Dark Academian literature is mysterious and moody, often set in elite academic institutions. This genre often features themes of secret societies, intellectualism, and a gothic aesthetic, with a focus on the dark sides of academia, such as obsession and tragedy.
Dark academia has become a beloved genre for readers who appreciate a blend of intrigue, intellect, and introspection. Here is a curated list of some of the best dark academia books.
- “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt 4.2/5
If any book could be credited with the blueprint of modern dark academia, it would be “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt. The story follows a group of six students and is narrated by one of them, Richard Papen, in an inverted detective story. Years later, Pappen reflects upon the situation that led to the murder of their friend Edmund “Bunny” Corcoran.
- “If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio – 4.1/5
Much like “The Secret History”, “If We Were Villains” also follows a group of students, but this time in a prestigious theatre school. The students tend to always end up playing the same type of characters, but when the typical casting shifts and the power dynamics of the group change, they will never be the same again, especially with the murder of one of their own.
- “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V. E. Schwab – 4.2/5
One of my personal favorites, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,” is about a young French woman from 1714 who makes a deal with the dark that turns her immortal. The only catch is that she is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.
- “Babel” by R.F. Kuang – 4.2/5
Set in 1830s England, “Babel” follows four new students at the institute and their growing awareness that their academic efforts maintain Britain’s imperialist supremacy. The students
also debated how to prevent the First Opium War and the extensive use of violence.
- “A Deadly Education” by Naomi Novik – 4/5
If you’re looking to add a fantasy element, “A Deadly Education” by Naomi Novik takes place at a magic school. Galadriel “El” Higgins is a sorceress who must survive to graduation while controlling her destructive abilities.
- “The Atlas Six” by Olivie Blake – 3.6/5
“The Atlas Six” is the first of a trilogy. The book follows six young magic users who have the chance to join the secretive Alexandrian Society. Those chosen to join the society will have a life of power and prestige like no one else.
- “In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife” by Ashley Winstead 3.8/5
“In My Dreams, I Hold a Knife” by Ashley Winstead is a novel about an unsolved murder among six college friends. Ten years after their graduation, Jessica Miller returns to Duquette University for a college reunion. When the six friends are reunited, they are forced to confront what happened the night their friend Heather died, and years’ worth of secrets will be revealed.
- “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo – 4/5
This dark fantasy horror follows Yale University’s 20-year-old freshman, Alex Stern, and Grays, a homicide survivor who can see ghosts. Following her trauma, Alex is mysteriously offered a full ride to university despite her background and lack of qualifications to monitor the eight Houses of the Veil, secret societies that harbor dark occult magic and power, as a member of Lethe, the ninth house.
- “Vicious” by V. E. Schwab – 4.2/5
Vicious is another fantasy dark academia novel that follows a group of college students who learn how to create superhuman abilities that later become archenemies.
Dark academia continues to captivate readers with its blend of mystery, intellect, and gothic allure. These novels delve into the complexities of human ambition, the weight of secrets, and the darker facets of academia, making them perfect for anyone seeking a thought-provoking reading experience that will change your life, whether you want it to or not.
