I cannot sing the praises of Katabasis by R.F. Kuang enough. As a graduate student right now it really hit home for me. I want another book to read but the series I have are incomplete and I can’t find one that really intrigues me. For context, other books I’ve read recently or that I’m waiting for the next installment is Babel by R.F. Kuang, The Will of the Many and the Strength of the Few by James Islington, The Tainted Cup and A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett, The Secret History by Donna Tart, The Song of Achilles and Circe by Madeline Miller and Ninth House, Hellbent and The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo. I know someone is going to suggest Red Rising…is it really worth it?
I also read The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown, but it didn’t enthrall me like his other works have in the past (which was really disappointing, I was so looking forward to it). I think my genre is kind of fantasy adjacent, leaning on real world conventions but adding in an element of mystery, thriller or magic. A couple other good ones I read was God of the Woods by Liz Moore and Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll. More true-crime than the others, but fiction nonetheless. I also really enjoyed Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Any suggestions for me? I feel I’m a little eclectic, but so be it.
by Psyched_Poet
1 Comment
Red Rising is absolutely worth checking out, especially if you liked Project Hail Mary. First book starts a bit slow but once it picks up around halfway through it gets completely insane in best way possible. The scope just keeps expanding with each book too
Since you’re into that academic setting vibe from Katabasis, maybe try If We Were Villains – it has similar dark academia energy but focuses on Shakespeare students instead. The atmosphere is really well done and mystery element keeps you guessing throughout
Also based in your list, you might dig Mexican Gothic – it’s got that blend of real world setting with supernatural elements that seems right up your alley. Very atmospheric and unsettling in good way