Thanks so much to Colored Pages Blog Tours for including me on the tour and thanks to Fierce Reads for sending me a finished copy!

I’ve loved Kalyn’s writing since being swept away with The Storm Crow and it’s sequel. That duology was absolutely incredible and cemented Josephson on my must read list. When I heard about This Dark Descent and that it had aroace (demiromantic and demisexual specifically) rep, I was sold. If you loved The Scorpio Races, you will love this one!!

We follow Mikira and Arielle who have gotten tangled up with a mysterious lord who might just be able to solve their problems if they all work together. Mikira must participate in the Illinir and win to save her father among other things. But she can’t use an obviously enchanted horse for this unhinged death race or her bargain is null. Luckily Arielle has a specific kind of magic that can help her.

This book was so good and I’ll definitely be rereading it. I loved both of these girls and especially Arielle as she explores her power and darkness 😌. I loved how tense and action packed this story was. It had me hooked and the ending was something else 👀.

What is your favorite thing to see on a book cover?

I adore the cover of This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson, with its elegant statue imagery on a copper-colored background! I think it managed to be both simplistic and ornate simultaneously, which is not an easy feat!

Today is my stop on Colored Pages Book Tours’ (@coloredpagesbt) release celebration tour for This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson (@kalynmjosephson)! I will be sharing my review here on Instagram and some of my favorite quotes from the book over on my blog as part of the tour! Be sure to check out the full tour schedule (link in bio) for content from all the other wonderful hosts!

This Dark Descent had a lot of incredible elements I look for in a good young adult fantasy novel! Hands down the best part of this book for me was the complex and unique characters, especially Arielle and Mikira! They had excellent interwoven perspectives and narratives, which motivated them to take action throughout the story that drove the plot forward. My other favorite thing about This Dark Descent was the worldbuilding, which stems from Jewish folklore. While I am not very familiar with the source folklore, this book made me want to do more research into Jewish folklore, and other fantasy books inspired by it!

My Recommendation:
If you have been feeling a years-long void since reading The Scorpio Races, I strongly recommend you grab a copy of This Dark Descent. While the two books are quite different, this book brought me back to the heart-pounding high-stakes horse racing that made me love The Scorpio Races all those years ago.

Thank you to @fiercereads for sharing a copy of This Dark Descent with me!

I really tried to like this one but it just lost me about half way through and I couldnt bring myself to continue reading it. I was pretty bored.
I know that books are subjective though and I have heard that LOTS of people LOVED this book, I just dont think it was for me.

So much intrigue and romance in a book that is absolutely captivating and engaging in so many ways. I simply DEVOURED it! I have to know MORE though! I want MORE!

I really enjoyed this book(audio). It was definitely a unique take on magic and golems and it was pretty incredible to see. Seeing as how this book is YA I’m giving it 4 stars. The romance was kind of stunted and non existent for the feelings that people had for each other but romance between adults and teenagers is different and I remember every look meaning something to me as a teen. So with that in mind I’m able to accept the romance as is. I think it was amazing to tie in the authors Jewish beliefs and it had me ready to deep dive into the culture to find out more.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC.

Told from three points of view: Mikira, Ariel, and Damien, this romantasy tale, that is based in Jewish folklore, entwines social hierarchy, romance, magic, and . . . horse racing? I was initially intrigued, but ended up confused.

I had a very hard time connecting with any of the characters and found myself skimming and speed reading to get through to the end. The newer "romantasy" genre just may not be for me. I did enjoy the sections that dipped into Jewish folklore, like golums, but otherwise this one fell flat. That is not to say it won't be a hit for someone else, but it didn't hit for me.

2/5 stars.

I really wanted to like this book more. I'm a sucker for books inspired by mythology, but I struggled to finish this story. I was already about 60% in when I decided I wasn't vibing with it so I decided to commit and finish it, but I can't see myself continuing this series unfortunately.

Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.

I love how this story starts hitting the ground running and stays that way the whole book. Our awesome main character Mikira makes a deal with the Damien for the big race. The race has magical horses and riders who will do anything and I mean anything to win. The action of the races keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved the banter between the main cast of characters. I love the Jewish folklore that is throughout the book. I cannot wait to read the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, Roaring Brook Press, Kalyn Josephson, Laurel Lefkow (audio narrator), and Rebecca Norfolk (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of This Dark Descent in exchange for an honest review.

I would like to highlight the two narrators of the audiobook version: Laurel Lefkow and Rebecca Norfolk. They narrate as Mikira and Arielle and make a distinct differentiation between the two female characters with their fantastic voice acting.

