the newest dark academia fantasy books are...🩸 vampires, academic rivals, sapphic | booktok favs

[@caricanread]

One thing i didnt add is that I felt like immortal dark could have/should have (?) easily been marketed as an adult novel while a dark and drowning tide should have been moved down to YA. The one spicy scene in adadt was a little odd and felt forced, as if she needed to add it in there to qualify as an adult book? I would have switched ID to adult and ADADT to YA 🖤 and the more i think about ADADT, the more i hate it sadly :''') is Saft off my 'auto-buy' list?

[@jijicat]

Hard agree with the classification change. I enjoyed Immortal Dark and enjoyed the second half more than the first half. My complaints were mostly on the characters and the locations not having enough descriptions. ADADT was disappointing for me overall which is a shame. I liked Lorelei but the ending was just ?? Okay.

[@caricanread]

Basically my experience: Immortal Dark - 😯🙂‍↕️🤔😐😯 Academy of Liars - 🫤🫤🫤😲🫠 Dark and Drowning - 😍🤔😐😐😪

[@CP-ll6qg]

The sapphic element might be factor--LGBT content is more likely to be labeled as adult at a lower sexyness threshold than similar straight content. Especially in the last few years, with the Renaissance of both library censorship and moral panic about corrupting the children. My local library actually just shut down the Teen Corner altogether because the city passed new laws that could punish for putting the wrong content in kids areas. Of course "wrong content" is entirely up to the council's interpretation. Safer to not even try and send anything even remotely potentially controversial to adult shelves. It's very depressing. And I could very much see a publisher just deciding it's safer to lean adult.

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

what's weird is I first found A Dark and Drowning Tide in the newly arrived YA section of my library's catalog this past week (added to my Library TBR List), then I looked again later that day at the Adult newly arrived section and it was there... they had moved it.. which I thought was weird because I thought it **was** YA from the description.

[@SongWitch]

For ADADT, all the characters are mid-twenties, which makes sense for their relationships and war experience. I don't feel like a book needs sex scenes to be labeled "adult".

[@inklingofadream]

I always expect the intro to end, "My name is Cari, and I can read."

[@caricanread]

😂

[@SaraPurkat]

That would be soooo good! 😍

[@aintnoisepollution99]

I know, me too. When I first heard it I definitely thought she’d do that. Which you totally should Cari!

[@NonAnonD]

Buying books of new authors to support them a no-brainer, but the library hold idea is really smart and new to me

[@caricanread]

🙏🙏🙏

[@grimmsfairytales2224]

And it supports funding for your local library! I love that she brought up getting books from the library she's one of the only book youtubers I've seen bring it up

[@caricanread]

99.9% of the books i talk about on this channel are from the lib 🙏 thats why i cant hold them up and show them during my monthly wrap ups lol theyre returned!

[@annaaabananaaaahh]

I appreciate that you put the book covers in the thumbnails! I've stopped clicking on vids that only show the edges of books and have clickbait-y thumbnails (I know it's for engagement purposes, but uggggghhh)

[@rixanoz]

My uterus is thrashing me, the week long insomnia is getting old and my day was generally sucky… I’m so ready for a vampire story rn 🩸🩸

[@caricanread]

Sending you strength and vampires 😭🙏

[@houseofplayboys6413]

Sameee tg for cari's posting :")

[@samreadsfast]

Saying something is spicy and clarifying that it wasn't the book made me chuckle.

[@caricanread]

Didnt want people getting too excited hahhaa

[@oliviacartwright3410]

Who else watches Cari's video in min while having the libby app ready to go to check out all the recs lol. Hasn't failed me yet!

