Books for a Dark Summer Reading Aesthetic
Not all summer books have to be cheery and bright. Here is my summer reading list of 2025 Books for a Dark Summer Reading Aesthetic. From Dark Academia to thrillers that will chill you these are books that will keep you reading late into the night!
Books for a Dark Summer Reading Aesthetic
Summer reading isn’t all about the daytime! You’re drawn to sultry summer nights and are ready to stay up late reading and take a walk on the dark side of summer reading. Your summer reading list might consist of twisty (and twisted) thrillers, brooding Dark Academia, and books that will make you think.
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (June 2025)
If you’re looking for a dark suspense story, King of Ashes was pitched as Southern Noir meets the Godfather. It’s about a prodigal son who returns home to learn that his brother has placed the family and their business in danger by getting in league with some dangerous criminals .
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown (June 2025)
This one took me by surprise. It was sort of a cross between Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (1990s and early 00s computer science culture) told by a teenage girl who has been raised in the middle of nowhere by her very paranoid Luddite father. I found it completely gripping!
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab (August 2025)
This eagerly anticipated book has everything a reader who loves the dark side could want: three timelines (the 1500s, the 1800s, the 2010, vampires, sapphic romance. It sounds like maybe the main character is a female vampire that appears in all three timelines, but we’ll have to read it and find out! Yes, paranormal romance is back!
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
A Dark Academia title from a celebrated author. Two rival grad students in the field of Magick have to make a journey to the Underworld to save the soul of their advisor.
Find Your Summer Reading Aesthetic
Looking to find your Summer Aesthetic for 2025 and get a reading list just for you? Take my quiz, Find Your Summer Reading Aesthetic, and get a list of books that will inspire you all summer long!
Your cozy summer reading aesthetic is all about relaxation and coziness: reading stacks of light romance books or cozy mystery books on a porch swing, curling up in an armchair and daydreaming, or hanging out in your favorite cozy library or coffee shop.
Sunny Summer Reading Aesthetic
Your sunny summer reading aesthetic means that you are up for all kinds of fun in the sun, whether it’s a pool party or a travel adventure. Your summer will be sun-drenched, energetic, adventurous, bold, and playful. Your reading choices might range from a page-turning book filled with rich family drama or a spine tingling thriller.
Messy Girl Summer Reading Aesthetic
A Messy Girl Summer Reading Aesthetic means you’re ready to take chances, take risks, and even make a mistake or two. Your reading list is as eclectic and bold as your summer plans, ranging from edgy romances to breezy chick lit, to thrillers about love and obsession
Be sure to also check out:
my entire list of Dark Academia titles
My new list of books about toxic female friendship and obsession
I really wanna get my hands on Bury Our Bones. I used to read a lot of Schwab books.
Hope you love it!