As a Jewish person, this is such a special book to me. I never see this type of fantasy around, and I'm so glad to see a little piece of our history represented! I loved the worldbuilding, kind of a Hunger Games meets Seabiscuit with way more magic of course. I thought the girls started off a bit unlikeable but you definitely grow to understand their motivations and their actions.

THIS DARK DESCENT is the horse-filled fantasy of my dreams! I was fortunate enough to read a very early version of this book, and I fell in love with it all over again when I read the ARC.

You won’t be able to put down this thrilling story of a dangerous race, an unlikely alliance in the face of deadly opponents, and fascinating magic drawn from Jewish folklore. Both narrators were so easy to root for—I absolutely *loved* seeing Mikira fighting with fierce determination to protect her family, and Ari letting down walls and growing into her power. The entire group dynamic with Reid and Damien in the mix is EVERYTHING. I was on the edge of my seat with every page turn.

And did I mention there are enchanted horses? This book is phenomenal.

A huge thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an eARC of This Dark Descent in exchange for an honest review.

This Dark Descent is the thrilling start to an upper YA fantasy series. Mikira Rusel's family used to be prestigious enchant horse breeders until the growing tensions with powerful political houses left her family struggling. When her father is taken, Mikira's only option is to compete in a deadly horse race, The Illinir- where she must win. She finds herself caught up in blood feuds, outlawed magic, and assassination schemes with the people who agree to help her with the race. Arielle can create untraceable golems using forbidden magic. Damien, being a lord of House Adair, brings power, money, and mystery into the mix. Behind it all, their nation's tension with the never-ending war and unfair society are at their boiling point.

I'll start by saying I had high hopes for this book because The Storm Crow (also by Kalyn Josephson) was my favorite read of 2021 when I got back into reading. And oh boy was it a HIT.

I was immediately hooked. I finished this book in only 3 sittings (which I never do with average length books such as this), but I literally could not put it down. The characters, the intrigue into the magic, the deadly horse races, and the growing push for rebellion against the current political system had me on the edge of my seat.

Josephson had me loving to hate characters, willing them to do better sometimes and, actually, willing them to accept their darkness other times. It was a wild ride, and I cannot wait to see where it goes in the sequel. I feel this book offered an awesome range of characters and growth. Gosh I wish I could share quotes already lol. These characters made me laugh and cry... and sob.

The magic is super exciting to me and has me the most desperate for book two to see exactly what is happening with it and Ari. I love how multifaced the magic is, and I just know there's so much more to come.

The mob/mafia feel was done amazingly, it felt so real. The horse races were thrilling, but also helped further the intrigue into the world because of all they had to offer. The bond Mikira had with the horses were beautiful.

I will be keeping a very close eye on NetGalley in the future for book two. I am so ready to be back in this world, and this is one I definitely want to get physically and do a reread of it to annotate because I loved it that much.

The plot was different and I loved the race aspect. The characters didn't do it for me though. I just couldn't connect.

Wow. I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did.

The worldbuilding is incredible. The conflict, the magic system, the setting, all of it is shown in vivid detail. The political landscape, especially, was very well done; I love when fictional politics get me roped in and engaged so I can, in turn, seethe at their real-life parallels. The magic, Kinnism (The fantasy stand-in for Jewish mythology) was also really cool. I'm not an expert on Jewish folklore by any means, but I did recognize most of the reflections the fictional religion/magic had with Judaism/Jewish people, which I admire Josephson being able to weave seamlessly into the story while making it stand on its own.

I also absolutely adored the characters. Both Mikira and Arielle were stand out protagonists in their own right, but I love how you can't have this story without leaving out either girl's POV. Even their romances were a point of interested for me. I don't wanna spoil want develops from them, but let's just they I'm curious to see how Josephson develops them in the next book.

Overall, this was a fantastic book. Not only do I have to wait for this book's official release but the sequel, too!

Kalyn Josephson is a must-read for me now. I loved her Storm Crow duology and devoured Ravenfall. She's done it again with this fast-paced, heartwrenching novel. I loved the characters and mourned that I will have to wait until the next book in order to be with them again. I couldn't put it down!

The combination of a high fantasy world (albeit, replete with guns), dark fantasy detailing, vibes, and themes, as well as the past and present of Jewish people and our experiences, makes for a novel that entrances the reader - all while keeping the story somewhat grounded in reality- all the way through to the last page. When challah bread is mentioned for the first time, it's nearly startling, despite knowing that the book was going to have Jewish mythology, which I - a Jewish woman - should be used to, the mention of simple bread nearly took me out from whatever spell Kalyn Josephson's writing was putting on me.

Kalyn Josephson doesn't just toss around Hebrew words or Jewish terms throughout the story, she saves them. She sprinkles them about - acting more like the binding gems in the very story, than anything else. She doesn't call the Jewish people "Jewish," but instead "Kinnish," yet still preferring to call challah bread by it's official name, as well as golems.
While this could simply be something that the author preferred while writing, it is also possible that it was done so that the spare moments these words were used felt more powerful, acting as a quick reminder of the real world connections, as well as making the text a bit more accessible to non-Jewish (or goyim or gentile) readers who might be intimidated by a main character being Jewish instead of Kinnish.

