Our Deadly Designs

by Kalyn Josephson

Overview

The Shadows Between Us meets The Scorpio Races in the epic conclusion to NYT bestselling Kalyn Josephson's This Dark Descent, called "a fierce and darkly magical thrill ride" by acclaimed author Ava Reid.

The Illinir may be over, but the race for Enderlain’s future has just begun. The hunt for the old king’s lost heir is on, and the first to find them will win the throne.

Mikira has allied herself with the rebels in pursuit of the heir, but the deeper her search takes her, the closer she gets to the royal family's wicked past.

Ari is struggling to control her own growing power as she grapples with a dark secret that may be her undoing ― and the truth behind Damien's greatest foe.

Damien, the new head of House Adair, joins the race to find the royal successor and secure the crown. But as his influence at court grows, so do his paranoia and hunger for power.

Reid is trying his best to stay true to the friend who's always had his loyalty ― and the flame who has his heart ― while trapped in a web of chaos and lies.

All the while, a darker force is festering in Enderlain’s underbelly. Mikira, Ari, Damien, and Reid will need to find a way back to one another ― and themselves ― before the kingdom is torn apart. Hearts will be broken and new bonds will be forged in this explosive finale to This Dark Descent, where spellbinding fantasy meets Jewish mythology in a cut-throat race for the throne ― and humanity's survival.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250812384
Publisher:	Roaring Brook Press
Publication date:	11/12/2024
Series:	A This Dark Descent Novel
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.40(d)
Age Range:	14 - 18 Years

About the Author

Kalyn Josephson is a New York Times-bestselling author who works as a technical writer in the tech industry, which leaves room for too many bad puns about technically being a writer. She grew up in San Luis Obispo, California, and graduated from Santa Clara University with degrees in biology and creative writing. Currently, she lives in the Bay Area with two black cats (who are more like a tiny dragon and an even tinier owl). She is the author of the Storm Crow duology as well as the middle grade series Ravenfall.

Editorial Reviews

2024-09-14
This fantastical sequel toThis Dark Descent (2023) continues to explore intrigues in Enderlain.

Arielle, Mikira, Reid, and Damien navigate the kingdom’s complicated politics while dealing with their own strained relationships and discovering the true history and power of forbidden Kinnish magic. Mikira and her famed golem horse, Atara, join her old friend and rebel, Talyana. The two girls conspire with the Enderlain resistance to gain control of their kingdom and return power to the people. Arielle remains with Damien, but their relationship soon becomes contentious due to secrets and betrayals. Reid, ever the pacifist, is caught in the middle. Now that Arielle knows that the immense power she wields isn’t from her Racari, or book of magic, but rather from being possessed by a Heretic (one of the “enchanters who caused the Cataclysm”), she endeavors to rid herself of the spirit at any cost. Written in alternating points of view that follow the third-person perspectives of Arielle, Damien, and Mikira, this story picks up directly from the end of its predecessor. Unfortunately, the busy plot is somewhat confusing, and the many secondary characters and tangled relationships are difficult to keep straight. That said, the narrative eventually arrives at a satisfying conclusion that’s sure to please readers who enjoyed the earlier entry. The central cast members are described as having light or olive skin.

A high-fantasy duology closer that’s lovingly steeped in Jewish folklore and is sure to satisfy returning fans. (family trees)(Fantasy. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews

"A high-fantasy duology closer that’s lovingly steeped in Jewish folklore and is sure to satisfy returning fans." — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher