Embark on an enthralling descent into the underworld with R.F. Kuang’s “Katabasis,” a dark fantasy that reimagines the realms of academia and ambition. Against the gothic backdrop of Cambridge, rival graduate students Alice Law and Peter Murdoch must navigate the treacherous depths of Hell to rescue their mentor, Professor Jacob Grimes. Uncover the chilling secrets of scholarly rivalry and fallibility as these two unlikely allies confront their demons, both literal and metaphorical. Driven by guilt and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, Alice and Peter must decipher cryptic maps, combat fears, and face the ghosts of academia’s past. In a gripping tale inspired by Kuang’s own academic experiences, “Katabasis” delves into the price of ambition and the power of redemption. Join Alice and Peter on a journey where magick and reality blur in a quest for enlightenment—or is it just madness? Don’t miss out on this captivating story that proves academia can truly be hell!
