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armband1234's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
witchy_book_babe's review
5.0
I personally loved this Anthology and felt that each Author understood the assignment on "Dark Academia". I appreciate that this brought many unknown Author's to my attention and there were some definite favorites here that continue to linger in my mind.
1000 Ships by [a:Kate Weinberg|18536431|Kate Weinberg|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1569770937p2/18536431.jpg]
I really enjoyed this story! It may be a slight nod to Helen of Troy mixed in with elements of deceit, trust, and naivety in an academic setting. After finishing, the Author stated that this story is a prequel to her book [b:The Truants|42379216|The Truants|Kate Weinberg|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539967415l/42379216._SY75_.jpg|66042624]. Which, I immediately added to my TBR pile!
Pythia by [a:Olivie Blake|16225393|Olivie Blake|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1558925167p2/16225393.jpg]
What a weird and interesting short story. A few times, I did have to reread sentences because I wasn't certain if the passages were inner thoughts, speaking to the reader, or spoken aloud dialogue. But, overall I enjoyed it; even if I felt that this was much more in the realm of Sci-Fi (in my opinion) and pushing on the limits of a Academia setting.
Sabbatical by [a:James Tate Hill|6438269|James Tate Hill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1446463048p2/6438269.jpg]
This was a short story on a Professor, who I personally felt had a sad existence...a muted, gray life. I felt attached to his melancholy, even if it wasn't screaming on page. He seemed to have a charisma that maybe he wasn't aware of? And the event that he found himself in the middle of, was handled with such a level of cool and unbothered emotion that I found it to be the perfect end to the short story.
The Hare and the Hound by [a:Kelly Andrew|3980970|Kelly Andrew|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1647045393p2/3980970.jpg]
***This was a favorite of mine*** This story really stood out to me and I am still thinking about it. It was intriguing, mysterious, slight horror element (depending on your perception, I suppose) and this wonderful Nordic Folklore sprinkled in. I loved this so much, I ran out and purchased her other available book and preordered the next!
X House by [a:J.T. Ellison|1311949|J.T. Ellison|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1665256954p2/1311949.jpg]
A school with a chilling reputation and mystery...that had a devious conclusion. I loved the bluntness of this story. It had me guessing with the more that I learned.
The Ravages by [a:Layne Fargo|17861597|Layne Fargo|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1699303843p2/17861597.jpg]
What a wicked fun tale with a cherry on top of Feminine Rage. I loved this story. Scorned lover that may even be bordering a possessive nature line? The ending is open to interpretation in my opinion.
Four Funerals by [a:David Bell|8201775|David Bell|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
This one may actually be quite uncomfortable for many readers and I completely understand that. The story revolves around a fatal school shooting. However, I am thinking that this Author's intent was to be thought provoking. And a zoomed in focus on all individuals affected by something as horrible and tragic as victims/families of victims/survivors of a horrific tragedy. Maybe going as far as to show the different faucets of humanity and how lives change for all during an act of unbelievable violence. It was a very sad story.
The Unknowable Pleasures by [a:Susie Yang|17525183|Susie Yang|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1588358393p2/17525183.jpg]
This was an interesting take on obsession to a varying degree. But, also straddles that line of longing and what motivates our dedication towards intimate relationships.
Weekend at Bertie's by [a:M.L. Rio|14954351|M.L. Rio|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1647195157p2/14954351.jpg]
Interesting plot line...this was kind of a story based on two questionable amoral characters that kind of get away with this terrible thing.
The Professor of Ontography by [a:Helen Grant|653461|Helen Grant|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1319476588p2/653461.jpg]
***This was another favorite*** I seriously can not stop thinking about this story. It was surprisingly sad and horrific. I feel it haunting me a bit, but in the best way. The way that this Author was able to grip me so fiercely within such a short amount of time, I was extremely impressed.
Phobos by [a:Tori Bovalino|17672189|Tori Bovalino|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1598954922p2/17672189.jpg]
This was maybe the only one that I didn't quite get pulled into with the writing. I think I needed more time with the characters and plotline in order to be interested. It was a quick peek into a Secret Society and the ending was slightly shocking just because I felt it was at odds with the character's decision. Maybe that was the point? I'm not sure.
Playing by [a:Phoebe Wynne|19593113|Phoebe Wynne|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1621509023p2/19593113.jpg]
I thought that this was the perfect story for the Finale in this Anthology! The star of this story was everything she needed to be and I felt like there are not enough characters written like this, especially female characters; it was truly refreshing to read!
