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 . . .

This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson features gorgeous full colour character artwork printed on the inside cover.

Waring royal families, forbidden magic, bloodthirsty revenge and enchanted horse racing - This Dark Descent is a fast-paced, accessible YA fantasy insprired by Jewish folklore.

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 This Dark Descent and the Storm Crow duology.

Reviews
This Dark Descent runs a breathless and delightfully twisting course full of danger and heartbreak, machinations and magic. I loved it and I can't wait for more! -- Melissa Caruso, author of the Swords and Fire series
A riveting, clever Jewish fantasy that had me racing through the pages. With dangerous magic, high-stakes political intrigue, and a stunning cast of characters (and animal companions!), This Dark Descent is sure to leave readers begging for the sequel. -- Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic
Kalyn Josephson has crafted a rich world and a tightly-plotted story that kept me reading well into the night. Anchored by the emotional nuance of the two leads, this tale of horse-racing, magic, and power is not to be missed. -- Emily Lloyd-Jones, international bestselling author of The Drowned Woods
Brimming with action, political intrigue, and a touch of romance, This Dark Descent is 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
A deliciously dark and fast-paced novel that I could not put down from the minute I picked it up! Full of twists and turns you won't know who to trust. Josephson is a master at crafting gripping and intense scenes that make you feel as though you are in the middle of the action yourself. Truly an incredible story that you don't want to miss! -- Joss Diaz, Kepler's Books
A breathless exploration of the differences - and lack thereof - between monsters and men, with a glimmering romantic thread woven through secrets, lies, and hidden plots. I read it all in one sitting! -- Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of Give the Dark My Love and Night of the Witch
Josephson weaves an enchanting fantasy with lore steeped in Jewish culture, a cast of whip smart characters, and more perilous twists and turns than any race track. Hang on to your hats - This Dark Descent is a truly thrilling ride! -- Rosiee Thor, author of Fire Becomes Her
This Dark Descent transports readers into an epic world of scheming lords and those desperate enough to step into their crosshairs for a chance at survival . . . I loved it so much, I read it twice! -- Shannon Price, author of The Endless Skies and A Thousand Fires
This Dark Descent explodes out the gate like an enchanted horse in a death-defying race. A skillfully layered world, high stakes action, and dynamic character relationships rife with complex motivations and compelling backstories unite for a gripping read that kept me utterly absorbed from the first page to the last -- Nicki Pau Preto, author of the Crown of Feathers trilogy and the House of the Dead duology
An uncommonly arresting fantasy that questions the price of goodness, the cost of magic, and the depths of humanity. * Booklist, starred review *
Josephson presents . . . ever-evolving figures with interestingly complementary approaches to the world and the circumstances they find themselves in. Jewish history strongly informs the backstory of this fantasy world's people. * Publishers Weekly *
Original and engaging. * Kirkus Reviews *



Book Information
ISBN 9781035027910
Author Kalyn Josephson
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint Macmillan Children's Books
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 297g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 129mm * 28mm