Beth is a chess grandmaster who learned Chess from a janitor at her orphanage. The film doesn't fetishize academia or formal education, quite the opposite. Fetishizing this aesthetic can only hurt actual female chessplayers. You don't have to be an elitist or academic to play chess and enjoy it.
One that I rarely see recommended but is an absolute must read for the "Dark Academia" loving reader is The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova....Do yourself a favor and listen to this one on Audio Book.
I love Dead Poet’s society it’s heartbreaking but amazing, I also appreciate The Mummy and how you even kind of looked like Evie in this video(I’m not sure if that was intentional but it was a nice touch nonetheless.)
A Discovery of Witches is wonderful! The entire trilogy of books was amazing all around. It was written by an actual historian if I'm not mistaken and was her first piece of "historical fiction". I highly recommend the series to anyone who is interested in a more adult version of Twilight. Less angst, more adventure, and just interesting!
The books were WONDERFUL! And much better than the television series, imo. The author, Deborah Harkness, is a history professor whose specialty is the Elizabethan era. I can't recommend these books enough.
Thank you for the recommendations! I'd also like to add something to this list: -Kill your darlings - a movie about the best generation, takes place in the 40s, is gay and has murder in it (obv) -The chorus (les choristes) - also takes place in the 40s, in france and focuses on music. It maybe isn't a typical "dark" academia but still has some heavy themes and amazing soundtrack ❤
Evy from The Mummy is the reason I almost became an archaeologist/Egyptologist lol She still influences many aspects of my life, however, and I still study Ancient Egypt in my spare time and keep up with archaeological discoveries. Definitely my favorite movie of all time.
The Mummy is my all time favorite movie, and Evie my favorite character. Love how you included this with dark academia recommendations, it makes me like dark academia more. 💜
Film recommendation - “Heavenly Creatures” starring a young Kate Winslet: 1950s New Zealand; 2 girls form a dark disturbingly close relationship, to the concern of their respective families. All-girls’ school, jealousy, sexual tension and of course murder - all based on a true story. Book recommendation - the whole “All Souls” trilogy that “Discovery of Witches” is based on.
A comment appreciation fot the Mother of Dark Academia: DONNA TARTT. The way she dressed and the way she talks, looks like a character who is ready to murder a classmate whilst reciting an epic poem.
I really think that seasons 4-7 of Gilmore Girls take on that Dark Academia aesthetic. Rory going to Yale, meeting Logan and finding out about a secret society is a total Dark Academia vibe. I will have to check out Discovery of Witches. Thank you Lexi!
I totally agree with this! Especially the secret society aspect. It’s a little lighter in themes since it doesn’t include madness or murder BUT the discussions on privilege and academic rigor are really really prevalent!! I’d definitely consider it to be in the aesthetic as well!! 😊
I love everything dark academia but I'm also into cottagecore and a splash of light/classic academia in my home and style! But when it comes to extreme learning, studying, reading, yes I'm a totally dark academic! Thanks for sharing these book ideas!
The whole time you were talking about "dark academia" themed movies I was like "The Skulls"... "The Skulls......." "She needs to mention The Skulls"............. "She's going to, right??" LOL It's literally the PERFECT Dark Academia themed movie, but I'm completely biased because a) Joshua Jackson is Canadian (as am I), and he's been my on-screen boyfriend since Dawson's Creek. I just love him so much. Anyway! this was a fun video!!
2:04 "There's a lot of pining and unrequited love" *shows that picture* OH MY GOSH I'M DYING the best part is that she just kept talking like she didn't just drop the joke of the month XD
Your videos are always so inspiring! I'm super into Dark Academia and I love how you split it in "genre" and "aesthetic". Sometimes I feel hard to explain what Dark Academia means and now I will use you as reference :) I can't wait for your Christmas content! ♡ xx
One of my favorite books of all time (it's a super slow burn) and I tend to think of as dark academia even though it takes place in summer is The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane. It's about a Ph.D student in Massachusetts who finds a mysterious primary source having to do with Early American New England witchcraft in the house she's just inherited. Half the book is parallel storytelling in the 1600's and it's just *chef's kiss.* It's probably more Light Academia, but it has some really dark themes. I listen to it every February while I get my garden ready for spring. Oh, did I mention it's also set in the 90's?
