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lovesagespages 's review for:
Katabasis
by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think that this was a little heavy handed in its messaging, the characters being the worst kind of pretentious people in academia you could possibly imagine, but generally they conveyed the narrative very clearly despite their flawed thought processes.
The magic system was cool and interesting, but I found myself wishing for more of the mythology and world building within itself and less… suffering lol.
But like that’s the point of the book, is the suffering. To come back out of hell grateful for the opportunity to live. This is a love letter to what it’s like to survive trauma and as someone who has survived lots of trauma, this hit it many places.
I just wish there was a little TINY ITTY BIT more of a wrap up. A conclusion to their story beyond just “they escape hell the end”. I wanted more consequences, more reveling in the lesson learned.
Also this book was exhausting to read. I’m unsure if it was my copy with the bright white sprayed edges, or if it was just the plot but damn I am so tired from reading this.
The magic system was cool and interesting, but I found myself wishing for more of the mythology and world building within itself and less… suffering lol.
But like that’s the point of the book, is the suffering. To come back out of hell grateful for the opportunity to live. This is a love letter to what it’s like to survive trauma and as someone who has survived lots of trauma, this hit it many places.
I just wish there was a little TINY ITTY BIT more of a wrap up. A conclusion to their story beyond just “they escape hell the end”. I wanted more consequences, more reveling in the lesson learned.
Also this book was exhausting to read. I’m unsure if it was my copy with the bright white sprayed edges, or if it was just the plot but damn I am so tired from reading this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Vomit