This dark descent by Kalyn Josephson

When I saw that This dark descent was a pick for the ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults 2024, I was keen to read the book and I was not disappointed. Mikira Rusel is faced with a terrible dilemma. Her father has been taken away and to keep the family ranch where enchanted horses are bred, she enters the Illinir, a dangerous horserace. The odds of her winning are against her but when she meets an illicit enchanter named Arielle Kadar, Damien Adair, a lord with a mission, and Reid his horse master, she gains the assistance that she desperately needs.

Written in the voices of Mikira and Arielle, the reader is taken on an intriguing journey full of thrilling action, enchantment and romance. Mikira is a determined young woman who is focused on saving her family and their enchanted horses. She has the skill to win the Illinir and the magic that Arielle wields may give them all the revenge that they seek. The descriptions of the horse races will keep the reader glued to the page, while the evolving darkness that threatens Arielle’s magic is a page turner.

This Dark Descent is steeped in Jewish folklore, class inequalities, court intrigue, treachery and romance and is exciting reading. The dramatic ending will ensure that the sequel is picked up, and readers may be tempted like me to find other books by this author. People who enjoyed the horse races could enjoy The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, while those who like intrigue may enjoy Six of crows by Leigh Bardugo. 

Themes: Fantasy, Magic, Romance.

Pat Pledger