This Dark Descent

This Dark Descent is a young adult fantasy novel that plunges readers into the high-stakes world of the Illinir, a treacherous magical horse race. Mikira Rusel, the last in a line of renowned horse breeders, is desperate to win to save her family's ranch. She forms an uneasy alliance with Ari, a black-market enchanter, and Damien Adair, a lord embroiled in a succession battle, all of whom have their own hidden motives and vengeful pasts. The narrative is rich with Jewish folklore, offering a unique magical system involving enchanted horses and golems. Parents should be aware of the prominent themes of violence, character death, and moral ambiguity, as the race is known for its 'high body count' and characters face constant peril. It's a fast-paced, suspenseful read perfect for teens who enjoy complex characters and gritty fantasy.

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?