Katabasis: From the SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author of BABEL and YELLOWFACE by R.F. Kuang

Katabasis

Author: R.F. Kuang
Overview

Following the runaway success of Babel and Yellowface, R.F. Kuang returns with Katabasis, a bold, haunting exploration of the mythological underworld through a contemporary lens. With her signature wit and piercing critique of societal and personal ambition, Kuang weaves a gripping tale of power, redemption, and the dark corridors of the human psyche.

The term "katabasis," meaning a descent into the underworld, forms the core of this novel, where myth, memory, and reality blend into an unforgettable narrative.

Synopsis

A celebrated scholar, Dr. Cassia Leigh, has spent her life unearthing forgotten myths and piecing together ancient tales of the underworld. When a shocking betrayal shatters her career, Cassia finds herself unexpectedly drawn into a labyrinthine journey—one that echoes the very stories she’s studied.

Summoned to a cryptic archaeological site in Greece, she discovers a mysterious artifact that pulls her into a literal descent into Hades. Trapped in the shadowy realm, Cassia encounters shades of her past, fragments of old myth, and strange figures who challenge her perception of reality.

To escape the underworld, Cassia must navigate trials inspired by ancient Greek myths, face the truths she’s long buried, and bargain with gods and monsters who seem all too human. As she traverses the darkness, she is forced to reckon with the cost of her ambition, the weight of regret, and the possibility of redemption—or eternal damnation.

What to Expect

Themes

• Ambition and Betrayal: Echoing the moral complexities of Babel, the novel delves into the sacrifices and consequences of personal ambition.
• Memory and Grief: What do we owe the dead—and ourselves?
• Myth Reimagined: Greek mythology collides with modern storytelling in unexpected and vivid ways.

Hallmarks of R.F. Kuang's Writing

• Complex Characters: Cassia Leigh is a deeply flawed yet sympathetic protagonist, a hallmark of Kuang’s nuanced characterization.
• Sharp Social Commentary: Much like Yellowface, Katabasis critiques academia and the power structures that govern knowledge and cultural ownership.
• Rich Worldbuilding: Expect lush descriptions of the underworld, filled with both classical inspiration and modern twists.

Comparisons

• Circe by Madeline Miller: Mythological themes through a feminist lens.
• The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: Emotional resonance and character-driven storytelling.
• The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón: An intricate journey through dark, hidden realms of the human experience.

Why Readers Are Excited

R.F. Kuang has established herself as a powerhouse of modern literature. Fans of her earlier works are eager to see how she combines her background in classical studies with her literary prowess. Katabasis promises to deliver an ambitious, thought-provoking narrative that blends mythological grandeur with deeply human struggles.

The novel is already being heralded as one of the most anticipated releases of the year and could redefine how myth is woven into contemporary fiction.

About the Author

R.F. Kuang is a critically acclaimed author whose works span epic fantasy (The Poppy War series) to biting literary fiction (Yellowface). Known for her incisive exploration of colonialism, power dynamics, and cultural identity, Kuang’s novels are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and fearless storytelling.

Final Thoughts

With Katabasis, R.F. Kuang continues to push the boundaries of genre fiction, delivering a novel that promises both intellectual rigor and emotional depth. A must-read for fans of mythology, literary fiction, and gripping character-driven stories.

Feel free to create additional blocks like this for Shipping, Payments, etc through the Shopify Theme editor. Also, you may easily adjust their order by dragging and dropping.

To return an item to us, follow the directions listed on the return exchange form included with your order. If you don’t have this form available, you can download one by clicking here