Codex Regenesis: Five Fables of Magick Misused

by Hannah Batsel

Unlock the secrets of a mystical tome through gorgeous illustrations, clever paper mechanics, and a mysterious story. This interactive book will keep you and your friends immersed for hours!

You have been cast as an expert on occult texts and tasked with solving a literary mystery. An antiquarian bookseller recently vanished under strange circumstances, leaving only a copy of Codex Regenesis behind. This intriguing volume contains five fables from across time and geography, each of which holds a clue. You’ll need all five clues to solve the final riddle, unlock a secret compartment, and discover the full story of the book’s mysterious powers.

Author, artist, and paper engineer Hannah Batsel has concocted a delight for bibliophiles packed with striking linocut illustrations and clever interactive mechanics. Codex Regenesis blends elements of myths, fairy tales, and legends within a deeply moving story about seeing things as they really are and living true to yourself. After the mystery is solved, the book remains a beautiful art object to be treasured and shared for years to come. This fantastically original work is for anyone who loves browsing in antiquarian bookshops on the off chance they might find a book of actual magic. . . .

INTERACTIVE MYSTERY BOOK: With five fiendish puzzles to solve, using clues from the narrative, the illustrations, and the paper mechanics, Codex Regenesis captures the excitement of an escape room in the form of a book. It's perfect for cozy solo puzzling or as an analog group activity for friends and families.

MUST-HAVE FOR MODERN MYSTICS: Batsel blends deep historical research and timely themes with a generous sprinkling of magical and occult aesthetics. This book is a must-have for tarot fans, antique book collectors, and fans of all things witchy and arcane.

RISING STAR CREATOR: Hannah Batsel has earned a devoted following on TikTok, where she shares her historically inspired prints, intricate paper designs, and other distinctive creations. Her handmade artist books and children's books are beloved for their clever construction, mesmerizing artwork, and meaningful stories.

ENGAGING STORY: Codex Regenesis turns the classic cautionary tale about eternal youth on its head, questioning who deserves to relieve their youth (with a particular nod to the queer experience). The story delivers memorable characters and vivid settings that span history and geography, offering a fully immersive reading experience.

Perfect for:

● Fans of logic puzzles, brain teasers, crosswords, or seek-and-find books
● Anyone who enjoys Murder Most Puzzling or Murdle books
● Escape room players
● Readers of dark, magical, witchy stories
● LGBTQ+ readers
● Art book and vintage book collectors
● Fans of Hannah Batsel’s books and online content
● Halloween and holiday gift shoppers

84 pages, Hardcover

First published October 7, 2025

Reviews

[Larkin J · Rating 5 out of 5]

BATSEL YOU ARE THE GOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tens tens tens tens tens. Beautiful, clever, devious and heartwarming all in a punchy, creative delivery. I've been following the author online for years, and Batsel's craft is second to none. I'm so happy to have this piece of art, and I'm so happy others get to experience this as well.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDIT: I've now figured out how to solve all 5 puzzles :) just took a little help from another set of eyes! love the detail in this book!!

LOVE the artwork and the frame story is so heartwarming. the short stories were interesting, though truthfully I still don't understand how you were supposed to solve the puzzles for 2 of them -- I'm admittedly not a puzzle master! however, you can feel the passion for the craft in this book, and I'm so glad to have it!

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and interactive read! I loved all five of the fables in this book and it was fun looking for the clues to solve the mystery and open the chamber at the end of the book. The overall style of this book was so neat and made for a really interesting reading experience.

Thank you @chroniclebooks for the gifted copy of the book.

[k0ntrasty · Rating 5 out of 5]

ta książka to najlepszy fun, jaki miałam w tym roku. przy każdej zagadce czułam się jak naukowiec na skraju rozwiązania okultystycznej łamigłówki, ilustracje są przepiękne, sam mechanizm tej książki to coś niesamowitego!! sama przyjemność

[Brooke Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously produced and a super fun concept. Every element was executed to an incredibly high standard, from the illustrations to the flaps to the puzzles and narrative. Just a truly beautiful peice of art.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the artwork of Hannah Batsel and was excited to work through this book. It consists of five fables that solve a puzzle which unlocks the secret of the book.

[Madeleine Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was incredibly, delightful, so cool, WOW wanna read it all over again

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was just so awesome, the stories themselves are great but the the way it’s framed and presented is just incredible. i highly recommend going into this as blindly as possible.