Inspired by Jewish mythology, The Scorpio Races meets Peaky Blinders in this dual-POV YA fantasy by Kalyn Josephson where the daughter of a famous horse breeder, an unlicensed enchanter, and an ambitious heir must work together to win a cutthroat magical horserace. The Rusel family is famous throughout Enderlain as breeders of enchanted horses, but their prestige is no match for their rising debts. To save her family's ranch, Mikira Rusel is left with only one option: enter the Illinir, a treacherous, cross-country horse race known for its high body count as much as its enticing prize money. To have any chance of success, Mikira will have to recruit Arielle Kadar, a talented but unlicensed enchanter who creates golems in place of enchanted animals, and Damien Adair, a dashing young lord in the midst of a fierce succession battle. Both have mysterious reasons of their own to help Mikira -- as well as their own blood feuds to avenge. Steeped in Jewish folklore, This Dark Descent is a beguiling new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, and pulse-pounding action. In a world as dangerous as this, will hidden agendas and conflicting desires butcher Mikira, Ari, and Damien's chances of winning the Illinir. . . or will another rider's dagger? A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press.
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""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
"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 seriesA 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 MagicKalyn 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 WoodsBrimming 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 & ThornA 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 HerThis 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"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 WeeklyBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Kalyn Josephson is a fantasy writer living in the California Bay Area.
Laurel Lefkow is an accomplished radio actress and winner of several AudioFile Earphones Awards for audiobook narration. Her many theater credits include Look Back in Anger, Little Foxes, The Heiress, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Boy Next Door. On television she can be seen in A Class Act, Small Metal Jacket, and The Perfect Family.