19 romantasy books set in magical academies

The Scholomance isn't your average magical boarding school. It's a deadly institution where there are no teachers, no holidays, and no way out until you graduate or die trying. The halls are crawling with maleficaria, hungry monsters eager to devour students at every turn. The only way to survive is to master magic fast and form alliances that might keep you alive until graduation day.

Enter El Higgins, a sorceress with enough raw power to level mountains, but a reputation so dark that everyone assumes she'll eventually turn into the villain of her own story. She's prickly, antisocial, and determined not to depend on anyone else. Then there's Orion Lake, the golden boy hero of the school, who can't stop saving her life. El doesn't want saving, she wants independence, survival, and maybe, just maybe, a future that isn't drenched in blood. But surviving the Scholomance means walking a razor's edge between control and destruction.

Why you should read this: 

Novik reinvents the magical school trope with something much darker and sharper. Instead of whimsical classes and quirky teachers, you get brutal survival, killer world building, and a heroine who refuses to fit into the mold people expect. El's sharp wit and the push pull dynamic with Orion will hook you, and the Scholomance itself feels like a character, mysterious, terrifying, and unforgettable.

The Scholomance reading order:

1. A Deadly Education
2. The Last Graduate
3. The Golden Enclaves

Diana Bishop is a historian at Oxford, fiercely dedicated to her research and determined to keep the magical world at arm's length. Though descended from a long line of powerful witches, she's avoided magic her whole life until she stumbles upon Ashmole 782, a bewitched manuscript long thought lost. Its sudden reappearance draws the attention of witches, daemons, and vampires alike, all of whom believe it holds the secrets to their survival.

One of those drawn to the manuscript is Matthew Clairmont, a centuries old vampire, brilliant scientist, and the very definition of danger wrapped in sophistication. Despite centuries of tension between witches and vampires, Diana and Matthew find themselves pulled together in a forbidden partnership, one that quickly turns into something deeper. Their search for the truth behind Ashmole 782 takes them from the halls of Oxford to the depths of history itself, uncovering secrets that could upend the supernatural world forever.

Why you should read this: 

This is a book for romantasy readers who crave gothic academia, forbidden love, and centuries of magical intrigue. The library setting alone is pure catnip for book lovers, and the slow burn romance between Diana and Matthew is equal parts swoony and intense. If you like the idea of magic and science colliding against the backdrop of history and libraries, this series is a must.

All Souls reading order:

1. A Discovery of Witches
2. Shadow of Night
3. The Book of Life
4. Time's Convert
5. The Black Bird Oracle

Professor Emily Wilde is one of the most brilliant faerie scholars of her age, but she's far better with dusty manuscripts than with actual people. Social niceties? Not her strength. Small talk? A nightmare. She much prefers the company of her books, her loyal dog Shadow, and the dangerous fae she studies. When she travels to the remote northern village of Hrafnsvik to research the elusive Hidden Ones for her encyclopaedia, she expects nothing more than solitude and discovery.

But her plans are disrupted by the arrival of Wendell Bambleby, her infuriatingly charming academic rival. He charms the villagers, distracts Emily from her work, and might just have secrets of his own. As Emily digs deeper into faerie lore, she finds herself entangled not just in magical mysteries but also in a reluctant companionship that threatens her carefully guarded independence. What starts as a scholarly pursuit soon becomes an adventure filled with enchantment, danger, and the unexpected stirrings of romance.

Why you should read this: 

If you're craving something cozy but still full of magic, this series is a delight. It blends whimsical world building with the rivals to lovers tension between Emily and Wendell, creating a slow burn romance that feels as enchanting as the fae themselves. Add in a grumpy heroine, a sunshine rival, and a loyal dog, and you have the perfect cozy academia romantasy.

