{"id":3118,"date":"2023-02-11T22:28:51","date_gmt":"2023-02-12T02:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/?p=3118"},"modified":"2024-03-27T20:18:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T23:18:21","slug":"15-best-dark-academia-books","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/15-best-dark-academia-books\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Dark Academia Books"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you’re drawn to the aroma of old books, the hushed whispers echoing in grandiose libraries, or the intellectual thrill of complex, ethical quandaries, then you’ve likely found yourself lost in a dark academia novel at some point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there is a caveat here especially regarding categorization and nomeclature. In the realm of literature, especially within genres as rich and layered as dark academia, drawing clear boundaries can be akin to tracing patterns in shifting shadows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concept of dark academia itself sprawls across a vast landscape, touching on themes as diverse as the pursuit of knowledge, the aestheticization of learning, and the sometimes blurred lines between moral enlightenment and ethical downfall. This breadth leads to considerable debate, particularly among academics and enthusiasts, about what truly constitutes a “dark academia” book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s essential to acknowledge this fluidity and diversity at the outset. The category is broad, encompassing not just elements of style and setting but also profound thematic explorations that resonate with the academic and philosophical. Hence, when we discuss books under the dark academia umbrella, we’re referring to those that not only embrace the aesthetic markers of the genre\u2014like dimly lit libraries, ancient texts, and scholarly pursuits\u2014but also dive deep into the moral and ethical quandaries that define the human experience within academic contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The titles I’ve selected for this list are imbued with the spirit of dark academia: from the tangible weight of history in their settings to the intangible but palpable dilemmas faced by their characters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These stories unfold in spaces where the thirst for knowledge meets the complexities of the human psyche, where intellectual ambition is intertwined with moral reflection. They are narratives that, in their exploration of dark academia themes, invite us to ponder not just the beauty of the intellectual pursuit but also the shadows it can cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: What is Dark Academia?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dark Academia Books<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are some popular dark academia books to read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Ninth House<\/a>, by Leigh Bardugo <\/h3>\n\n\n
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Ninth House takes you deep into the elite, mysterious halls of Yale, where our protagonist, Alex Stern, finds herself with an unexpected second chance at life. Grappling with a grim past involving drug dealers and a disturbing unsolved multiple homicide, Alex’s acceptance into Yale on a full ride seems almost too good to be true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it is. Bardugo crafts a world where secret societies within Yale have darker, magical purposes, and Alex is thrust right into the middle of it. This book takes the dark academia theme and elevates it with a supernatural twist, forcing us to question the real price of privilege and second chances. If you’ve been teaching or researching the impact of institutional hierarchies on students, this book uncannily resonates with those themes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.The Secret History<\/a>, by Donna Tartt<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Secret History is a cornerstone in the realm of dark academia, and for good reason. Centered on a group of intellectual outcasts led by a captivating classics professor, the narrative explores the lengths people will go for knowledge and enlightenment. Donna Tartt masterfully crafts a story that’s as much a thriller as it is an existential musing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The characters delve into ancient philosophies and moralities, only to find themselves entangled in a web of secrets and moral quandaries. This book would offer great discussion points for educators and parents looking to address the role of moral ethics in modern education\u2014especially when taken to the extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.Atlas Six<\/a>, by Olivie Blake <\/h3>\n\n\n
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In Atlas Six, the concept of the secret society goes global and magical. Only six magicians, possessing unique talents, are granted entry into the prestigious Alexandrian Society, where unimaginable power and prestige await. But Olivie Blake makes it clear\u2014this isn’t a fairy tale, it’s a cautionary tale about ambition and the costs of wielding power irresponsibly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could be a fascinating addition to an educational discourse on the competitive nature of academic excellence and the ethical considerations that often take a backseat. If you’ve ever pondered how far some people will go to be at the top of their field, this book lays it all out in a magical, unsettling context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4.Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence<\/a>, by R. F Kuang<\/h3>\n\n\n
