Guest Post by India Holton

My favourite kind of fantasy book to read is one that entertains my intellect along with my imagination. As a literature and history nerd, I delight in literary references, invented histories, philosophical musings, and all manner of academic hijinks. My own Dangerous Damsels series of books and the Love’s Academic books, including The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love and the upcoming The Geographer’s Map to Romance, are all packed with such allusions among the screwball comedy.

Light academia is a concept that celebrates learning and a delight in all manner of intellectual pursuits. It is derived from dark academia, a popular aesthetic and idea that encompasses more somber elements. If we were to equate dark academia to black coffee on a stormy afternoon, then light academia would be a cup of tea in the sunshine. When it comes to light academia books, scholarly themes often mix with fun, romance, and adventure. I’ve put together a list of several books that I think are really great examples of this.

To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis

This has been at the top of my favourite books list from the moment I first read it. Connie Willis is one of the wittiest and smartest writers we have, traversing different genres. In this comedic, light academia science fiction tale inspired by Jerome K. Jerome’s Three Men in a Boat, she gives us time travelling hilarity that is sprinkled through with historical discussions, science, screwball capers, and romance. Willis balances all of this with such an expert skill that the book won both the Hugo and Locus awards. The plot is simple enough: a historian is sent back in time to discover the location of a missing artifact. But, as they say, shenanigans ensue. With literary and historical references galore, academic settings, and the world’s most adorable bulldog, it’s truly incomparable.

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Temple of SwoonTemple of Swoon by Jo Segura

For those who like their light academia mingled with action adventure, Jo Segura’s books are ideal. Reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with strong female leads, they feature archaeologists getting up to all kinds of exciting things, from seeking out a lost city to falling in love with their enemy. Segura’s vibrant writing and propulsive storylines have made her an instant bestseller, and I don’t doubt there’s even more fun to come from her.

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Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

All of Terry Pratchett’s books are pure excellence, and this early addition to his Discworld ouevre is no exception. It provides the genesis for his Unseen University series with an incisive parody of academia told through the slightly askew lens of a unique magical world. Esk is destined to be the first female wizard, but that’s unheard of, and the university of wizards won’t let her in. But Esk has Granny Weatherwax on her side – luckily, considering she’s soon facing all kinds of magical mayhem. Pratchett deftly explores the theme of sexism while also supplying an endless supply of quality wit. No one writes satire as well as he did. After reading Equal Rites, one can go on to explore all his Unseen University books—or even better, the entirety of his Discworld works.

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Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

This delightful YA fantasy of magic and romance involves great libraries that contain magical grimoires. The heroine is an apprentice librarian who is caught up in perilous sorcery. It’s a charming, fast-paced read with characters that are interesting, layered, and easy to love.

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Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

The hugely popular YA fantasy features rival journalists, magical typewriters, and a war of dark enchantment. Ross is a skilled and engaging writer who knows well how to capture a reader’s mind and heart, and the excellent reputation this book has is truly deserved.

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Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies by Heather Fawcett

I officially described this book as “a charmingly whimsical delight.” Fawcett’s much loved historical fantasy, centred on faerie academia, is unique, witty, and disarmingly fun. Emily Wilde, an autistic-coded scientist who studies dryadology, and her academic rival Wendell Bambleby, visit the far north and find themselves caught up in dark magic and a mystery involving various kinds of faeries. The book is the first in a trilogy that follows Emily and Wendell deeper into enchantments and charts the progress of their slow burn romance. Ideal for fans of Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell who want something with a lighter vibe.

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The Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn

The adventures of intrepid, nineteenth century lepidopterist (butterfly researcher) Veronica Speedwell are a sheer joy to read. Veronica is a fascinating and unique character, and her adventures will keep you hooked throughout the series. Add in her brilliant, sizzling banter with taxidermist Stoker and their wonderfully slow burning relationship, and you have a collection of books to delight the heart as well as the intellect.

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The Geographer’s Map to Romance by India Holton

Because I so much love this genre, I was delighted for the opportunity to contribute my own books to it. The Love’s Academic series is a trilogy of standalone fantasy romcoms. The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love features rival professors who are experts in magical birds, and who reluctantly team up in a competition to find a rare species and hopefully win tenure. In The Geographer’s Map to Romance, the professors are specialists in earth magic disasters—although they have no clue how to manage the personal disaster of their marriage! This Anne of Green Gables meets Twister adventure comes out April 8th 2025.

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The light academia sub-genre is fast growing in popularity, so whether you prefer historical or contemporary, fantasy or adventure, there will be something to captivate you!