7+ Must-Read Fantasy Novels with Academic Settings for Your Fall Back to School TBR
It feels like we went from “YAY! It’s Summer!” to “It’s FALL!” Every year the seasons seem to run together more and more. So while I’m latching on to the last few weeks of summer, I know many are already breaking out the fall and Halloween decor, not to mention, they’re in full back to school mode. What better than some amazing reads to add to your TBR with an academic setting to get you in the back to school mood?! Side note: has anyone been watching Bama Rushtok this year?! It’s been wild, but I’ve been excited to see some of them sharing their bookshelves during room tours… But enough about that, here are some must-read novels for your Fall TBR:
Babel by R.F. Kaung
Everyone should read this book at some point in their lives. Set in an alternate history at Oxford, it’s lush with languages, interesting magic, and imperfect characters. If you’re a polyglot, or you just love languages, you might love this book. It does touch on heavy themes including colonialism and its impacts, so keep that in mind. I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook to read along with the physical book so you can hear the translations and footnotes as they were intended—unless you speak all the languages the story uses. (You can read my full review here).
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
While I have issues with the rest of the trilogy, I really did enjoy this first installment. This book won’t be for everyone. Some people may find the writing “pretentious”, but in my opinion it’s really not. If you love the idea of physics and magic weaving together and many POVs with likeable and unlikable characters, you might also love this read.
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
Another one that might not be for everyone, but I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who loves gothic fantasies, dark academia, and character driven stories, along with a more traditional take on fey. (You can read my full review here.)
Dead Poets Society by N.H. Kleinbaum
Ok, this one’s decidedly NOT fantasy, but I HAD to include it. At only 166 pages, this is a super quick read, that’s also sure to make you emotional. And while you’re at it, go watch the movie again when you finish! It’s also available on Kindle Unlimited.
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
If you like the idea of a completely fresh take on Arthurian legend with a super sassy female MC and a love triangle, you might love this campus set story. Bree is everything you want in a main character.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If you haven’t read this, you love Romantasy, or are just getting into fantasy, and you’re looking for a good time? This is the read for you. It’s also on Kindle Unlimited currently. Already read it, Iron Flame, and can’t wait for Onyx Storm? Grab a consolation sweatshirt or tshirt or maybe some comfy Riorson sweats from my officially licensed collection over at Valor & Lore.
Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Really, this is for the entire Grishaverse, but you gotta get through Shadow & Bone to get to the really good stuff (AKA Six of Crows & Crooked Kingdom). The magic system in this series is super cool, and who doesn’t love a magic school with a morally grey, handsome leader?
***Bonus***
The Will of the Many by James Islington
I call this one a bonus because I haven’t read it yet! BUT I’m 95% confident I’m going to love it based on the number of mutuals who say it’s one of the best books they’ve ever read. I have not seen a single bad thing said about this book. “At the elite Catenan Academy, a young fugitive uncovers layered mysteries and world-changing secrets.” I’m sold.
Have any favorite academic setting books? Drop them in the comments!
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