7 Best Dark Academia Books You Need To Read In 2025

Dark Academia has emerged as a captivating literary genre, blending intellectual curiosity, gothic aesthetics, and a deep fascination with classical literature. Its allure lies in its combination of mystery, romance, and obsession with knowledge, often set against the backdrop of ivy-covered universities and candlelit libraries. Below is a list of 7 best dark academia books you need to read in 2025.

1. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt

The Secret History is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Dark Academia literature. The story follows a group of highly intellectual students at a fictional Vermont college who form a secretive circle under the guidance of a charismatic professor. Tartt’s lyrical prose, intricate character development, and atmospheric settings immerse readers in a world of secrets, classical studies, and psychological complexity. This novel defines the genre’s fascination with the tension between knowledge, morality, and human desire, making it indispensable for any Dark Academia enthusiast.

2. “If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio

M.L. Rio’s If We Were Villains blends Shakespearean drama with the intensity of academic rivalry. Set in a prestigious performing arts college, the novel follows seven students whose lives revolve around the plays they perform, blurring the line between fiction and reality. A tragedy sets the tone for an exploration of friendship, betrayal, obsession, and guilt, while the suspenseful narrative keeps readers engaged throughout. The book’s intricate structure mirrors theatrical complexity, and Rio’s writing highlights the darker side of artistic ambition and intellectual competitiveness. Its detailed examination of relationships, performance, and moral dilemmas positions it as a must-read Dark Academia novel for lovers of literature and theatre alike.

3. “Bunny” by Mona Awad

The protagonist, an MFA student, is drawn into a strange world of seemingly perfect classmates who behave like a collective hive mind. Awad’s unsettling imagery, dark humor, and psychological tension explore themes of isolation, conformity, and the intense social pressures of elite academic programs. The novel’s hallucinatory sequences blur reality, creating an atmosphere of unease and intellectual obsession. Bunny challenges traditional Dark Academia tropes while retaining the genre’s focus on student life, aestheticism, and psychological intrigue, making it both unique and essential.

4. “The Likeness” by Tana French

The story follows an undercover detective who infiltrates a close-knit group of graduate students after a murder occurs. French’s evocative prose, detailed character psychology, and suspenseful plotting capture the dark allure of academic subcultures. Themes of identity, secrecy, and friendship under strain highlight the moral and intellectual pressures of highly insular communities. The Likeness exemplifies the Dark Academia genre by exploring the tension between curiosity, loyalty, and the consequences of obsession, immersing readers in a world of intellectual intrigue and hidden danger.

5. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt

Tartt’s narrative spans years of personal struggle, artistic obsession, and moral complexity, capturing the protagonist’s journey through grief, love, and criminal temptation. While broader in scope than traditional Dark Academia novels, its focus on intellectual curiosity, art, and emotional depth aligns it with the genre. The story emphasizes the intense connection between aesthetics, knowledge, and personal identity, providing readers with a deep exploration of human ambition and psychological nuance. Tartt’s richly detailed world makes it an essential addition to any Dark Academia reading list.

6. “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova

The Historian merges historical research with gothic suspense, chronicling a young woman’s quest to uncover a centuries-old mystery tied to Dracula. Kostova’s narrative combines academic scholarship, travel, and intellectual pursuit with dark, atmospheric storytelling. The novel examines themes of knowledge, obsession, and historical legacy, showcasing the intellectual rigor and curiosity at the heart of Dark Academia. Its richly detailed European settings, complex characters, and intertwining timelines create a suspenseful, erudite narrative that exemplifies the genre’s fascination with learning, mystery, and gothic intrigue, making it a must-read for academic enthusiasts.

7. “Black Chalk” by Christopher J. Yates

Black Chalk is a psychological thriller set in Oxford, where a seemingly harmless game among students escalates into a high-stakes battle of wits and morality. Yates’ writing explores friendship, rivalry, deceit, and the pressures of intellectual life, emphasizing the dark consequences of ambition and obsession. The novel’s tension, paired with its clever structure and richly drawn characters, exemplifies the intellectual intensity of Dark Academia. Readers are drawn into a world where psychological games intertwine with elite academic environments, creating suspense while highlighting the moral ambiguities and intellectual competitiveness that define the genre.

Conclusion

For enthusiasts of Dark Academia, these seven books represent a comprehensive journey through the genre’s rich landscape. From classic boarding school dramas to modern explorations of occult and artistic obsession, each book offers a unique perspective on the dark allure of academic life. Readers who immerse themselves in these works will discover not only captivating stories but also complex characters, moral quandaries, and the intoxicating pursuit of knowledge.

Whether you seek psychological thrillers, gothic mysteries, or philosophical narratives, these titles form an essential collection for anyone captivated by the mystery and sophistication of Dark Academia. Curating your reading list around these works ensures a profound engagement with the genre, offering endless opportunities for intellectual and emotional exploration.