This Dark Descent

Called a "fierce and darkly magical thrill ride" by acclaimed author Ava Reid, NYT bestselling Kalyn Josephson delivers a spellbinding fantasy full of intrigue, romance, and pulse-pounding action, perfect for fans of The Shadows Between Us and The Scorpio Races.

Every ten years, the citizens of Veradell gather for the Illinir, a treacherous horse race famous for its alluring prize money and high body count. Tough-as-nails Mikira Rusel, the last in a line of renowned horse breeders, is desperate to win this year's race at any cost. But to make it to the track, she'll need to gather new friends and escape the crosshairs of old foes . . .

A beautiful rogue enchanter with a hidden past just beginning to come into her true power.
A dashing and ambitious young lord in the midst of a fierce succession battle.
A brilliant, prickly loner loyal only to his friends, and his loveable but mysterious pet cat.
A ruthless aristocrat determined to protect his family's prestige -- and unrivaled power.

Each one has their own vengeful secrets to protect and reasons to help -- or hinder -- Mikira's odds of winning the Illinir. And in a world as dangerous as this, who among them will be left standing at the finish line?

Author: Kalyn Josephson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: 09/26/2023
Pages: 400
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.22lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.35w x 1.41d
ISBN: 9781250812360

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/24/2023
Booklist 08/01/2023 pg. 70
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2023
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2023
School Library Journal 02/23/2024 pg. 1

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 New York Times-bestselling author of the Storm Crow duology as well as the middle-grade series, Ravenfall.