The Dante Club: Dante aficionados band together to uncover who's behind a series of murders inspired by Dante's Inferno. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, set in England in 1806 magic is studied as a fading art with one magician willing to sacrifice everything for more magic.
I’m starting to realize that dark academia is absolutely my vibe!! Loveee the books and the show - a discovery of witches. Enola Holmes was so amazing and I love the women power!! ..... the mummy
I loved your video, and I appreciate that you did not get stuck with the outfits, your recommendations are great, I already noted the titles of the books, the best video on this subject that I have seen. (sorru for my english).
Hi! Loved this so much!!! Much thought went into it!! So, I have two dark academia recs for you. First, Young Sherlock Holmes a Chris Columbus film ( he did first two Harry Potter films and you can see the similarities). A must watch! Second, you probably will like and that is Flatliners. The original film. Very good. Hits all the marks.
Your aesthetic is gold! Thank you for all the recommendations! A TV series you may want to check out is “The Order”. Prestigious school, magic, secret societies, a monster on campus and of course...murder....bwhahahaha! Thank you so much for brightening my day!
I feel like a largely underrated DA book is Vita Nostra by the Dyachenkos translated by Hersey. I’ve only listened to it as an audiobook so far because I can’t find a physical copy anywhere in my country (I can order it from other countries but the overseas shipping omg i AM close to that point tho), but it’s still amazingly atmospheric, mysterious, and very dark academia. There’s an element of magical realism in there but it’s fairly minor. It’s mostly metaphysical.
I really liked these recommendations, some I didn't know! I think the movie The Riot Club could also be considered dark academia? Prestigious university, an exclusive club, power abuse, murder... I really liked it 😊
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, The Magicians by Lev Grossman, The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. All great reads and infrequently mentioned on dark academia videos.
very new here and I was so happy when you brought up Ninth House. I listened to it on Audible and hadn't seen any of the triggers, but the topics were handled so well I didn't even have a panic attack other then being shocked at the details and stoping what I was doing for a second. It is quite literally tied with Six of Crows for best book of my entire almost 21 years of life
Loved the editing of this video! I'm still trying to get through The Secret History, urghhh man its a long one and I've struggled to get into it, the pace is all over the place to me but there are some really beautiful moments of writing
I didn't like the whole series but with your definition I could say that the third season of Riverdale has a dark academia atmosphere. We have murder, the secret society and the private school. The season isn't perfect but I loved the dark vibe of this plot twist and now I now there's a whole world with books and tv shows and films I have to go through!
I love how you said this book is weird as shit when you started talking about bunny lol 😂 love your Chanel and your amazing! FYI your making me go broke with all these book recommendations!! We have such similar taste in book I buy them all!!! Thank you for bringing me backs to the love of reading. 💕
I loved "Secret History" and "Calamity Physics". Another good read in the DA genre is Robertson Davies' "Cornish Trilogy". I can't emphasize enough how well written these three interweaving books are.
I got so excited when you brought up, A Great and Terrible Beauty. This is my favorite trilogy EVER! I haven't read it in a while but I still think about it and I read it in high school. So, that's saying something. They were going to make a show out of it but then it got canceled. I hope they bring it back and actually make it! :)
I haven't seen anyone mention the "Night school" series by C.J Daugherty I believe these books are perfectly fitting in the "dark academia category" ❤️
So many amazing recommendations!! Thank you! Can’t wait to put these on my list! Do you have any recs for dystopian? I’ve read a lot of the classics and looking for newer authors!
I enjoyed Deborah Harkness' trilogy but it's a rare case where I actually enjoyed the first book better as a television show. I'm looking forward to the second season!
If you liked the Magicians and A Discovery of Witches as TV shows, you MUST read the books. The novel for A Discovery of Witches (and frankly the rest of the series) is my favourite of all time.
You have the best intros! Halloween's were adorable, and these have been gorgeous! I actually enjoyed Blue's rambling in Special Topics in Calamity Physics, I thought it was fun and endearing. Going watch The Skulls now...
Just finished Plain Bad Heroines which is how I found this video. It was amazing! My favorite book in a while. Really excited to read some of these recommendations!
