Katabasis Hardcover – Standalone Dark Academia Fantasy Novel by R.F. Kuang

Katabasis by #1 New York Times bestselling author R.F. Kuang is a gripping standalone dark academia fantasy that blends mythology, magic, rivalry, and ambition into an unforgettable journey through Hell itself. Combining the intellectual intrigue of Babel, the atmospheric wonder of Piranesi, and the epic descent of Dante's Inferno, this highly anticipated fantasy novel explores how far people will go in pursuit of greatness.

Alice Law has spent her entire life chasing one goal.

To become one of the most brilliant magicians in the world.

Every sacrifice has been worth it. Her health. Her relationships. Her sanity. All for the chance to study under Professor Jacob Grimes at Cambridge—the most respected and powerful magician alive.

Then he dies.

And it might be her fault.

Now Professor Grimes is trapped in Hell, and Alice refuses to let death stand between her and the future she's worked so hard to achieve. His recommendation could determine everything she's sacrificed to build.

There's only one solution.

Go after him.

Unfortunately, Alice isn't the only person with that idea.

Her academic rival, Peter Murdoch, has reached the same conclusion.

Forced into an uneasy alliance, the two graduate students embark on a dangerous descent into the underworld armed with little more than magical knowledge, ancient myths, and a desperate determination to succeed.

But Hell is far more complicated than either imagined.

As they journey deeper into its terrifying landscapes, Alice and Peter discover that magic cannot solve every problem, ambition comes at a cost, and the secrets they've spent years avoiding may be more dangerous than the demons waiting below.

Dark, intelligent, and breathtakingly imaginative, Katabasis is a masterfully crafted fantasy about obsession, sacrifice, academic ambition, and the price of greatness.

Katabasis Hardcover – A Dark Academia Fantasy Descent into Hell

Perfect for readers who love dark academia, fantasy fiction, magical rivalries, mythology-inspired adventures, and morally complex characters, Katabasis delivers a richly layered story filled with suspense, magic, and unforgettable world-building.

Fans of Babel, The Atlas Six, Piranesi, Ninth House, and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell will be captivated by this ambitious fantasy adventure.

Series Information

Series: Standalone Novel

Book Number: N/A

Note: Katabasis is a standalone fantasy novel and can be enjoyed independently.

Book Details

Title: Katabasis

Author: R.F. Kuang

Format: Hardcover

Genre:
Dark Academia
Fantasy
Mythological Fantasy
Literary Fantasy
Magical Realism

Features:
Standalone fantasy novel
Dark academia setting
Academic rivals storyline
Journey through Hell
Greek mythology influences
Complex magical system
From the author of Babel and Yellowface

Themes:
Ambition and obsession
Knowledge and power
Rivalry and partnership
Sacrifice and redemption
Identity and self-discovery
Life, death, and legacy

Page Count:
560 Pages

Dimensions:
6.3" W x 8.7" H x 1.9" D

Publication Date:
August 26, 2025

Author Bio

R.F. Kuang is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Babel, Yellowface, and The Poppy War Trilogy. A celebrated scholar and award-winning writer, she is known for combining history, language, mythology, and social commentary into compelling speculative fiction. Her novels have earned critical acclaim worldwide and established her as one of the most influential voices in modern fantasy literature.