Dark academia fantasy books are wildly popular right now, especially with cold weather tiptoeing close. But what is dark academia? This genre encompasses any book that takes place in a school–usually an elite school–with a gothic vibe. So think of an eerie, brooding atmosphere, lamps on the wall, sweaters, hot drinks, and drizzly rain. No wonder people want to read these books once the weather starts taking on a chill!

These books are just as much about the atmosphere as the characters. Th...