Lovely Dark and Deep - by Elisa A Bonnin (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

From author Elisa A. Bonnin comes Lovely Dark and Deep, a YA dark academia novel exploring magic, loneliness, and the power of found family.

"A truly thoughtful, engaging reflection on the dark academia genre." --BCCB, starred review

Hidden off the coast of Washington, veiled in mist, there is an island that does not appear on any map. And on that island is Ellery West.

The acclaimed school for magic has always been home for Faith. After an international move and a childhood spent adjusting to a new culture and a new language, Faith feels like Ellery is the only place she can be herself. That is, until Faith and another student walk into the forest, and only Faith walks out.

Marked with the Red Stripe across her uniform that designates all students deemed too dangerous to attend regular classes, Faith becomes a social pariah, an exile of Ellery West. But all she has to do is keep her head down for one more year so she can graduate, and get to keep her magic. Because when students fail out of Ellery West, they have their magic taken away. Forever. And Faith can't let that happen.

Except terrifying things are happening to students, and the dark magic that was unleashed in the forest still seems to be at work. To stop it, Faith and the other Red Stripes will have to work together, risking expulsion from the magical world altogether.

Review Quotes

Lovely Dark and Deep:

★ "A strong entry point into dark academia fantasy, recommended for all libraries serving YA readers" --School Library Journal, starred review

★ "Careful attention to character, colonialist history, and explorations of how magic interacts with neurodiversity and gender identity bring welcome complexity to a familiar outsider-goes-to-magic-school premise, making this a truly thoughtful, engaging reflection on the dark academia genre." --BCCB, starred review

"Dark and thrilling, yet lovely and endearing." --Kirkus

"With an atmospheric setting, where academic rigor, moral ambiguity, and secrets can connect in dangerous ways, this story explores determination and finding belonging in the unlikeliest of places." --Booklist

"Haunting, mysterious, and vulnerable, Lovely Dark and Deep will lure readers into the shadows where friendship, self-discovery, and courage wait for those brave enough to seek it." --Emily Thiede, author of This Vicious Grace

"With its smart magic, memorable cast, and a deliciously creeping sense of unease, Lovely Dark and Deep is a compelling, atmospheric read about who -- or what -- haunts us and who we can truly trust." --Tracy Badua, Author of This Is Not a Personal Statement and We're Never Getting Home

"Never go into the forest alone - unless you're one of a band of misfits looking for a place to belong, learning how to juggle magical academy life while uncovering all the creepy dark secrets within. Full of heart, adventure, and just that delicious dash of horror, it's a wonderful story of how far you're willing to go to save someone you love, even when the world is against you." --Rin Chupeco, Author of The Bone Witch and Silver Under Nightfall

"Lovely Dark and Deep effortlessly combines fantasy with dark academia to create a wildly imaginative and suspenseful tale. Elisa A. Bonnin's gorgeous prose propels a well-rounded cast of endearing characters through a heart-pounding magical adventure while fearlessly tackling themes of diaspora, neurodiversity, and institutional bias . . . As they say in mine and the author's native language: Padayon!" --Thea Guanzon, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars

Praise for Dauntless:

A 2023 Rise: Feminist Book List Pick

"An epic fantasy mixed with heart-pounding action and a touch of romance, Dauntless will ensnare readers until the very last page. Elisa A. Bonnin's rich world building and gorgeous prose will leave you tearing through chapters. The rich magic, thrilling action and jolting twists will leave you craving more!" --Aiden Thomas, New York Times-bestselling author of Cemetery Boys and Lost in the Never Woods

"Fast-paced, original and fantastic, Dauntless is a breathtaking joy of a book." --Tasha Suri, award-winning author of Empire of Sand and The Jasmine Throne

"Bonnin uses lushly described scenery and fantastical creatures to craft an action-packed adventure." -- Publishers Weekly