The Decennial is over, but for the students of Blackwood Academy, the fight for the afterlife has just begun.
The infamous school was hiding more secrets—and lies—than any of the Decennial’s participants could have imagined. And there’s still so much that remains buried beneath its ancient foundations. Now, the future of the academy, and all the souls within it, rests in the hands of six former pupils. Any of them could be the hero the afterlife needs…or the villain who will destroy it for good.
It might be summertime still, but school is in session! In the world of dark academia, summer is merely a moment to regroup and refresh, and to catch up on all your reading, of course. 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 thrillers and fantasy. The hallowed halls of boarding schools and universities feel that much more mysterious when there is more at stake than grades.
Prepare yourself for your autumn coursework with these new and upcoming YA dark academia novels!
Alchemy of Souls by Adriana Mather (August 2026)
Raised to be his uncle’s perfect heir, Grayson Stone is trained in all four types of magic. Years of planning to go against his uncle’s rule as High Chancellor depend on Grayson’s scoring for his university entrance exam. When Grayson is linked to fellow student Eloise Belrose, they are given two weeks to solve an impossible mystery.Eloise and Grayson must learn to work together or risk losing everything.
Winners & Liars by Aleema Omotoni
When Derin is accepted to Cambridge University, she finds herself in the middle of an unexpected competition. Derin and her Uni prep group are invited to Professor Darnley’s summer ball. The students are offered the chance to compete in a Victorian-style competition to be named Darnley’s new heir. Derin might be determined, but Darnley’s children won’t give up their inheritance without a fight!As Derin learns the truth about the dangerous game she plays, the lies and schemes are only beginning.
Corpse de Ballet: A Graphic Novel by Megan Kearney
After arrivingin the middle of the year, Rosamund is willing to prove she deserves to be at the ballet boarding school. Rosamund discovers that before she arrived, another student disappeared. Coincidence or something more sinister? Between grueling rehearsals, Rosamund obsessively investigates the disappearance. The muted illustrations fit the eerie vibes of the ballet academia story.
Dreamweaving by O.O 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 from all things magic. When Deja enrolls at the prestigious Tanglewood Preparatory School, she finds herself wrapped up in dangerous magic. Tanglewood’s best student, Tobi, is plagued by strange dreams that are connected to the disappearance of another student. Together, Deja and Tobi and their friends must decode the dreams and the school’s dark past.
Oxford Blood by Rachael Davis-Featherstone
Eva dreams of studying at Oxford, but her dreams are put on hold when her best friend George is found dead during their Oxford interview week. The investigation turns to Eva as she scrambles to prove her innocence. Conspiracy theories and shocking secrets tumble together in this twisty thriller.
The 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 to thrive. The cutthroat survival Tournament is only open to seven elite seniors. This year, 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?
Need more lessons on dark academia? Check out this list ofdark academia tropes and themes.
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