The Gemma Doyle Trilogy was one of my favorites in high school. Ninth House is one of my favorite books I have read this year. But of course my all time favorite book is The Secret History. Nothing can come close. A few more dark academia books I can recommend are The Charlotte Holmes series and the Truly, Devious series. With Truly, Devious I felt like the exclusive boarding school gave a Hampden College like vibe. Tolkien is SUCH a good movie.
You need to watch The Emperor's Club, too! For the longest time, the only movies I'd watch were Dead Poet's Society and Emperor's Club. Please, please watch it!
I recently read the most underrated but also THE best dark academia book I have ever read: The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake. It‘s an incredibly smart and complex fantasy with a great dark academia setting. I HIGHLY recommend it.
You know what movie should be in the dark academia ascetic? The movie 9th Gate, it stars Johnny Depp as a rare book dealer who's client left him a very strange book that has Satanic elements behind its creation. While not set in a school, the story's backdrop is centered around old libraries, scholars, gothic NYC & European buildings. The color pallet and fashion also fits in with the ascetic, albeit with much more mature take on the traditional dark academia fashion. Also the plot also focuses on uncovering truths, studying late into the night, danger, cults, murder/suicides, and a love for classical literature. A really good watch for those who love the ascetic, but want to watch something not covered by every other list.
I would throw in Susanna Clarke's novels Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell as well as her newest, Piranesi. JS&MN centers around 2 English magicians and has a master and apprentice, self taught, pioneers but also archaeologists of magic thing going on that perfectly fits this theme. There is a BBC mini series also. Piranesi *TINY SPOILER* centers around a couple characters that are academics (though the premise and synopsis makes no mention of it, it is explained right off the bat and elaborated and expanded on throughout) and Reason and Logic play a huge part in the plot. Wonderful books. Also, of you're interested in a ridiculous Dark Academia movie perfect for October 'Slaughter House Rules' is hilarious. Nick Frost and Simon Pegg in a movie about a school invaded by demons... I don't think I need to say anything more.
Ughhh!!! I loveee the music in this intro!!!!!😩😩❤️❤️ Booktubers can’t compete! Question: how do you buy both the hardcover and the audiobook? I wanna start using both like you do, but I can imagine that would be pricey right? Some audiobooks on Audible are the price of a hardcover 🤦🏻♀️
all of these recs were so good and I can't wait to check out the ones I haven't read/watched yet! one dark academia sequence show I loved that I don't see a lot of people talking about is The Order on Netflix. it's super fun (there's magic and supernatural creatures as well as secret societies). unfortunately Netflix didn't renew it for a 3rd season but I would still totally recommend checking it out!
Thank you for all of the recommendations! I checked out several books from the library and put some movies and tv shows on my “to watch” list. Also, Evie from the Mummy was my inspiration to get a PhD and to learn ancient languages as well 😂 She’s the real deal.
Hi! I know this video is one year-old, but I would like to thank you for makihng it. I've just discovered the expression "dark academia" and I have to say your video was a great way for me (a person who loves books and studying) to understand this aesthetic and subject. Your presentation was excellent, so as your recommendations! So, I just wanted to thank you for this video and recommend you one work: "The Name of The Rose", by Umberto Eco. It's a abrilliant novel: a gothic medieval whodunit that takes place in a library! Besdies being a phenaomenal book, as a librarian, and a person who seems to love reading - as anyone can see - I think you would love it! Thank you very much once again and congratulations for your work (you are helping a lot of young people to discover books and literature, and that's just incredible!)
It always surprises me that no one recommends: The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman or Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman or Down a Dark Hall by Lois Duncan….these were Dark Academia before it had a name! Also as for series, Pretty Little Liars?!!! The original one. Definitely gave me those vibes
I love the All Souls Trilogy!I read the books before watching the series, I've reread the books 3x but I've only recently started season 2 (I don't have Sky, so I have to wait haha), and there are definitely differences between them more so I think in the second season, but I still recommend reading them if you haven't Lexi and anyone else who enjoys the adaptation!
Who does all the effects on your videos? Do you have an editor, or do you do it yourself? Your videos are entertaining because of this, as well as the great book reviews. I didn't even know what 'Dark Academia' was until I watched this video. I feel so much more educated now.
