5 Dark Academia Book Recommendations for Your Moody, Gothic Heart
Dark Academia. It’s the literary aesthetic that feels like late autumn afternoons cloaked in golden light, the smell of leather-bound books and espresso, and the longing to dive headfirst into a world where life feels like a Gothic novel. If you’re like me, you're probably yearning for rainy library days, mysterious friendships, and a sprinkle of danger. If that’s your vibe, grab your worn notebook, a pen filled with black ink, and let me walk you through six of my favorite Dark Academia books that will feed your dark, bookish soul.
BOOKS
Sofia
11/9/20243 min read
1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This is the Dark Academia book that started it all for me. It’s got pretentious classics students, a mysterious Greek professor, and a murder that feels like it belongs in a tragic myth. I was obsessed with the cult-like camaraderie of this group and their spiral into moral madness. I swear I could smell the ancient books and taste the red wine with every page.
You’ll find yourself wanting to learn Latin
2. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
Picture this: You’re a theater kid who’s way too into Shakespeare, and your close-knit friend group might just be your undoing. This book feels like you’re backstage at a play, but the drama is very, very real. The characters? Equally lovable and infuriating. The plot? A murder that leaves you guessing until the very end. Let’s just say I was reading this with one eye closed, like, “I cannot believe this is happening.”
Shakespearean drama isn’t confined to the stage
3. Bunny by Mona Awad
This book was a trip, and I’m still not entirely sure if it was a dream or a nightmare (in the best way possible). It starts off as a satire about an MFA program, but quickly turns into something like a psychological horror. The “Bunnies,” with their creepy, saccharine-sweet rituals, had me flipping pages so fast I almost ripped them. It’s a perfect read if you like your fiction a little absurd and a lot disturbing.
Trust no one in an MFA program who’s too sweet
4. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
This book is pure, unfiltered power. Imagine a secret society that guards the Library of Alexandria, but only a select few can gain entry each year. It’s dark, magical, and filled with characters who have about as much moral integrity as a snake. I couldn’t put it down. Every character is deliciously complex, and you’ll switch favorites at least five times (trust me, I did).
Magic, secrets, and betrayal
5. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Okay, this one was a rollercoaster. Imagine a school that wants to kill you as much as it wants to teach you. It’s a Dark Academia meets survival game, and our main girl, El, is basically a walking disaster with a penchant for destruction magic. It’s funny, terrifying, and absolutely addictive. I read it in one sitting because I had to know if she made it out alive.
Surviving school isn’t just a figure of speech when the building itself wants you dead.
So, there you have it! Six books that capture the raw, emotional, and often messy vibes of Euphoria. Whether you're into deep psychological twists or intense relationship drama, these picks will keep you just as hooked as Rue’s journey. Let me know which one you're diving into next. Happy reading!