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Down and Dust
John’s job became much easier when he started telling himself he probably wasn’t human anymore.
John used to be Malachy Secundus Valerio de Nyuskom, a prince who only wanted to play piano, travel around, and be home for summer. Everything changed when he woke up cursed—his right arm completely transformed—and his future no longer certain.
Nowadays, he's something not-quite-human doing important work as a handyman of a kind. Magic accompanies John. It loves stories, and it loves watching the way light and dark play.
It's been ten years since the last time John’s seen his friend Cyrus Cooper, and magic is finally telling him it's time to stop by for a visit.
John used to be Malachy Secundus Valerio de Nyuskom, a prince who only wanted to play piano, travel around, and be home for summer. Everything changed when he woke up cursed—his right arm completely transformed—and his future no longer certain.
Nowadays, he's something not-quite-human doing important work as a handyman of a kind. Magic accompanies John. It loves stories, and it loves watching the way light and dark play.
It's been ten years since the last time John’s seen his friend Cyrus Cooper, and magic is finally telling him it's time to stop by for a visit.
362 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2025
4 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 28, 2025
Down and Dust is hands-down one of the best books I've read in the past 5 years. It's already difficult to write book reviews, even more so when you love every line and have only positive things to say.
From the characterization to the underlying themes/allusions within... A.M. McCray is a literary genius. The prose is refreshingly direct, yet somehow elevated (not sure how she did that—I'm still in awe). John's character arc takes you through his story (present) and back into the past with epistolary sections, weaving two arcs together in a satisfying way. Did I mention that the pacing is impeccable? The way he's written makes his experience heartbreaking, visceral, and healing, wrapped up in a neat package.
Don't even get me started on the other characters. A.M. McCray has found a way to give each character depth and make them fully realized (even when this isn't their story). I can't wait to read what comes next in this series!
Something (everything) about this story is simultaneously relatable and gut-wrenching. I cried nearly every chapter and experienced the messiness of my own grief in ways I didn't expect. If you've ever felt othered or alone in your life, this is the book for you.
Pick it up just to try it, and I promise you won't be able to put it down. I wish I could give it 10 stars.
From the characterization to the underlying themes/allusions within... A.M. McCray is a literary genius. The prose is refreshingly direct, yet somehow elevated (not sure how she did that—I'm still in awe). John's character arc takes you through his story (present) and back into the past with epistolary sections, weaving two arcs together in a satisfying way. Did I mention that the pacing is impeccable? The way he's written makes his experience heartbreaking, visceral, and healing, wrapped up in a neat package.
Don't even get me started on the other characters. A.M. McCray has found a way to give each character depth and make them fully realized (even when this isn't their story). I can't wait to read what comes next in this series!
Something (everything) about this story is simultaneously relatable and gut-wrenching. I cried nearly every chapter and experienced the messiness of my own grief in ways I didn't expect. If you've ever felt othered or alone in your life, this is the book for you.
Pick it up just to try it, and I promise you won't be able to put it down. I wish I could give it 10 stars.
November 27, 2025
Relatable. Refreshing. Raw.
‘Down and Dust’ is a rich, intense read.
From the beginning, the story is full of mystery and intrigue. The epistolary sections add a very meaningful background of John. His journey from a prince to John, just John—a plain man—is heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hopeful. Combined with the chapters, the letters and journal entries provide a puzzle that satisfyingly falls into place.
It is a cozy read that made me sob almost every single chapter, and when it didn’t, it made me laugh! Every character is incredibly authentic and memorable. I felt as if I was part of the magic, sitting on the sofa inside the house of Cyrus Cooper quietly, anxiously watching the story unfold.
AM McCray writes with intention and skill. ‘Down and Dust’ feels like a classic, while being digestible for the modern reader. I loved that I never knew where the story was going to take me next!
I cannot wait to read your future work!
‘Down and Dust’ is a rich, intense read.
From the beginning, the story is full of mystery and intrigue. The epistolary sections add a very meaningful background of John. His journey from a prince to John, just John—a plain man—is heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hopeful. Combined with the chapters, the letters and journal entries provide a puzzle that satisfyingly falls into place.
