Dark Academia Books
Dark Academia Books are the newest genre I cannot stop reading. The prestigious and exclusive schools, secret societies, and questionable morals make these books as fun to read as they sound. This is a list of my favorite dark academia novels.
What is dark academia? These are books that take place in an academic setting and are dark and moody rather than romantic, hopeful, or upbeat. This is not a full list, but rather a list of the best dark academia books (in my opinion)
The Best Dark Academia Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Fiction Dark Academia Novel
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas- Jump to Section
Best Historical Fiction Dark Academia Novel
Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead- Jump to Section
Best Fantasy Dark Academia Novel
The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman- Jump to Section
Best Thriller Dark Academia Novel
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides- Jump to Section
Best YA Dark Academia Novel
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Dark Academia Books
Plot
When it comes to books with stalkers, this literary fiction has a vibe of its own. Vladimir is the hot new professor at a rural college. A recent literary success, he quickly becomes the obsession of a 58-year-old tenured female professor at the same school.
Said professor is our narrator and her inner dialogue was expertly crafted. She’s on the edge of scandal after her husband is accused of multiple affairs with students before those types of relationships are banned. She knew about these affairs and even had some of her own, but she didn’t want to be caught up in the fallout. Instead, she fixates on Vladimir, a man 20 years her junior.
Why Kirsten loves it
The subjects this novel explores are expertly navigated by Jonas, whose gifts as a writer shines in this debut. I would love to discuss this pick with my book club!
Find this book in: Books with Stalkers / Dark Academia Books / Best Books Set in College / Best Novels About Teachers
I Have Some Questions for You
Author: Rebecca Makkai
Year: 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: Named a Best Book of 2023 by The Washington Post, People, USA Today, NPR, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, & The Boston Globe
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a brand new thriller from the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award Finalist author of The Great Believers. Bodie Cane is a film professor who wishes she could forget her past at a boarding school where a classmate was murdered. Now, she has been invited to return and lecture and she cannot stop feeling that she may have known more about the murder than she originally thought.
Why Jackie loves it
Makkai is a brilliant writer and storyteller. She weaves an utterly compelling story. This book will have you questioning your own memories and the idea of a collective memory as well. While I liked The Great Believers more than this book, this literary fiction is page-turning and thought-provoking.
Find this book in: Books set in High School / Dark Academia Books
Historical Fiction Dark Academia Novels
The Nickel Boys
Author: Colson Whitehead
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Elwood Curtis is a black boy who lives in Florida in the 1960s. When Elwood is unfairly sentenced to a crime, he is sentenced to live at the Nickel Boy Academy, a horror show is disguised as a school. Sadly, it is based on a real school that existed for 111 years.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
The 213 pages of this book will haunt me for a long time. Mr. Whitehead brings characters to life and holy crap can this man write. There is a reason he has won the Pulitzer Prize two times. I have had this book since the day it was released and needed to find the courage to read it. I’m so glad I did.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Black History Book List / Books Set in the 1960s / Dark Academia Books
The Secret History
Author: Donna Tartt
Year: 1992
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: December 2022 Read with Jenna Book Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Richard is one of a select group of six students who have been hand-picked to work under the guidance of a classics teacher named Julian Morrow. Richard is narrating the story and he begins by telling about the death of one of the students named Bunny.
As the story progresses, it is clear that this secret society of students rides the line of morality. The strained friendships and sexual tensions continue to push the edge until Bunny is killed.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Alcoholism, Suicide
Why Jackie likes it
This is one of the books about secret societies that was deeply disturbing and difficult to read. It certainly earns its place on our list of dark academia books and books about cults! And as with most books set in college, this one is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in: Books set in College / Books about Cults / Books about Secret Societies / Best Fall Books / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in the 80s / Books With Secret in the Title / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2022 / Best Novels About Teachers
Party Girls Die in Pearls
Author: Plum Sykes
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This British mystery book takes place at Oxford University in the 1980s when a socialite is murdered. Ursula Flowerbutton, an English country girl, is trying to investigate the murder for the college paper while trying to befriend the glamorous crowd.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a comedic spoof and the outfit descriptions alone had me giggling. I hope it becomes a series of mystery books because I would love to read more of Flowerbutton and her Sloane Ranger friends. The secret societies and prestigious schools make this one of our lighter dark academia books set in college. It’s just a really fun pick.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best British Mystery Books / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in College / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books Set in the 80s
Dark Academia Fantasy Books
The Witches of Cambridge
Author: Alice Hoffman
Release Date: September 8, 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: September 2026 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Ava is from a small town in Maine with a strict family and a rural upbringing. When she arrives at Radcliffe for her first year, she meets Lauren, who is from a prominent Cambridge family.
