Cloak-and-dagger societies, creepy libraries and gothic settings- what’s not to love about dark academia? As we step into the autumn months, I know I’m looking for those cosy, mysterious, atmospheric reads. So what better than a little dark academia to get us in the mood…
Ninth House– Bardugo’s adult horror certainly packs a punch. A pacy fantasy filled with intrigue, it’s certainly a good place to start if you’re looking for something truly dark.
A Deadly Education– what could be more fitting for this topic than a book about a school trying to kill its students?
The Furies– witchy and dark, this mythically inspired book definitely delves into dark academia with its philosophical air.
Secret History– aside from having a very clever murder mystery at its core, the book is steeped in the study of classics.
The Maidens– this takes dark academia to another level. Bringing Greek mythology into the modern world, it’s not just the students who are about to be schooled in just how dark classics can be.
The It Girl– I’m including this for the settings more than anything else. Based in Oxford and Edinburgh, it has that academic vibe just from the atmosphere. Besides, part of the fun of the mystery is tied to the prestigious location.
The Ivies– anyone fancy cutthroat college admissions? Because that’s what this YA thriller’s all about. Of course, this doesn’t have the moody tone dark academia is famous for, but it certainly has an air of mystery and is a fun one to cleanse the palate!
And that’s all for now! Did you enjoy any of these? What are your favourite dark academia books? Let me know in the comments!
the orang-utan librarian 
Loved The Secret History. I finally read If We Were Villains this year and it became a favourite!
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I have only read The Maidens from this list. I didn’t like it as much as the author’s first book The Silent Patient.
I will look for your other recommendations. Thanks.
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The Furies was really good!! The It Girl sounds fascinating too – I’ll have to pick it up someday!
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I read Ninth House and A deadly Education. Loved both. Try Sorcery of Thorns, it’s great too.
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Can Deadly Education be read as a standalone or does it end on one of those trendy cliffhangers? I googled scholomance and there is a whole literary tradition and folkore surrounding it that goes centuries back (mostly sourced in the book “Transylvanian Superstitions” by Emily Gerard, 1885). Already Bram Stoker was inspired by it for his novel Dracula.
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I loved The Ninth House but I could not stand Deadly Education.
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I think I don’t particularly get along with dark academia. I liked Ninth House, but absolutely hated The Secret History (one of the only ones, I know), and while I read A Deadly Education, I couldn’t buy into its basic premise enough to want to continue. Sigh… just not for me, I guess.
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These all look really interesting – and perfect for this time of year! The Maidens has been on my TBR list for a while, think I’ll have to give it a try…
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I loved Ninth House and A Deadly Education!!
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I’ve only read A Deadly Education! I definitely need to check more of these out.
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I loved The Secret History when I first read it- for it showcased 90s angst perfectly for my Gen X heart. But a recent re-read soured it for me.
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