[@caricanread]

🥹🙏🥹🙏

[@HushIAmTalking]

i think different reading styles are so interesting bc tor me that descriptive paragraph you read from An Academy for Liars was perfect - i have real trouble visualising things so having each step clearly depicted really helps me immerse myself

[@NonAnonD]

I was DYING to read Immortal Dark for the longest time, when I finally got it after release I think I'd overhyped it, wasn't the love match I was hoping (tho I actually liked the messy 2nd half). The Ethiopeian lore and House magic was super cool though. EDIT: You are absolutely right that Taj is the only likeable character though lol. and maybe GK a bit

[@caricanread]

This is a Taj fan channel now

[@norwhals.norwhals]

thank you for supporting local libraries Cari we all say in unison

[@corvidmorgue]

you should read house of hunger its a dark gothic vampire book with sapphics and the vibes were amazing !

[@caricanread]

Its on my list!!

[@Yedolte]

Have you read Vita Nostra? Academy for Liars sounds like it wants to achieve similar vibe but falling short. In Vita the MC is basically forced into the academy and there are also some unique powers but the classes and school itself is brutal. Mistakes are not acceptable and you read how that atmosphere influences students in and out of school (especially since they have to keep secret the things they really learn there). It also has a cool, unique academia vibe - it’s not cosy rooms where people discuss philosophy but rooms with pilling paint and radiators not working correctly and student trying to show who is the strongest while feeling so alienated from one another. It’s best, bleak academia I’ve read to date

[@caricanread]

I have it on my kindle waiting for a moment when i can completely concentrate on it!

[@JekkaL-B]

It was also reminding me of the magicians, though must say I only watched the more recent television adaptation.

[@brittanyrosereads]

BABE WAKE UP, CARI HAS POSTED

[@caricanread]

🥹🥹🥹

[@fernandadiesel8369]

one of the best things about immortal dark is that it FEELS like interview with the vampire(the series) in the way it is brutal and gruesome, but so mesmerizing and addictive, i think it is one of my favourites of the year. also, atlas six is one of my favourite books i've ever read, so you were spot on on that lol. putting the other two in my tbr right now

[@caricanread]

Hahaha i feel like i understand you atlas six fans so much, i dont know why im not one of you 😂

[@daph1989]

an IWTV (2022) fan in the wild??? HIIIIII

[@tessavio]

There's truly nothing better than reading a dark academia book when autumn/fall hits. Sadly living in socal that isn't the case weather wise but in my heart its already fall.

[@caricanread]

Hey now, we get crisp autumn air in san diego!! just got to wake up a little early ahhaha

[@tessavio]

@@caricanread haha true but wish it was a little more like the east coast (idk why the first two places I thought of was mystic falls or stars hollow)

[@thethriftyfawn]

Perfect timing Cari! JUST got home from a beautiful autumn evening walk in Canada- after admiring all of the color changing leaves and garden foliage. Pouring a hot drink and playing this video to wind down to! 😍🍂🍁

[@caricanread]

Sounds diviiiiine!

[@martham496]

Ooh yeah I completely agree the ending and the romance for A Dark and Drowning Tide just did not hit. It started so strong for me and then just dragged after 60%

[@caricanread]

It felt like she had a great concept and then 60% thru realized she didnt know how to finish it 😭

[@lizziejackson2529]

You always post when I need you, queen😭

[@caricanread]

🥹🙏🥹🙏

[@minnie-m5038]

ahhhh Cari I was literally scrolling thru ur channel earlier today and u just updated!!! And a dark academia book vlog✨✨🤭 so excited!!

[@caricanread]

🙏🙏

[@esliet]

I’ve gotten into dark academia lately, excited for this video

[@caricanread]

Yesss hope it helps!

[@eleanorknox5746]

It finally feels like fall where I live and I knew it was time for a new Cari video. Checked an hour ago and was disappointed, got the notification and knew the universe was looking out for me.

[@caricanread]

🥹🙏

[@cat.book.nook.]

Your videos truly give me the same feelings as reading cozy fantasy

[@caricanread]

🥹🥹🥹

[@jaday7282]

Cari, if you love maps and you haven't already done so, look into the book The Writer's Map: An Atlas of Imaginary Lands Philip Pullman and Huw Lewis-Jones. I own a copy and it's one of the best books I've ever bought.

