Katabasis

"Katabasis" is a dark academia fantasy novel by Rebecca Kuang, set in the prestigious halls of Cambridge University. The story follows Alice Lo, a dedicated student of analytical magic, who has sacrificed much to study under the world's most influential mage. Tragedy strikes when her mentor dies unexpectedly, and Alice feels responsible. Determined to atone, she embarks on a perilous journey into the underworld to retrieve his soul. Accompanied by her rival, Peter Murdock, Alice confronts the challenges of the afterlife, testing her resolve and the limits of magic. This novel is ideal for readers who appreciate intricate world-building, complex characters, and moral dilemmas. It offers a compelling narrative that explores themes of ambition, guilt, and redemption, set against a richly imagined fantasy backdrop.