Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Book Description

Alice Law has only ever had one goal: to become one of the brightest minds in the field of Magick. She has sacrificed everything to make that a reality: her pride, her health, her love life, and most definitely her sanity. All to work with Professor Jacob Grimes at Cambridge, the greatest magician in the world.

That is, until he dies in a magical accident that could possibly be her fault.

Grimes is now in Hell, and she’s going in after him. Because his recommendation could hold her very future in his now incorporeal hands, and even death is not going to stop the pursuit of her dreams…

Review

Sometimes a book doesn’t sweep you away so much as it makes you stop, think, and appreciate what it’s doing on the page. That was my experience with Katabasis by R.F. Kuang.

Kuang has a reputation for writing stories that don’t flinch. This one is no exception.

Katabasis is a complex, multi-layered story that leans heavily on myth and structure. True to its title, it’s a descent into the underworld. But it’s also an investigation of power, consequence, and transformation. Its classical hero’s journey structure, highlighted for me exactly why I prefer the Heroine’s Journey.

The pacing of Katabasis reminded me of the classics, too. It isn’t a story you race through. Instead, this chonker is one you sit with. And while that means it’s not a quick or cozy read, I found the payoff worth letting the story unfold at its own rhythm.

Some books feel like an escape, others like a confrontation. At times, Katabasis was both.

As someone with a liberal arts background, I enjoyed the Easter eggs and allusions scattered throughout the tale. You don’t need to have read them to follow the story, but catching them added an extra layer of interest. Like Kuang sprinkled breadcrumbs for readers into history, myth, and literary tradition.

Katabasis doesn’t comfort; it challenges. And while I’ll always have a soft spot for cozy fantasy, there’s something satisfying about reading a story that stretches you in a different direction.

Would I recommend Katabasis? Yes. This is a book for readers who enjoy complex structure, mythic themes, and stories that make you think as much as they make you feel. But if you’re looking for a quick escape, set it aside until you have the time to sink into it.

Content Warning

Abuse (emotional/psychological), Animal death, Blood, Classism, Death, Gore, Grief, Misogyny, Murder, Panic Attacks, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, War

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Sina Katirachi on Unsplash