9 Dark Academia Books To Read In 2025

The Dark Academia has captivated readers worldwide with its blend of gothic atmosphere, academic settings, and themes of mystery, philosophy, and self-discovery. Whether you are drawn to secret societies, twisted friendships, or hauntingly poetic prose, these Dark Academia books will immerse you in a world of intellectual intrigue and dark elegance. Below I made a list of 9 Dark Academia books that will transport you into the shadowy corridors of knowledge and obsession.

1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

No Dark Academia reading list is complete without The Secret History. This novel is the epitome of the genre, weaving a gripping tale of a group of elite classics students at an exclusive college in Vermont. Under the guidance of a charismatic professor, they become entangled in a web of betrayal, morality, and murder. Tartt’s lyrical prose and psychological depth make this a quintessential Dark Academia masterpiece. The story delves into themes of obsession, isolation, and the moral consequences of intellectual arrogance. With its immersive world-building and psychological complexity, The Secret History continues to stand as an unparalleled work in the genre.

2. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

Another must-read for Dark Academia enthusiasts, If We Were Villains follows a group of Shakespearean actors at an elite arts college. The students’ intense devotion to their craft blurs the lines between performance and reality, leading to a devastating crime. With its gothic atmosphere, literary allusions, and intricate character dynamics, this novel delivers an enthralling experience reminiscent of The Secret History. Rio expertly crafts a world where literature and life intertwine, creating a sense of inevitability in the unfolding tragedy. The exploration of jealousy, ambition, and artistic passion makes it a compelling and unforgettable read.

3. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House infuses the Dark Academia aesthetic with supernatural elements, crafting a thrilling narrative set at Yale University. The story follows Alex Stern, a survivor of a horrific crime who is recruited to oversee the university’s secret societies that dabble in occult practices. This dark, immersive, and chilling novel explores themes of power, privilege, and the cost of knowledge. Bardugo masterfully blends academic intrigue with elements of horror and fantasy, offering a unique twist on the genre. The protagonist’s gritty determination and mysterious past make for a gripping and thought-provoking tale of survival and discovery.

4. Vicious by V. E. Schwab

A modern take on Dark Academia, Vicious explores the boundaries of morality, science, and ambition. The novel follows two college friends whose experiments on human potential lead them to become powerful but vengeful adversaries. With its philosophical undertones, morally grey characters, and academic setting, this book is an electrifying addition to the genre. Schwab delves deep into the psychology of her characters, examining the thin line between heroism and villainy. The intense rivalries and dark themes of revenge and power make this a must-read for those who enjoy cerebral and compelling storytelling.

5. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake

For those who enjoy Dark Academia infused with fantasy, The Atlas Six presents a gripping narrative about a secretive society of magical scholars. Each year, six of the most gifted magicians are chosen to join the Alexandrian Society, where knowledge is power—literally. With complex characters, intricate world-building, and intellectual intrigue, this novel is a must-read. Blake expertly crafts a tense and layered story where alliances shift and betrayals are inevitable. The novel’s deep philosophical questions about power, knowledge, and morality ensure it lingers in the reader’s mind long after the last page.

6. A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

Dark magic, an eerie boarding school, and the lingering ghosts of the past make A Lesson in Vengeance a perfect Dark Academia novel. The story follows Felicity Morrow as she returns to Dalloway School, a place haunted by the deaths of five witches centuries ago. As Felicity becomes entangled with a brilliant but mysterious new student, secrets and paranoia begin to unravel. With its blend of witchcraft, academic elitism, and psychological suspense, this novel captures the very essence of Dark Academia’s gothic allure while exploring themes of grief, power, and obsession.

7. Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

A gothic horror-infused Dark Academia novel, Plain Bad Heroines intertwines past and present as it explores a cursed girls’ school in early 1900s New England. The story follows students Flo and Clara, whose tragic deaths spark eerie occurrences at the school. Decades later, a film crew arrives to adapt their story, only to find that the curse may still linger. Filled with literary horror, queer romance, and unsettling academia, this novel is a uniquely layered, darkly comedic, and hauntingly intelligent tale that blends historical fiction with metafictional storytelling.

8. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

A Dark Academia novel with a magical twist, A Deadly Education takes place in the Scholomance, a perilous school for magical students where failure means death. With its dark humor, academic setting, and intricate world-building, this book offers a unique and thrilling take on the genre. Novik’s sharp wit and immersive storytelling create a compelling world of danger and discovery. The novel’s strong protagonist and critique of elitism and systemic power make it a standout addition to the Dark Academia canon.

9. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

A literary mystery drenched in gothic allure, The Shadow of the Wind transports readers to post-war Barcelona, where young Daniel Sempere discovers a mysterious book by an obscure author. As he searches for more of the author’s works, he realizes that someone is systematically destroying every copy in existence. His quest leads him into a labyrinth of secrets, forbidden knowledge, and hidden histories.

Conclusion

The Dark Academia genre continues to enchant readers with its blend of intellectual exploration, gothic aesthetics, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you are drawn to psychological thrillers, literary mysteries, or fantasy-infused academia, these books will immerse you in the hauntingly beautiful world of knowledge and ambition.