[@LauraWood]

I second this!

[@hanpear]

yes i have this one too!! it’s so gorgeous

[@MariaAlexia24]

After your review of Immortal Dark I'm so excited to read it,it's exactly my cup of tea 😅😊

[@michellecgb]

An hour long video from you about dark academia feels like a blessing, is a blessing.

[@THEWLLAS97]

I saved this video because I was reading a dark and drowning ride and I just ran over here after finishing it! It’s so interesting that the first thing you mentioned is that you love the world building and that you can picture everything perfectly because I felt exactly the opposite! I actually got a few chapters in and went back to reread because I thought I had missed something

[@justinesworld5719]

The covers of theses books are soooo pretty 😩 i guess no choice but to had to the TBR! Thank you for your work Cari 🥰

[@caricanread]

🥹🙏

[@Fela_rof]

Oh, yeaaaah! The weather's turning perfect for some dark academia reads on the weekends, curled up in a fluffy blanket and sipping on a cup of tea ❤

[@caricanread]

Yesss finally!

[@Merve77772]

I read "a fragile enchantment" I believe it was in the beginning of the year and really didn't like it but I decided to give Allison Saft another chance after you recommended it again and loved it. It's ironic how she write one of the best and one of the worst books I've read this year. Now I'm really intrigued how I'll like "a dark and drowning tide"

[@lauraquigley7180]

Your channel is my comfort channel, thank you for your service.

[@StashaA.]

Over one hour of dark academia with Cari! I'm in heaven! 😇Totally agree with your thoughts on dark academia books and school. I see my whole life as school. ☺

[@caricanread]

Yessss students of life!

[@ilovemybabyblues]

23:05 This is EXACTLY what I told my best friend about The Scarlet Alchemist. So many characters were dying with almost no consequences that their deaths started to lose any significance

[@dkotaalynn]

I’ve been so busy lately and haven’t had a chance to sit down and enjoy your (or anyone’s) videos. I’m so happy to have some time to enjoy this today! I love dark academia! 🥳

[@laceyapril2620]

You’re a true hero, Cari! Can’t wait to dive into these.

[@caricanread]

🙏🙏🙏

[@allireissmann2587]

Girl I JUST finished whispering dark and you hit with this video???? Doing a public service thank you

[@SyedRamishHussain]

idk how i missed this video, but its always such a joy to scroll down your subscription page and find a new Cari video. Love from Pakistan bestie♥

[@ninakocjancic9346]

Slovenian here, I hope your time here goes well :) If you visit Bled, the Špica restaurant is wonderful.

[@ricarda4787]

I’ve been reading some dark academia back to back but I always have my notebook with me for a Cari video 🥰 she never misses!

[@brittanytaylor6373]

I JUST finished ADADT yesterday so this is so needed because I .. did not like it and I was like is it me?! Maybe my expectations for fantasy are too high? But I was let down by everything, I normally love a murder-mystery who-dun-it, romance, monsters, political war, ect. but every trope felt like a let down. The characters needed more for me to care about, honestly I wish the book was longer it was maybe too much to fit in. I didnt vibe with it at all especially the end 😞 Gonna keep trying dark academia though thank you for these vidoes so much Cari ❤

[@caricanread]

Yeah the set up was SO GOOD but then once the plot actually had to start plotting…she lost it 😭

[@moongirl76]

Hi, Cari! I’m Cari! So excited to have found a new booktuber to watch. ☺️

[@umariwtf]

i’ve literally been scouring for vampire books, this is actually perfect

[@caricanread]

🖤🖤🖤

[@tattooedkittykat]

@umariwtf I gotchu on vampire book recommendations! Check out The Revenant Games, The Hunter's Gambit, House of Hunger, Court of the Undying Seasons and Mistress of Lies 🤗

[@Artbyhurricanyounot]

Saft’s book earlier this year really does feel like it was written by a completely different person. Dark and Drowning Tide was SO much better, even though I gave it 3.75 (I’m just not an academic rivals or dark academia girly so it didn’t hit as much as I hoped). I think A Far Wilder Magic remains her best book though.

