It may still be summer, but school is in session! In the dark world of academia, summer is a moment to regroup and refresh, and of course to catch up on all your reading. More than tweed and snobbery, dark academia developed into a thriving subgenre. Exploring themes of classism, elitism, and obsession, Dark Academia offers a unique setting for thriller and fantasy. The hallowed halls of boarding schools and universities seem all the more mysterious when something more than grades is at stake.
Prepare yourself for your autumn semester with these new and upcoming YA Dark Academia novels!
alchemy of souls By Adriana Mather (August 2026)
Raised as his uncle’s perfect successor, Grayson Stone is trained in all four types of magic. Years of planning to go against his uncle’s regime as High Chancellor depend on Grayson’s scoring on the university entrance exam. When Grayson is paired with fellow student Eloise Bellerose, they are given two weeks to solve an impossible mystery. Eloise and Grayson must learn to work together or risk losing everything.
winners and liars By Alima Omotoni
When Darrin is accepted to Cambridge University, she finds herself in the middle of an unexpected competition. Darrin and his uni prep group are invited to Professor Darnley’s summer ball. The students are given the chance to participate in a Victorian-style competition to name Darnley’s new heir. Darrin may be determined, but the children of Darnley will not give up their inheritance without a fight! As Darrin discovers the truth about the dangerous game he has been playing, lies and scheming begin to unfold.
Corps de Ballet: A Graphic Novel By Megan Kearney
Having reached the middle of the year, Rosamund is ready to prove that she is worthy of a stay at the ballet boarding school. Rosamund learns that before her arrival, another student had gone missing. Coincidence or something more sinister? Amidst grueling rehearsals, Rosamund obsessively investigates the disappearance. The muted images fit the eerie atmosphere of the Ballet Academia story.
dream weaving By Oo Sangoyomi (October 2026)
Deja Freeman comes from a long line of witches, but after her mother’s death, Deja’s aunt has attempted to keep her away from all things magical. When Deja enrolls at the prestigious Tanglewood Preparatory School, she finds herself wrapped up in a dangerous spell. Tanglewood’s best student, Toby, is plagued by strange dreams that are connected to the disappearance of another student. Deja and Toby and their friends must work together to understand the dreams and the school’s dark past.
oxford blood By Rachel Davies-Featherstone
Eva dreams of studying at Oxford, but her dream is dashed when her best friend George is found dead during Oxford interview week. The investigation turns to Eva as she struggles to prove her innocence. Conspiracy theories and shocking secrets come together in this thrilling thriller.
tournament By Rebecca Barrow
Garner is a special boarding school for students who have been rejected everywhere else. They teach their students to survive and move forward. The cut-throat survival tournament is open to only seven elite seniors. This year, the three seniors, Max, Nora and Teddy, each have their own reasons to win. Winning the tournament could cost them everything, but is it worth it?
Are more lessons needed on Dark Academia? Check out this list of Dark Academia tropes and themes.
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