Acclaimed Nebula Award-winning author R.F. Kuang is set to release her latest fantasy novel, Katabasis, this week. Described as a fusion of Dante`s Inferno and Susanna Clarke`s Piranesi, this 560-page standalone novel plunges readers into a world spanning a magical university and the mysterious underworld. Scheduled for release on August 26, Katabasis is being launched by Harper Voyager with a stunning collectible hardcover: the Deluxe Limited Edition, currently offered at a discounted price of $24.48 (originally $35).
Once the initial run of the Katabasis Deluxe Limited Edition is depleted, future readers will need to opt for the standard version, foregoing its distinctive features such as sprayed page edges, a luxurious case, and intricately illustrated endpapers. With the standard edition already appearing for sale at a minimal price difference, the Deluxe Limited Edition is expected to sell out swiftly.
Readers interested in the Deluxe Limited Edition of Katabasis can see its features below. Furthermore, enthusiasts of Kuang`s Poppy War Trilogy might find interest in the new Deluxe Collector`s Editions of the series` first two novels, which are also available.
R.F. Kuang`s Collector`s Edition Books Include:
- Katabasis Deluxe Limited Edition – Priced at $24.48 (originally $35), releasing August 26.
- The Poppy War Deluxe Collector`s Edition – Available for $24.29 (originally $45).
- The Dragon Republic Deluxe Collector`s Edition – Priced at $26 (originally $45).
Kuang`s newest fantasy novel centers on two PhD students, Alice Law and Peter Murdoch, who delve into Magick at a fictional Cambridge University. Following the suspicious death of their academic advisor, Professor Jacob Grimes – a renowned magician whose recommendation could propel their careers – Alice feels a burden of guilt, despite her disdain for him. As academic rivals, Alice and Peter must set aside their differences and risk everything to rescue their futures, and Professor Grimes, from the literal depths of Hell. Their journey into the underworld challenges all their magical training, revealing a Hell far beyond their imaginings.
The title, Katabasis, draws from Greek mythology, signifying a descent into the underworld. The publisher has provocatively dubbed it `2025`s most unexpected love story,` hinting at a subversion of the traditional enemies-to-lovers trope, a claim confirmed by early readers.
The 560-page Deluxe Limited Edition hardcover boasts decorative sprayed edges, depicting scenes of the college and the underworld. Its dust jacket illustrates Alice and Peter descending a winding staircase surrounded by bookshelves, a 3D effect also embossed on the front cover beneath the jacket. Exclusive endpapers, designed to mimic pages from Alice`s notebook, feature intricate equations, tables, and diagrams.
Editions of Katabasis by R.F. Kuang
The Deluxe Limited Edition is specifically for the US market. However, Harper Voyager has also released a distinct collectible hardcover in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Dedicated fans can import the international limited edition from UK booksellers like Waterstones, though this may incur additional shipping and customs costs. Alternatively, US resellers offer it for approximately $50.
Large Print editions of Katabasis are available in paperback, with the UK version offering a significantly lower price point than its US counterpart.
Katabasis is also accessible as a digital Kindle ebook for $15 and an Audible audiobook, narrated by Morag Sims and Will Watt.
Available Editions of Katabasis:
- Deluxe Limited Edition (Hardcover) – Priced around $24.48 (originally $35)
- UK Special Edition (Hardcover) – Available for approximately $50-55 (import options may vary)
- Standard Edition (Hardcover) – Approximately $22.40 (originally $32)
- Large Print (Paperback) – Around $33.48 (originally $36)
- UK Large Print (Paperback) – Approximately $18
- Kindle ebook – $15
- Audiobook – $22 (originally $30) or 1 Audible Credit
Previous Novels by R.F. Kuang
- The Poppy War Trilogy Box Set – $32.49 (originally $60)
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The Poppy War: Book 1 (2018)
- Deluxe Collector`s Edition – $24.29 (originally $45)
- Hardcover – $15.19 (originally $32)
- Paperback – $12 (originally $20)
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The Dragon Republic: Book 2 (2019)
- Deluxe Collector`s Edition – $26 (originally $45)
- Hardcover – $17.75 (originally $30)
- Paperback – $12 (originally $20)
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The Burning God: Book 3 (2020)
- Hardcover – $18 (originally $32)
- Paperback – $14.82 (originally $20)
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Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence (2022)
- Hardcover – $15.58 (originally $32)
- Paperback – $12.55 (originally $20)
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Yellowface (2023)
- Hardcover – $15.19 (originally $30)
- Paperback – $12 (originally $18)
R.F. Kuang stands out as one of contemporary fiction`s most prolific and successful young authors. Katabasis marks her sixth novel, an impressive feat for a writer who just turned 29 this year. Her career began remarkably early; Harper Voyager published her debut, The Poppy War, in 2018 when she was 22, having signed the contract at just 20. This grimdark historical fantasy trilogy, set in a reimagined ancient China, continued with The Dragon Republic (2019) and The Burning God (2020). This critically acclaimed series is offered in various physical formats, including a cost-effective paperback box set, hardcover, and trade paperback editions.
Last November saw the release of The Poppy War Deluxe Collector`s Edition, featuring distinctive sprayed edges, illustrated endpapers, embossed visual effects, and a full-color dust jacket. The Dragon Republic Deluxe Collector`s Edition followed in June. While not yet confirmed, it is anticipated that The Burning God will receive a similar Collector`s Edition next year.
Following her trilogy, Kuang ventured into speculative fiction with Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators` Revolution. This compelling alternate history, much like Katabasis, explores themes within an academic setting and earned the 2022 Nebula Award for Best Novel.
In 2023, Kuang once again demonstrated her versatility with the captivating novel Yellowface. This satirical work critiques racial representation in the publishing industry, and its audiobook, narrated by Helen Laser, offers a particularly engaging experience.
August has also seen the release of several other noteworthy fantasy and sci-fi novels, such as Charlie Jane Anders` Lessons in Magic and Disaster, Gareth Brown`s The Society of Unknowable Objects, Louis Sachar`s The Magician of Tiger Castle, and Yasuhiko Nishizawa`s The Man Who Died Seven Times.