On their first night, they are both recruited by the Lilith society, a secret society of witches. When girls from the Lilith society begin to go missing, they begin to question their own safety.
Filled with witch lore and dark omens, Ava and Lilith must navigate friendship and love in the 1950s.
Trigger Warnings
Historical reference to trauma/ murders during the witch trials
Why Jackie loves it
This book is unlike the books in the Practical Magic Series. It is much darker, with references to black blood, the eleventh finger, etc. I wish I had been aware when I started the book so that I could enjoy it more. Like Hoffman’s other historical fiction books, this one is heavily researched, but it includes references to magic that are so realistic that it feels like it could be fact. #SimonAudioInfluencer
Find this Book in: Alice Hoffman Books in Order / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2026 / Dark Academia Fantasy Books Like Ninth House / The Best Witch Books
Ninth House
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Alex Stern #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Alex Stearn is the sole survivor of a horrible homicide. While recovering in the hospital, she is offered a chance to attend Yale on a full scholarship. She finds the Secret Societies of Yale, each practicing a unique type of magic.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Jackie loves it
There are so many things about this urban fantasy book that I love. It is filled with magic, unlike anything you have ever read before. It has fantasy, secret societies, magic, and mystery. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Set in College / Books About Secret Society / Adult Books similar to Harry Potter / Best Books of 2019 / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Leigh Bardugo Books In Order / Dark Academia Books
A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Year: 2011
Genre: Fantasy
More info: All Souls Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Diana Bishop is in Oxford’s Bodleian Library when she accidentally recovers an ancient book, Ashmole 782, that has been missing for hundreds of years. In doing so, she triggers her long-forgotten magic and opens the door for vampires, witches, and demons to search out Diana and the book.
Matthew de Clermont is one of the vampires drawn to Ashmole 782. He has been looking for it for hundreds of years. Soon it is clear that even though relationships between species are forbidden, Matthew is drawn to Diana for more than just the book. The two begin to work together to unravel the mysteries behind the book, the magic, and the people looking for the book.
This urban fantasy book about secret societies, witches, vampires, and more is a blend of heart-pounding action, historical fiction, and romance with the perfect mix of fantasy as well.
Trigger Warnings
Blood, torture
Why Jackie loves it
If you love the witch aspect of Harry Potter, Vampires, fantasy books, or time travel books, then you will love The All Souls trilogy. This adult fantasy novel explores the history of witches, demons, and vampires. This series reads like a historical fiction, and I love it. I thought the series was done at book four and was so excited to learn that there is a new book in the series!
Find this book in: Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Best Fantasy Books for Adults / Books About Witches / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Books About Libraries / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult Fantasy Novels
Mystery and Thriller Books Dark Academia
Plot
Mariana is a therapist who is still grieving the loss of her husband when she gets a call from her niece, Zoe. Zoe’s best friend Tara is missing and Zoe is afraid something has happened to her. When women start dying at Cambridge, Mariana gets deeply involved as she tries to solve the mystery.
Why Jackie loves it
What an amazing thriller. Alex Michaelides did it again! This secret society book was insane with twists and turns. It kept me on the edge of my seat and my heart beating a little faster!
Adaptation Information
A series adaptation is in the works for this best-seller with Miramax.
Find this book in: Dark Academia Books / Creepy Halloween Thrillers / Books Becoming TV Shows / Serial Killer Books / Best Books of 2021
Oxford Guide to Scandals and Lies
Author: Kate Westbury
Year: 2026
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Debut Novel
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Ginevra Bishop and Sidney Braithwaite both attend Oxford in 1951. Ginerva wants to prove she is more than a debutant. Sidney is trying to get far away from his childhood mining village and memories of the war. The British Secret Service wants to pair her charm with his spy experience to catch the Soviet spy at the university. The previous agent was poisoned, and MI5 wants the two of them to pair up and find him before sensitive information is sent to the enemy.