Emily Wilde reading order:

1. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries
2. Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands
3. Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales

Margaret Welty has grown up isolated in her crumbling manor on the edge of the woods, haunted by her mother's absence and determined to prove herself. When she spots the legendary hala, a mythical fox like creature whose death promises fame and fortune, she knows she has her chance. The only problem? To enter the Halfmoon Hunt, she needs a partner and the only one available is Weston Winters, a failed alchemy student desperate for another chance at proving himself.

Wes and Margaret are opposites. She's sharp and guarded, he's charming and reckless. Forced into an uneasy alliance, the two train for the hunt while slowly unraveling each other's defenses. But the closer they get to the hala, the more dangerous their world becomes. Secrets of alchemy, old magic, and forbidden feelings threaten to undo them both before the hunt even begins.

Why you should read this: 

This standalone is dripping with atmosphere, from its gothic setting to its haunting magic system. The academic flavor comes through in Wes's alchemy training, but it's the romance that will leave you breathless as it’s tender, slow, and full of yearning. If you love gothic romantasy with sharp prose and a bittersweet edge, this book is an absolute gem.

Aurora Academy isn't a place of learning. It's a place of survival. Split between ruthless gangs and ruled by four powerful Kings, the academy is where the most cutthroat fae sharpen their claws. Elise Callisto, a vampire with vengeance in her heart, enrolls not to study but to hunt. One of the Kings murdered her brother, and she intends to uncover which one and make him pay.

But revenge is never simple. Each King is dangerous, arrogant, and intoxicating in his own way, and Elise's investigation pulls her deeper into their world of secrets, violence, and temptation. As loyalties blur and desire collides with danger, Elise realizes she may have to sacrifice more than just her heart to get justice.

Why you should read this: 

This series is pure dark academia meets romantasy chaos. It's gritty, violent, and unapologetically addictive, featuring a heroine out for blood, a reverse harem romance, and a murder mystery that keeps the tension high. If you loved Zodiac Academy or crave high stakes fae drama with plenty of steam, this is your next binge read.

Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac reading order:

1. Dark Fae
2. Savage Fae
3. Vicious Fae
4. Broken Fae
5. Warrior Fae

Effy Sayre has always lived in the shadow of stories. Ever since she was a child, she's been haunted by visions of the Fairy King, and the only comfort she's ever found is in the pages of Angharad, the tragic epic where a mortal girl falls for the Fairy King and ultimately destroys him. When the estate of Emrys Myrddin, the author of her beloved tale, is opened up for a design competition, Effy knows it's her destiny to go.

But Hiraeth Manor is no dreamy gothic mansion. It's decaying, sinister, and full of secrets that whisper through the walls. And she's not alone. Preston Héloury, a sharp tongued, infuriating literature scholar, is there to prove Myrddin a fraud. Forced into reluctant partnership, Effy and Preston peel back layers of mystery surrounding Myrddin's legacy. The deeper they dig, the more they find themselves entangled in something far darker with lies, hauntings, and forces that blur the line between fairy tale and nightmare.

Why you should read this: 

This book is pure gothic academia, with crumbling estates, literary mysteries, and a rivals to lovers romance that will keep you hooked. If you loved The Atlas Six or crave dark fairy tale vibes with a hauntingly atmospheric twist, this one belongs on your TBR.

A Study in Drowning reading order:

1. A Study in Drowning
2. A Theory of Dreaming
3. An Archive of Romance

Quinn has always lived on the edge, pixie pirate, rebel, outlaw. All she wants is her own ship and the freedom of the sea, far away from the suffocating politics of faerie clans. But when her twin brother dies under mysterious circumstances, Quinn's thirst for vengeance drags her back into the dangerous world she tried to escape. A shocking betrayal reveals her secret. She's not just a pirate, she's the last living heir of her people.

To survive, Quinn is forced to take her brother's place in the Ethodine, a deadly competition between the heirs of all five faerie clans for the faerie crown. Suddenly she's facing lethal trials, ruthless rivals, and alliances that could either save her or destroy her. Alongside a flirtatious merman, a mute beast tamer, a half blind artist, and a pompous princess, Quinn must navigate betrayal, blood, and a prophecy that may decide the fate of their world.

