Quick Dispatch & Fast Delivery
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang
$16.50
Binding: Paperback
Language: English
Reader’s Age: Adults 18+ (suitable for mature teens 16+)
Ships Within: 5–10 Business Days
Author: R.F. Kuang
Release Date: June 2, 2026
Genre: Fiction
Delivery Time
-
USPS Courier delivery (Delivery within USA)
USPS courier will deliver the books safely at your door Step
4-5 Days
-
Standard delivery (Delivery Outside US)
Our courier will deliver books safely at your door step.
8-10 Days
-
Free 30-Day returns
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang: A Gripping Dark Academia Fantasy Where Two Students Journey Into Hell
About the Book
Katabasis is a bold, one-of-a-kind fantasy novel that blends the dark humor of academic life with the ancient myth of descending into the underworld. R.F. Kuang turns graduate school into a literal Hell, and the result is a story that is funny, terrifying, and surprisingly moving all at once.
From the Back Cover
“Dante’s Inferno meets Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi” in this unforgettable dark academia fantasy. Two rival students. One dead professor. And a descent into Hell that neither of them planned for.
About the Author
R.F. Kuang is the No. 1 New York Times and No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Poppy War trilogy, Babel, and Yellowface. Her work has earned the Nebula, Locus, Crawford, and British Book Awards. A Marshall Scholar, she holds degrees from Cambridge and Oxford and is currently pursuing her PhD at Yale University. She is one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary fantasy fiction.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is perfect for readers who love dark academia, literary fantasy, and stories that challenge big ideas. If you enjoyed Babel, The Atlas Six, or the works of Naomi Novik, Katabasis is your next must-read. It is also a great pick for anyone who has ever felt consumed, crushed, or deeply transformed by the pursuit of knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Katabasis a sequel to Babel by R.F. Kuang? No, Katabasis is a completely standalone novel. You do not need to have read Babel or any of Kuang’s previous books to enjoy it. That said, fans of Babel will love the similar dark academia atmosphere and literary depth.
Q: What genre is Katabasis? Katabasis is a dark academia fantasy novel. It blends elements of literary fiction, myth, philosophy, and magic into a story set across a Cambridge university and a hellish underworld. It is ideal for adult readers who enjoy smart, character-driven fantasy with a touch of dark humor.
Q: Is Katabasis suitable for teen readers? Katabasis is primarily written for adult readers aged 18 and above. Mature teens aged 16 and up who enjoy complex, literary fantasy may also find it rewarding. Parents may wish to preview the book first, as it deals with themes of death, obsession, and moral ambiguity.
Q: Why is Katabasis so popular in 2025? Katabasis debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller list, the USA Today Bestseller list, and the Official UK Top 50 upon release. It received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal, and was the No. 1 pick on the American Booksellers Association Indie Next List. Its unique mix of academic satire, magical adventure, and emotional depth made it one of the most talked-about books of the year.
| Weight | 453.59237 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.4874 × 3.556 × 20.32 cm |
Alice Law has devoted her entire life to becoming the greatest mind in the field of Magick. She sacrificed everything to study under Professor Jacob Grimes at Cambridge. Then, in a terrible accident that may be her fault, Grimes dies and his soul is swept into Hell. With no other option, Alice teams up with her academic rival, Peter Murdoch, and the two must journey through a terrifying underworld that looks a lot like the campus they left behind. Each level of Hell mirrors a different nightmare of academia, from brutal thesis defenses to crushing office politics. The stakes could not be higher: save their professor, or lose their own souls in the process.
Reviews
Clear filtersThere are no reviews yet.