Why Kirsten likes it
This was a fun mystery set in a favorite historical location of mine – Oxford University. The ancient buildings and creepy alleyways make for the perfect setting, while Ginevra and Sidney’s tension went from enemies to something more in a believable way. I think we will be seeing more of this duo in the future. Gifted by MacMillan Audio.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Books About Female Spies
The It Girl
Author: Ruth Ware
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This dark academia murder mystery focuses on the murder of April, an It Girl at Oxford. Her accused murderer has recently died in prison, causing her best friend, Hannah, to question if she wrongfully put the wrong person in prison. As Hannah reevaluates the murder a decade later, new information comes to light that has her questioning everything she knew about that time in her own life and April’s.
Why Jackie loves it
Ruth Ware’s slow-burn style of writing psychological thrillers continues to impress. This book is a long book and a slow burn, but I didn’t see the ending coming! I thought I figured out the murderer early on, but I was dead wrong.
Find this book in: Dark Academia Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023
Rush Week: A Scandalous Novel
Author: Michelle Brandon
Year: 2025
Genre: Thriller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a juicy drama that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on! Four sorority sisters find themselves back at the University of Alabama five years after they graduated. The “spill book”, where they wrote confessions that were supposed to be buried forever in a time capsule, has been stolen, and someone is threatening to expose every one of their juiciest and most damning secrets.
Told in a dual-timeline narrative, readers get not one, but TWO rush weeks. Bring on the OOTDs!
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
My obsession with #bamarushtok is well-known on IG, so this book was high on my TBR for the summer. I listened to it on a solo road trip, and the miles flew by as I got sucked into the gossip and secrets of these sorority sisters. #gifted by Harper Audio
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Dark Academia Books
The Cloisters
Author: Katy Hays
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: November 2022 Read With Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Ann Stilwell is desperate to escape her small town and her painful past. She arrives in New York City where she is supposed to spend her summer working as a curatorial associate at the Met. When she arrives, she is informed her supervisor is gone for the summer and she does not have a job.
Luckily, she is able to get an assignment with The Cloisters, a gothic museum, that is known for its medieval art collection. Ann suddenly finds herself entwined with a small group of students with secrets of their won. When she finds a 15th-century deck of tarot cards, she is reluctant to share her findings and this starts a dangerous game that Ann is not prepared for.
Why Jackie likes it
This is one of the dark academia books about secret societies you don’t want to miss. This is a creepy, gothic book.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Read With Jenna 2024 / Dark Academia Books / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2022
Plot
The story moves back and forth between Vermont in the 1950s and 2014. Idlewild Hall is a school where girls were sent to be forgotten. It was shut down decades ago and is rumored to be haunted but, is suddenly bought by an unknown benefactor who intends to restore it and reopen it.
Fiona Sheridan is a journalist, whose sister died on the property of Idlewild in the 90s. She cannot let go of the past and decides to write a story about the school and its history. What they discover on the property of Idlewild takes the reader on a thrilling mystery and Idlewild slowly gives up its dark secrets.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Antisemitism
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the mystery and could not put the book down. The paranormal component wasn’t over the top which made it readable with just the right amount of fear factor. There is something about ghost books that take place at schools that are extra creepy.
Find this book in: Best Ghost Books / Best Thriller Books / Dark Academia
Black Chalk
Author: Christopher J. Yates
Year: 2015
Genre: Thriller
More info: Named Best Book of the Year by NPR (2015)
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Six students come together to play a game of dares and forfeits where the winner takes all. But what started as fun turns into something much more dangerous. Now, it has been 14 years since the start of the game and the remaining two players have to play the final round.
What started as a dark book became more twisted and convoluted with each turn of the page.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Jackie loves it
There were elements of this story that I wish had a little more depth. Also, reading about all the pneumonic devices the character uses to get through his day became a bit tedious by the middle of the book.
Find this book in: Dark Academia / Books with Color in the Title
YA Dark Academia Books
Legendborn
Author: Tracy Deonn
Year: 202
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Legendborn Cycle #1, Coretta Scott King Book Award, April 2026 YA GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Bree Matthews’s mother died in a tragic accident and she cannot seem to recover. When she has a chance to attend a special program for bright high school students at UNC-Chapel Hill, she jumps at the chance.
When Bree witnesses a magical attack on her first night there, her world is thrown upside down as she enters the world of the Legendborn. It is a secret society of students with powerful magic who are also descendants of King Arthur! This is one of the best re-tellings I have read.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Death of parent
Why Jackie loves it
Why did I not read this book before now? In a way, I’m glad I just read this because I only have to wait a few more months for the sequel. If you love YA fantasy books, this King Arthur re-imagining is a must-read. While Bree is technically still in high school, she is attending a college program which means, I get to scream about this book from the rooftops in both college and high school book lists.