For generations, the Rusel family has gained renown for their enchanted horse breeding legacy (my understanding of the enchantments is that they are golems created withe the appearance of horses, with varied abilities depending on what the enchanter chooses to bestow). However, the family's financial woes now eclipse their once-glorious reputation. In a desperate bid to salvage her ranch, Mikira Rusel is left with a singular choice: emerge victorious in the perilous Illinir, a horse race notorious for leaving its participants either brutally scarred for life or dead. Despite its deadly reputation, the allure of the substantial prize and unmatched prestige entices daring competitors to return each year. Mikira will do whatever it takes to save her family ranch.

Mikira finds help from two unexpected persons, and accepts the help without a notion to their ulterior motives. Arielle Kadar is an enchanter just figuring out the capabilities she possesses: perfect for enchanting the perfect horse for Mikira's race. The young lord of a rich family in the midst of a succession battle, Damien Adair, might benefit from helping Mikira, for if she wins, the succession might be moot, and Damien may just gain the power he seeks.

Full of friendship, romance, action, and betrayal, This Dark Descent has a strong foundation to stand by itself...until the very end of the novel, when secrets are revealed, and an opening for the next volume is cast into light. The racing aspect of the novel is fun, though somewhat unoriginal, as I continuously thought about Monsters Born and Made by Tanvi Berwah, and Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst. While Josephson does not make a new type of animal for the races in her novel, what does make This Dark Descent stand out is the form of enchantments and the use of golems for racing (as opposed to just enchanting regular horses).

Overall, a highly enjoyable novel for fantasy lovers and thrill seekers when it comes to the all-stakes death race trope. The excitement of the race is enough for me, but add in other characters hidden agendas...well, this series just became something even more. Our Deadly Designs is the second book in the series, slated for 2024.

I really enjoyed this fun horse race, mixed with magic and politics.

There were moments that felt slower and deeper in the weeds than is my personal preference, but the story was fun and enjoyable.

Thank you, Netgalley for the copy!

Unfortunately, I lost the audiobook download when my NetGalley App glitched so I will not be able to review this properly as it has been archived.

This story is told from a dual POV. The characters were okay, but I couldn’t connect with them the way I wanted to. They were lacking some depth and development, leaving them feeling flat and underwhelming. There was also too much plot in this book – each POV could have been its own book with the number of things going on, which led to neither POV feeling as well-rounded as it should have. I'm not going to get into it much, but there was also a problematic relationship included that I just couldn't get behind.

One thing that didn’t quite work for me was the setting and worldbuilding. There are no clear parameters of the world and no real expectations set, which makes it a bit jarring when trying to find your way through the beginning of the read. Magic and enchanting are mentioned, but then so are guns and cars. Then there’s also plenty of Jewish folklore included, which also got into golem making and magic associated with that. I don’t need things spelled out but having some clear expectations for the kind of world/setting the story is situated in is necessary to avoid odd surprises throughout the read. On the other hand, there were many instances of extraneous worldbuilding that added nothing meaningful to the plot or setting but did add a bunch of details that I couldn’t remember (e.g., the name of all adjacent countries and their relations to each other just because).

All of that said, I did enjoy that the races weren’t the sole focus of the book, and I enjoyed how it ended. Though do be warned, it ends with a cliffhanger so be prepared to wait for book two. If you enjoy horse races and magic, you might like this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed the story we were given. I felt for the characters. I liked the plot. I, however, think the beginning of the book could have used some more fleshing out before the start of the overarching plot began. I would have liked to have gotten to know Mikira and Arielle a bit more, maybe gotten to know Mikira's father and sisters, so I could feel what was really at stake. Also, for Mikira being the starter of the book, I feel like her quest was overshadowed.

The book, "This Dark Descent," is a stunning and captivating tale that draws inspiration from Jewish folklore. As I began reading the first few chapters, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity, but as I delved deeper into the story, I realized it was a unique and intriguing experience. The cover art is breathtaking, with intricate stonework that is a testament to the artist's skill. The story is told from two different perspectives, each adding to the richness of the plot.

The first perspective follows Mikira, the daughter of an enchanted horse breeder, who is struggling to keep her father's ranch afloat after her mother's death. She secretly participates in underground horse races to help make ends meet. However, her father's illegal enchanting activities are discovered, and he is taken into indentured servitude by the local lord. Mikira makes a deal to win the Illinir horse race without the use of an enchanted horse to free her father. If she loses, her father loses everything.

The second perspective follows Arielle, an illegal enchanter who creates golems using forbidden magic. Her golems are so realistic that they are often mistaken for real animals. However, she struggles with a dark secret that she is still trying to unravel. Damian Adair, the Lord of the Adair house, brings these two women together to help him achieve his goal of becoming one of the ruling houses of the kingdom. He uses them to his advantage, manipulating them without their knowledge. Reid, Damian's dark-haired, tattooed, and pierced friend, adds to the intrigue and suspense of the story.

The tale is full of excitement, including thrilling horse races, murder, deception, enchantments, betrayal, hope, sadness, and a hint of romance. The narrators of the story do an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, weaving together their unique personalities and emotions. Overall, "This Dark Descent" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted and exciting story.

