Books Like...

Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide is a gripping and timely YA thriller that follows the lives of two Black students, Chiamaka and Devon, at the prestigious Niveus Academy. The story delves into themes of racism, classism, homophobia, and the pressure to succeed in a predominantly white institution. As the two protagonists navigate the cutthroat world of Niveus, they must join forces to uncover a stalker's identity and face the dangerous repercussions of the secrets being revealed.

The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, thriller, and social commentary, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through rich characterization, tight plotting, and thought-provoking discussions on race and sexuality, Ace of Spades offers a chilling portrayal of the impact of white supremacy and systemic discrimination on marginalized individuals.

Catherine House is a prestigious and exclusive college hidden in the woods where students are offered full scholarships and a chance at a prestigious career. The story follows Ines, a student running from her past, who finds herself drawn into the mysterious and unsettling world of Catherine House. The setting is described as gothic and eerie, with elements of mystery, mind control, and secret experiments, creating a dreamlike and unsettling atmosphere. The plot revolves around the students' isolation from the outside world, the unconventional curriculum, and the hidden agenda within the school's walls.

The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould is a compelling YA horror thriller with paranormal elements set in the small, rural town of Snakebite, Oregon. The story follows Logan, an adopted teenager with two dads who return to Snakebite to film for their ghost hunting show. When teens start disappearing and strange occurrences unfold, Logan teams up with local Ashley to uncover dark family secrets and confront The Dark, an enigmatic entity. The book weaves together themes of grief, love, isolation, and features LGBTQ representation, creating a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.

'Plain Bad Heroines' by Emily M. Danforth is a novel that intertwines two timelines, one set in 1902 at an all-girls school in Maine where students are obsessed with a book that encourages lesbian relationships, and another set in the present day following the production of a movie based on the events at the school. The story delves into mysterious deaths, curses, and hauntings, with a focus on the relationships between different characters across time periods. The writing style includes commentary, footnotes, and a chatty narrator, creating a multi-layered and complex narrative structure.

In The World Cannot Give by Tara Isabella Burton, the story revolves around the intense and twisted relationships among a group of students at St. Dunstan's Academy in Maine. The protagonist, Laura Stearns, is a shy and sensitive teenager who becomes infatuated with a charismatic and obsessive fellow student, Virginia Strauss. Virginia leads a group of students in the chapel choir, where they engage in transcendent music, arcane rituals, and dangerous activities. As Laura gets deeper into this world, she must navigate her devotion to Virginia as it becomes increasingly perilous, challenging her own beliefs and morals. The novel explores themes of obsession, morality, coming of age, and the complexities of relationships in a dark and philosophical setting reminiscent of The Secret History.

'Wilder Girls' by Rory Power is set in the Raxter School for Girls, placed under quarantine due to a mysterious disease called the Tox. The Tox affects the girls in various ways, from physical mutations to death, leaving them largely isolated. The protagonist, Hetty, embarks on a journey across the island to uncover a dark secret while navigating friendships, survival, and the horrors of the Tox. The writing style is described as engaging, with a forward-focused plot that keeps readers on edge, while the author successfully balances scene-setting with a dramatic finish that leaves readers hoping for a sequel.

'The Devil Makes Three' by Tori Bovalino is a dark academia young adult novel that follows the story of two high schoolers who accidentally summon a demon in an old spooky library. The book combines elements of horror, family dysfunction, and romance, creating a subtle blend that works quite nicely. The plot is gripping and atmospheric, giving off dark academia vibes with a touch of spooky. The author's writing style is beautifully written, with word choices paying homage to classic books, creating a thrilling and bone-chilling read.

The story revolves around Tess, a strong yet brittle character, and Eliot, a privileged peer, who discover an ancient book that leads to the accidental release of a demon. The book is filled with suspense, romantic tension, and well-fleshed-out characters, making it a page-turner that keeps readers wanting more. Set in a boarding school library, the novel delves into themes of magic, possession, and deals with the devil, creating a unique and intriguing storyline that appeals to fans of horror and dark academia.

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a dark and suspenseful novel set in an eccentric conservatory college where seven fourth-year acting students are deeply immersed in Shakespearean theater. The story unfolds through the memories of Oliver, who has just been released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for a crime that is gradually revealed. The book delves into the relationships, secrets, and tragedies that unfold among the students, all while incorporating Shakespearean quotes and themes throughout the narrative. The writing style is described as captivating, emotionally arresting, and filled with tension, making the book a thrilling and engrossing read.

'The Atlas Six' by Olivie Blake follows six powerful Medians who are invited to participate in a fellowship to gain access to a secret society. Only five of them will continue on, while the sixth will be eliminated. The plot is medium-paced, filled with twists and turns, keeping readers wondering about people's motivations and alliances. delves into the complexity of relationships, where characters can read minds and manipulate emotions, while posing thought-provoking existential questions about perceptions and the world. The writing style includes pretentious dialogue that some readers found off-putting, with a unique narration approach using six different narrators, one for each main character.

Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar is a heartwarming story that delves into the complexities of friendship, cultural identity, and self-discovery. The book follows Hani and Ishu, two young women navigating high school life as non-straight and non-white individuals in Ireland. Through a fake dating arrangement, the protagonists explore themes of biphobia, toxic friendships, and the importance of standing up for oneself. The narrative beautifully captures the struggles of finding acceptance and belonging while staying true to one's identity.

The writing style of Adiba Jaigirdar is praised for its ability to create a cozy and engaging atmosphere that immerses readers in the characters' lives. The book features a mix of light-hearted moments and profound discussions on friendship, boundaries, and personal growth. With a focus on the fake dating trope, the story unfolds with a delightful blend of humor, romance, and valuable life lessons, making it a compelling read for those seeking a heartwarming and thought-provoking narrative.