32 Top Dark Academia Books to Read for Ultimate Moody Vibes

Most Popular Dark Academia Books to Read This Year

@molliereadsbooks All the moody vibes this fall with #darkacademiabooks 🍂 who’s with me?! #darkacademiaaesthetic #fallreadinglist ♬ original sound – Mollie Reads | Book Blogger

Dark Academia Books, Thriller List

The Hawthorne School by Sylvie Perry

This is a gothic psychological suspense thriller inspired by the modern obsession with cults and true crime stories. This is a single mother story that sounds quite dark, creepy, and intriguing.

From what I’ve gathered, the suspense is slow building at first. But I love a creepy school, and I’ve heard this one is quite twisty!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Hawthorne School was published on December 7, 2001, from Crooked Lane Books.

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio

This is one of the most popular dark academia books, and it’s been on my list for years! If We Were Villains is a murder mystery/thriller that has to do with young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college.

A lot of readers have told me this one has a strong dark academia vibe. It also has found family, which is always a favorite for me. I think for this one we need to PREPARE TO BE HURT!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

If We Were Villains was published on April 11, 2017, from Flatiron Books.

Wilder Girls by Rory Power

This queer dark academia book was really popular when it came out, but I’ve been avoiding it since it’s a quarantine story that came out right before COVID-19 (no thanks).

It’s more science fiction, horror, and fantasy, but the dark academia aesthetic is strong.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Wilder Girls was published on July 9, 2019, from Delacorte Press.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This gothic horror/thriller has all the dark academia vibes! I loved this book so much. The dark history; the atmospheric and truly creepy manor, High Place; and the empowered female protagonist and her amateur sleuthing . . . it’s just perfection. Very grotesque. Just know, this book will make your stomach turn!

If you want to learn more about how the author wrote this historical fiction gothic suspense novel, check out my interview with Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Mexican Gothic was published on June 30, 2020, from Del Rey.

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

This. gothic thriller has to do with Catherine House, a school of higher learning, and a young student who discovers a secret about an exclusive group of students.

Lots of hallowed histories, strange protocols, and perilous happenings, so I think this one will be a real page-turner.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Catherine House was published on May 12, 2020, from Custom House.

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

The Maidens is a murder mystery about a secret society of female students at Cambridge University. This one is twisty and has a tie-in with his other book, The Silent Patient.

The Maidens has an unusual, unique premise, and in true Alex Michaelides fashion, there’s a lot of references to Greek mythology.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Maidens was published on June 15, 2021, by Celadon Books.

Dark Academia Books, Fantasy List

A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

This is also in the dark academia YA category! People who love Naomi Novik LOVE Naomi Novik, and I’ve been wanting to read this one since it came out.

A Deadly Education takes place at a school for the magically gifted that is very dangerous. The protagonist, El, discovers dark secrets, and her dark magic is definitely a conflict as she seeks to defeat evil in her school. It sounds so immersive and dark!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

A Deadly Education was published on September 29, 2020, from Del Rey.

Babel by R. F. Kuang

People who love the dark academia aesthetic often think of Babel right off the bat. This book has to do with student revolutions, colonial resistance, friendships, and so much more. This one takes place in Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation, known as Babel. Oxford is known as a utopian center of knowledge and power.

This book is about the magic of linguistics, so every book lover will appreciate this aspect. Babel is incredibly ambitious. I haven’t read the Poppy War, her other book, but I know that one was a hit as well. If you’re looking for dark academia books fantasy category, specifically set in a prestigious university, start with this one!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Babel was published on August 23, 2022, from Harper Voyager.

Circe by Madeline Miller

This book is really more historical fiction with dark academia vibes—maybe more light academia? More on that later!—but still, it was popular enough to make the list.