What an insane and intriguing story. It was giving Hunger Games vibes throughout with the political intrigue moves.
I just couldn't stay focused or connect with the characters. I love an ensemble cast, but I think these were all introduced too quickly back to back to back and it was hard to get enough time with any of them to feel any sort of connection, and in fact I sometimes forgot who was who.
I will still read the second book and see how that goes.

This Dark Descent follows Ari and Mikira as they navigate a world of political intrigue and magic. Mikira is involved in the world of horse racing, born to a famous racer and growing up raising enchanted racing horses Mikira has always wanted to race in and win Illinir, When she is forced into a bargain with a noble forcing her to compete in the Illinir without a enchanted horse she ends up striking a deal with Damien, a noble bent on destroying the one Mikira has made her bet with. In order to stand a chance Damien seeks out Arielle, Ari for short, a under ground and illegal enchanter to create for Mikira an enchanted horse that can’t be traced my normal means, In exchange he promises to make her a legal enchanter.

There’s a lot of things I really loved about this book, and some I didn’t really like. To start off with the negative I think the more political elements of the world building where on the weak side and some of the characters felt flat, along with things happening near the conclusion being done in a way that I think was overly dramatic and distracted from the overall story. On the subject of things I loved, the world building surrounding the Kinnish people and their magic was really well done and I loved it, along with the Demisexual rep and the bi rep being a positive to the story. I’m really interested to see where the story goes from the end of this book and look forward to more in the series.

Told in alternating voices of Mikira and Arielle, this fantasy adventure falls flat. Mikira comes from a horse breeding family that has fallen on hard times financially, so she feels pressured into taking a deal to save her father. This deal shouldn’t be that hard, it just means she has to win a horse race. Unfortunately, it’s the hardest horse race to win, and even though Mikira is an exceptional jockey, her odds at winning are slim. There are magical elements throughout the story, as well as spies, blackmail, class differences, and folklore. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to the hype in the description. I ultimately finished this book but found it really hard to get into and form attachments to any of the characters.

High stakes - wagers to save a loved one, oneself, the line of succession. The plot centres around all of these things with the outcome of a series of horse races being the deciding factor. These were compellingly written - I especially liked the final sequence. You felt like you were out riding with Mikira. There are few characters in this book without something to gain - or lose. There was romance, angst (I really need something to happen between Mikira and Reid in the next book), betrayal (family and friends), murder… you name it. The magic system was interesting - the ability to enchant magic- it includes some forbidden magic. Arielle starts off small, but is growing into someone quite powerful and fearsome. I am quite curious as to how her character will further develop. Damien is our morally grey love interest. All of the character arcs are well set up for the continuation of this series and I am quite intrigued to see what happens next.
The narrators of the audiobook did a very good job portraying the characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an audio-arc of this book. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

"Steeped in Jewish folklore" is correct! Reminiscent of Scorpio Races and Six of Crows, This Dark Descent grabs it's readers and doesn't let go until the final page.

Dual POV following the two FMCs, Mikira and Arielle, provides the dimension this story needs filled with romance, high stakes horse racing, and unbelievable magic. Mikira is racing to win both her father and family's freedom from one of the noble family's that has plagued their lives for years. Arielle helps Kira to win her freedom from fear as an unlicensed enchanter. Damien Adair--of one of the lesser noble families--plans to help both for his own mysterious reasons.

I can definitely see This Dark Descent becoming the next trending book! It's a thrilling tale that delivers so much more than an epic journey to the finish line. Josephson brings to light in this fantasy world the struggles and hate that many Jewish peoples face for no other reason than their culture and religion. Their is also the addressing of female's taking back power in a world run by men and the elite. Overall, This Dark Descent is an epic tale and I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store for us!

**Thank you Netgalley for providing an eARC.**

As an avid audiobook consumer and an audiobook narrator myself, I hate what I'm about to say: I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I'd read a physical copy. I felt like the narrators were both very flat with their delivery. No matter what was going on, whether it was travel, general observation, or an actual fight, the delivery was the same. Arielle's narrator improved in the second half of the book, but Mikira's narrator did not. It really impacted my ability to connect with the book and the characters.

This book is very nuanced, and the plot is deceivingly intricate. I really enjoyed the storyline, and I really hated Mikira. She was driven by very black and white thinking and never stopped to consider maybe there's more to the story than the very first conclusion she came to. This caused a lot of conflict in the plot. Her love triangle (I guess?) was also odd. There was no real chemistry between her and either of the other two characters, but her inner dialogue madenit sound like it existed. I just really wasn't interested in her parts of the story. That's fine, though. I don't have to like every character. In contrast, I loved Arielle. The story surrounding her was complex, her character development was a ton of fun, and she's whip smart. That girl is going places and I'd love to read the next book to find out where.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review.