Let's just start off by thanking Rosiee Thor for recommending This Dark Descent to me. With big The Scorpio Races vibes, I wasn't sure what to expect. One of my main complaints with that book was that there weren't enough horses? But This Dark Descent - in regards to the horses - is everything I thought I'd be getting. There is rich world building which weaves magic into the world, the horses, and the stakes. As a big world building nerd, I thought this was going to be my favorite element. But the truth is I just can't pick one.

I adored the way the Jewish folklore is woven into the story, into the magic and the exploration of our powers. There's secret magic, discoveries which quake our foundation, and plenty of intrigue. This Dark Descent is a story which had be entirely wrapped up in the next page, the next word.

this was soooo close to being a five star read for me. There’s one slightly mild torture scene that just made me uncomfortable. I can’t read those I have a severely weak stomach. Besides for that one page this book was incredible. I was so happy with all the Jewish folklore/mythology and something happens at the end that I was rooting for!! I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next book.

I've picked this one up and put it down a few times and I know that it's me and not necessarily the book because a magical series full of intrigue, romance, magic, horses, and action but it's the kind of book I need to listen to in an audiobook because it doesn't do it for me on paper.

I'll be honest, I requested This Dark Descent solely based off the cover (which is gorgeous), and went in completely blind to what the actual book was about. That's 100% on me lol but I ended up DNFing. It just wasn't for me.

While this one took me awhile to get through, it was relatively engaging from the start, with a bit of a slow back half. The overall plot is interesting and moves quickly, and the multiple POVs helped move it along as well. I enjoyed Ari and her storyline the most, as hers is more mysterious and seems to be filled with more of the complex secrets of this fantasy world. I found Mikira's story interesting, but repetitive of other female leads in that "hero" type role. I'll likely read book two as I think we'll get some answers about Ari and her magic. If you like some mild vibes of "Six of Crows" mixed with your typical competition fare, you'll enjoy this one!

- THIS DARK DESCENT is quite a - pun intended - ride. Magic based on Jewish folklore, enchanted horse races, backstabbing elites, murder and romance.
- The race scenes had me on the edge of my seat. It took me a little flipping pages back and forth to follow the machinations of the lords, but once I figured it out I was all in.
- I haven't seen much talk about the queerness of this book, but it is! The characters describe their feelings rather than label them, given the sort of ancient fantasy setting of the world. But Mikira reads as bisexual and Arielle as somewhere on the demi-aroace spectrum.

This Dark Descent” is a young adult fantasy novel by Kalyn Josephson, the author of “The Storm Crow” duology and “Ravenfall” series. The book is the first installment in the “This Dark Descent” series and follows Mikira Rusel, a young woman from a family famous for breeding enchanted horses. Mikira’s family is on the verge of ruin, and to save her ranch, she must win the Illinir, a treacherous horserace whose riders either finish maimed or murdered. Mikira’s mission soon unites her with Arielle Kadar, an impressive yet illicit enchanter just beginning to come into her true power, and Damien Adair, a dashing young lord in the midst of a fierce succession battle. Both have hidden reasons of their own to help Mikira – as well as their own blood feuds to avenge.

I love the idea of a magic system and world inspired by Judaism, and I typically love dual POVs. But this book fell flat for me and imI struggled to finish it. I felt distant from all of the characters and the romances felt underdeveloped. Even the horse races felt lackluster, possibly because there were four major ones.

The ending came together in an interesting way but was not quite enough to convince me to continue the series.

After loving Ravenfall by this author and owning the Storm Crow duology, I couldn't wait to break into this book and it was definitely worth it. Josephson is a master at building unique worlds with some really interesting characters. Highly recommended

DNF after the first chapter, sadly. The story opens with a horse race, but the urgency feels surprisingly lacking for such high stakes, and the emotion takes a backseat to story setup. I very rarely enjoy a book that doesn't open with a main character's personality oozing from the pages, so I trusted that pattern recognition and set it aside. It's certainly worth a try for readers who enjoy horse race/sport competition fantasy books such as The Scorpio Races, Ashlords, or Monsters Born and Made.

3.5/5 Stars

This is what I would call a Beginner fantasy book. It's got the tropes, easy to read, and convenient. For the reasons stated I found this book just okay. The magic system was interesting and I did enjoy the writing. I felt invested in the characters and story. I loved that Jewish Folklore was intertwined in this book. It brought something fresh to the YA fantasy book. I was also very surprised by how fast I read this book. I finished this book very fast. I remember starting the book and then taking a break after a while only to realize I was 60% of the way in. Overall I would recommend giving this a read as I had a great and enjoyable time.