There are a lot of good recs here. Personally, for me, dark academia is something that has dark themes and academic themes, so books like (even though this one is set in a school for a small part of the book) Middlegame counts as dark academia because two characters are obsessed with mathematics and linguistics, plus the whole thing is an alchemy experiment. A dark academia that you may not know is The Furies by Katie Lowe which is set in a girls boarding school, involves a secret society and also witchcraft? TW though for rape. A movie, and I personally really like movies based off true stories which is really specific and kinda weird but that is on brand for me, is Colette. This was made back in 2018 or 2017 and is based off the French author Colette whom was a queer woman and ghost wrote for her husband. She is also played by Keira Knightly and I absolutely adore this movie. I have also read some of her stuff and I really love her prose and her characters so it is also worth looking her as a writer.
I felt so called out and exposed on that Draco malfoy thing, lol gonna watch that TV series for sure, thank you for that vid, I'm so intrigued by dark academia!! glad I found your channel 🖤✨
Dead Beautiful series by Yvonne Woon is one of my favorite dark academia books. I don't think anyone even knows about this because it's never mentioned. But I think anyone who loves dark academia, would love these books.
I'm definitely starting to read the book of A Discovery of Witches because of this video. The plot seems interesting, but I need to read the book first 😁😁
I am a little surprised you didn't mention "Possession" by A. S. Byatt. Actually probably not surprised, most BookTubers never mention it in their dark academia book picks. Given it is the epitome of dark academia, won the Booker Prize and is deemed a modern classic, I would strongly recommend you take a look at it. It would rank easily in my favourite ten modern books.
The queen’s gambit is literally the definition of dark academia, minus the murder
thanks pal, someone had to have said it
it's overrated tho.
Beth is a chess grandmaster who learned Chess from a janitor at her orphanage. The film doesn't fetishize academia or formal education, quite the opposite.
Fetishizing this aesthetic can only hurt actual female chessplayers. You don't have to be an elitist or academic to play chess and enjoy it.
I love the queen's gambit
I love that movie so much!!!
One that I rarely see recommended but is an absolute must read for the "Dark Academia" loving reader is The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova....Do yourself a favor and listen to this one on Audio Book.
Y E S to The Historian, I haven't finished it but it is AMAZING
Yes ! I never see this listed and it’s been a favorite since high school!
Oh god I thought I as the only one who had read that 😅
Incredible book.
I'm obsessed with dark academia and I cant stop
Some more reccomendations:
- The Furies by Katie Lowe (book)
- The Imitation Game (movie)
- The Alienist (TV show)
I love Dead Poet’s society it’s heartbreaking but amazing, I also appreciate The Mummy and how you even kind of looked like Evie in this video(I’m not sure if that was intentional but it was a nice touch nonetheless.)
I looked like Evie in this video???? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU RIGHT NOW?!?! 😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️
A Discovery of Witches is wonderful! The entire trilogy of books was amazing all around. It was written by an actual historian if I'm not mistaken and was her first piece of "historical fiction". I highly recommend the series to anyone who is interested in a more adult version of Twilight. Less angst, more adventure, and just interesting!
The books were WONDERFUL! And much better than the television series, imo. The author, Deborah Harkness, is a history professor whose specialty is the Elizabethan era. I can't recommend these books enough.
The Order on Netflix fits into this category too! It’s a secret society set at a college with people who practice magic and werewolves.
Your dark academia outfit is STUNNING! This is the perfect November video
Thank you :)
Thank you for the recommendations! I'd also like to add something to this list:
-Kill your darlings - a movie about the best generation, takes place in the 40s, is gay and has murder in it (obv)
-The chorus (les choristes) - also takes place in the 40s, in france and focuses on music. It maybe isn't a typical "dark" academia but still has some heavy themes and amazing soundtrack ❤
By "gay" do you mean actually gay or is it just your perverted psychosis?
Evy from The Mummy is the reason I almost became an archaeologist/Egyptologist lol She still influences many aspects of my life, however, and I still study Ancient Egypt in my spare time and keep up with archaeological discoveries. Definitely my favorite movie of all time.
