Overview

• The novel, out Aug. 26, follows Cambridge magick Ph.D. student Alice Law and her rival Peter Murdoch on a perilous bid to retrieve their deceased advisor from the underworld.
• Kuang constructs an Eight Courts of Hell that functions like a university, using the journey to critique sexism, perfectionism, favoritism and tenure-track pressures.
• Critics note the book’s engagement with suicide and chronic illness, and coverage reports a dedication to Kuang’s husband following a serious illness.
• Anticipation and early attention are strong across BookTok and mainstream outlets, reflecting Kuang’s broad readership after Yellowface.
• Plans have been reported for an Amazon series led by showrunner Angela Kang, with Kuang attached as a producer.