Mikira's family, once renown horse enchanters, has crossed one of the four great houses of Enderlain and will lose their father, ranch and livelihood if Mikira cannot accomplish the impossible. Arielle has a secret, illegal power that is on the verge of being discovered and forces her to be abused by the nobility's greed. As both face impossibilities they find a common rescuer who may or may not be the answer to their respective prayers. Who can they put their trust in? Will their fortunes change for the better?

First off, a novel that is held together by a deadly horse race? -- count me in! I did enjoy this novel and the story building behind it. The magic systems that this world has built itself upon are interesting and I am curious as to how they will continue to interact. There are lots of aspects of the greater world and politics that were touched on, which leads me to believe there is a lot more story to tell. Mikira and Arielle are very relatable but flawed characters, that hold their cards close to their hearts. I enjoyed the constant tests of trust that each has to navigate -- not that I always agree with their decisions. A good read and I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series. 4 stars.

Review based on a digital Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group/Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley. Thank you!

I definitely see the comparison from this book to SIX OF CROWS. Damian, the mysterious young nobleman, has that same calculating, cards close to the vest thing going that Kaz has in Bardugo’s duology. Unlike SIX OF CROWS, THIS DARK DESCENT follows only two points of view: Ariella and Mikira. I loved both of them pretty much right away. Ari is a self-taught enchanter, grasping for more of her own lost history and the magic of her people that’s since been forbidden. She teeters on the edge of an unnamed darkness as she pursues her magic, and I feel like I was on the edge of my seat, needing to know she would be okay.

Mikira is sparks and frenzy. She’s impulsive, fierce, and fiercely loyal. I wish we’d gotten a little more of her relationships with her sisters Nelda and Aileen. The scenes when she races are so intense. I couldn’t look away. Those moments and some of the behind-the-scenes politics reminded me a little bit of THE SCORPIO RACES.

This is a completely different story than that one, but it definitely has some similarities: strong, desperate heroine; powers that be trying to control the outcome of the race; unlikely alliances; and, of course, a high-stakes, highly dangerous race.

On the whole, I really enjoyed this book. It anchored me in its story world pretty quickly, giving me just the right amount of detail so that I felt oriented to what was going on but not bogged down in unnecessary trivia. The pacing kept me turning pages from one chapter to the next all the way until the end. There’s also a bit of romance. It doesn’t dominate the story, but I really enjoyed that, too. I also loved the references to Jewish folklore and the way faith and heritage or culture and the complex relationships they can be were celebrated in the story.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.

Rich, romantic, and imaginative, This Dark Descent weaves together mythology and magic to create a terrifyingly gorgeous world. I can't tell whether in the end the series will be a romance, a tragedy, or a mixture of the two, but I do know I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment. The two female leads, whose perspective drives the narrative, both feel like realistic and three-dimensional characters, and their experiences and choices feel deeply relatable. Somehow ending in a satisfying way while also very much being a cliffhanger, it leaves me feeling content even while I look forward to the sequel.

For sensitive readers, this novel contains pervasive themes of racism, loss of bodily autonomy, and violence, including violence towards animals. Sexual content is not graphic and consists of the "fade to black" type.

Wow! THIS DARK DESCENT is brilliantly crafted, full of high stakes, magic based on Jewish folklore, AND dual POVs...so basically, a super awesome book! The world-building is spot-on and there are so many rich layers throughout the book. If you love any of the things mentioned above, definitely get your hands on a copy of this book asap!

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

If you like a lot of plot and twists and turns, this is the book for you. And horses. This is very much a horse and magic book. I would like to read a sequel because the characters could do some developing. The chapters are told in alternating points of view. Ari can make clay golems and enchant them to do magical feats. Mikira is a jockey who will do anything to save her family and their farm. Damien is an extremely ruthless and cunning member of a ruling family. And finally, Reid is Damien's best friend. There's some romance, and lots and lots of secrets. The ending leaves things so that you know there has to be more.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book.

I will admit one thing first: I was totally overtaken by Shiny Cover Syndrome when I went to request this book. I did like the sound of the blurb, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the pretty cover. So, truth be told, had I known this was the first book in a series, I wouldn’t have requested it because the last thing I need right now is to get invested in another series.

But! I can tell you that I actually ended up really liking this book, even though if it weren’t for the cover I probably wouldn’t have given it a try right now.

This Dark Descent isn’t the best fantasy novel out there right now. It isn’t even the best fantasy novel with Jewish folklore woven into it out there right now. However, it is a really entertaining and well-written book. The plot is fairly straightforward, which you’ll be thankful for, because there’s so many other things going on in this book that the last thing you need is a really complicated plot.