[@Jo-sv9io]

I just finished The Year of the Witching yesterday, and I totally get what you mean about Henderson's writing style. I enjoyed the book-I wouldn't have finished it if I didn't-but her writing style is overly-descriptive at times. It was also a bit repetitive? I don't know if An Academy for Liars was the same way, but in YotW I noticed a lot of times she would describe something, and then say that same thing again (like "he stiffened" and then "he stiffened" again three paragraphs later). I still liked it, but the style definitely made it harder for me to enjoy myself while reading.

[@lacie_spacie]

Omg I’m about to go on a 3 hour road trip and I’m so glad this will tie me over for a third of that ❤

[@caricanread]

Ohhhh have fun!!

[@Hyuchii]

i tried giving immortal dark a go (because the concept hits everything i like in a book) but honestly my biggest issue was the editing. there was so much telling instead of showing, and some of the wording made it kinda felt like an early draft to me 😢

[@amyirbybooks]

I love how you explain your experience as you read a book. I feel we have similar pet peeves about writing 😂 and your comments help me know if I would be interested in reading a book.

[@m4tcha8]

Yes Cari! You’re covering the exact books I wanted to read, glorious. can’t wait to know your opinion on them

[@andreeailie9053]

Thank you so much for your honest reviews and I will definatelly look them up to read.... during this autumn season is the perfect way to spend your home time

[@Katspurl]

Love that you’re watching hill house. It’s soo good. Cannot wait for your review on that lol 😂❤

[@moose1277]

heck yeah over 1 hour video and I just made some tea :")

[@caricanread]

Yeeeee!!

[@Ihavethreeaxolotls]

I feel like you would like Masters of Death by Olivie Blake. It’s a one off I’m pretty sure, the binding and cover is 10/10. It’s supernatural and a fun romp! I also might have already commented this on another video but I have the memory of a goldfish 🫡

[@caricanread]

I actually read and reviewed it already! I think last autumn 🙏

[@Ihavethreeaxolotls]

@@caricanread omg okay going to watch that video rn thank you!

[@kytten]

the ending of Immortal Dark had me furious and screaming and desperate for the sequel. There's SO SO SO many bits and pieces that need to be figured out and. and. and. AHHH. 4/5 stars Taj is best boi let's go sequel.

[@caricanread]

Yeah i think the book was a mess from 60-90% but the ending was a great set up!!

[@lana.d.torres]

all of these are on my tbr so im EXCITEDDDD

[@caricanread]

🙏🙏

[@pointegal96]

I believe An Academy for Liars was on my “read preview for” list bc it reminded me of the Magicians and Lexicon so I was PUMPED but it got axed because it didn’t pull me in from Libby’s preview, so I’m interested in what Cari thinks!

[@ChanelChapters]

I DNFd immortal dark at page 300 - I kept waiting for it to get really good and it just didn’t. Also wasn’t a fan of the romance

[@juliarhrmyr]

Commenting before I even get to minute two, because literally everything you said in the intro could have been taken straight from my brain, so I already know this is gonna be good 😍 Also, recommendation: M.L Rio's new book dropped on the 26th and I'm so ready to read it, some booksta friends already read & loved it! I also finally caved and got the Dark Academia anthology - not usually one for short stories, so let's see how that turns out. 🙈

[@empressfreya9872]

I'm writing a Dark Academya fantasy right now, so this video came at a PERFECT time

[@thattinyfox]

I was eager to hear your thoughts on A Dark and Drowning Tide and I am intrigued! I'm waiting for it to be added to my library 🥲

[@Bookishbrunette]

The hype for Immortal Dark is so real. My library has almost 30 people waiting for the kindle version for it. They have already purchased another 5 copies. Luckily I hopped on the day it came out to place my hold! The Temptation of Magic is another dark academia I’m hoping to get to this fall!

