Katabasis
A journey through hell and the heart
Format:Hardback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Publishing:26th Aug '25
£22.00
This title is due to be published on 26th August, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
Two academic rivals embark on a journey to hell in Katabasis, facing trials that test their relationship and reveal unexpected truths.
In Katabasis, the term refers to the ancient Greek notion of a hero's journey into the underworld. This gripping narrative revolves around two academic rivals from Cambridge who embark on a perilous quest to rescue the soul of their esteemed advisor. While reaching the depths of hell may seem like the easy part, the real challenge lies in navigating the treacherous landscape of both the underworld and their complicated relationship. As they confront various trials, their rivalry transforms into something far more complex, testing their limits and revealing hidden truths about themselves.
The novel intricately weaves themes of friendship, rivalry, and love against a backdrop of mythological elements. As the protagonists delve deeper into the underworld, they encounter a series of formidable obstacles that not only challenge their physical endurance but also force them to confront their emotional vulnerabilities. The narrative unfolds with a blend of humor and tension, making the reader question what it truly means to sacrifice for someone you care about.
Set to be one of 2025's most unexpected love stories, Katabasis promises to captivate readers with its unique premise and engaging characters. Written by the acclaimed R.F. Kuang, known for her bestselling works such as BABEL and YELLOWFACE, this novel is poised to leave a lasting impression when it is released in August 2025.
'Rich with allusion and illusion, Kuang crafts a witty, gorey, harrowing ride that thoroughly roasts the perils and power structures of academia, while never losing sight of what it means to have a fragile, human heart' Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author
'A spellbinding and poignant story that had me riveted to the pages, R.F. Kuang’s KATABASIS is more than a novel to savor. This book is an experience. I envy those who get to read it for the first time' Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals
'This is a book of ideas, and as such, Kuang’s creativity shines, her vehicle for story a prose that’s smooth as butter. Katabasis is a formidable, timeless work, destined to be a modern classic' Olivie Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six
BABEL WAS A BRITISH BOOK OF THE YEAR, BLACKWELL’S BOOK OF THE YEAR, A WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR FINALIST AND THE DAILY MAIL BEST BOOK OF 2022
Praise for Babel:
‘Absolutely phenomenal. One of the most brilliant, razor-sharp books I've had the pleasure of reading that isn't just an alternative fantastical history, but an interrogative one; one that grabs colonial history and the Industrial Revolution, turns it over, and shakes it out’ Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of THE EMPIRE OF GOLD
‘A masterpiece that resonates with power and knowledge. BABEL is a stark picture of the cruelty of empire, a distillation of dark academia, and a riveting blend of fantasy and historical fiction – a monumental achievement’ Samantha Shannon, bestselling author of THE PRIORY OF THE ORANGE TREE
‘A masterpiece. Through a meticulously researched and a wholly impressive deep dive into linguistics and the politics of language and translation, Kuang weaves a story that is part love-hate letter to academia, part scathing indictment of the colonial enterprise, and all fiery revolution’ Rebecca Roanhorse, bestselling author of BLACK SUN
ISBN: 9780008501860
Dimensions: 240mm x 159mm x 28mm
Weight: 270g
400 pages