While potentially lessening the harshness of the topics and conversations brought up by the events for those outside of them, for Jewish readers - or at least myself - it's a gentle reminder that we have a character in young adult fantasy that we can point to and go "hey look, its me!" all the while we remember the history that Josephson's novel is built upon.

While I of course wish more time had been spent on discussing sexuality and gender, I completely understand that there wasn't much time to do so with the complex world and story and character arcs that Kalyn Josephson was developing, and I look forward to seeing more of these topics in the next book.

In this stunningly epic and creative world, the political intrigue remains at the heart of the story. Even as Mikira races for her life, even as Arielle uncovers lost bits of magic from her culture, a larger game is being played. One hinted at in the beginning, only to reach a fever pitch much later on. As though a game of chess, each noble family, each noble house sits as the pawns to make expert moves for their power, and anyone else simply is trod underfoot as the races go on, Mikira none the wiser except for her side of the story. Each move, every step, is carefully calculated and detailed by the author, leading up to a grand finale to tie up the first book in a new duology from Kalyn Josephson - complete with queer representation, Jewish representation, and helps to build excitement for the follow through in the next book.

The cover was what drew me in, the characters are what made me stay. Plot was excellent. Well done. I had a hard time putting this one down.

Yes yes yes!! The plot kept me hooked and the characters stole my heart ❤️
10/10!
All opinions expressed are my own, I was gifted this book through NetGallery.

I received an ARC from Get Underlined and was so jazzed bc this is one of the books I was most looking forward to this fall, and it did not disappoint.

Horse Girls of the world rejoice, because this book is absolutely for you. If you loved The Scorpio Races, you will probably love this, although it doesn't have murder horses (the humans do the murdering here). Speaking of murder, if you're not a Horse Girl but you love the complicated and dubious morality of Peaky Blinders, you are also going to love this.

I need to have words with the author though about that ending (WHAT WAS THAT??? EXCUSE ME???) but also because she said one of the MCs was aroace, but neither of them are serving aroace. One of them is demi, which we always love to see, and the other may be ace but seemed to be catching romantic feels for both a boy and a girl--and I'm always down for a bi love triangle but if there's love involved its not really aromantic, right?? So idk, ymmv, maybe I'm being nitpicky. Its a very minor detail in an otherwise fantastic book.

I went into This Dark Descent thinking it would turn me into a horse girl. I came out utterly transformed by how goddamn good it is.

I cannot get over how much I freaking loved the entire thing. Masterfully crafted from top to bottom, the emotional beats it hits are STUNNING and had me breathless for every single one. Whispered threats became bangs inside my chest and there is just something about the way that Kalyn writes scenes in the rain that have me wanting to scream and never stop. The way tension built and paid off, ugh, so, so good.

SPEAKING OF SCREAMING LEMME SAY SOMETHING ABOUT MIKIRA, ARI, REID, AND DAMIEN. Every single one of them are under my protection and nothing bad can ever happen to them. The ROMANTIC ANGST (and romantic lines omg I wanted to faint) the BLOSSOMING FRIENDSHIP, THE CAT THERE’S A CAT, THE ENTIRE GROUP DYNAMIC. I love them all and they are my children.

This was everything I loved in a book. Impeccable characters, a fascinating world, and a little bit of darkness that tips over the edge into full blown terror at just the right moment. I love it so much I might burst.

Kalyn Josephson's "This Dark Descent" is a thrilling, fast-paced fantasy novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Mikira and Arielle as they navigate the dangers of a cutthroat cross-country horse race, powerful age-old magic, and a bloody feud between rival noble families that threatens to swallow them all.

Josephson does an excellent job of creating a rich, immersive world infused with Jewish mythology and packed with plenty of complex characters to love, hate, or fear (or all three).

TL;DR: Gallop, don’t trot, to buy your copy of this book.

The protagonist Mikara is portrayed as headstrong, yet balanced with kindness and a strong sense of justice. Throughout the story, she finds herself entangled in a web of manipulation and becomes a pawn in the power struggles of wealthy men. Given the high stakes and everything she stands to lose, Mikara's reactions and choices are understandable and reflect the difficult situations she faces.

On the other hand, Reid, a character who plays a significant role in the narrative, left a negative impression. His rude and horrid treatment of Mikara was hard to overlook. While the story does show glimpses of his character development, it does not fully redeem him in the eyes of the reader. The romantic angle between Mikara and Reid, despite her identifying as aroace, felt forced and out of place. It would have been more fitting to explore a potential romance between Mikara and Quinn, where genuine chemistry was evident.