[@caricanread]

We love to see it 🖤

[@patternandcraft]

Can you send the camera back without the battery?

[@Thenicoleshiau]

omg you have no idea how much I need this video 🏹🤎🤓

[@cedartonk3382]

I feel that grad school comment so much 😢

[@caricanread]

Like maybe i should become a rocket scientist? An art historian? An archaeologist?

[@cedartonk3382]

I have a dark and drowning tide oh hold now! I’m so excited to read!

[@caricanread]

Hope you like it!!

[@frabjuosity]

As someone with aphantasia (inability to create mental images) you talking about the picturing things being "claustrophobic" and not being able to properly picture the places as a critique is SO strange and fascinating to me

[@killuaxxx315]

cari how is ur hair always so gorgeous

[@ralnmy]

Yesss, been craving a dark academia reading spree. Perfect timing 🤩

[@caricanread]

🖤🖤🖤

[@chelseyjohnson501]

I dnfed immortal Dark 😔 super bummed that I was really not enjoying it. I purchased it cause I "just knew" i would love it. Ugh. At least it's a beautiful book

[@caricanread]

Yeah i think if i hadnt been reading it for the vid it would have lost me at about 80% sadly 😭

[@Leigh_orange]

I am slowly discovering that I am also a dark academia girlie. I love a school setting, but also specialize a secret society with magic/occult vibes, which I usually find in dark academia. Very here for this vlog and thanks for the recs!! 📚📓

[@tanyaroberts919]

i literally just got Iso many of these books for my autumn reading list. I'm so excited for autumn! Dark Academia makes me so miserably happy!

[@janine7459]

Slovenia is SO beautiful!!! I recommend going canyoning! It’s an experience I will never forget ✨

[@miasmaroon]

I have two of these on hold in my library, Academy For Liars and Immortal Dark; this was perfect timing!!!

[@kookaburrasits7062]

Cari, I am begging (BEGGING) you to read the Dark Rise series by C.S Pacat, please 😭. I think you would love it

[@laviestbelle3760]

I think she read the first book

[@thattinyfox]

Yes! I agree! I am currently reading Dark Heir and I think she would really like it even though I know she would have some notes on the first one 😅 the second one is sooooooo good 😍

[@BlackXSunlight]

You're telling me the key conflict of Immortal Dark is about squatter's rights? LMAO I'm in

[@caricanread]

😂😂😂

[@NovelsWithNicole]

Welp…that was a bummer 🥺my October tbr is looking grim now. hopefully 🤞 i like them

[@caricanread]

I dont think any of them were horrible!

[@Kaylinnf56]

If you press and hold on the map on your kindle you can zoom in on it!

[@carolineblueskies]

wait really?? Here I've been googling maps separately because I can't see shit on the Kindle lol

[@mzizHatake]

What! A far wilder magic was so well written. Maybe the story didn’t hit as much but I could tell she was a good writer.

[@caricanread]

I think you misunderstood me? I said a far wilder magic was excellent, her most recent book before a dark and drowning tide was awful though. Shes written many books.

[@conroecastle]

I've been waiting on physical copies of Immortal Dark and A Dark and Drowning Tide from my library and I'm so excited to read them, especially in October!

[@letnjaoluja]

I just read the Immortal dark and I love it! Finally a MC with some spine 😁 It feels very original and has a lot of different layers. Such a good debut novel!

[@ToeMuncher-xs4vs]

Yeah I’m gonna eat this ish up

[@caricanread]

🥹🥹

[@shordiiepoo]

I absolutely RAN to order Immortal Dark after your initial early update on Instagram. I think i'm still really excited to read mythology not in a Western/European setting so it's still at the top of my TBR for October

[@x_RoseBuds_x]

Omg I just bought Immortal Dark at target! It was the last one on the shelf. A few chapters in and it’s so interesting

[@kenseyjohnson1397]

Haunting of Hill house is my all time fav. A show you have to watch multiple times to fully discover all its beauty.

