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A review by obscurepages
This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT WTF WTF ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚
I've only read middle grade from Kalyn Josephson, so while I was expecting something good, I also didn't know much yet about their writing style in YA. But wow wow wow wow.
<b>The world-building was complex and enchanting, the characters were all compelling, the political intrigue was just suspenseful, the plot was carefully woven and definitely stress-inducing </b> ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚ I was actually a little afraid I wouldn't really connect to this book because it's about horse-racing. But damn, how wrong was I. Because this was more than just horse-racing. It was about the bad and ugly sides of humanity, the immense power that the elites hold, about our own desires, and coming to terms with our own power and growing in confidence. <b> This was just brilliant, riveting, and breathtaking. </b>
(I also just loved seeing aroace/demi rep, as well as bi rep from the two main characters 🥹)
This took me in a rollercoaster ride I never really expected, and for that, this book is one of my favorites this year ðŸ˜
Full review in my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
I've only read middle grade from Kalyn Josephson, so while I was expecting something good, I also didn't know much yet about their writing style in YA. But wow wow wow wow.
<b>The world-building was complex and enchanting, the characters were all compelling, the political intrigue was just suspenseful, the plot was carefully woven and definitely stress-inducing </b> ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚ I was actually a little afraid I wouldn't really connect to this book because it's about horse-racing. But damn, how wrong was I. Because this was more than just horse-racing. It was about the bad and ugly sides of humanity, the immense power that the elites hold, about our own desires, and coming to terms with our own power and growing in confidence. <b> This was just brilliant, riveting, and breathtaking. </b>
(I also just loved seeing aroace/demi rep, as well as bi rep from the two main characters 🥹)
This took me in a rollercoaster ride I never really expected, and for that, this book is one of my favorites this year ðŸ˜
Full review in my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, War, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Blood, Death of parent, Antisemitism, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Moderate: Sexual content, Bullying, and Grief