Booktok LOVES this book, and it’s definitely made a resurgence. Circe is Greek mythology, but you don’t have to know a lot about Greek mythology to enjoy this one. From what I’ve heard, this one is immersive with complex storytelling.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Circe was published on April 10, 2018, from Little, Brown and Company.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

This one would be on my dark academia books romance list if I had one (there just weren’t enough for a separate category. Romantasy is a huge subgenre this year, and I know a lot of people loved this book!

If you’re looking for a dark academia book series to jump into, this is book one in the All Souls series. Vampires, witches, a mysterious manuscript . . . all the best ingredients for good dark academia vibes!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

A Discovery of Witches was published on February 8, 2011, from Viking Penguin.

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

I’m convinced I didn’t read a lot of these dark academia books because they were published during the pandemic, and I was not interested in reading darker books. Anyone else?!

But now, I’m ready for this fantasy/mystery. The Alexandrian Society are the caretakers of lost knowledge from antiquated civilizations and magical academicians. I mean, are we kidding?!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Atlas Six was published on January 31, 2020, independently, but later acquired by Tor Books.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

This is the first dark academia novel in the Alex Stern series, and if any yA authors know how to capture the moody dark academia aesthetic, it’s Leigh Bardugo.

Ninth House is a multiple homicide story that follows a girl who gets a second chance at her dream elite school, Yale. Secret societies, occult activities, and maybe some paranormal elements . . . it all passes the vibe check.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Ninth House was published on October 8, 2019, from Flatiron Books.

The Library of the Unwritten by A. J. Hackwith

We love a librarian story!! This is the first book in the Hell’s Library series. Incomplete books reside in the Library of the Unwritten in Hell, and the Librarian’s job is to track down restless characters.

It’s giving Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez, one of my favorite book club books of 2024 picks, which I loved, so I’m excited to tap into this one.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Library of the Unwritten was published on October 1, 2019, from Ace Books.

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

Erin Morgenstern is a master of the dark romantic fantasy vibes, and you could argue her book The Night Circus fits the dark academia genre. But The Starless Sea definitely fits. Magic, magical realism, romance . . . it’s got everything, including one of my favorite tropes: a mysterious book hidden in the stacks.

Dark academia romance books are hard to find in the fantasy genre. This book has all the moody, whimsical, quirky vibes, and. it follows a secret underground world of pirates, painters, and so much more.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Starless Sea was published on November 5, 2019, from Doubleday.

Dark Academia Books, YA List

Vicious by Victoria Schwab

V. E. Schwab is the queen of moody fall reading! She’s also one of the first YA fantasy authors I’ve ever read, so I have a soft spot in my heart for her. This is a compelling paranormal/urban fantasy series with an addictive writing style.

We follow Victor and Eli, ambitious and competitive college campus roommates who are researching the effects of near-death experiences when things go horribly wrong.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Vicious was published on September 24, 2013, from Tor Books.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us Is Lying is the first book in a YA dark academia book series that’s also a thriller and romance. But really it’s a murder mystery version of The Breakfast Club, and I can’t love that enough.

Of course we have secrets at Bayview High, and we have all the different kinds of cliques, just like The Breakfast Club: The brain, the beauty, the criminal, the athlete, and the outcast. So ultimate YA vibes!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

One of Us Is Lying was published on May 30, 2017, from Delacorte Press.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab

I told you V. E. Schwab was the queen of the moody vibes, right?! This historical fantasy novel is about a young woman who signs her fate with the Dark for immortality.

There are a lot of darker themes in this book, and it definitely tackles the philosophical, existential ideas that are so common in dark academia.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue was published on October 6, 2020, from Tor books.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

I don’t see this book on a lot of best lists of dark academia books to read, but it is absolutely one of my all-time favorites. A dreary exclusive boarding school in England, complex friendships among mysterious, secretive girls, and gothic, grotesque imagery through mysterious visions and unveiled family secrets . . . oh, this one is the essence of dark academia.