Why you should read this: 

This one has Hunger Games style trials, swashbuckling fae politics, and a heroine who refuses to bend to anyone. If you're looking for action packed fae fantasy with deadly competitions, high stakes, and just the right amount of enemies to lovers spark, this is a must.

At Basgiath War College, there's only one rule. Graduate or die. Violet Sorrengail never wanted to be here. Fragile, bookish, and destined for the quiet life of a scribe, she's forced by her commanding general mother to compete for a spot as a dragon rider. But dragons don't bond with weak humans, they incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets willing to kill for a chance, Violet's survival depends on her wits. And surviving Basgiath isn't just about dodging assassination attempts, it's about facing Xaden Riorson, the brooding, ruthless wingleader who has more reasons than most to want her dead. As the war beyond the walls intensifies and secrets unravel within, Violet learns that every alliance could be betrayal, every rival could be a killer, and every bond, whether to dragon or human, comes with a cost.

Why you should read this: 

This is the romantasy that took the book world by storm. Think dragon riding, brutal trials, and a slow burn enemies to lovers romance that's all tension and fire. If you love found family, battle stakes, and morally grey heroes who brood like no one else, Fourth Wing will completely devour you.

The Empyrean reading order:

1. Fourth Wing
2. Iron Flame
3. Onyx Storm

Medra Pendragon never asked to be the last of the dragon riders. She's half fae, barely scraping by, and now trapped at Bloodwing Academy, a school where the highblood vampires rule and everyone else is expendable. The academy is a brutal place where blightborn like her are treated as prey, and the competitions aren't just dangerous, they're deadly.

Her worst nightmare, though, isn't the trials. It's Blake Drakharrow who is arrogant, powerful, and infuriatingly gorgeous. From the moment they met, he's been her tormentor, and now, thanks to an ancient ritual, they're betrothed. Bound together by magic and enmity, Medra and Blake are forced into a twisted game of power, where survival means embracing darkness she never knew she had. But Bloodwing isn't just a school. It's a battlefield, and the greatest threat might not be her enemies, it might be what Medra is becoming.

Why you should read this: 

This is dark academia vampire romantasy at its finest. Enemies to lovers tension, dangerous trials, secret legacies, and a romance that burns hotter the more they fight it. If you loved the messy chaos of Zodiac Academy, you'll be obsessed with this.

Bloodwing Academy reading order:

1. On Wings of Blood
2. The Bond That Burns
3. The Wings That Bind

Kidan Adane has spent her life running from her past. As the last heiress of a bloodline tied to vampires, she wants nothing to do with the cruel power structures that define her world. But when her beloved sister June disappears, Kidan's only chance to get her back is to infiltrate Uxlay University, a place where wealthy heirs study ancient philosophies, inherit fortunes, and claim vampire companions who bind them in blood.

There's just one problem, Susenyos Sagad. Cold, dangerous, and impossibly compelling, he's the vampire bound to Kidan's family bloodline, and the one she's convinced is behind June's disappearance. Living with him is a nightmare, one that pulls her deeper into a web of lies, desire, and a darkness that mirrors her own violent instincts. But as murders shake the university and secrets unravel, Kidan realizes that saving her sister might require breaking every rule and surrendering to a bond she swore she'd destroy.

Why you should read this: 

This book blends The Cruel Prince's sharp politics with Ninth House's dark academia edge. Expect vampires, conspiracies, a heroine who's as dangerous as the world she's fighting, and a romance that's equal parts toxic and irresistible. It's dark, bloody, and utterly intoxicating.

