Dark Academia Books

What is dark academia? In the literary world, these titles are genre-crossing. Sometimes they feel like classic literary fiction, other times like fantasy, and they will often have elements of horror or gothic fiction. Usually taking place in a school or education setting, these books explore the darker parts of ambition, learning, and look at the people who strive for more.

Here are some of our favorite recommendations:

1. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo*

2. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

3. If We Were Villains by M L Rio*

4. The Maidens by Alex Michaelides*

5. Babel by R F Kuang*

6. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake*

7. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater*

8. Slewfoot by Brom

9. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norell by Susanna Clarke

10. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

11. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern*

12. Middle Game by Seanan McGuire

*Lizz has read these and would love to chat your ear off about them next time you're in.

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