A Great and Terrible Beauty is book one in the Gemma Doyle trilogy, and I devoured all the books in this dark academia books series. Gemma is such a cool character. I wanted to be her best friend!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

A Great and Terrible Beauty was published on December 9, 2003, from Simon and Schuster.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I believe this was my first ever dark academia novel! It’s a beautiful, captivating paranormal YA book (maybe a little on the lighter academia side) and the first book in the Raven Cycle series—which has a cult following in the young adult reader community.

If you like rich kids with too much power at an exclusive private school with magic and found family, you will love this book. The best friend group in this academic setting is perfection. It’s actually on my list of my favorite non-spooky books to read in autumn because of all the moody vibes.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Raven Boys was published on September 18, 2012, from Scholastic Press.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

This is another throwback for me, but this creepy paranormal/historical fiction book has the best dark academia vibe! It follows an abandoned orphanage on a mysterious island. Very Tim Burton-esque, so it’s perfect for fall, and it’s full of adventure.

If you read it, definitely get the physical copy. Inside are old photographs published in the book to add to the creepy factor.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was published on June 7, 2011, from Quirk.

Dark Academia Books, Classics List

Old School by Tobias Wolff

The novel takes place at an elite prep boarding school in 1960. This is a historical fiction novel but also a thinly veiled memoir of Tobias Wolff’s own memories at an exclusive boarding school in the sixties. that many classics readers say is an extremely emotional book.

I love Tobias Wolff’s short stories, and fans of Old School have said this one is beautifully written as well. I think this is a great one to start with if you’re looking specifically for dark academia books classics category.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Old School was published in August 31, 2004, from Vintage.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Anyone looking for a classic dark academia book should probably start with this one. This is a dreamlike book about a man in late-19th-century England who sells his own soul for eternal youth and beauty.

Gothic horror at its finest, this is a book examining the detrimental power of vanity.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Picture of Dorian Gray was published on June 1, 1890, from Random House: Modern Library.

Dead Poets Society by N. h. Kleinbaum

Since this book is basically the definition of dark academia, I’m absolutely shocked I haven’t read it yet! Now the movie? Yes. Yesyesyes. The coming-of-age drama has all the moody vibes and literary loves.

I want to try the book, but I’m a little skeptical since the movie is much more popular. But I do think it deserves to be on this list.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Dead Poets Society was published on August 1, 1989, from Starfire.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Donna Tartt’s debut novel, The Secret History, is the most well-known book for the dark academia genre. The classic literary fiction book follows eccentric misfits at an elite New England college, and that’s just the tip of the dark academia iceberg.

Pretentious but all the moody vibes! The Secret History has multilayered morally grey characters you will be compelled to read more and more about (even though it is a looooong book).

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Secret History was published on September 11, 1992, from Vintage.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Some say Rebecca belongs in the genre and some disagree. This gothic mystery is known for its wistful, mournful, and dark tones, so I feel like it belongs because of the DA moody vibes (perfect for fall!).

From what I understand, this book is full of psychological angst and is quite a haunting story. I know many people recommend it as a gateway book if the classics intimidate you, so I’m hoping to read it soon!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Rebecca was republished on December 17, 2013, from Little, Brown and Company.

Dark Academia Books 2024

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

I’ve seen this one all over BookTok! There are some exciting new dark academia books in 2024. I’m definitely intrigued by the cover. This YA contemporary mystery is set in a boarding school full of dark secrets when a disappearance occurs.

I’ve heard this one is heartwrenching, very dark, and powerful.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Where Sleeping Girls Lie was published on March 14, 2024, from Feiwel & Friends.

Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

This is a crime suspense thriller that takes place at Princeton. When Maya returns a decade after she graduated to visit her little graduate student little sister, Naomi, she is horrified to find that her sister is dead.

The rest of the book is Maya learning about a secret society as she tries to uncover the truth of what happened to her sister in present day and what happened a long time ago.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Society of Lies was published on August 13, 2024, from Bantam.

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

This book is about Drayton College, a secret school of magic in Savannah, and Lennon is chosen because of her innate gift of persuasion. I think this one sounds sooo good.