Immortal Dark reading order:

1. Immortal Dark
2. Eternal Ruin

Arken Asher has always been hungry for answers about her dangerous arcane powers. Leaving her quiet life behind, she steps into the prestigious Arcane Studium, a dazzling academy of magickal arts and sciences in the City of the Gods. But secrets follow her, and soon she's caught in the orbit of Kieran Vistarii, the Elder Guard's spymaster who deals in shadows, blood, and lies.

He's scarred, charming, and sworn to protect Sophrosyne. She's golden eyed, curious, and too tempting for him to ignore. They both know better than to get involved, but the Fates don't care. Prophecies bind them together, threatening to either save or doom their world.

Why you should read this: 

This one has everything, an academy setting, a prophecy with deadly strings attached, and that delicious light versus dark romance dynamic. Think sizzling tension, addictive banter, and star crossed angst that will make your heart race. Perfect for fans of ACOTAR and Fourth Wing.

Twenty years after rebellion branded her an outcast, Fia Riftborne keeps her head down in a city where prejudice can kill. But when her dangerous power explodes into the open, she's dragged into the path of General Laryk Ashford, the cold, alluring Sidhe commander recruiting the kingdom's most powerful wielders. His offer is chilling. Join his Guard or face execution.

With wraiths of darkness threatening to devour the realm, Fia may be the only hope for survival. But standing at Laryk's side means confronting the people who destroyed her life and the growing attraction between them that could ruin everything.

Why you should read this: 

If you love enemies to lovers with sharp edges, this book will grab you fast. Fia is fierce, Laryk is magnetic in that dangerous mentor way, and the magic system has serious X Men vibes. It's intense, romantic, and brimming with tension.

Esprithean reading order:

1. Rithborne
2. Duskbound

Elloren Gardner looks exactly like her grandmother, the legendary Black Witch who saved her people in the last Realm War. But while everyone expects Elloren to inherit her power, she has none. When she finally enters Verpax University to study apothecary work, she discovers danger lurks in every corner because being the Black Witch's heir makes her a target.

As war looms and prejudice poisons the realm, Elloren's fate may depend on a band of rebels she's been taught to despise. Choosing to trust them could mean survival or betrayal of everything she's ever known.

Why you should read this: 

A sweeping, character driven fantasy that doesn't shy away from heavy themes like prejudice, injustice, and rebellion. If you like your romantasy with a side of political intrigue and slow burn tension, this series is worth sinking into.

The Black Witch Chronicles reading order:

1. The Black Witch
2. The Iron Flower
3. The Shadow Wand
4. The Demon Tide
5. The Dryad Storm

All Selene Bowers wants is to be accepted into Henbane Coven, a prestigious witch academy. But during her quest to awaken her magic, her powers save her life at a devastating cost. Every spell she casts consumes her memories. Even worse, she awakens Memnon the Cursed, an ancient being who mistakes her for the wife who once betrayed him.

When witches start turning up dead, suspicion falls on Selene, forcing her into a dangerous alliance with Memnon. The truth about her powers, and his intentions, could change everything she thought she knew about magic, love, and survival.

Why you should read this: 

Dark, witchy, and filled with haunting tension, Bewitched blends academy vibes with a gothic edge. It's perfect for readers who love morally gray love interests, dangerous bargains, and magic that comes with a heavy price.

Bewitched reading order:

1. Bewitched
2. Bespelled
3. The Curse That Binds

Eira Landan has spent her life in the shadows overshadowed by her brother, whispered about for her unstable magic, and haunted by a past mistake. When she dares to enter the deadly Tournament of Five Kingdoms, she steps into a world of danger, politics, and power that could change her future forever.

Competing means prestige and the chance to finally be seen. But it also means risking her life, navigating forbidden magic, and facing an unexpected connection with a mysterious elfin ambassador. Winning isn't just about glory, it's about survival.

Why you should read this: 

Fans of magical competitions and slow burn romance will devour this one. Elise Kova brings her signature blend of elemental magic, high stakes trials, and heart twisting romance. It's the perfect series if you love tournament arcs with deadly twists.