1000 Ships by [a:Kate Weinberg|18536431|Kate Weinberg|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1569770937p2/18536431.jpg]
I really enjoyed this story! It may be a slight nod to Helen of Troy mixed in with elements of deceit, trust, and naivety in an academic setting. After finishing, the Author stated that this story is a prequel to her book [b:The Truants|42379216|The Truants|Kate Weinberg|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539967415l/42379216._SY75_.jpg|66042624]. Which, I immediately added to my TBR pile!
Pythia by [a:Olivie Blake|16225393|Olivie Blake|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1558925167p2/16225393.jpg]
What a weird and interesting short story. A few times, I did have to reread sentences because I wasn't certain if the passages were inner thoughts, speaking to the reader, or spoken aloud dialogue. But, overall I enjoyed it; even if I felt that this was much more in the realm of Sci-Fi (in my opinion) and pushing on the limits of a Academia setting.
Sabbatical by [a:James Tate Hill|6438269|James Tate Hill|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1446463048p2/6438269.jpg]
This was a short story on a Professor, who I personally felt had a sad existence...a muted, gray life. I felt attached to his melancholy, even if it wasn't screaming on page. He seemed to have a charisma that maybe he wasn't aware of? And the event that he found himself in the middle of, was handled with such a level of cool and unbothered emotion that I found it to be the perfect end to the short story.
The Hare and the Hound by [a:Kelly Andrew|3980970|Kelly Andrew|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1647045393p2/3980970.jpg]
***This was a favorite of mine*** This story really stood out to me and I am still thinking about it. It was intriguing, mysterious, slight horror element (depending on your perception, I suppose) and this wonderful Nordic Folklore sprinkled in. I loved this so much, I ran out and purchased her other available book and preordered the next!
X House by [a:J.T. Ellison|1311949|J.T. Ellison|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1665256954p2/1311949.jpg]
A school with a chilling reputation and mystery...that had a devious conclusion. I loved the bluntness of this story. It had me guessing with the more that I learned.
The Ravages by [a:Layne Fargo|17861597|Layne Fargo|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1699303843p2/17861597.jpg]
What a wicked fun tale with a cherry on top of Feminine Rage. I loved this story. Scorned lover that may even be bordering a possessive nature line? The ending is open to interpretation in my opinion.
Four Funerals by [a:David Bell|8201775|David Bell|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]
This one may actually be quite uncomfortable for many readers and I completely understand that. The story revolves around a fatal school shooting. However, I am thinking that this Author's intent was to be thought provoking. And a zoomed in focus on all individuals affected by something as horrible and tragic as victims/families of victims/survivors of a horrific tragedy. Maybe going as far as to show the different faucets of humanity and how lives change for all during an act of unbelievable violence. It was a very sad story.
The Unknowable Pleasures by [a:Susie Yang|17525183|Susie Yang|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1588358393p2/17525183.jpg]
This was an interesting take on obsession to a varying degree. But, also straddles that line of longing and what motivates our dedication towards intimate relationships.
Weekend at Bertie's by [a:M.L. Rio|14954351|M.L. Rio|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1647195157p2/14954351.jpg]
Interesting plot line...this was kind of a story based on two questionable amoral characters that kind of get away with this terrible thing.
The Professor of Ontography by [a:Helen Grant|653461|Helen Grant|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1319476588p2/653461.jpg]
***This was another favorite*** I seriously can not stop thinking about this story. It was surprisingly sad and horrific. I feel it haunting me a bit, but in the best way. The way that this Author was able to grip me so fiercely within such a short amount of time, I was extremely impressed.
Phobos by [a:Tori Bovalino|17672189|Tori Bovalino|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1598954922p2/17672189.jpg]
This was maybe the only one that I didn't quite get pulled into with the writing. I think I needed more time with the characters and plotline in order to be interested. It was a quick peek into a Secret Society and the ending was slightly shocking just because I felt it was at odds with the character's decision. Maybe that was the point? I'm not sure.
Playing by [a:Phoebe Wynne|19593113|Phoebe Wynne|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1621509023p2/19593113.jpg]
I thought that this was the perfect story for the Finale in this Anthology! The star of this story was everything she needed to be and I felt like there are not enough characters written like this, especially female characters; it was truly refreshing to read!
