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Cover of Katabasis

Fantasy

Katabasis

by R.F. Kuang

3.6 out of 5, from 619 ratings from Hardcover readers

Two rival graduate students at a magical Cambridge descend into Hell to bring back their dead supervisor, whose recommendation each of them badly needs. It is a standalone mix of academic satire and underworld quest.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2025
Pace
Medium
Length
Long
Pages
541
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you like dark academia with a dry sense of humour and a mythic setting.

Skip this if you want a light or romantic read, since the tone is bleak and the characters are driven and prickly.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Death

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Animal death
  • Sexual harassment
  • Eating disorder
  • Misogyny
  • Chronic illness
  • Violence
  • Medical content
  • Sexual assault

Quick answers about Katabasis

What is Katabasis about?
Two rival graduate students at a magical Cambridge descend into Hell to bring back their dead supervisor, whose recommendation each of them badly needs. It is a standalone mix of academic satire and underworld quest.
Who should read Katabasis?
Read it if you like dark academia with a dry sense of humour and a mythic setting. Skip it if you want a light or romantic read, since the tone is bleak and the characters are driven and prickly.
How long and how fast is Katabasis?
It is a medium-paced, long read of about 541 pages, first published in 2025.
Does Katabasis have content warnings?
Content we flag: Death.
Can I borrow Katabasis for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Katabasis; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Katabasis?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Secret History, If We Were Villains.

Where to get it

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