The Mummy is my all time favorite movie, and Evie my favorite character. Love how you included this with dark academia recommendations, it makes me like dark academia more. 💜
Film recommendation - “Heavenly Creatures” starring a young Kate Winslet: 1950s New Zealand; 2 girls form a dark disturbingly close relationship, to the concern of their respective families. All-girls’ school, jealousy, sexual tension and of course murder - all based on a true story. Book recommendation - the whole “All Souls” trilogy that “Discovery of Witches” is based on.
Both THE MAGICIANS and A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES are books as well ^^ Can only recommend them. And another good read: STALKING JACK THE RIPPER
YES SJTR is such a good book ♥
The Order on Netflix is pretty decent too as far as I’ve seen!
I second this.
The actually storyline is great but the acting 🙄!
I really wanted to watch but couldn’t get past the acting and fake vibe
@@idontknow950 i kept restarting that series but I could never get past the second episode because of the acting and writing...
A comment appreciation fot the Mother of Dark Academia: DONNA TARTT.
The way she dressed and the way she talks, looks like a character who is ready to murder a classmate whilst reciting an epic poem.
YES ❤️
She also reads her audiobook
I agree! She’s the epitome of dark academia the way she looked in the 90’s and even the past few years
I really think that seasons 4-7 of Gilmore Girls take on that Dark Academia aesthetic. Rory going to Yale, meeting Logan and finding out about a secret society is a total Dark Academia vibe. I will have to check out Discovery of Witches. Thank you Lexi!
I totally agree with this! Especially the secret society aspect. It’s a little lighter in themes since it doesn’t include madness or murder BUT the discussions on privilege and academic rigor are really really prevalent!! I’d definitely consider it to be in the aesthetic as well!! 😊
Oh! Thank you! Now I know what to rewatch this fall! ❤
The editing in this video was Literally professional
I love everything dark academia but I'm also into cottagecore and a splash of light/classic academia in my home and style! But when it comes to extreme learning, studying, reading, yes I'm a totally dark academic! Thanks for sharing these book ideas!
The whole time you were talking about "dark academia" themed movies I was like "The Skulls"... "The Skulls......." "She needs to mention The Skulls"............. "She's going to, right??" LOL It's literally the PERFECT Dark Academia themed movie, but I'm completely biased because a) Joshua Jackson is Canadian (as am I), and he's been my on-screen boyfriend since Dawson's Creek. I just love him so much. Anyway! this was a fun video!!
I loved the Skulls movie, only the first one though
@@nicoleeverett1696 Ya I agree, they got a bit... weird after that haha
2:04 "There's a lot of pining and unrequited love" *shows that picture* OH MY GOSH I'M DYING the best part is that she just kept talking like she didn't just drop the joke of the month XD
Your videos are always so inspiring! I'm super into Dark Academia and I love how you split it in "genre" and "aesthetic". Sometimes I feel hard to explain what Dark Academia means and now I will use you as reference :)
I can't wait for your Christmas content! ♡
xx
Never been early!! The video is amazing.. You got me into DA now I can't seem to get out.
One of my favorite books of all time (it's a super slow burn) and I tend to think of as dark academia even though it takes place in summer is The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane. It's about a Ph.D student in Massachusetts who finds a mysterious primary source having to do with Early American New England witchcraft in the house she's just inherited. Half the book is parallel storytelling in the 1600's and it's just *chef's kiss.* It's probably more Light Academia, but it has some really dark themes. I listen to it every February while I get my garden ready for spring. Oh, did I mention it's also set in the 90's?
The Atlas Six is by far the best dark academia book I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it!
I love dark academia clothes
and your jacket 😍
The Dante Club: Dante aficionados band together to uncover who's behind a series of murders inspired by Dante's Inferno. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, set in England in 1806 magic is studied as a fading art with one magician willing to sacrifice everything for more magic.
I’m starting to realize that dark academia is absolutely my vibe!! Loveee the books and the show - a discovery of witches. Enola Holmes was so amazing and I love the women power!! ..... the mummy
I loved your video, and I appreciate that you did not get stuck with the outfits, your recommendations are great, I already noted the titles of the books, the best video on this subject that I have seen. (sorru for my english).
Aw thank you so much!!! And no worries your English is perfect!!❤️❤️❤️
Hi! Loved this so much!!! Much thought went into it!! So, I have two dark academia recs for you. First, Young Sherlock Holmes a Chris Columbus film ( he did first two Harry Potter films and you can see the similarities). A must watch! Second, you probably will like and that is Flatliners. The original film. Very good. Hits all the marks.
