This Dark Descent

Author Kalyn Josephson
Narrator Laurel Lefkow, Rebecca Norfolk
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Run Time 12 hours and 38 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Fantasy romance, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Magical realism, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Nature and animal stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Relationship stories – Romance, love or friendship, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Religious fiction, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Judaism, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Ponies and horses, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Supernatural and mythological creatures, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: LGBTQ+, Children’s / Teenage: General interest.

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What to expect

Enter the corrupt world of Veradell, where warring monarchs vie for a kingdom full of forbidden magic, illicit romance and cut-throat horse racing. Steeped in Jewish folklore, This Dark Descent is an explosive YA fantasy by Kalyn Josephson, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows.

Mikira Rusel is out of options. With her father imprisoned and facing rising debts, there’s only one way to save her family from ruin: enter the Illinir, a high-stakes, cross-country horse race known for its high death toll as much as its flashy prize money.

To have any chance of success she’ll have to recruit Ari, an unlicensed enchanter, Damien, a lord in the midst of a succession battle, and Reid; the brooding horse trainer who will be the key to Mikira’s survival.

All her accomplices have reasons of their own to help Mikira - and their own blood feuds to avenge. And as alliances deepen and romances form, Mikira will have to discover where everyone’s true loyalties lie.

In a world as dangerous as this, remember to keep your enemies close and your friends closer . . .

Critics Review

This Dark Descent runs a breathless and delightfully twisting course full of danger and heartbreak, machinations and magic. I loved it and I can’t wait for more!

Melissa Caruso, author of the Swords and Fire series

A riveting, clever Jewish fantasy that had me racing through the pages. With dangerous magic, high-stakes political intrigue, and a stunning cast of characters (and animal companions!), This Dark Descent is sure to leave readers begging for the sequel.

Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic

Kalyn Josephson has crafted a rich world and a tightly-plotted story that kept me reading well into the night. Anchored by the emotional nuance of the two leads, this tale of horse-racing, magic, and power is not to be missed.

Emily Lloyd-Jones, international bestselling author of The Drowned Woods

Brimming with action, political intrigue, and a touch of romance, This Dark Descent is a fierce and darkly magical thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ava Reid, award-winning author of Juniper & Thorn

A deliciously dark and fast-paced novel that I could not put down from the minute I picked it up! Full of twists and turns you won’t know who to trust. Josephson is a master at crafting gripping and intense scenes that make you feel as though you are in the middle of the action yourself. Truly an incredible story that you don’t want to miss!

Joss Diaz, Kepler's Books

A breathless exploration of the differences – and lack thereof – between monsters and men, with a glimmering romantic thread woven through secrets, lies, and hidden plots. I read it all in one sitting!

Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Give the Dark My Love and Night of the Witch

Josephson weaves an enchanting fantasy with lore steeped in Jewish culture, a cast of whip smart characters, and more perilous twists and turns than any race track. Hang on to your hats – This Dark Descent is a truly thrilling ride!

Rosiee Thor, author of Fire Becomes Her

This Dark Descent transports readers into an epic world of scheming lords and those desperate enough to step into their crosshairs for a chance at survival . . . I loved it so much, I read it twice!

Shannon Price, author of The Endless Skies and A Thousand Fires

This Dark Descent explodes out the gate like an enchanted horse in a death-defying race. A skillfully layered world, high stakes action, and dynamic character relationships rife with complex motivations and compelling backstories unite for a gripping read that kept me utterly absorbed from the first page to the last

Nicki Pau Preto, author of the Crown of Feathers trilogy and the House of the Dead duology

An uncommonly arresting fantasy that questions the price of goodness, the cost of magic, and the depths of humanity.

Booklist, starred review

Josephson presents . . . ever-evolving figures with interestingly complementary approaches to the world and the circumstances they find themselves in. Jewish history strongly informs the backstory of this fantasy world’s people.

Publishers Weekly

Original and engaging.

Kirkus Reviews

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