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darcerenity 's review for:
Katabasis
by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 stars. I did not want to put this book down, that's really the bottom line, and it was fascinating, incredibly erudite, and well-written.
The beginning third was 5 stars, but at some point, the satire (which was really brilliant!) more or less dissolved and there was a lot of reflection on suicidal impulses versus the impetus to live. Fitting perhaps, but (to me) it felt a little... overwrought? Maybe? (As an aside I did really like the homage to Dante's suicide trees, which have always fascinated me.)
Secondly, and this really is just me and my preferences, I do not like the descriptions of graphic violence against cats. AT ALL. I wasn't thrilled with the cooking and eating of rats, either, but that was just gross, not upsetting.
The beginning third was 5 stars, but at some point, the satire (which was really brilliant!) more or less dissolved and there was a lot of reflection on suicidal impulses versus the impetus to live. Fitting perhaps, but (to me) it felt a little... overwrought? Maybe? (As an aside I did really like the homage to Dante's suicide trees, which have always fascinated me.)
Secondly, and this really is just me and my preferences, I do not like the descriptions of graphic violence against cats. AT ALL. I wasn't thrilled with the cooking and eating of rats, either, but that was just gross, not upsetting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Medical content, Sexual harassment