Your aesthetic is gold! Thank you for all the recommendations! A TV series you may want to check out is “The Order”. Prestigious school, magic, secret societies, a monster on campus and of course...murder....bwhahahaha! Thank you so much for brightening my day!
I feel like a largely underrated DA book is Vita Nostra by the Dyachenkos translated by Hersey. I’ve only listened to it as an audiobook so far because I can’t find a physical copy anywhere in my country (I can order it from other countries but the overseas shipping omg i AM close to that point tho), but it’s still amazingly atmospheric, mysterious, and very dark academia. There’s an element of magical realism in there but it’s fairly minor. It’s mostly metaphysical.
The books for A Discovery of Witches and The Magicians are both good too. Also The Order is a fun show too.
I really liked these recommendations, some I didn't know! I think the movie The Riot Club could also be considered dark academia? Prestigious university, an exclusive club, power abuse, murder... I really liked it 😊
Wow I could not agree with you more on The Mummy 🤣 They are all so beautiful!
One of my favorites to this day
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, The Magicians by Lev Grossman, The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. All great reads and infrequently mentioned on dark academia videos.
very new here and I was so happy when you brought up Ninth House. I listened to it on Audible and hadn't seen any of the triggers, but the topics were handled so well I didn't even have a panic attack other then being shocked at the details and stoping what I was doing for a second. It is quite literally tied with Six of Crows for best book of my entire almost 21 years of life
Great recommendations! The 90s were filled with DA, The Skulls is one of my favorite movies (paul walker 🤤)
Loved the editing of this video! I'm still trying to get through The Secret History, urghhh man its a long one and I've struggled to get into it, the pace is all over the place to me but there are some really beautiful moments of writing
Late comment but I’m at the very end of it and I’m so engrossed within I love it already and I hope to find more books like this
I didn't like the whole series but with your definition I could say that the third season of Riverdale has a dark academia atmosphere. We have murder, the secret society and the private school. The season isn't perfect but I loved the dark vibe of this plot twist and now I now there's a whole world with books and tv shows and films I have to go through!
I love how you said this book is weird as shit when you started talking about bunny lol 😂 love your Chanel and your amazing! FYI your making me go broke with all these book recommendations!! We have such similar taste in book I buy them all!!! Thank you for bringing me backs to the love of reading. 💕
The perfume A CLASSIC
I loved "Secret History" and "Calamity Physics". Another good read in the DA genre is Robertson Davies' "Cornish Trilogy". I can't emphasize enough how well written these three interweaving books are.
A Discovery of Witches and The Magicians are also great books!
I got so excited when you brought up, A Great and Terrible Beauty. This is my favorite trilogy EVER! I haven't read it in a while but I still think about it and I read it in high school. So, that's saying something. They were going to make a show out of it but then it got canceled. I hope they bring it back and actually make it! :)
I haven't seen anyone mention the "Night school" series by C.J Daugherty I believe these books are perfectly fitting in the "dark academia category" ❤️
Just an fyi, you are my absolute favorite booktube creator 100%
Thank you for this video, I've been wondering for months what the heck is Dark Academia, I'm kind of new in this stuff...
So many amazing recommendations!! Thank you! Can’t wait to put these on my list!
Do you have any recs for dystopian? I’ve read a lot of the classics and looking for newer authors!
OMG!! I never hear anyone talk about The Skulls. I just introduced this to my husband last month. I love these movies!
I enjoyed Deborah Harkness' trilogy but it's a rare case where I actually enjoyed the first book better as a television show. I'm looking forward to the second season!
Oh my I loved this!!
p.s. your makeup is always on point 💞👍🏻
Please read the night school series by C.J. Daugherty... Its about a boarding school, a secret society and, of course, murder. It's soo amazing 😍
Yay!! This is the perfect list for November! And thank you for adding even more in the description box!
hey Lexi can you do a video on your typewriter and pens and any other bookish accessories you may have?
Yes that’s a great idea!!
If you liked the Magicians and A Discovery of Witches as TV shows, you MUST read the books. The novel for A Discovery of Witches (and frankly the rest of the series) is my favourite of all time.
