Much Too Vulgar by Viggy Parr Hampton is a funny, sad, horrific dark academia thriller about a girl whose entire self is consumed by the desire to earn her mother’s approval, which manifests in the tangible goal of becoming a surgeon.

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas is an engaging dark academia novel about a college that cares so much about the sanctity of its students’ education that tuition, room, board - even clothes, toiletries, and alcohol - are free. What’s more, they ensure the students are free from distraction by not allowing them to leave campus, send or receive communications, or have access to personal entertainment like radio, tv, iPods, etc. for the three years it takes to complete the curriculum.

I’ll Make a Spectacle of You by Beatrice Winifred Iker is a chilling Southern Gothic folk horror novel primarily set in and around the fictional Bricksbury University, a historically black college in Jonesborough, TN, in the heart of Appalachia.

The Belles by Lacey N. Dunham is an atmospheric Southern gothic novel that shines a light on the dark side of tradition, privilege, and the desire to belong. 

The Library at Hellebore is like what would happen if you populated Brakebills (“The Magicians”) with gods and monsters then held a battle royale.