I wanted to love this book. I have enjoyed all of this author previous series. I loved how this book had loose elements of mytholgoy and religon. I just don't think this was a laura book. I struggled with the war time like setting. I think the pacing of this book was odd and as much as i liked the characters, it was hard to feel connected to them. I may give book 2 shot. ( )

I wanted to love this book. I have enjoyed all of this author previous series. I loved how this book had loose elements of mytholgoy and religon. I just don't think this was a laura book. I struggled with the war time like setting. I think the pacing of this book was odd and as much as i liked the characters, it was hard to feel connected to them. I may give book 2 shot. ( )

"Steeped in Jewish folklore" is correct! Reminiscent of Scorpio Races and Six of Crows, This Dark Descent grabs it's readers and doesn't let go until the final page.

Dual POV following the two FMCs, Mikira and Arielle, provides the dimension this story needs filled with romance, high stakes horse racing, and unbelievable magic. Mikira is racing to win both her father and family's freedom from one of the noble families that has plagued their lives for years. Arielle helps Kira to win her freedom from fear as an unlicensed enchanter. Damien Adair--of one of the lesser noble families--plans to help both for his own mysterious reasons.

I can definitely see This Dark Descent becoming the next trending book! It's a thrilling tale that delivers so much more than an epic journey to the finish line. Josephson brings to light in this fantasy world the struggles and hate that many Jewish peoples face for no other reason than their culture and religion. There is also the addressing of female's taking back power in a world run by men and the elite. Overall, This Dark Descent is an epic tale and I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store for us! ( )

Evil meets determination and friendship is a quick description of what lies between the covers of this book. Mikira is fiercely loyal, first to her family, but as the story moves along, to her benefactor, his assistant, and Arielle an illicit enchanter who is enlisted under questionable circumstances to create a horse capable of winning without any magic being detected. There's plenty of suspense, treachery and secrets wrapped around the four very exciting races that comprise the Illinir. Mikira must deal with treachery, loss, conflicted feelings, and revelations that are painful as she fights her way to the conclusion of this tale. That ending is a bit puzzling, hinting at something more coming in the future. ( )