This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson definitely delivered what was promised in the description - and then some. Being a big fan of The Storm Crow, I already knew that the writing and world building would be excellent, so that wasn’t a surprise at all. I normally prefer to read first person over third person, but I enjoyed the third person narrative, especially with the story being told in the dual POV of both Mikira and Arielle.

I liked both Kira and Ari and I loved their friendship and how it developed naturally throughout the course of the novel. If I’m being honest, I think their friendship was my favourite relationship in the book. I had heard before picking up this book that one of the main characters was on the ace spectrum and I was so excited! I am on the ace spectrum myself, and when I was reading the scene when Ari essentially told Kira that she is demi-sexual, I felt very seen and very happy to see a character on the ace spectrum represented in a YA fantasy :)

I really loved the magic system in the book, it was unique and interesting and very detailed which I love. I admittedly don’t know as much as I wish I did about Jewish folklore and mythology, but after reading this book I have definitely been inspired to do some research and further my knowledge. I loved the golems and I’m honestly desperate for Ari to be my best friend. Anyone who can create magical enchanted pets for my animal obsessed self is an instant keeper! Plus I loved Arielle’s personality too. We’d definitely be besties (even if I do question a few of the decisions she makes towards the end of the book). Mikira took me a little bit longer to warm up to, and there were honestly several moments where I wasn’t sure that I really liked her, but regardless, I was always always invested in her story and wanting to know what happens next.

Kalyn Josephson has created an intricate, dazzling and deliciously dangerous world filled intriguing characters and -perhaps even more intriguing-enchanted animals. I’m very much looking forward to seeing how their stories continue.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5 ⭐️ (rounded up)

Pub date: 28 Sep 2023

This was a brilliant and engaging read, perfectly paced with well-drawn characters. Loved the ending!!

This was a thrilling and fast paced read with grandiose descriptions and a brilliant world. The characters leapt off the page and the plot was engaging.

Really enjoyed this book. The whole story had me on the edge of my seat the whole time right until the end!

Headlines:
Four MCs to puzzle over
Mobster family feels
Power stuggles
Magical discoveries

This Dark Descent was a fast-paced fantasy world with a strong story and world building revealed at a manageable pace. This book served up four MCs in Mikira, Arielle, Reid and Damien and I can honestly say that four was not too much; it felt totally right because the author balanced their characters so well.

The story brings a competition of high stakes, with families and power at stake in the form of a magical-esque horse race. If you're not horsey, do not fear, I'm not and enjoyed that aspect. I had a real soft spot both for Iri and Atara by the end. The powerful families in this story had a feel of mobster families, with little scruples and hard fists. It made Damien rather hard to trust and I'm still rather unsure about final allegiances.

(Mi)Kira was the accomplished horse racer and Ari was a magician with special powers that I encourage you to find out more about. I was fascinated by Ari and her magic, the Jewish folklore connections to this were new to me and very intriguing. There were some gentle romances, a bunch of chemistry with different characters and LGBTQ+ characteristics.

"Where Ari was long, graceful lines, Mikira was coiled fists and scraped knuckles. She was a mouthful of glass, not a whispered sign between soft lips."

On finishing, I have totally bought into this world. That said, I am left in a difficult and needy spot. Next book, please!

Thank you to Macmillan Kids for the review copy and readalong fun.