Josephson made this book very character-driven, which is where I suspect the comparison with Six of Crows comes from. The book is told from two POVs: that of horse racer Mikira and that of unlicensed enchanter Arielle. To round out a set of core four characters we add in Damien, a member of a noble house, and Reid, his best friend. These characters are very richly drawn, all with complete background stories, different motivations, different goals, and all kinds of problems. And don’t forget the trauma. There’s definitely trauma. Combine our core four with a great supporting cast made up of characters of all shades of gray and the tapestry of the book also begins to feel a little like All of Us Villains, too.

Now, where this book falls short, in my opinion, is in worldbuilding. It just isn’t weak in explaining the actual world around Mirkira and Arielle, it’s also a problem in explaining the magic system. Josephson leaned just a little too much on the Jewish folklore when the majority of magic practiced in the world the book is set in doesn’t practice magic that stems directly from Jewish folklore (please note that I say “folklore” because in this book the author uses what we would know as Jewish terms but the people who would be considered “Jewish” in this book are called “Kinnish”).

Surprisingly, I found that the horse races in this book were weak points in the story as well. They weren’t as well-written as they could’ve been, with rather weak fighting choreography to them. I had looked forward to these scenes but they ended up being rather secondary to everything else going on in this book.

As an endnote: If you are triggered by animal violence, you may want to take care while reading this book.

Altogether, it’s a really solid read, and if you’re in the mood to start a new YA book series that’s on the darker side, then I recommend it.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, ideas, and views expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Book Series/Dark Fantasy/Fantasy Series/Romantasy/Supernatural Fantasy/YA Fantasy/YA Fantasy Romance

My brain is feeling wobbly from a long night (why is sleep elusive when you need it most) but here’s a breakdown of my thoughts on Kalyn Josephson’s debut novel:

1) Anything with horses automatically piques my interest and the equestrian angle of this story did not disappoint. The races were very cool, as were the horses.
2) The world-building was decent; I can definitely see the Jewish and mafia influences. I was invested in the politics, magic, and religion– though it’s the first time I’ve seen a discussion of sin outside of Sunday School!
3) Relationship-wise, this book was hit or miss. Damien is the best character (most fleshed out, truly) and I wish we had POV chapters from him. Reid was all right but I needed more from him– it was like, he was grumpy towards Mikira and then he sort of wasn’t but then he’s mad again. And speaking of Mikira, I was annoyed by what a yo-yo she was; the pivot with her story towards the end felt very left-field, more like a twist to set up a sequel than a natural segue. And for God’s sake, end the love triangle– they’re the worst. As for Arielle: I couldn’t quite figure out what was going on with her emotions or her magic, and I don’t know if that’s me (speed reader missing details) or lack of clarity from the author.
4) This final bit is more intangible but the book is just missing something for me. I want to know what comes next for the characters (I’ll probably read the next installment) but I’m not breathlessly awaiting the sequel. Take that for what you will.

This beautifully crafted fantasy follows the story of Mikira and Arielle. Mikira, the daughter of a well known enchanted horse breeder is willing to do anything it takes to save her father when he is arrested for working enchantments without a license. Arielle is working forbidden Kinnish magic after running away from her family. When Damien brings them together to enter the dangerous Illinir race, Arielle creating an undetectable enchant and Mikira to ride, they must decide who to trust to make it through the race alive.

I really enjoyed this story, which has been said to be a cross between The Scorpion Races and Peaky Blinders, neither of which I have watched but at least Peaky Blinders has been on my list and I'm now more intrigued to watch. The only thing I could compare it to was an extremely dangerous version of the Triple Crown. The worldbuilding was detailed and well thought out and all of the characters well developed. I really enjoy Kalyn's writing style and while I definitely didn't get all of the Jewish folklore, I really appreciate that it's there and something I should really do some research on. I enjoyed Arielle learning and connecting with her heritage, but especially loved Mikira's dedication and love for her family and friends. I only wish I had requested the audiobook as I've had a hard time focusing on reading and listening to it dictated is simply not the same. I'm curious to see what book two will be like.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Netgalley and Macmillan in exchange for an honest review.

The Shadows Between Us meets Six of Crows in this spellbinding new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, and pulse-pounding action, where the eldest daughter of a renowned family on the verge of ruin joins forces with a mysterious, rogue enchanter and a handsome, ambitious heir to win a deadly race.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it was a good surprise. Good world-building, great characters, lots of atmosphere.