This Dark Descent captured my attention when I read the synopsis and it was filled with horse races, Jewish mythology, and what I felt would be a strong found family plot line. I wasn't disappointed with the majority of my expectations.
Within the synopsis, the Illinir is described as "... a treacherous horserace whose riders either finish maimed or murdered. Yet each year, competitors return, tempted by its alluring prize money and unparalleled prestige." Due to this description, I thought it would be more center stage than it was. This is difficult for me to describe because the Illinir was very much a focal point of the story, but each of the races only lasted about a chapter. To some, this would be a good thing, but to me it didn't give the races the rich descriptions they deserved. I wanted them to stretch longer so that, as a reader, I would be more invested and worried about Mikira's fate during them. Yes, they were challenging, but then they were over. I only had one other main critique- while I understood the development of a romantic relationship between two of the characters, the other relationship felt a tad forced. It definitely could have grown into something, but not at the moment one of the characters noted it, in my opinion.
Critiques aside, the last 30% of this book was WILD. I didn't know which way was up or which way was down. I didn't know who to trust, who I liked, or what was going to happen to my beloved characters at the end. Which is to say- Josephson did a wonderful job creating these characters. So much so, I was SO WORRIED about them toward the end. I felt like I was in this world, piecing together all the background information that I'd had all along but didn't link. It was genius. I absolutely recommend this book. It's exciting, dark, treacherous, romantic-- it has so many elements I adore.
A note- the first 70% of this book was very enjoyable as well. We get to see these seemingly unrelated characters come together and build friendships, a mismatched family. There was a good balance of bad people doing bad things, good people doing bad things, bad people doing good things, and good people doing good things. It made the world and characters feel that much more real. Josephson's magic system was perfect. The character development, especially Ari's, was top tier.
The ending ripped my heart out and I can't wait to read the next book!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Comments