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September is the perfect time of year to read haunting, bewitching books set in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Dark Academia is not quite a “genre” in the literal sense, but it’s taken BookTok and BookTube by storm in recent years. It’s one on of my personal favorite types of books, full of moral questions, school settings, and pretentious characters.
The criteria for a dark academia is pretty widely accepted as books set in a academic or school setting, with some kind of mystery or fantasy element. Oh, and heavy emphasis on the dark—whether that’s a gothic setting or a murder mystery, this type of book makes you feel slightly unsettled, but wildly intrigued at the same time.
While not all the quintessential dark academia books are on Kindle Unlimited, there are quite a few great options to get you into the fall spirit before we dive into true spooky territory in October!
For more Kindle Unlimited picks, be sure to check out our roundup featuring new fantasy releases!
If We Were Villains
by M.L. Rio
“On the day Oliver Marks is released from jail, the man who put him there is waiting at the door. Detective Colborne wants to know the truth, and after ten years, Oliver is finally ready to tell it.”
This Shakespearean novel follows a haunting, riveting story about a ragtag group of theatre nerds, and the night it all goes wrong. Haunting, dazzling, and gripping, M.L. Rio really does something special with this one.
The Secret Book Society
by Madeline Martin
“A captivating new historical novel from Madeline Martin, set in Victorian London about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.”
What’s more dark academia than a secret, forbidden book club full of secrets? Set in 1895 London, this historical fiction blends mystery, heartwarming friendships, and Bridgerton-esque aristocracy.
Babel
by R.F. Kuang
“From award-winning author R. F. Kuang comes Babel, a thematic response to The Secret History and a tonal retort to Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell in this unforgettable work of dark academia that grapples with student revolutions, colonial resistance, and the use of language and translation as the dominating tool of the British empire.”
One of my favorite books of all time, and one of this generation’s greatest dark academia feats, Babel explores heavy themes while never feeling dull. I recommend this one to everyone I meet who asks for book recommendations.
Ninth House
by Leigh Bardugo
“Enter a mesmerizing world of power, privilege, and dark magic among the Ivy League elite in the first book in the Alex Stern series.”
Alex Stern finds herself at Yale after being given a mysterious full-ride scholarship—the catch? She has to report her findings to her benefactors about the doings and dealings she discovers at New Haven.
This one is sexy, sinister, and spooky.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
by Oscar Wilde
“Wilde’s novel explores themes of vanity, aestheticism, and the consequences of living a life devoted solely to pleasure. Through its dark and suspenseful narrative, it examines the duality of human nature, the corruption of the soul, and the destructive power of unchecked desires.”
This Kindle Unlimited version includes bothThe Uncensored 13 Chapter Version + The Revised 20 Chapter Version.” (Originally, this Victorian era novel was highly censored to to its sexual nature.)
Atmospheric, obsessive, and captivating, this classic is a must-read for anyone interested in a cautionary tale of ambition, success, and vanity.
The Book of Doors
by Gareth Brown
“A debut novel full of magic, adventure, and romance, The Book of Doors opens up a thrilling world of urban fantasy for readers of The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, The Night Circus, and any modern portal fantasy story that mixes the wonder of the unknown with just a tinge of darkness.”
While seemingly whimsical, this fantasy novel explores the darker sides of academia and morality with intense stakes that keep you wanting to read page after page.
The Maidens
by Alex Michaelides
“From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient comes a spellbinding tale of psychological suspense, weaving together Greek mythology, murder, and obsession, that further cements “Michaelides as a major player in the field” (Publishers Weekly).”
A student becomes obsessed with proving a charming, handsome Greek mythology professor guilty of multiple murders that are haunting the campus.
A Study in Drowning
by Ava Reid
“Part historical fantasy, part rivals-to-lovers romance, part Gothic mystery, and all haunting, dreamlike atmosphere, Ava Reid’s powerful YA debut will lure in readers who loved The Atlas Six, House of Salt and Sorrows, or Girl, Serpent, Thorn.”
A decrepid manor, an impossible task, and a mysterious contest come together to tell a dark tale full of twists, turns, and romance.
Fall is the perfect time to make the most of your Kindle Unlimited subscription! Full of dark academia picks, classics, romantasy, contemporary romance, thrillers and more! If you have a Prime subscription and don’t want to pay for Kindle Unlimited, there’s also tons of options on Prime Reading.