Katabasis
(Author) R.F. KuangPrepare for one hell of a journey... 'A big, bold fantasy romp' GUARDIAN 'R.F. Kuang is making magic' ELLE '[A] truly original and spellbinding hero's-journey story' VOGUE 'I devoured it' RED One of the BBC's 25 best books of 2025 Katabasis, noun, Ancient Greek. The story of a hero's descent to the underworld. Grad student Alice Law has only ever had one goal: to become the brightest mind in the field of analytic magick. But the only person who can make her dream come true is dead and - inconveniently - in Hell. And Alice, along with her biggest rival Peter Murdoch, is going after him. But Hell is not as the philosophers claim, its rules are upside-down, and if she's going to get out of there alive, she and Peter will have to work together. That's if they can agree on anything. Will they triumph, or kill each other trying? 2025's most unexpected love story is going to be hell in the new No.1 Sunday Times bestselling novel by R.F. Kuang. 'Literary super-stardom doesn't seem too far out of her reach' THE HERALD 'Mind-bending fantasy' GRAZIA
R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang is a Chinese-American author known for her dark and immersive fantasy novels. Her most notable work is "The Poppy War" trilogy, which explores themes of war, imperialism, and power through a richly imagined world inspired by Chinese history. Kuang's writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of violence. She has been praised for her ability to blend historical events with fantastical elements, creating a unique and compelling reading experience. Kuang's contributions to the fantasy genre have been widely celebrated, with "The Poppy War" trilogy earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Her impact on literature lies in her ability to challenge traditional tropes and conventions, offering readers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on familiar themes.