Isabelle Popp has written all sorts of things, ranging from astrophysics research articles and math tests to crossword puzzles and poetry. These days she's writing romance. When she's not reading or writing, she's probably knitting or scouring used book stores for vintage gothic romance paperbacks. Originally from New York, she's as surprised as anyone that she lives in Bloomington, Indiana.
Paisley’s unpredictable magic finally appears just in time for her to attend the prestigious Weatherstone College where she faces an old family feud, mysterious and dangerous monsters, and an irresistible, forbidden connection with a powerful warlock with a spellcaster affinity. Enemies shouldn’t crave each other, but the sparks between them could burn up the whole world…
Packed with enemies-to-lovers chemistry, heart-stopping magic, and dark academia vibes, Spellcaster delivers the perfect dose of danger and desire.
When September rolls around and I see even one leaf fall from a tree, I’m ready to read some dark academia. I’ve written before about how I think dark academia is here to stay, even if it feels like a trend. Then there’s romantasy. It’s a neologism for a kind of genre-blending book that has been around for a long time but is experiencing a boom in mainstream popularity. Turns out, dark academia and romantasy can play together nicely.
The dark academia literary aesthetic concerns itself with institutions of learning that house secret societies, people wielding mysterious powers, and all manner of arcane, gatekept knowledge. The plots of these books often involve finding out what’s really going on in these places that young strivers wish to access.
Blending these stories with romantasy means a romantic relationship is brewing alongside whatever mystery is being unraveled or big bad is being defeated. And since we’re calling it a fantasy, we’re operating in a world where magic is real. A dark academia novel often points to occult practices and supernatural forces. However, it does not require the existence of anything beyond the human realm. But with these books, we get it all: magic, romance, and creepy colleges.
I’ve included both adult and young adult books, most of which are the first in a series. For romance readers strictly seeking HEAs, I’m with you! Romantasy is a real minefield for us, this list included. You may find cliffhanger endings or relationships that won’t fully resolve until future books, so keep that in mind.
Dark Academia Romantasy Books
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
In Eclipse City, inking tarot cards is an offense that can result in jail time. Clara knows; that’s what landed her in the clink. Prince Kaelis, headmaster at Arcana Academy, offers her a deal. To recreate a lost and powerful tarot card, she will first enter Arcana Academy as a student, also posing as Prince Kaelis’s fiancée. If you like a headstrong woman facing off against a broody guy, this is your book.
The Memory Hunters by Mia Tsai
Kiana is like an archaeologist, but what she uncovers are memories. With these skills, she could be running a temple, but instead, she wants to do research at the Museum of Public Memory. When Kiana uncovers a memory that conflicts with official history, she becomes obsessed with finding the truth. Her bodyguard, Vale, who keeps Kiana safe from her rivals, gets drawn into the mystery as well. This is a sapphic slow burn with unique world-building.
Silvercloak by L.K. Steven
To avenge the death of her parents, Saffron lies her way into Silvercloak Academy, where elite detectives receive training. She’s there for the gang called the Bloodmoons, but she has to go undercover and take them down from the inside. Of course, she meets a morally gray kingpin’s son who makes her second-guess everything. The magic in this world is unusual, derived from pain and pleasure. If you prefer a queer-normative world in your romantasies, pick this one up.
Sign of the Slayer by Sharina Harris
Both dark academia and romantasy can tend toward grim storylines and serious, driven characters, but Sign of the Slayer proves it’s possible to inject such a story with wit and sarcasm. In this YA fantasy, Raven’s marching band friends are killed by vampires, leading her to discover that she’s a slayer. When she goes to a slayer academy, she’s initially on board with the conception of vampires as a pure form of evil. That is, until she meets Khamari.
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
In the world of Immortal Dark, Uxlay University is where students work to maintain peace between humans and vampires. Kidan is an orphaned heiress who grew up far away from Uxlay. When her sister disappears, she decides to infiltrate the school. She believes a vampire is behind her sister’s disappearance, and she’ll stop at nothing to find her. If you want a dark academia book where the vampires are violent and alluring, you will drink this one down like blood.
Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone
To save her family from financial ruin, Lacrimosa, aka Lark, agrees to a marriage of convenience. Typical romance plot, but we know there’s a twist: her groom is Therion, a sea god, and he wants her to live in his chthonic realm. When the marriage ceremony goes wrong, Lark seeks help from students at the boarding school where she was kicked out. A bacchanalian ritual may fix everything, or make everything much worse. This one’s lyrical, gothic, and a little inspired by Aquaman.
These books make me wish for a rainy day and a cozy chair, and a big, uninterrupted stretch of time. And we’ve got more: spicy dark academia romances and dark academia books for romance readers. What these books don’t make me wish for is an acceptance letter to that mysterious academy; those places are nothing but trouble.
English (US) · 