Ivy G.’s Reviews > Katabasis > Status Update

I knew Peter wasn’t actually going to sacrifice Alice’s soul. I come to find that she’s a bit too prideful and arrogant to admit to being wrong, that she wanted him to feel guilty to justify her reasoning. Still coming to defend Grimes and thinking Elspeth was just too weak to put up with their professor.

With Peter processing what Alice had “accidentally” chosen, I can’t wait to read about it because they are bound for a confrontation on their relationship and where they stand. I understand where Alice is coming from, but not Peter. Also, a new mysterious character just pulled up.

Omg what has Alice done. I wanted to say that she could’ve confronted him about it but she couldn’t risk putting herself in danger. But then if he wasn’t, they wouldn’t be in this mess. With her choosing the wrong apple, having to think for herself. What happens now to Peter? I’m holding out that she misunderstood him.

Now, I understand better where Alice is coming from regarding Peter. At the very least she’s not the only one who wonders where she stood in his orbit. I can understand her root of resentment. I really hope I get a scope of Peter’s POV later on.

I’m glad to see them open up as scholars of Grimes. They have very similar experiences. They could deny being his victims because from their POV’s, it’s consensual. But it’s clear they wouldn’t trade being his student for anything, they had to endure it. Also, I don’t believe Peter would exchange Alice’s soul for Grimes just yet. It has to be a misdirection, though I am definitely suspicious.

Deeply connecting with Alice because I’m learning more about her deep motivations and desires. What happened between her and Grimes remains a mystery. The Court of Lust is disgusting though, while Pride reminded me of a book about an afterlife with a library, Lust was a whole horror entirely.

Something happened between Alice and Grimes for how cagey she gets when the professor is anywhere morally examined. I think it goes beyond admiration for her mentor but I’m not sure. But I’m interested in another magical presence who seem to be lurking, can’t wait for that to be uncovered.

I really like how Hell is being explained. It doesn’t feel too overwhelming even when the characters are speaking academically and making references. It just makes me curious to check them out and understand the context further. I like where this is going, it makes the journey so trippy with the different characters they would encounter.

It’s awesome to see a glimpse of their previous dynamic because they really did seem close and hinting at attraction with one another. It only makes me wonder what happened to cause a rift between them, I don’t think Alice’s resentment for Peter outshining her academically isn’t enough to explain it considering she respects his intelligence and even acknowledges it.