Katabasis is a brilliant, incisive, and hauntingly beautiful novel that defies easy categorization. R.F. Kuang, known for her sharp social commentary and masterful storytelling, delivers a tale that is equal parts dark academia, magical adventure, and searing critique of power structures. While some readers might come to this book expecting a sweeping love story set in Hell, what they’ll find instead is a deeply layered exploration of ambition, abuse, and the cost of success in the cutthroat world of academia—with a touch of romance that feels earned and poignant rather than central.

Kuang’s portrayal of Hell is both imaginative and symbolic, serving as a mirror to the oppressive systems of academia. The parallels between the underworld and the ivory tower are impossible to miss, and Kuang’s critique of power imbalances and exploitation. Her writing is both lyrical and unflinching, weaving together themes of ambition, trauma, and resilience with a deft hand.

If you’re looking for a straightforward romance, this might not be the book for you. But if you’re ready for a thought-provoking, emotionally resonant journey through Hell, both literal and metaphorical, Katabasis is a masterpiece. Kuang has once again proven herself to be one of the most daring and insightful voices in contemporary fantasy. This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

What does Hell look like? The answer varies on whom you ask. R.F. Kuang brilliantly weaves together different interpretations of Hell—from various religious texts and philosophical travelogues across cultures, Eastern and Western, to even students’ claims that academia itself is hellish—in a creative and fascinating way that scratched a part of my brain.

Overall, I had a fantastic time reading my sixth R.F. Kuang book. While it delves deeply into philosophy, logic, and maths, the action-packed scenes and the characters kept me engaged. At its heart, this book is really about finding your identity and what truly matters in life. If you strip away all your accolades, your genius, the recognition and praise from your professors, who are you? Ultimately, my takeaway is that I truly am not made for grad school, and if I ever do go, I hope to find an advisor I wouldn’t have to follow to Hell just to get a recommendation letter.

Katabasis won’t be for everyone, but I’m confident that it will deeply resonate with some readers, becoming their new favorite book. I can’t wait to read the final version in August!

Full review on my Instagram, Goodreads, and Storygraph.

A big thank you to Harper Collins International for sending a digital galley my way. As always, all thoughts are my own.

Froom start to finish, this story sucked me in. I honestly couldn't put it down for the few days I was off work. I've never been disappointed in Kuang, and this was no exception, It definitely gave me The Magicians-vibe at first, but quickly developed its own lifeform as the story progressed.