A lot of dark academia readers have it on their most anticipated books of 2024, and for those with advanced reader copies, it does NOT disappoint. I can’t wait to read it!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

An Academy for Liars will be published on September 17, 2024, from Ace.

When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips

Secrets of an elite private school are slowly coming out in this suspense mystery novel set in Dublin. The library aesthetic vibes of this one seem 10/10! Dark academia books YA vibes, that is.

I believe it’s a dual timeline since part of the story takes place thirty years later. This one deals with heavier topics like sexual abuse of students. I think at the right time this one will be perfect, but it will be VERY dark.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

When We Were Silent was published on May 21, 2024, from Flatiron Books.

Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

This is the first book in the Immortal Dark Trilogy, and it’s a mix of romantasy and paranormal YA. It’s being billed as The Cruel Prince meets Ninth House, and I’m excited to see what all the fuss is about!

This book is about a lost heiress who has to reenter an arcane society to live with a vampire whom she believes killed her family. I mean . . . this sounds like such a fun vampire book—if “dark entanglements of love” and vampire lore is your thing!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Immortal Dark will be published on September 3, 2024, from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

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The Dark Academia Aesthetic and Definition

If you’re new to the dark academia genre or you’re wondering why are people obsessed with dark academia, I’ll try my best to provide a definition! One thing to note: I don’t think there’s any productive reason to squabble about how to define dark academia. My definition will vary from yours, and I think that’s okay.

Dark academia novels are mysterious, gloomy, and usually gothic, and they tend to focus on education and learning but in a romanticized, nostalgic way.

As an Enneagram 4, I always joke that this genre speaks to me for this reason. Think moody library aesthetic or atmospheric, gothic vibes—usually incorporating a school or library, but not always.

Are the characters somewhat pretentious?

A little morally gray?

A little reclusive and bookish?

I mean, usually. Sometimes they’re straight-up villainous. But if you love dark academia novels, you appreciate the dark undertones.

What Makes a Book Dark Academia?

Essential dark academia books typically focus on older knowledge institutions, like libraries, museums, publishing houses, and universities. If you’re wondering what are the principles of dark academia, here are some quick hitters:

• Characters studying classic literature or art history
• Greek or Gothic architecture that contributes to the atmospheric nature
• Elite, privileged, or pretentious characters and the pursuit of knowledge
• Stories that deal with romanticization of the past
• Strong sense of clothing style or theme of interior design
• Mysterious, solemn circumstances, strange things, dark and terrible secrets, theme of fate
• Shadowy, sometimes grotesque aesthetic

What Is the Criticism of Dark Academia?

Dark academia is not without its problems and criticisms. Because old academic institutions are often central to the story, many of the characters lack inclusion and diversity.

It can center white stories, and the histories of some of the institutions are very dark. A lot of prestigious academic spaces are most likely tainted by dark histories because of white supremacy.

This can definitely leave a bad taste in readers’ mouths, and enjoying the romanticism of all of these elements in a book—without considering the discrimination and erasure of other groups of people and their histories—can definitely bring on valid criticism.

Light Academia Books

Wondering what is the difference between light academia and dark academia books? I’d say while light academia books still focus on learning/education and a romantic view of literature, it’s a little more whimsical than gloomy.

Sometimes the difference between light and dark academic books is the setting. For instance, Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay would be considered light academia because of its summer setting.

There’s much more joy and beauty in light academia books—and fewer dark secrets or grotesque themes. Light academia is like the more optimistic little sister to dark academia.

Some examples of light academia books are Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, and The House in the Cerulean Sea by T. J. Klune.

Dark Academia for Your Moody Fall Reading

Happy reading (and brooding), friend!

I hope you’ve enjoyed perusing this list of popular dark academia books to read. I know I plan to add a lot of them to my TBR, especially some dark academia book series, and I can’t wait to see what new books come from this genre!