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In Babel, we’re introduced to Robin Swift, a young orphan honed for years in languages and ancient texts by Professor Lovell, only to end up in Oxford’s Royal Institute of Translation\u2014known as Babel. The novel takes the reader on a journey from Canton to London, digging deep into themes of cultural exchange and the darker aspects of academia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The idea of linguistic prowess as a form of power, especially in the context of colonial expansion, is something I’ve seen resonate in various educational systems. Kuang presents us with a narrative that’s intellectually stimulating but also rife with unsettling questions about violence, morality, and the so-called ‘civilizing mission’ of education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5.Bunny, by Mona Awad <\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Bunny puts us right in the headspace of Samantha Heather Mackey, a scholarship student in a selective MFA program who’s surrounded by a seemingly inseparable clique of girls who refer to each other as “Bunny.” This novel brilliantly blends elements of psychological horror with dark academia, capturing the mental toll of exclusion and the bizarre power dynamics in academic settings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider in a scholastic environment, this book hits close to home. It serves as a stark reminder that inclusivity in education should never be overlooked\u2014something I’ve often advocated for in my reviews of educational environments and tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Vicious<\/a>, by V. E. Schwab <\/h3>\n\n\n
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Vicious captures the toxic friendship and rivalry between Victor and Eli, college roommates who spiral down a dark path while researching adrenaline, near-death experiences, and extraordinary abilities. When their academic inquiry turns into reckless experimentation, they find themselves on opposite sides of morality and science. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This novel is an intriguing exploration of ethics in scientific research, a topic that’s increasingly relevant in educational settings that encourage STEM. If you’ve ever grappled with the ethical implications of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge at the expense of well-being, this book serves as a cautionary tale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7.A Deadly Education<\/a>, by Naomi Novik  (Author)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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A Deadly Education introduces us to the Scholomance\u2014a school of magic teeming with monsters and cursed artifacts\u2014through the eyes of its most disdainful student, who has no interest in being saved by the school’s golden boy, Orion Lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Novik spins a tale of reluctant heroism and the ethics of power, as the protagonist could either be a savior or a destroyer. For educators and parents, the book could serve as a metaphorical conversation starter on how institutions often enforce a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning, disregarding the unique traits and potentially dangerous talents of individual students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8.The Picture of Dorian Gray<\/a>, by Oscar Wilde <\/h3>\n\n\n
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This classic dark academia novel by Oscar Wilde delves into the realm of aesthetics, ethics, and the corrosion of the human soul. Dorian Gray, enamored by his own portrait, makes a devilish pact for eternal youth, plunging into a life of hedonistic pleasures while his portrait bears the brunt of his moral decay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wilde’s exploration of duality\u2014of public image versus private self\u2014is incredibly relevant in today’s education settings, where students sometimes feel pressured to project a picture-perfect version of themselves. What’s particularly thought-provoking here is the cost of such double lives, a subject that I’ve often found demands serious discussion in educational research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9.The Maidens<\/a>, by Alex Michaelides <\/h3>\n\n\n
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Set against the backdrop of Cambridge University, The Maidens focuses on Edward Fosca, a Greek tragedy professor suspected of heinous crimes. Fosca enjoys an untouchable status, surrounded by a circle of female students who are members of a secret society known as “The Maidens.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This book brings a fascinating blend of Greek mythology and modern psychological suspense, illustrating how charisma and authority can mask darker intentions. If you’ve ever questioned the influence educators wield over their students, this book brings that query to a chilling forefront. It kind of complements what many educators and researchers consider about the ethics of teacher-student dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10.A Lesson in Vengeance<\/a>, by Victoria Lee <\/h3>\n\n\n
