What began as an aesthetic trend and young adult culture in 2015 on Tumblr is now considered a genre. Dark academia isn’t exactly looked upon as a genre but rather is considered as a sub-genre under thriller and mystery. In contrast to regular thriller novels, one striking feature of dark academia novels is that they almost always have an educational institution setting as the backdrop. From death, drama, and love to intellectual pursuits, and blurred morals and secrets, this one’s a whole pandora’s box waiting to be uncovered. We have picked out 7 best Dark Academia novels ( in our opinion) to begin your ascension into this subgenre.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This book will never not make it to a Dark Academia listing – it is tainted with dark twists, romance, and murder. The book follows Richard and his group of friends on their college life which unexpectedly takes a horrid turn when a suspicious yet charming professor takes them under his wing. What seems like a youthful romance and drama eventually unfurls into a series of dark rituals, drugs, heartbreak, and abuse, resulting in death.
If We Were Villians by M.L. Rio
If you ever thought adult friendships are complicated, we dare you to read this book. “If We Were Villains” unfolds in reverse, beginning with the protagonist’s release on parole. The lead, Oliver recounts events of his college life and the turns that ultimately landed him in jail. Rife with murder, jealousy, love, and a dramatic hint of Shakespeare’s stories, this novel is worth every minute.
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
Human remains are found in the protagonists’ small coastal village. Soon, chaos ensues and the lead, Kate calls her boarding schoolmates back home to uncover horrors of the past. Several mysteries resurface as Kate and her friends search for the truth. The Lying game is sure to keep you on the edge with its dramatic twist of events.
Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide
What do you do when a stranger starts revealing your deepest and darkest secrets to the world? Well, high-school seniors, Devon and Chiamaka, the stars of the story are in trouble as an anonymous texter going by the Aces shows up, and starts unfurling secrets from their past that is tucked away from the world. With the odds stacked against them, the duo fight with their lives at stake. A perfect combination, of suspense and an intense cat and mouse chase – this one is a good pick for a rainy afternoon.
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
As the name suggests, the plot of this book will leave you reeling with so many questions, till the end. The story begins with an author and teacher, stealing his late student’s work and publishing it as his own. If you’ve already guessed, there’s an anonymous guy who is aware of the truth and soon enough, he shows up to lead the teacher into a dark and dreaded path. Call it unexpected.
Legendborn by Tracy Deon
If you liked Harry Potter, you’d love this too. We’re talking secret societies, magic, mystery and a past yet to uncovered. The story revolves around Bree Matthews, a 16-year-old orphan and her life at the magical society at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She went there in search of her mother’s killer. Fast forward to the present and Bree uncovers a decade old truth concerning her past and magical roots.
The Ivies by Alexa Donne
An Ivy League college is the stuff of dreams but how many make it that far? Scratch that, the real question is how far are they willing to go to get enrolled into one? The five girls at the Claflin Academy labeled as the Ivies would kill to get into Harvard (literally). Just a bunch of ambitious girls, a lot of double crossing, and a crazy obsession. It is dramatic, intense and much more.
Images: Amazon