You have the best intros! Halloween's were adorable, and these have been gorgeous! I actually enjoyed Blue's rambling in Special Topics in Calamity Physics, I thought it was fun and endearing. Going watch The Skulls now...
Just finished Plain Bad Heroines which is how I found this video. It was amazing! My favorite book in a while. Really excited to read some of these recommendations!
The Gemma Doyle Trilogy was one of my favorites in high school. Ninth House is one of my favorite books I have read this year. But of course my all time favorite book is The Secret History. Nothing can come close.
A few more dark academia books I can recommend are The Charlotte Holmes series and the Truly, Devious series. With Truly, Devious I felt like the exclusive boarding school gave a Hampden College like vibe.
Tolkien is SUCH a good movie.
I didn’t know that Special Topics in Calamity Physics was dark academia! I already wanted to read it...but now I really need to read it! :)
Discovered your channel today - seeking spooky book recs - and I LOVE your videos and vibes!!
I agree with all of these, especially Dead Poets Society, which is an amazing movie. And everyone in The Mummy is smokin :)
You need to watch The Emperor's Club, too! For the longest time, the only movies I'd watch were Dead Poet's Society and Emperor's Club. Please, please watch it!
Thank you for all the recommendations. I needed something to watch throughout winter
I recently read the most underrated but also THE best dark academia book I have ever read: The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake. It‘s an incredibly smart and complex fantasy with a great dark academia setting. I HIGHLY recommend it.
You know what movie should be in the dark academia ascetic? The movie 9th Gate, it stars Johnny Depp as a rare book dealer who's client left him a very strange book that has Satanic elements behind its creation. While not set in a school, the story's backdrop is centered around old libraries, scholars, gothic NYC & European buildings. The color pallet and fashion also fits in with the ascetic, albeit with much more mature take on the traditional dark academia fashion. Also the plot also focuses on uncovering truths, studying late into the night, danger, cults, murder/suicides, and a love for classical literature. A really good watch for those who love the ascetic, but want to watch something not covered by every other list.
Incredible video aestheics organization just everything in this is so well done like actual perfection. Such a well thought out well done guide!!!
Loved this video! You’re definitely one of my fav booktubers! Also HTGAWM is my fav show 😍
Wow this video was so well done! Clearly, so much work went into it. Loved it
Living for the intros lately
This is everything I needed-I’m obsessed with dark academia!
I would throw in Susanna Clarke's novels Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell as well as her newest, Piranesi.
JS&MN centers around 2 English magicians and has a master and apprentice, self taught, pioneers but also archaeologists of magic thing going on that perfectly fits this theme. There is a BBC mini series also.
Piranesi *TINY SPOILER* centers around a couple characters that are academics (though the premise and synopsis makes no mention of it, it is explained right off the bat and elaborated and expanded on throughout) and Reason and Logic play a huge part in the plot. Wonderful books.
Also, of you're interested in a ridiculous Dark Academia movie perfect for October 'Slaughter House Rules' is hilarious. Nick Frost and Simon Pegg in a movie about a school invaded by demons... I don't think I need to say anything more.
Bunny absolutely messed me up and had me SOBBING 10/10 would recommend
Ughhh!!! I loveee the music in this intro!!!!!😩😩❤️❤️ Booktubers can’t compete! Question: how do you buy both the hardcover and the audiobook? I wanna start using both like you do, but I can imagine that would be pricey right? Some audiobooks on Audible are the price of a hardcover 🤦🏻♀️
Love this video! Can you pllleeeaassseee do a winter/holiday book recommendations video (especially for middle grade!)
Thank you so much for this awesome video, I added all these to my tbr, especially want to read If we were villains and plain bad heroines
Another Dark Academia video!! Yesss,love it! 😊 Thx Lexi, for putting always so much effort in all the video's & vlogs you make. 👍👍
All the books 📚 sound wonderful! I want to read them all!!! Not enough time in the day to read. 🥺😂📖
I enjoyed reading the Atlas Six, quite fits to Dark Academia vibe
all of these recs were so good and I can't wait to check out the ones I haven't read/watched yet! one dark academia sequence show I loved that I don't see a lot of people talking about is The Order on Netflix. it's super fun (there's magic and supernatural creatures as well as secret societies). unfortunately Netflix didn't renew it for a 3rd season but I would still totally recommend checking it out!
