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Dark academia is rooted in a love for philosophy, history and literature... so here are some recommendations for books that fit the dark academia aesthetic and you should definitely read
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The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The cornerstone of dark academia literature. A group of elite classics students is drawn into a web of obsession, betrayal, and murder.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
A dark exploration of beauty, morality, and corruption in Victorian England.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A Gothic classic delving into the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, ambition, and the consequences of creation.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontƫ
A story of love, mystery, and self-discovery, set against the brooding backdrop of Thornfield Hall.
A Gothic masterpiece full of eerie atmospheres, academic investigation, and the dark allure of the unknown.
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If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
A Shakespearean tragedy set in an elite performing arts college, where studentsā lives unravel after a murder.
Vita Nostra by Marina & Sergey Dyachenko
A surreal and unsettling novel about a young woman attending a mysterious school where reality bends under the weight of knowledge.
A darkly humorous and sinister look at creativity, academia, and a cult-like clique in a prestigious MFA program.
The Atlas Six trilogy by Olivie Blake
A magical dark academia tale about six exceptionally talented magicians competing for a place in a secret society that guards knowledge.
In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
A memoir with Gothic undertones that explores trauma, storytelling, and academic reflection.
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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafĆ³n
A mysterious and haunting tale of a young boy discovering a forgotten book and its dark history.
The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
A supernatural dark academia story set in Yaleās secret societies, where magic and danger collide.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A chilling Gothic mystery set in a decaying mansion, with a protagonist investigating her cousin's eerie marriage.
The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
A tale of friendship, deceit, and secrets in the shadow of a Gothic boarding school.
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
A queer, layered story blending Gothic horror and academic intrigue across timelines.
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The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson
Dickinsonās introspective and haunting poetry complements the aestheticās love of literature and existential reflection.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
For the intellectual side of dark academia, this stoic philosophical work is a guide to self-reflection and understanding.
Paradise Lost by John Milton
An epic poem exploring rebellion, ambition, and the fall from grace, perfect for the themes of the aesthetic.
Songs of Innocence and Experience by William Blake
Poetry reflecting duality, beauty, and the darker aspects of human nature.
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A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
A magical school where survival is key, blending dark academia with fantasy and wit.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Noell by Susanna Clarke
A dense, Gothic tale of magic, rivalry, and ambition in 19th-century England.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
A modern, darker take on a magical academy, filled with existential musings and flawed characters.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
A historical and fantastical romance steeped in academia, libraries, and ancient mysteries.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
A haunting, introspective story set in an otherworldly labyrinth that plays with memory, knowledge, and solitude.
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Ace of Spades by Faridah ĆbĆkĆ©-ĆyĆmĆdĆ©
A suspenseful story of privilege, power, and systemic secrets in an elite private school.
Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
A slow-burning, atmospheric novel about an experimental university and the price of knowledge.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
A tale of mystery, tragedy, and privilege among a wealthy, secluded family.
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
A series rich with mysticism, academic undertones, and a search for ancient knowledge.
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
A romantic and artistic dark fantasy set in a world of fae and forbidden craft.
Did you read any of the books mentioned here? And if so what was your favorite/your opinion on them?
I personally read most of the books here and loved every single one.