adorotich's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
1000 Ships: 4.25/5 - made me want to read the novel
Pythia: 3.5/5 - engaging but I don’t get it lol
Sabbatical: 1/5 - boring and pointless
The Hare and the Hound: 5/5 - Spooky, dark and well paced
X House: 4/5 - dark, could’ve been longer and fleshed out a bit more
The Ravages: 4.5/5 - Satisfying
Four Funerals: 2 - just sad, pointless and not dark academia
The Unknowable Pleasures: 2/5 - pointless, weird and unsatisfying
Weekend at Bertie’s: 3/5 - pretentious writing, trying to be high stakes but boring
Professor of Ontography: 5/5 - creepy and satisfying
Phobos: 5/5- gripping, chef’s kiss
Playing: 3.5/5 - what a creep, musical references were cool tho
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mass/school shootings
hannahwhiteyy's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
3.5
these dark academia short stories were spooky, suspenseful, and definitely unsettling at times! a wonderful sample of the genre
beans_reads111's review
2.0
I don’t have much to say, this anthology was a significant let-down. I was disappointed by tye introduction, whose purpose was to advertise the book and not introducing anything to think about on the genre of dark academia. Further, a portion of the anthologies did not take place at an academy or provide any criticism on dark academia. Was more based on vibes, which is just not my cup of tea.
On a side note, Olivie’s story was incredible.
On a side note, Olivie’s story was incredible.
1221cass's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Usually anthologies are pretty hit or miss for me but I'm happy to report that this one had more hits than misses! I don't know if it's because I like the dark academia aesthetic or if it's just because I like a lot of the contributing authors but I enjoyed reading this collection and seeing how each author interpreted the concept of dark academia. Here are my brief thoughts on each of the stories.
-1000 Ships (2 stars): not the strongest start to the anthology and it was a pretty basic and straightforward story. I didn't hate it but it left a little to be desired.
-Pythia (4 stars): not exactly dark academia but a great black mirror esque sci-fi story that explores a sentient oracle AI. Olivie Blake does it again
-Sabbatical (1 star): the main character was so unlikable and annoying. It was also a little hard to follow the descriptions of people and things that were happening.
-The Hare and the Hound (5 stars): one of my favorites in the collection. Super surreal and spooky with a lot of neat mythological ties and a fun character arc. Need to check out more Kelly Andrew
-X House (4 stars): the pacing was a little odd but I loved the way the author described the world and the characters in such a detailed way in a very short amount of time. Also the twist was unexpected and very entertaining.
-The Ravages (5 stars): probably the most fun interpretation of dark academia I've seen. The story is very cute and funny and the twist was excellent. A very unexpected and surprising revenge story.
-Four Funerals (2 stars): I don't think this was the best way to address a very difficult and sensitive subject matter but I will say the depiction of survivor's guilt was done very well.
-The Unknowable Pleasures (1 star): this one just annoyed me. Not dark academia at all and the main character was extremely insufferable. I get that it was supposed to call out the fetishization of gay relationships but it was just so gross to hear about how obsessed she was with them and then the ending was anticlimactic.
-Weekend at Bertie's (5 stars): I might be a little biased because If We Were Villains is one of my all time favorite books but this was such a fun story. M.L. Rio is such a versatile writer and is so good at writing realistic, interesting characters.
-The Professor of Ontography (3 stars): the central mystery was fantastic and the ending was chilling but I can't help but think that this would have been better if it was a little shorter or if the time skip didn't happen. It messed with the pacing and created a bit of a plot hole.
-Phobos (5 stars): another one of my favorites in the collection! The secret society was so neat and the story was very engaging. I would read a whole book about these characters and this initiation.
-Playing (1 star): a very weak one to end on, honestly I skimmed most of it and saw the end reveal coming from a mile away. Phobos would have been a stronger story to end on.
-1000 Ships (2 stars): not the strongest start to the anthology and it was a pretty basic and straightforward story. I didn't hate it but it left a little to be desired.
-Pythia (4 stars): not exactly dark academia but a great black mirror esque sci-fi story that explores a sentient oracle AI. Olivie Blake does it again
-Sabbatical (1 star): the main character was so unlikable and annoying. It was also a little hard to follow the descriptions of people and things that were happening.
-The Hare and the Hound (5 stars): one of my favorites in the collection. Super surreal and spooky with a lot of neat mythological ties and a fun character arc. Need to check out more Kelly Andrew
-X House (4 stars): the pacing was a little odd but I loved the way the author described the world and the characters in such a detailed way in a very short amount of time. Also the twist was unexpected and very entertaining.
-The Ravages (5 stars): probably the most fun interpretation of dark academia I've seen. The story is very cute and funny and the twist was excellent. A very unexpected and surprising revenge story.
-Four Funerals (2 stars): I don't think this was the best way to address a very difficult and sensitive subject matter but I will say the depiction of survivor's guilt was done very well.
-The Unknowable Pleasures (1 star): this one just annoyed me. Not dark academia at all and the main character was extremely insufferable. I get that it was supposed to call out the fetishization of gay relationships but it was just so gross to hear about how obsessed she was with them and then the ending was anticlimactic.
-Weekend at Bertie's (5 stars): I might be a little biased because If We Were Villains is one of my all time favorite books but this was such a fun story. M.L. Rio is such a versatile writer and is so good at writing realistic, interesting characters.
-The Professor of Ontography (3 stars): the central mystery was fantastic and the ending was chilling but I can't help but think that this would have been better if it was a little shorter or if the time skip didn't happen. It messed with the pacing and created a bit of a plot hole.
-Phobos (5 stars): another one of my favorites in the collection! The secret society was so neat and the story was very engaging. I would read a whole book about these characters and this initiation.
-Playing (1 star): a very weak one to end on, honestly I skimmed most of it and saw the end reveal coming from a mile away. Phobos would have been a stronger story to end on.
fernanda28's review against another edition
4.0
First I would like to say 1) I don't like short story collections as a general rule but 2) dark academia is one of my favourite genres to read.
I feel like some stories didn't really fit in the image I have of "dark academia" and some I'm just completely indifferent to. In the end, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, the last stories are great, they really left the best for last but still put some really good ones throughout the book.
I wrote notes for every story so I'll leave it here:
1000 Ships - Kate Weinberg
The writing style is really good and it felt creepy in the right amount. I've read the truants before so it was nice seeing the "prequel" and a little bit more about one of the characters.
4/5
Pythia - Olivie Blake
Oh, how I missed Olive Blake's writing. Her way with words speak very closely to my heart, it's a feeling that I can't describe. The story itself was just interesting, but the writing was exactly what I wanted it to be.
4.5/5
Sabbatical - James Tate Hill
I'm indifferent to it.
2/5
The Hare and the Hound - Kelly Andrew
It was really good.
4/5
X House - J. T. Ellison
Could've been a full length novel, I can't help but feel like it was kinda wasted in a short story.
4.5/5
The Ravages - Layne Fargo
Interesting choice naming the book after this story. I like the atmosphere but I don't know how I feel about the ending.
3.5/5
Four Funerals - David Bell
I'm completely indifferent to this one, only didn't dnf because it was short.
2/5
The Unknowable Pleasures - Susie Yang
This would be immaculate as a novel about obsession, it's still pretty good as it is but I can't help but think "what if".
4/5
Weekend at Bertie's - M. L. Rio
If We Were Villains if one of my favourite books of all time, and I'm so so happy to have another story by ml rio.
4/5
The Professor of Ontography - Helen Grant
This was by far the best short story in this collection up until now. Well constructed and truly feels like it had the right length for the story it told.
4.5/5
Phobos - Tori Bovalino
This one was great, I think it would've been a smart choice to put it as the last one, as it could've been a great way to end it.
5/5
Playing - Phoebe Wynne
Also a great story, even though I still think Phobos should've been in the end. But this works too.
4/5
I feel like some stories didn't really fit in the image I have of "dark academia" and some I'm just completely indifferent to. In the end, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, the last stories are great, they really left the best for last but still put some really good ones throughout the book.
I wrote notes for every story so I'll leave it here:
1000 Ships - Kate Weinberg
The writing style is really good and it felt creepy in the right amount. I've read the truants before so it was nice seeing the "prequel" and a little bit more about one of the characters.
4/5
Pythia - Olivie Blake
Oh, how I missed Olive Blake's writing. Her way with words speak very closely to my heart, it's a feeling that I can't describe. The story itself was just interesting, but the writing was exactly what I wanted it to be.
4.5/5
Sabbatical - James Tate Hill
I'm indifferent to it.
2/5
The Hare and the Hound - Kelly Andrew
It was really good.
4/5
X House - J. T. Ellison
Could've been a full length novel, I can't help but feel like it was kinda wasted in a short story.
4.5/5
The Ravages - Layne Fargo
Interesting choice naming the book after this story. I like the atmosphere but I don't know how I feel about the ending.
3.5/5
Four Funerals - David Bell
I'm completely indifferent to this one, only didn't dnf because it was short.
2/5
The Unknowable Pleasures - Susie Yang
This would be immaculate as a novel about obsession, it's still pretty good as it is but I can't help but think "what if".
4/5
Weekend at Bertie's - M. L. Rio
If We Were Villains if one of my favourite books of all time, and I'm so so happy to have another story by ml rio.
4/5
The Professor of Ontography - Helen Grant
This was by far the best short story in this collection up until now. Well constructed and truly feels like it had the right length for the story it told.
4.5/5
Phobos - Tori Bovalino
This one was great, I think it would've been a smart choice to put it as the last one, as it could've been a great way to end it.
5/5
Playing - Phoebe Wynne
Also a great story, even though I still think Phobos should've been in the end. But this works too.
4/5