When it comes to dark academia books, readers are often drawn to the mysterious and often sinister worlds that are conjured up within the pages of these novels. From private schools and boarding schools to universities and specialized academies, the dark academia subgenre offers a range of settings that are steeped in history, mystery, and intrigue. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, contemporary fiction, young-adult, or adult fiction, there’s a dark academia book out there for you.
Exploring the Dark Academia Subgenre
Dark academia books often involve a big secret to uncover or a centuries-old mystery to solve, and they frequently take place in schools with libraries brimming with ancient texts. Some books in this genre involve paranormal dealings, secret societies, and supernatural elements, while others focus on the cutthroat world of academia, where students and faculty will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
The Draw of Dark Academia
So, what is it about dark academia books that draws readers in? For some, it’s the sense of escapism that these novels offer. By immersing ourselves in a world of mystery and intrigue, we can temporarily forget about our own problems and concerns. For others, it’s the appeal of the unknown, the thrill of uncovering secrets and piecing together puzzles. And for many, it’s the chance to explore the complexities of human nature, to examine the darker aspects of our own desires and motivations.
The Evolution of Dark Academia
While dark academia books have been around for decades, the subgenre has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, these novels were often focused on the privileged lives of students at elite private schools, with a emphasis on the social cliques, rivalries, and scandals that came with them. Today, the landscape has changed, and dark academia books cover a much broader range of topics and settings. From fantasy worlds to contemporary fiction, young-adult to adult fiction, there’s a dark academia book out there for every reader.
9 Dark Academia Books Recommended Again and Again Online
1. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House is a dark academia novel that follows Alex Stern, a young woman who is raised on the scary side of the tracks. By the time she turns 20, Alex has survived an unsolved multiple homicide, and it’s clear that she’s been through a lot. When a mysterious benefactor appears at her hospital bedside and offers her a spot in Yale’s incoming first-year class, Alex is given a chance to start anew. But there’s a catch: she must help keep tabs on the eight secret societies at the university, all of which have their own secrets and paranormal dealings. This is the first book in an unfinished trilogy, with the second book, Hell Bent, out now and the third yet to be given a release date.
2. A Lesson In Vengeance by Victoria Lee
Victoria Lee’s A Lesson In Vengeance is a dark academia novel that takes place at the Dalloway School, a boarding school with a history of witchcraft. Felicity Morrow is returning to the school after taking a year off following the death of her girlfriend, and she’s staying in Godwin House, which is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of five students (supposed witches, as well). When Felicity finds herself drawn to Ellis, a new student who asks for her help researching the Dalloway Five, she’s drawn into a world of secrets and lies that will change her life forever.
3. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Dark academia with a focus on theater? Yes, please. M.L. Rio’s If We Were Villains is a novel that takes place at the highly competitive Dellecher Classical Conservatory, where seven actors are studying Shakespeare. In their final year together, the rivalries brewing between classmates lead to unimaginable violence, and all of the fourth-years must convince the authorities they’re innocent. Cut to 10 years later, when Oliver is released from prison and finally ready to tell detectives everything they’ve wanted to know.
4. Babel by R.F. Kuang
The year is 1828 in a fantastical version of London, and Robin Swift is studying Latin, Chinese, and Ancient Greek to prepare for the day he enrolls in Oxford’s Royal Institute of Translation, housed in a tower called Babel. Babel is the global hub for translation and silver working, the magical art of uncovering lost meanings in ancient texts using special silver bars. This practice has made Britain a leading world power, fueling its colonization efforts. But as Robin gets closer to his goal, he realizes that serving Babel will mean betraying his homeland of China, and he must choose between his love of learning and his loyalty to his people.
5. Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s Ace of Spades is a dark academia novel that blends Gossip Girl and Get Out in a way that’s both fascinating and unsettling. When two Niveus Private Academy students, Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, attend the elite Niveus Private Academy, they’re chosen as senior class prefects, which puts them both in the running for valedictorian. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that something is off at Niveus, and the truth may be more sinister than anyone ever imagined.
6. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is a classic dark academia novel that follows a group of privileged college students who commit a murder. The novel is a masterclass in atmosphere and tension, and it explores the complexities of human nature in a way that’s both nuanced and unsettling.
7. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Another novel by R.F. Kuang, The Poppy War is a dark academia story set in a fantastical version of China during the 20th century. The story follows a young orphan girl named Rin, who enrolls in a prestigious military academy and discovers that she has the power to control the elements. But as Rin becomes more powerful, she realizes that she’s caught up in a world of politics and intrigue that’s beyond her control.
8. The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
Megan Miranda’s The Last House Guest is a dark academia novel that takes place at a summer rental property in Maine. The story follows a young woman named Avery, who is staying at the property with her friends. But when one of the guests dies under mysterious circumstances, Avery is left to unravel the truth behind the tragedy.
9. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs is a dark academia novel that follows a young woman named Libby, who inherits a mansion from a family she’s never met. But as Libby explores the house, she discovers that it holds secrets and lies that have been hidden for decades.
Conclusion
Dark academia books are a fascinating subgenre that offers a range of settings, themes, and characters. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, contemporary fiction, young-adult, or adult fiction, there’s a dark academia book out there for you. From the mysterious and often sinister worlds of private schools and boarding schools to the cutthroat world of academia, these novels offer a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the darker aspects of our own desires and motivations.
So, if you’re looking for a new book to get lost in, consider picking up one of the dark academia novels listed above. With their complex characters, intricate plots, and atmospheric settings, these novels are sure to capture your imagination and keep you guessing until the very end.
