Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence by R.F. Kuang is an ambitious genre-bending novel that blends historical fantasy, academic drama, and anti-colonial critique into one sweeping epic. Set in an alternate 1830s Oxford, the book explores language, translation, and rebellion against empire, making it an essential modern fantasy read that challenges the boundaries of the genre. This babel book review will offer a plot summary, memorable quotes, and a detailed explanation of the ending to help new and seasoned readers unpack its layers.