What are the characteristics of dark academia novels?

One of the best dark academia novels is 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt. It's set in a New England college and follows a group of students studying Classics. Their pursuit of knowledge takes a dark turn as they get involved in a murder. Another great one is 'If We Were Villains' by M. L. Rio. It's about a group of Shakespearean actors at a prestigious arts conservatory, and it has mystery and a complex web of relationships. 'Gilded Wolves' by Roshani Chokshi also fits the bill. It combines historical Parisian settings with a group of misfits on a treasure - hunting adventure filled with secrets and intrigue.

Academia novels often feature the academic world as their main setting. They usually involve the politics, rivalries, and power struggles within academic institutions. Characters in these novels are typically academics, including professors, researchers, and students. The plots may revolve around research projects, academic promotions, and the pursuit of knowledge, as well as the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced in the academic environment.

One common theme is the pursuit of knowledge at all costs. Characters in these novels are often extremely dedicated to their studies, sometimes to the point of obsession.

Some popular dark academia novels include 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt. It's a classic in the genre, exploring themes of murder, morality, and the allure of the past among a group of elite students. Another is 'If We Were Villains' by M. L. Rio, which is set in a Shakespeare - themed drama program and has a dark mystery at its core. 'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo also falls into this category, with its blend of the occult and academia at Yale University.

Light academia novels often feature educational settings like schools or universities. For example, characters might be students or professors. They also tend to have a focus on intellectual pursuits such as literature, art, history, or philosophy. In many of these novels, there are discussions about books, ideas, and academic achievements. There's usually an atmosphere of learning and self - improvement. For instance, in 'The Secret History', the characters are constantly exploring ancient Greek literature and philosophy.

Dark Academia fiction is a genre that often features settings in elite academic institutions and explores themes like mystery, tragedy, and intellectual pursuits. It usually has a moody and atmospheric tone.

'Monstress' can also be considered. It has a dark and intricate world - building. The story involves magic, politics, and a young girl's journey in a very complex and often dark society. The art style is highly detailed and contributes to the overall dark and academic - like atmosphere with its use of shading and complex character designs.

Another theme is the sense of elitism and exclusivity. The settings are usually in prestigious academic institutions where only a select few are part of. This creates a sense of mystery and allure. In 'If We Were Villains', the group of Shakespearean actors has a sense of being an elite within the academic drama department, and this affects their relationships.

A dark academia novel typically involves settings in academic institutions and explores themes like mystery, intellectual pursuits gone awry, and sometimes a hint of the macabre.

Well, an academia novel often features the academic world as its main setting. It usually has characters like professors, students, and researchers. There are often power struggles within the academic institutions, such as competition for tenure or research grants. And it may also deal with intellectual debates, the pursuit of knowledge, and the politics of academia.