Find this book in: Books About Secret Societies / Dark Academia / Books Set in College / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Books Like Ninth House
Deadly Education
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestseller, Finalist for the Lodestar Award
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Thank goodness Hogwarts is nothing like this school. There is not a single first year that would survive. This magic school, The Scholomance, is bursting with magic that is very dark and unforgiving.
Losing a few classmates is nothing surprising. You either graduate or die. If you love the dark side of Harry Potter, you will love this YA fantasy book.
El, along with all other magical children are sent to the Schoolomnace because even though there is a chance they will die inside, they will almost certainly be killed on the outside. There are no holidays and no packages from home. El isn’t exactly worried because she has powers that make her the most dangerous thing inside the walls.
But Orion Lake keeps saving her life and she cannot understand why. All she knows is that she is supposed to stay away from him.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved how dark and disturbing this book is while somehow also being fun. It seems like an oxymoron. El has abilities that make her one of the most dangerous people on the planter; yet, she chooses kindness. I loved all three books in this series.
Find this book in: Dark Academia Books / Young Adult Dystopian Novels / Best Young Adult Fantasy Series / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter /Books Like Ninth House
Plot
Hello Dark Academia. Centered around Devon and Chiamaka, the only black students at an elite private school, this is one wild thriller. After being chosen by prefects on the first day of their senior year, Devon and Chiamaka quickly become the targets of the mysterious Aces – a dangerous gossip girl-type character out to ruin their lives.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I was on pins and needles as this thriller unraveled, addressing systemic racism in private institutions in the process.
Find this book in: Books Set in High School / Dark Academia Novels / Stalker Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2022 / Psychological Thriller Books / Fun Books for Teens / Best Books of 2021 / YA Thriller Books
Plot
The lines between reality and fiction are perfectly blurred. It is a book about a book and making a movie about that same book. ( follow that? Lol) Flo and Clara were two students at the Brookhants School for girls. When they become obsessed with a book by Mary MacLane, it ultimately leads to their deaths and the school closes soon after.
Now, Merritt Emmons has published a book about Brookhants that is being made into a movie, and the doors of Brookhants are open for filming. The story intertwines the lives of all those who read the book and the mystery and supernatural that follow them.
Why Jackie loves it
I started Plain Bad Heroines and I did not know what to think. I was debating giving up on the book for a little while because I just wasn’t sure where the book was going. Fast forward. I loved it and I am glad I stuck with it. This YA fantasy book has all the makings of cult horror. It is scary, complex and so well-written.
Find this book in: Thriller Horror / Books Like Ninth House / Books Set in High School / Dark Academia Books
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Author: J. K. Rowling
Year: 2007
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
More info: Harry Potter #7
Age Range: 9 – 12
Plot
If you have read the entire Harry Potter series, you will know that by the time the 7th year comes around, it is nothing like Harry’s first year.
Death Eaters have taken over the school and have taken to using unforgivable curses on some of the students as punishment. If this is not a dark academia novel then I don’t know what is!
Trigger Warnings
Death, Violence
Why Kirsten likes it
While the conclusion was epic, this was not my favorite book in the series. I think it drags in the middle a little bit, but the epilogue wraps up the series nicely.
Why Jackie loves it
I felt elated at the ending and devastated that the series was over. It took me 10 years to read these books and when I finished the last page, I was so sad to say goodbye to the characters and the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Thankfully, this last book was just the beginning of what would become an empire. Whether you watched the movies, have visited Universal Studios, plan to watch the TV show or none of the above; I think that these books have opened up the world of books to an entire generation of readers.
Find this book in: Books Set in Cornwall / Dark Academia Books
Expert Tip
There are so many different types of dark academia novels; I want to ensure you pick one that you will love to read.
- Kirsten and I have read every book on this list. Look at the descriptions to see why we liked each book, as well as the trigger warnings.
- There are some fantastic, literary fiction books on this list. There are also award-winning historical fiction books. Some of these are heavier books, but 100% worth the read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Considered a Dark Academia Book?
Dark Academia is a genre of book that is often dark or scary and takes place in an academic setting.
What are the Best Dark Academia Books?
I think Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is the best dark academia novel ever written. If you have not read it, you should prepare yourself to be changed forever.
Other favorite academia books are Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, The Secret History by Donna Tartt, and Deadly Education by Naomi Novik. For Full descriptions and more of the best books, see the full post below.
Related Content
Epilogue
What is your favorite dark academia novel? Did I include it on this list?
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