Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
There should be a term dark academia fantasy if there isn’t already because these dark academia books are just that.
My first book I’ve read that had themes of academia in it was when I read the Gallagher Girls series in middle school. Those books really made me believe I could be a spy- that and Nancy drew.
But i always loved the idea of boarding schools, campuses, and secret societies. If you do too then these books are calling your name.
These dark academia books below are a cozy escape into the shadows of academia. Pretend to be a student as you transport into these worlds.
1. Where sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Abike- Iyimide
Omg I absolutely loved where sleeping girls lie dark academia and I have to be honest, I didn’t think I would. Because its YA. Most of the time I find the dialouge in Ya cringy and the worldbuilding feels too grand for them and where they are at that time of their lives. Like it feels unrealistic as I get older which is fine because i’m not really the target audience. A middle school version of me who loved “I’d tell you I love you, but then I’d have to kill you” is.
But this?!
Where sleeping girls lie was a perfect mix of academia and suspense. The characters were super diverse. I loved seeing the students in class dynamic. Because that’s one thing I hate is when there’s a show or book thats set in a school setting but the students are never in class.
(Cough Cough- “pretty little liars, gossip girl”- don’t get me wrong I am OBSESSED with these shows but why are they never in class)
I’m also obsessed with anything involving secret societies within a campus setting and this fed me all of that. The mysterious atmosphere, the snobby rich kids, and the main character on her Nancy drew ish.
“chefs kiss👌🏿”
I really hope we see more academia from Faridah, she writes them really well and and diversity is missing from dark academia in my opinion.
Cozy into the where sleeping girls lie book review I did on the blog!
2. The Cloisters by Katy Hays
I’m going to try and keep my ramblings short but I enjoyed this book as well. The Cloisters is Katy Hays debut novel and at first the pacing was slow but it started to pick up towards the middle of the book.
The main character may get on your nerves at times but
If you’re looking for a mystery involving art and occult practices at an academic institution, then run not walk, to pick up this book. I also wrote a review on it- be warned it may have spoilers.
Cozy into the Cloisters book review here on the blog!
3. The last applicant by rebecca Hanover
So this was this first book Ive read of Rebecca and I was surprised that it said it was her debut adult novel. I loved the pov of a mother navigating the private school admissions process
because it showed the academic pressure of a parent desperately trying to get her son into an elite school. Mind you her son is like 7. So if you’re interested to see the twists that happen in the last applicant then you won’t regret reading this book.
I also wrote a book review of the last applicant here on the blog, read it if you don’t mind spoilers. also when I say spoilers I mean in the Q+A section allll the way at the bottom.
4. The Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
I just started listening to the audiobook and the voice actress is amazing. She’s british too which helps the character’s narration because i believe the character is also british.
Normally I don’t like audiobooks because I feel like it takes away the “bonding” you have with the book. Some audiobooks leave me feeling disconnected but this one surprised me. I loved her inflections and it really sounds like she’s this moody teenager talking to me.
If you’re interested in a dark academia set in a school for the magically gifted with dark, dangerous elements then pick up the deadly education. It’s also the first in a series so it feels very Harry Potterish.
5. The atlas six by Olivie Blake
By now everyone has probably read The Atlas Six but it was one of the first academia’s I read when I sttarted getting back into reading. And I loved it.
The Atlas Six is a tale of six scholars with magical abilities vying for a prestigious secret society. There’s like two books out following the debut making it a trilogy and I haven’t even started reading them yet 😭 I want to be able to focus on the series while I’m not reading other books so at the moment It’s collecting dust on my TBR.
Read My book review of The Atlas six here
6. Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide
I read Aces of spades sometime 2 years ago and speaking of gossip girls and pretty little liars- This book follow the only 2 black characters at this pretigious school. They get picked to be the prefects. I’m not sure what prefect is but im assuming thats like saying being on the honor rolls or the deans lists.
These two students are not friends, they don’t run in the same citcle but once they start recieving these crytic annonmyous messages, they decide to work together to find out who’s sending them these. and How do they know their secrets.
Ace of spades also gave me “Get out” vibes I was here for it though.
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7. The Similars by Rebecca
The Similars by Rebecca Hanover focuses on these genetically engineered clones, known as Similars.
They enroll at Darkwood Academy and people on campus have mixed feelings about this because these similars are clones of students at the school. And these students had no idea of their clones up until that point. shaking up the elite school. Emmaline, who’s struggling with the loss of her best friend, has to deal with seeing a clone of him at school.
I thought this pilot of the series, because its a duology, was good but it felt like too much worldbuilding and things didn’t feel cohesive. The similars would be an example of a good book but with too many ideas at once, It’s hard to focus on one thing because something that feels unrelated but the author is trying to make it related- is happening. I’ll talk about why I dnf’ed in another post but if you are interested in the premise of this book I would suggest you pick it up .
8. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Legendborn follows Bree Matthews, a high school student who uncovers a secret society at her university after her mother’s death. She has always felt that maybe there was more to her mother’s “accidental” death and once she see’s a magical attack happen on campus- that feeling only grows. I thought this was beautifully written and I cried at the end when she was able to connect with her ancestors and her mom.
I go more in depth on my legendborn book review but you’re definitely going to want to cozy up for a weekend and binge this series
9. The Magicians by Lev grossman
The Magicians follows Quentin Coldwate. He’s a high school student who finds out that the magical world he read about is real. He gains admission to Brakebills, a secretive school for magic, where he learns the dark and complex nature of magic. As Quentin navigates friendships, love, and the challenges of adulthood, he grapples with the consequences of his desires and the harsh realities of a world filled with both wonder and danger.
10. Babel
There were so many mixed reviews on this but don’t let that sway you for reading it for yourself. Especially if you love an exploration of language, translation, and academia with dark, intricate themes.
11. Catherine house by Elizabeth Tomas
Catherine House follows Ines, a troubled young woman who enrolls in a mysterious elite school that isolates its students from the outside world. As Ines becomes entwined in the school’s secretive culture and experiments, she grapples with her own dark past and the unsettling truths lurking within Catherine House. Blending gothic elements with psychological suspense, the novel explores themes of identity, obsession, and the consequences of ambition.
12. The ninth house
Ninth House follows Alex Stern. Alex dropped out of High school but she gets a second chance at Yale. Her job while attending classes there is to monitor the universities secret societies. Which dabble in dark magic and dangerous rituals. As Alex uncovers a murder tied to these societies, she must navigate a world of privilege, power, and the supernatural, all while confronting her own haunting history. This gripping fantasy blends mystery and dark academia.
13. the silk house by kayte nunn
The Silk House weaves together the stories of two women across time. In 1907, a young seamstress named Ivy arrives at the opulent Silk House, where she uncovers hidden secrets and a haunting past tied to the house’s former residents. Fast forward to present day, Julia inherits the estate. And immediately is drawn into its mysterious history. As their lives intertwine, both women must confront the shadows of the past to find their own paths to freedom and healing-=
15. Society of lies Lauren Ling brown
The Society of Lies follows a group of elite students at a prestigious academy who uncover a web of deception and betrayal within their ranks. Secrets come out and the main character finds out that she can’t trusts the people around her. And she has to try and outsmart them. With twists and turns at every corner, this gripping tale explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the price of truth.
Whether you’re a seasoned dark academia aficionado or just starting your journey into this genre, I promise these dark academia books will be so good that it’ll still linger in your mind long after you turn the last page. Dive into thes narratives, and let their haunting allure capture your imagination!
