Novels That Are The Perfect Mix of Literary Thriller and Dark Academia
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Novels That Are The Perfect Mix of Literary Thriller and Dark Academia

The books in the dark academia shelf are often literary thrillers, delineating the main characters' spiral into insanity while surrounded by beautiful Gothic structures and college campuses. The following books are among the classics of dark academia, all of which are must-reads when it comes to this 'aesthetic'.

467
Unsplash / Stefan Steinbauer

What is 'dark academia'? Dark academia is an aesthetic that revolves around passion and eagerness for knowledge, largely the study of classics and literature, and it is characterized by mainly dark, Gothic and Greek architecture. Going to bookstores, libraries, and cafes, reading, writing poetry, etc. are all considered activities that fuel 'dark academia.'

The books in the dark academia shelf are often literary thrillers, delineating the main characters' spiral into insanity while surrounded by beautiful Gothic structures and college campuses. If you are looking for slowly spiraling literary thrillers, deep in the forest of academia and cults and societies, then the following books are great places to get started.


'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt

The Secret History is the ultimate classic of this aesthetic, and a gripping tale of friendship, obsession, and murder, and how simple it can be to spiral out of control. The Secret History is a must-read, rich with vivid imagery that engulfs you, and it stays with you long after you read the last page. Visit the link, linked in the title, to learn more.

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

If We Were Villains follows a group of Shakespearean actors/theater majors at a renowned Conservatory, whose friendship yet underlying rivalry spirals into murder, creating their very own Shakespearean tragedy and tasking them with proving their innocence to the police, to one another, and to themselves. Visit the link, linked in the title, to learn more.

'Dead Poets Society' by N. H. Kleinbaum

The Dead Poets Society is another renowned classic, and film, that revolves around a group of English students that resurrect the Dead Poets Society with help from their teacher and, in the process of finding their freedom and passion, become encumbered by the tragic consequences of too much freedom. Visit the link, linked in the title, to learn more.

'The Night Climbers' by Ivo Stourton

The Night Climbers also revolve around a group of Cambridge University students -- all members of the secret society the 'Tudor Night Climbers' -- and their friendship, tests, crime, and the extents to which you'll go to save yourself. Visit the link, linked in the title, to learn more.

'Black Chalk' by Christopher J. Yates

Set at Oxford University, Black Chalk is a psychological thriller that follows a group of students whose childish games transgressed the line into high stakes, viciousness, unpredictability, and tragedy. Now 14 years later, the group meets again for the final round. Visit the link, linked in the title, to learn more.

'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House is a thriller that meets dark magic, surrounding a group of Yale students whose newest member, Alex Stern, is given a second chance after near death with a mysterious, full ride admission to Yale University. Once there, she's met with Ivy-League elites and is sucked deep into their occult, sinister activities. Visit the link, linked in the title, to learn more.

'The Basic Eight' by Daniel Handler

And last but not least, The Basic Eight follows a group of high school students whose normal drama mixed with cruelty, alcohol, and tragedy spiral into murder and the spotlight is on them. With complex characters and rich imagery, The Basic Eight can't be put down. Visit the link, linked in the title, to learn more.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

59245
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38301
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959749
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

197159
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments