Fabián Tapia

If you love ivy-covered campuses, secret societies, morally gray characters, ancient rituals, and stories where knowledge comes with a price, this list belongs on your shelf. These are the ultimate dark academia novels—from modern classics to fresh favorites that blend mystery, obsession, magic, and unforgettable prose.

The second half of the year is packed with incredible book releases, and these are the ones readers can't stop talking about. Whether you're into literary fiction, fantasy, romance, thrillers, or emotional YA, these upcoming books deserve a spot on your TBR. The best part? Every title is available to preorder at Barnes & Noble, so you can be among the first to dive into these unforgettable stories.

These are the books that completely took over my brain—in the best way possible. The kind you keep thinking about at 2 a.m., the ones that blur the line between fiction and reality, and leave you a little different after the last page. If you love intense atmospheres, unforgettable characters, and stories that linger, start here.

If you loved Stranger Things, you probably miss the mix of tight-knit friendships, creepy mysteries, secret experiments, and that feeling that something is very wrong just beneath the surface. These books deliver the same energy—kids (and teens) facing the unknown, eerie worlds bleeding into ours, and bravery powered by friendship. Perfect for readers who like suspense, sci-fi, and supernatural twists without losing heart and humor.

If you’re looking for books that sit heavy on the chest, linger long after the last page, and make you feel deeply seen, this list is for you. These stories explore grief, love, identity, and loss with raw honesty — bring tissues.

A curated list of fiction exploring fandom, pop idols, queer longing, and the emotional intensity of boy-band culture.

The books I've loved most recently

My favorites this week (music, movies and more).