Thank you for all of the recommendations! I checked out several books from the library and put some movies and tv shows on my “to watch” list. Also, Evie from the Mummy was my inspiration to get a PhD and to learn ancient languages as well 😂 She’s the real deal.
I was so excited to find out you're a librarian!
Hi! I know this video is one year-old, but I would like to thank you for makihng it. I've just discovered the expression "dark academia" and I have to say your video was a great way for me (a person who loves books and studying) to understand this aesthetic and subject. Your presentation was excellent, so as your recommendations! So, I just wanted to thank you for this video and recommend you one work: "The Name of The Rose", by Umberto Eco. It's a abrilliant novel: a gothic medieval whodunit that takes place in a library! Besdies being a phenaomenal book, as a librarian, and a person who seems to love reading - as anyone can see - I think you would love it! Thank you very much once again and congratulations for your work (you are helping a lot of young people to discover books and literature, and that's just incredible!)
How was The chilling adventures of Sabrina not included in this, it's like peak dark academia
It is dark academia but I feel like it's more witch academia 💗
It’s perfect for Dark Academia but everytime i try watching it I get scared bc I’m a big baby 😭
Possibly because no-one knows what to do with it, given that it's a modern Gothic of some kind that was developed from an Archie comics strip?
It always surprises me that no one recommends: The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman or Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman or Down a Dark Hall by Lois Duncan….these were Dark Academia before it had a name! Also as for series, Pretty Little Liars?!!! The original one. Definitely gave me those vibes
I love the All Souls Trilogy!I read the books before watching the series, I've reread the books 3x but I've only recently started season 2 (I don't have Sky, so I have to wait haha), and there are definitely differences between them more so I think in the second season, but I still recommend reading them if you haven't Lexi and anyone else who enjoys the adaptation!
Awesome intro to the video. This reminds me I need to do my review of Ninth House.
This video was so well done. I appreciated the extra effort you put in.
i really really loved this video-can’t wait to read these books! they sound really really REALLY good! 🧐☺️🙌🏼
You (not so slowly) became my favorite booktubaccount to watch🥰
Who does all the effects on your videos? Do you have an editor, or do you do it yourself? Your videos are entertaining because of this, as well as the great book reviews. I didn't even know what 'Dark Academia' was until I watched this video. I feel so much more educated now.
There are a lot of good recs here. Personally, for me, dark academia is something that has dark themes and academic themes, so books like (even though this one is set in a school for a small part of the book) Middlegame counts as dark academia because two characters are obsessed with mathematics and linguistics, plus the whole thing is an alchemy experiment. A dark academia that you may not know is The Furies by Katie Lowe which is set in a girls boarding school, involves a secret society and also witchcraft? TW though for rape. A movie, and I personally really like movies based off true stories which is really specific and kinda weird but that is on brand for me, is Colette. This was made back in 2018 or 2017 and is based off the French author Colette whom was a queer woman and ghost wrote for her husband. She is also played by Keira Knightly and I absolutely adore this movie. I have also read some of her stuff and I really love her prose and her characters so it is also worth looking her as a writer.
I felt so called out and exposed on that Draco malfoy thing, lol gonna watch that TV series for sure, thank you for that vid, I'm so intrigued by dark academia!! glad I found your channel 🖤✨
Dead Beautiful series by Yvonne Woon is one of my favorite dark academia books. I don't think anyone even knows about this because it's never mentioned. But I think anyone who loves dark academia, would love these books.
I'm definitely starting to read the book of A Discovery of Witches because of this video. The plot seems interesting, but I need to read the book first 😁😁
I am a little surprised you didn't mention "Possession" by A. S. Byatt. Actually probably not surprised, most BookTubers never mention it in their dark academia book picks. Given it is the epitome of dark academia, won the Booker Prize and is deemed a modern classic, I would strongly recommend you take a look at it. It would rank easily in my favourite ten modern books.
I definitely preferred the book for Discovery of Witches, but still really enjoyed the show
A discovery of Witches is also a book series by the way :)
i love discovery of witches and i have read all three books.
So many great recommendations - thank you Lexi!! 💛📚💀
I just started the video but I'm already excited about continuing watching it 😆