This Dark Descent

"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

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.

Mikira Rusel's family has long been famous for breeding enchanted horses, but their prestige is no match for their rising debts. To save her ranch, Mikira has only one option: she must win the Illinir, a treacherous horserace whose riders either finish maimed or murdered. Yet each year, competitors return, tempted by its alluring prize money and unparalleled prestige.

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...

Steeped in Jewish folklore, This Dark Descent is a pulse-pounding new fantasy full of forbidden magic, sizzling romance, and epic stakes. In a world as dangerous as this, will the need for vengeance butcher Mikira's chances of winning the Illinir ... or will another rider's dagger?

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 09/26/2023
Pages: 400
Weight: 1.22lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.35w x 1.41d
ISBN: 9781250812360
Age: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/24/2023
Booklist 08/01/2023 pg. 70
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2023
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2023

About the Author
Kalyn Josephson works as a Technical Writer in the tech industry, which leaves room for too many bad puns about technically being a writer. She grew up in San Luis Obispo, California, and graduated from Santa Clara University with degrees in Biology and Creative Writing. Currently, she lives in the Bay Area with two black cats (who are more like a tiny dragon and an ever tinier owl). She is the author of the Storm Crow duology.