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alexandra_kat 's review for:
Katabasis
by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received a proof copy of this book, and as it’s not out for another few months there are no spoilers here!
Katabasis follows two PhD students at Cambridge in the 80s who travel into Hell to save the soul of their dissertation supervisor. Already, this seems a lot lighter than many of R. F. Kuang’s previous novels, and I would say that it is, especially in comparison to the bleakness of her Poppy War trilogy, but it is by no means lighter in page count. Honestly, this book is still fairly dark despite its hints of romance (any romance/romantasy readers will be disappointed by this one, I think, if that’s what you’re expecting), as there is a decent amount of blood and violence and generally dark themes. They are in Hell, after all. Kuang really loves a complex protagonist, and Alice is just another example. My favourite character was Peter, but I do think that the relationship between him and Alice was not really developed enough considering the size of this book, and the way it’s been marketed, in my opinion. I just wanted a bit more of their years at Cambridge together!
I did still very much enjoy this, and though it’s not my favourite of Kuang’s, I think I’ll definitely read this again and will recommend to others - especially anyone who is a bit afraid of reading her darker stuff.
Katabasis follows two PhD students at Cambridge in the 80s who travel into Hell to save the soul of their dissertation supervisor. Already, this seems a lot lighter than many of R. F. Kuang’s previous novels, and I would say that it is, especially in comparison to the bleakness of her Poppy War trilogy, but it is by no means lighter in page count. Honestly, this book is still fairly dark despite its hints of romance (any romance/romantasy readers will be disappointed by this one, I think, if that’s what you’re expecting), as there is a decent amount of blood and violence and generally dark themes. They are in Hell, after all. Kuang really loves a complex protagonist, and Alice is just another example. My favourite character was Peter, but I do think that the relationship between him and Alice was not really developed enough considering the size of this book, and the way it’s been marketed, in my opinion. I just wanted a bit more of their years at Cambridge together!
I did still very much enjoy this, and though it’s not my favourite of Kuang’s, I think I’ll definitely read this again and will recommend to others - especially anyone who is a bit afraid of reading her darker stuff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Sexual harassment