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Returning to the Dalloway School following a tragedy, Felicity Morrow finds herself entangled in a web of rumors, history, and dark forces. The school, particularly Godwin House, is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of five students\u2014the Dalloway Five\u2014believed to be witches who died under mysterious circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tale is rich with themes of historical legacy, trauma, and how the past continues to shape student experiences. This story kind of reminds me of how much impact school legends and culture can have on current students, something that definitely should be part of the broader discussion about creating healthier educational environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11.Frankenstein<\/a>, by Mary Shelley<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a cornerstone of both Gothic and science fiction literature, exploring the boundaries and ethical implications of creation and scientific exploration. Victor Frankenstein, a young science student, crafts a sentient being, only to abandon it, setting the stage for a tragic tale of revenge and misery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In today’s ed-tech discussions about ethical responsibility, “Frankenstein” serves as a cautionary tale about how new “creations” (be it AI or educational programs) can go awry if ethical considerations are neglected. A book I often suggest to those interested in the intersection of ethics and innovation in education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12.Never Let Me Go<\/a>, by Kazuo Ishiguro <\/h3>\n\n\n
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“Never Let Me Go” presents an unsettling look into a parallel world where students at an exclusive boarding school slowly discover their predetermined fates. It raises harrowing questions about identity, ethics, and what makes us human. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the education sphere, the book shines a light on the power and limitations of institutional environments. I’ve noticed that the book can stimulate discussions around ethical curricula and the social dynamics of exclusion or elitism in educational settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13.Wilder Girls<\/a>, by Rory Power<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Rory Power’s “Wilder Girls” takes the boarding school trope and amplifies it with a horrifying twist. When a mysterious disease, known as the Tox, quarantines Raxter School for Girls, the students are left to fend for themselves. The chilling environment of the school, now a breeding ground for biological terrors, serves as a backdrop for themes of survival, transformation, and friendship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This could serve as an extreme metaphor for how schools become their own ecosystems\u2014places that shape and are shaped by those who inhabit them. Definitely a read that leaves you pondering the transformative power of education, albeit in a darkly speculative vein.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14.The Cloisters<\/a>, by Katy Hays <\/h3>\n\n\n
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In “The Cloisters,” Ann Stilwell delves into an enigmatic world of art and history at a renowned gothic museum. Rather than focusing on traditional academia, this book captures the clandestine realm of specialized researchers and the gravity of their work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a nod to the secret worlds that exist within institutions and how these microcosms can either isolate or empower individuals. The idea of niche research groups makes me think about the academic cliques that form in university settings and how they influence the education landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. If We Were Villains: The sensational TikTok Book Club<\/a>, by M. L. Rio  <\/h3>\n\n\n
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M. L. Rio’s “If We Were Villains” revolves around the life of Oliver Marks, recently released from prison for a murder he may or may not have committed. The narrative uncovers secrets, betrayals, and the fine line between art and life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given its focus on performance, deceit, and ethical ambiguity, the story touches on issues like the moral responsibilities we hold as educators or students. The dynamics between Oliver and his group can be reflective of the complex relationships that can form between peers or between educators and students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concluding thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So there you have it\u2014a curated selection of dark academia books that not only captivate but also provoke thought. Each of these novels offers more than just a compelling story; they serve as fertile ground for intellectual curiosity and ethical exploration. If you’re an educator like me, you’ll find these books doubly intriguing for their layered takes on the dynamics that shape educational spaces\u2014whether it’s a haunted dormitory or an exclusive secret society.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you’re drawn to the aroma of old books, the hushed whispers echoing in grandiose libraries, or the intellectual thrill of complex, ethical quandaries, then you’ve likely found yourself lost in a dark academia novel at some point. However, there is a caveat here especially regarding categorization and nomeclature. In the realm of literature, especially…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16785,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[407],"tags":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Dark-Academia-Books-600x400.png","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Dark-Academia-Books-600x600.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Med Kharbach, PhD","author_link":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/author\/med\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3118"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3118"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16786,"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3118\/revisions\/16786"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16785"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.selectedreads.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}