions of Eventide Volume II: Bound Volume III: Midnight Dynasty Volume IV: Asunder Volume V: Empire of Shadows Volume VI: Myths of Midwinter House of Crimson & Clover Series Prequels: The Storm and the Darkness Shattered La Famille Lagniappes (Character Bonus Stories): Flourish: The Story of Anne Fontaine Shame: The Story of Jonathan St. Andrews House of Crimson & Clover Lagniappes (Series Bonus Stories): St. Charles at Dusk: The Story of Oz and Adrienne Surrender: The Story of Oz and Anasofiya Fire & Ice: Remy & Fleur Fontenot Dark Blessing: The Landry Triplets Pandora's Box: Jasper and Pandora Broussard The Menagerie Box Sets: Lagniappes Collection I The House of Crimson & Clover Volumes I-IV And many more to come..."