Week 47 Review: This Dark Descent

From Goodreads:

Called a "fierce and darkly magical thrill ride" by acclaimed author Ava Reid, New York Times 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?

My Review:
I loved reading this book! I love her writing, and I was excited to see what this story was going to be! Th synopsis sounded really interesting, and I was excited to go along on this ride, getting to know these characters and this world! 

This book succeeded in raising my emotions. This world with the royal family, the Greater houses and the lesser houses, and the enchanters, yeah, the power structure is massively crooked and unfair. Watching people get away with bad things just because they were more powerful, it was infuriating. 

Oh, but these characters were really brought to life because of it, Mikira, who is on the verge of losing her dad as an unregistered enchanter, and the family ranch. Arielle, who had a magic that isn't allowed because of the history and the politics. They were both in precarious positions-but Damien offers the opputunity to get what they want. It's just at what cost.

The magic of this world, with the politics, and the Illinir, it all came together in a captivating story! As events progressed, I was on the edge of my seat, I had to know how it was going to play out, all the politics and moves were detailed and intricate and so interesting to watch unfold! That ending though? I'm glad I can go straight into book 2, because I need to know what's going to happen next1 

Loved reading this book and I can't wait to read the sequel! 

Author: Kalyn Josephson
Series: This Dark Descent #1 
Read: November 20th, 2024
Source: Ebook.bike 
Reason Why: Love her writing, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2024 Book! 
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Published: September 26th 2023

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars