Academia, but Make It Hell (Katabasis by R.F. Kuang) | The Margins Podcast Ep. 17

This one’s about ambition, betrayal, and literal descent—but not the kind you’d ever plan for. It’s Katabasis by R.F. Kuang — a dark academia fantasy set in 1980s Cambridge where two rival grad students journey into Hell to rescue their late mentor’s soul. Dante meets Piranesi, and academia gets a satirical, hellish twist.What does excellence costs when the system devours its best and brightest?📌 Key Moments:00:00 – 8:58 — Intro / Host & Guest Check-In 8:59 – 10:32 — Between the Wines (Whisky & Words) 10:32 – 23:09 — Katabasis Synopsis & Book Introduction 23:09 – 44:35 — 5 Hard Questions 47:27 – 1:10:24 — Deep-Dive Discussion 1:10:24 – 1:34:42 — Spoiler Zone & Wrap-Up If you’re into book discussions, dark fantasy, and our signature “5 Hard Questions” segment, subscribe for more every week.Other episodes include Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby and Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang.#BookTok #BookReview #DarkFantasy