One standout character in the book is Ari, a strong and admirable individual who works tirelessly to preserve her culture within her family. Her friendship with Mikara is a bright spot in the story, showcasing the power of female companionship and support. Although Ari's initial relationship with Damian has its cute moments, his treatment of Mikara becomes a sore point. Despite any good deeds he may have done, Damian's behavior does not elevate him above the other manipulative men in the narrative. It would have been more satisfying to witness a story centered on women banding together to dismantle a corrupt system, without relying on male characters.

Without revealing too much, the ending of the book suggests a shift in focus towards women taking down the corrupt system, and this direction is welcomed. Mikara's decision to expose Damian's cruelty is justified, and her acknowledgement of her own mistakes shows growth and maturity. Conversely, Damian's failure to take responsibility for his actions leaves a sour taste. One can only hope that in the next installment, Ari makes the empowering choice to distance herself from him.

4.5 stars

Brutally addictive and steeped in Jewish folklore! This Dark Descent is a fast-paced story, full of mystery, intrigue, and action. I was completely and utterly immersed in the story from the start. I loved the writing style, the subtle world building, the magic system, and the fully realized characters. I NEED to know what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for access to an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book. This book scratched all the right places in my brain.

This Dark Descent is a dual POV story coming from the points of view of Mikira and Arielle and follows the two girls as they befriend one another as well as Damian and Reid and the four form an unlikely team and band together to win a race against what seems to be insurmountable odds. Mikira makes a bargain to enter the Illinir, a dangerous and often deadly horse race, in order to save her family and their home, and is quickly recruited and sponsored by Lord Damien Adair who, with the help of his friend Reid and Arielle, an unlicensed enchanter secretly creating golems out of her workshop, plan to help her win the race, though they each have something important of their own riding on Mikira's hopeful win.

This book has quite literally everything I could ask for: action, violence, romance, mystery, beautifully written characters and friendships, compelling villains and flaws for even our 'heroic' characters, and *so much* Jewish symbolism and folklore woven in that I was learning new things about the Judaism as I read and loving every second of it. I can't wait to dive back into this miraculous world and to see where our characters find themselves next, especially after that ending!! Hands down one of my favorites so far this year, and I have every intention of getting my hands on as many Kalyn Josephson books as I can now.

I loved this book! It's a perfect YA story for young readers, engaging, inspiring and fantastical! I personally found similarities with Yiddish, which I LOVED!!! Kinnish......Yiddish... and more! Kalyn Josephson did a miraculous job of writing this novel! She held my attention from beginning to end! I loved the female heroines and the strong women in this book! BRAVA!!!! Thank you to Netgalley and to MacMillan USA publishing for the ARC in exchange for this very honest review...I cannot wait to read Book 2!!!

This book had excellent world building and magic concept. I do not care for horses so some of the horse talk got on my nerves. The last few chapters made this book for me. Wow.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for my feedback! Having read Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson, I had high expectations for a fast-moving plot, and this book did not disappoint. I read it in one day because the plot kept a fast pace while the varying characters' points of view added more depth to the tale. Normally, a fantasy novel can be pretty transparent, and of course, some of that happened with this novel, but there were a few twists at the end that I did not anticipate, so my hat goes off to Josephson! I was worried that this novel was a remake of Maggie Stiefvater's The Scorpio Races but with switching out Jewish mysticism for Irish myth, but I was pleasantly surprised that this took a bit of a different path with the addition of enchantments and the widespread dependence on magic. I particularly liked the flawed relationships that Mikira maintained and the tension of attraction to both a childhood girlfriend and a mysterious male. I also liked the eerie push behind the enchantress's mind as she fought for control. Overall, the character development is average, and there's not much in the way of literary devices for an ELA study, but the plot line will keep many readers enthralled. Enjoy, my friends.

When I read Scorpio races vs Peaky Blinders as a description for this book I knew I was in for it. Using much of Jewish folklore, this action packed novel will keep you turning those pages!

Jewish folklore, political turmoil, magical gifts, enchanted horses, slow burn romance, complex characters… I could go on and on and on. I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Our FMC, Mikira has made a bargain with the biggest power hungry Lord in order to save her family and her father from being indebted and enslaved for the rest of their lives. All will be made right if she can win the Illinir. An annual horce race that is meant to challenge the horse and rider and every rider is out for themselves. Did I mention that they are enchanted horses?? Only problem? Mikira isn’t allowed to ride an enchanted horse! Oh and she has to find a sponsor who will pay for the entry and all the expenses of the race. Thats where we meet the other amazing cast of characters, and they are dark, twisty and you are left wondering about their secrets. This book has so much going on that at times I feel it almost slows down the pacing. You need the info, but sometimes the info felt heavy right during an epic build of a scene.

That is the only reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me. I have never read a storyline like this. I found myself looking up Jewish terms and folklore and I love it when a book provokes new thoughts and ideas. This is an amazing book, I would almost say this is a new kind of Epic Fantasy for me. It’s not this mass multi universe, but it’s a universe full of massive plot, characters and adventure.

I will be reading this series til the end! Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!