The Final Descent

by Richard Yancey

First published 2014

Will Henry has survived fourteen years as apprentice to the monstrumologist Dr. Pellinor Warthrop. He has stared death in the face multiple times and gazed into hell itself. Through every terror, Warthrop stood beside him. Now the doctor suspects Will's loyalty is wavering. In a burst of rage, Warthrop abandons his young apprentice, determined to win back his complete devotion. Will must confront one of the most terrible creatures in his monstrumology experience without his mentor's guidance. In the underground chambers of the Monstrumarium, over the span of a single day, both Will's survival and Warthrop's fate will be determined. The monster they encounter surpasses anything from their previous cases. Will faces not only this physical threat but the emotional devastation of his mentor's betrayal. The bond between teacher and student fractures at the moment Will needs support most.

Genres: mystery, fantasy, horror, young-adult

Vibes: dark, emotional, suspenseful

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, mentor-protege

Setting: Monstrumarium

Period: 19th-century

310 pages · Paperback · Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Content warnings: body-horror, graphic-violence

More by Richard Yancey

Readers who liked The Final Descent also liked

View on Siftivo