A Trial of Sorcerers reading order:

1. A Trial of Sorcerers
2. A Hunt of Shadows
3. A Tournament of Crowns
4. An Heir of Frost
5. A Queen of Ice

Nia thought her biggest problem was saving for a dream vacation filled with books and champagne. Instead, she's kidnapped by Raphael, a tattooed, infuriatingly hot fae who insists she's meant to train at Camelot's elite spy academy. Suddenly, she's dodging deadly missions, trying to survive classes that could kill her, and learning that her secret magic might be the key to revenge against a ruthless Fey king.

Nia's asthmatic, out of shape, and in way over her head, but running isn't an option. Especially not when Raphael is watching her every move, dangerous, magnetic, and impossible to resist. Touching him might mean disaster, but some flames are worth the burn.

Why you should read this: 

This is pure fae spy academy chaos, complete with banter, danger, and slow burn enemies to lovers heat. If you love ACOTAR and Fourth Wing but want a fun, fast paced twist, Nia and Raphael's push pull chemistry will keep you hooked.

Fey Spy Academy reading order:

1. Avalon Tower
2. Vale of Dreams
3. Lady of the Lake

Galaxy "Alex" Stern shouldn't be at Yale after a rough past filled with shady boyfriends, dead end jobs, and surviving a horrific multiple homicide, she's the last person anyone expects in the Ivy League. But a mysterious benefactor offers her a fresh start with one catch, monitor Yale's notorious secret societies.

Behind the closed doors of their tombs, Alex discovers rituals darker and more dangerous than any conspiracy theory could imagine. The elite dabble in forbidden magic, raise the dead, and prey on the living. Alex might be their only chance at keeping these horrors in check, but she's already in deeper than she ever thought possible.

Why you should read this: 

Leigh Bardugo's adult debut is atmospheric, gritty, and spellbinding. It's dark academia with secret societies, occult magic, morally gray choices, and a protagonist who refuses to play by the rules. If you love mysteries wrapped in magic, this one's impossible to put down.

Alex Stern reading order:

1. Ninth House
2. Hell Bent

At Saint Perpetua's College, an isolated, gothic campus in the hills of Massachusetts, secrets are currency, ambition is lifeblood, and hunger takes many forms. Laura Sheridan, a new student, finds herself in an intense rivalry with the captivating Carmilla. Drawn into the confidence of their enigmatic professor, De Lafontaine, Laura quickly realizes this is no ordinary academic rivalry, it's a dangerous, intoxicating game of obsession, power, and desire.

As rivalry bleeds into attraction, Laura must confront the darker cravings within herself. Between bloodthirsty professors, sinister politics, and the lure of forbidden love, she'll have to decide how much she's willing to sacrifice in her ruthless pursuit of knowledge.

Why you should read this: 

If you loved A Dowry of Blood, you'll devour this lush, gothic dark academia filled with sapphic yearning, forbidden love, and vampire tinged hunger. It's intoxicating, poetic, and made for romantasy readers who crave something both sensual and sinister.

At Everbound University, attendance isn't optional, it's mandatory for anything supernatural living in the mortal world. Legacies, descendants of the Four Houses, are cursed until they form a quintet, binding their hearts to four others. For most, it's destiny fulfilled. For one legacy, it's a nightmare.

She rejects her matches, determined to keep her deadly secret safe. But these men aren't easily deterred. A ruthless blood fae, a charming dragon shifter, a dangerous nightmare prince, and an icy, overprotective elemental. The more she pushes them away, the harder they fight for her. And resisting them may prove impossible.

Why you should read this: 

This one is pure why choose magic with fated mates, dark academia, and four powerful love interests who are completely unhinged for their FMC. If you like reverse harem with a mix of danger, steam, and found family intensity, this series will check every box.

Cursed Legacies reading order:

1. Blood Oath
2. Shadow Heart
3. Twisted Soul
4. Divine Fate