[@alexanderburke2973]

Judging from the samples alone, "Academy for Liars" sounds like a guidebook for the "inevitable" movie/TV adaptation's production designer with a thin tiss-yoo of plot to tie it together.

[@laneysmith826]

I feel like you might enjoy the Books of Babel series by Josiah Bancroft! Not sure if you have read those already. Absolutely love your videos

[@Kenough_in_Wonderland]

I will say that elevator scene sounds fantastic to me, so maybe it's just a different preference in writing styles

[@ju.lie.o]

“Immortal Dark” is in my October tbr and I’m so excited!!!

[@Ravencycle21]

I love your channel so much ❤

[@caricanread]

Thank you so much 😭

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

how fun, all three of these are on my TBR and I already have a hold at my library for Immortal Dark.. might not come in till next month but that's ok because I already have 20 books on my October TBR. 😅 Hopefully I can read it in November along with the other two.

[@kristaanne2144]

If you haven’t read House of Hunger by Henderson you really should! It’s super unique and has a dark, gothic horror vibe that I think you would really enjoy! Thanks for reviewing these 💕

[@JonnyReads]

Gurl!! For Spooky Season I think you need to read The Deading by Nicholas Belardes! It is described to be a mix between Stephen King's Under the Dome and The Last Of Us! I am super excited about this novel and I think you would love it!

[@caricanread]

👀👀👀

[@emilywilliams4296]

This video being exactly 1 hr 11 mins and 44 secs long is very satisfying

[@damaris813]

Just started a book with these vibes!! It's called Tales of a Monstrous Heart, and it feels a bit like Jane Eyre but with fey and dark academia studies of the occult!

[@_Nijntje]

Yes! Love to put these on and then speed clean the whole apartment.

[@savannahholtkamp7991]

I DNFd ADADT. I was so bored the entire time but kept telling myself to at least get to the romance before deciding to put it down and was so disappointed in how much I did not care about these characters and whether or not they got to be together. I Pre-Ordered this too, so my hopes were high 😕

[@lotusflower8136]

I was excited aboit the Immortal Dark, but after seeing the size and reading the sample, I knew it would have to be an audiobook for me. I feel like we are seeing the book behind Kidan's eyes quite literally. Thats why it starts to feel really crazy because she is in WAAAAAAAY over her head. I think she is bent on revenge and the goal to find her sister is the horse she rides to justify her crusades. I feel like she loses the plot of her own goals in this world of hate betrayal. Its really interesting to see but also heckin frustrating as well.

[@sariannas2799]

Slovenia is gorgeous - I went with my mum and sister last year. Definitely go to Vintgar Gorge if you can!

[@caricanread]

Its stunning!!

[@unhingedwoman]

Academy for Liars was disappointing :( So much left unexplained too

[@caricanread]

Yeah the world building was really lacking for such a cool concept but i loved the vagueness of the ending actually!

[@amethystholden5934]

I absolutely agree with Allison Saft. I DNF'd a Far Wilder Magic but mostly because it wasn't for me. A Fragile Enchantment was baaaaaad though and I DNF'd because I couldn't just deal. Also I was on the fence about the chronic pain rep, as someone which chronic pain, but I also know my experience isn't everyone's and I haven't seen anyone mention it so I have held it in as I don't want to point fingers around something like that, especially since I didn't finish... But the writing was not great. I agree, I think it hits if it's for you, but Allison Saft isn't for me.

[@Heothbremel]

Hope the next period of time is less bleh and you get some 5 stars to go along with it!!!

[@delaneyheil9575]

Not a dark academia read but I do have a recommendation that I haven't heard anyone talking about: "Bladestay" by Jackie Johnson. It's a revenge western but the main characters are two people caught in the middle of a feud between two outlaws - Cari, when I tell you it was gripping, I couldn't put this book down. The twists, the slow burn, the reveals, augh its so good! Would love to see what you think! (Also, it's a stand-alone! 🎉)

[@caricanread]

Ohhh you had me at standalone hahaha