It is a cozy read that made me sob almost every single chapter, and when it didn’t, it made me laugh! Every character is incredibly authentic and memorable. I felt as if I was part of the magic, sitting on the sofa inside the house of Cyrus Cooper quietly, anxiously watching the story unfold.
AM McCray writes with intention and skill. ‘Down and Dust’ feels like a classic, while being digestible for the modern reader. I loved that I never knew where the story was going to take me next!
I cannot wait to read your future work!
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November 16, 2025Down and Dust is an interesting blend of literary fiction and fantasy about a young man whose life is forever changed by an accident that leaves him differently abled.
This story feels more like magical realism than genre fantasy. However, magical realism requires that magic be a force beyond the control of the main characters. And that is not the case here.
John’s life is touched by magic in a way that causes him to lose everything. He’s forced to move to America to start over. It is on this voyage that John discovers himself, his people, and his purpose.
There are no dragons in this book. Nor are there any shadow daddies. Nobody goes to murder school and nobody saves the world.
In true literary fiction fashion, John’s character grows out of his struggles. This fantasy, however, happens in a world that has more in common with John Steinbeck than it does with Rebecca Yarros.
This story feels more like magical realism than genre fantasy. However, magical realism requires that magic be a force beyond the control of the main characters. And that is not the case here.
John’s life is touched by magic in a way that causes him to lose everything. He’s forced to move to America to start over. It is on this voyage that John discovers himself, his people, and his purpose.
There are no dragons in this book. Nor are there any shadow daddies. Nobody goes to murder school and nobody saves the world.
In true literary fiction fashion, John’s character grows out of his struggles. This fantasy, however, happens in a world that has more in common with John Steinbeck than it does with Rebecca Yarros.
October 3, 2025
This book is nothing short of a masterpiece.
A. M. McCray’s storytelling left me absolutely awestruck, her prose is stunning, and the plot feels refreshingly original. John is a main character unlike any I’ve encountered before (and yes, I’ll admit I have a bit of a crush on him). Every character leaps off the page, written with such depth and realism that they feel like real people. The story takes unexpected turns that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Down and Dust has quickly become one of my all-time favorite reads, and A. M. McCray has earned a permanent place among my favorite authors.
A. M. McCray’s storytelling left me absolutely awestruck, her prose is stunning, and the plot feels refreshingly original. John is a main character unlike any I’ve encountered before (and yes, I’ll admit I have a bit of a crush on him). Every character leaps off the page, written with such depth and realism that they feel like real people. The story takes unexpected turns that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Down and Dust has quickly become one of my all-time favorite reads, and A. M. McCray has earned a permanent place among my favorite authors.
September 15, 2025
I was really lucky to beta read this amazing book, thank you to Ariel for giving me this opportunity.
Down and Dust is a beautiful book, set in a magical world with wholesome characters.
I loved this book from start to finish, the plot twists, the ending - just all of it! I didn’t want to put it down.
Oh andJohn & Cyrus’ relationship is so lovely, I couldn’t get enough of them both, they’re so sweet.
Down and Dust is a beautiful book, set in a magical world with wholesome characters.
I loved this book from start to finish, the plot twists, the ending - just all of it! I didn’t want to put it down.
Oh andJohn & Cyrus’ relationship is so lovely, I couldn’t get enough of them both, they’re so sweet.
October 10, 2025
Reading this story was enchanting. It is a love story of Kindness for others and of oneself while embracing personal challenges of life. The Tale is written in a mythic/fairytale way that keeps you going back to find the next bit of magic in the story!Down and Dust
November 16, 2025
Down and Dust is so beautifully woven together with the perfect balance of wholesome and silly! The protagonist surprised me with his depth and his arc felt inspiring!
It is such an interesting and fun blend of literary classics with fantasy.
What a beautiful story with a needed message.
I've added this book to my collection of comforting books
It is such an interesting and fun blend of literary classics with fantasy.
What a beautiful story with a needed message.
I've added this book to my collection of comforting books
December 9, 2025
I took forever to finish this book because I didn’t want it to end. I have fallen in love with every character. This is a book for everyone who is a bit odd. It’s not a sad book, but I cried reading it. It’s comforting, but also devastating. I can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews