This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson Review

Title: This Dark Descent

Author: Kalyn Josephson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: MacMillan Children's Books

Pages: 416

Release Date: 28 September 2023

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Hello fellow booklovers! Today I'm sharing my review for This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson.  A brilliantly crafted, rollercoaster of a read that seamlessly blends Jewish folklore and the shady, political scheming of Peaky Blinders into a page turning tale of forbidden magic, enchanted races and revenge that I didn’t want to end.

Synopsis

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 fast-paced YA fantasy by Kalyn Josephson is 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

Review

I adored Kalyn’s writing style which was quite lyrical at times with an emotionally evocative edge that brought this vividly descriptive world and its characters to life.

I really enjoyed Mikira as a character, whose flaws I found incredibly intriguing. She’s frustratingly impulsive and very reckless, with a cynicism that borders on confrontational, that gets her into trouble more often than not. However, her deep compassion for her family was endearingly relatable and I enjoyed watching just how far she was willing to go to protect them.

Though it was Arielle, I was emotionally invested in the most. As a refugee in a country that despises her people (and their unique, golem based magic) we witness the inner strength and determination of a young woman just trying to survive— enduring ridicule and discrimination that was utterly heartbreaking to witness (especially as it mirrored soo much of the antisemitic rhetoric that exists in our own world.)

But getting to see her explore and reconnect with her magical heritage, was soo inspiring! And though some of her decisions seemed to lead towards a less scrupulous path (influenced by Damien perhaps), I’m intrigued to see how things develop for her in the next instalment.

The rest of the cast were also really well developed (even antagonists Rezek and Loic) with just as much complexity, and depth to keep me invested. I was especially impressed with the character development of both Damien and Reid (thanks to their briefly explored yet deeply emotional backstories) but, I have to say it’s Reid (with his grumpy tea drinking demeanour and unconditional love for his cat) that stole my heart.

The romance was amazingly swoon-worthy and the LGBTQ+ rep wonderful (particularly the AroAce /Demiromantic rep.) And slow-burn lovers will be pleased to know there is not one, but TWO fabulously tension-filled, romances to fall head over heels for.

This is the first Kalyn Josephson book I’ve ever read, but the detailed world-building and loveably complex, multilayered characters have assured that it definitely won’t be the last.

Also, thanks to BookBreak for the proof, including me on the readalong and for my prize for winning the mini (less dangerous) version of the Illinir — I had soo much fun!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

About The Author 

Kalyn Josephson currently works as a Technical Writer in the tech industry, which leaves room for too many bad puns about technically being a writer. Though she grew up in the central coast, she graduated from Santa Clara University with degrees in Biology and English. Currently, she lives in the Bay Area with two black cats (who are more like a tiny dragon and an ever tinier owl).

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