21+ of the Best Fantasy and Dark Academia Books to Read for an Ultimate Fantasy Fall TBR
While I am an avid fantasy reader all year round, there’s something about Fall that screams ‘fantasy’ vibes and dark academic halls, right? As the days grow shorter, PSL return, and a crisp chill fills the air (although not here in SF), it’s the perfect season to immerse yourself in stories that are as atmospheric as Fall itself. Whether you’re seeking to escape into fantastical worlds filled with magic, dragons, and adventure, or craving the allure of dark academia’s shadowy hallways, I’ve put together a list of books that are musts for your Fall TBR. From enchanting high fantasy epics that might make you cry or scream, to moody academic settings where secrets and danger lurk, these books offer the perfect balance of escapism and thought-provoking intrigue. Explore the best fantasy and dark academia books for fall 2024, designed to transport you into otherworldly realms and gothic campuses, capturing the eerie, enchanting essence of the season. How many ways can I say this? Ok, wait, one more time:
These books will perfectly complement the mysterious, magical, and cozy feeling of fall, making them ideal for any book lover's autumn reading list! Ready to check them out? P.S. These are in no particular order, other than the order I thought to write them down in. They’re all incredible, I promise.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
There’s a new special edition version releasing this November with sprayed edges, and it’s stunning! If you love books with gothic atmosphere and traditional fairies, and feminine rage, this is the book for you.
The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan
A grimdark fantasy series not for the faint of heart. I personally didn’t love books two and three very much, but this first book is incredible, and could totally be read as a standalone.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
This book is allllll the stars. An alternate history of Oxford with a super unique take on magic. I loved this book so much and would also highly recommend the audiobook.
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
While I can’t recommend the rest of the series, I did really enjoy the first installment. It’s perfect if you love the idea of physics and magic together, and academic setting with rivals, and you’ve ever wondered what happened to the Library of Alexandria.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
I absolutely loved this book. It’s perfect for fans of historical fiction, that don’t mind a slower paced story with lots of political intrigue and a touch of magic. The cover is also stunning, and the pomegranate endpapers? Perfection.
All of Us Villains and All of Our Demise by Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman
This duology is CRIMINALLY underrated. Deadly trials, amazing magic and heartbreaking love? While technically YA, it’s definitely got a lot of violence, so keep that in mind.
Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
Y’all know by now this duology has my whole heart, and is firmly cemented on my favorite reads of all time list. If you love the idea of fantasy reading like a WWI historical fiction with magical typewriters and the most beautiful, romantic love story, this is the duology you should read next.
*Pictured here is the Fairyloot special edition.
Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
Also known as Era 1, this trilogy is some of the best fantasy out there. Will it destroy you emotionally, and leave you sobbing uncontrollably? Possibly. But it’s so worth it.
Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Similarly, this series is even more epic. Be prepared for 1300-page tomes, but every Sanderlanche makes it worth it. I’m still making my way through this series for the first time in preparation for book five coming out, Wind and Truth, and I cannot wait! If you love super complex magic systems and character driven stories with tons of worldbuilding, this is the epic fantasy series for you.
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
A Hugo Award winner and for good reason. I love this little novella, and would recommend it for anyone who wants a dark, twisty fairytale to read for the perfect fall vibes. Bonedog is everything!
Little Thieves by Margaret Owen
A dark fairytale retelling of the Goose Girl, but told from the perspective of her maid. The snark, the love story, the atmosphere?! 10 out of 10.
The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden (The Bear and the Nightingale, The Girl in the Tower, The Winter of the Witch)
Book two is my favorite in this series, and I’ll be super honest, when I first started reading book one, I couldn’t understand the hype. It was slow and boring, but I promise it gets so good!
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