The book is a dark academia cozy good time and I'm here for it. At sometimes, the magic system took some adjusting to, but once I figured it out it was good. The atmosphere of the book is written perfectly and I loved being transported into this world!

Higher Magic is an enchanting blend of dark academia, magical theory, and social commentary wrapped in clever prose and unexpected heart.

Dorothe is a refreshingly relatable protagonist - brilliant, awkward, overwhelmed, and constantly underestimated. Her journey through a prestigious magical institution that values perfection over people feels sharp and personal, especially as she grapples with both academic pressure and institutional ableism. The novel balances wit and weight, blending magical academia with timely themes around disability advocacy and imposter syndrome without ever feeling heavy-handed.

Final Thoughts:
Smart, strange, and deeply sincere, Higher Magic is a celebration of finding strength in what makes you different, even when the system tries to erase you. Highly recommended for fans of magical academia with a social conscience - and a sense of humor.

Expected Release Date: 08/07/2025

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the early access. All thoughts in this review are my own.

One of my favorite implementations of a magic system, EVER!

Loved going on this journey with Bartleby. The everyday struggles gave the character depth.

I would also like to point out the diversity in the book. This is how a fantasy book should be written. Thank you so much!

Higher Magic by Courtney Floyd is a refreshingly cerebral take on the fantasy genre, blending arcane academia with character-driven storytelling. At its heart is a protagonist whose intellect is as sharp as her wit—a scholar navigating a world where magic isn't just power, but philosophy, politics, and peril.

Floyd's prose is elegant and immersive, with world-building that feels richly layered and thematically thoughtful. The novel explores knowledge, authority, and autonomy in a system where magic is both a tool and a weapon. The academic setting is a standout—think The Magicians meets The Secret History, but with a more introspective tone.

Characters are nuanced, with complex motivations and evolving relationships. While the plot sometimes slows under the weight of its own ideas, the emotional core and suspense remain intact. The romance subplot is subtle but satisfying, complementing rather than overtaking the main narrative.

A few twists may feel predictable to seasoned readers of the genre, and the ending leaves several threads dangling—but not frustratingly so. Instead, it invites further exploration in future installments.

Overall, Higher Magic is a smart, layered fantasy that rewards patient readers with rich payoff. Ideal for fans of magical academia, ethical quandaries, and character growth that doesn’t rely on easy answers

This was a great read. The author deftly wove multiple strands and interesting points of view together into a compelling and exciting narrative. This book had an empathetic main character who is not only having to juggle teaching and working on her second dissertation attempt but she also unwittingly discovers a plot to remove students from campus. Even with all the magic in the book the main struggles, feeling like an imposter, anxiety, love, and responsibility rang true to my experience in grad school.
There were a couple of things that I found a bit hard to believe. Specifically the role of the antagonists (did they not think through fully their actions? Were they truly okay with actually erasing people?), the lack of investigation by anyone other than our main characters also felt weird. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying this story.
I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of a talking skull. That character truly made this book for me. I would happily read more from this author.

Disclaimer: DNF’d at 59% mark.

I tried, and tried, and tried to get into this book. And time and time again, I couldn’t. I thought at first that maybe the main character Bartleby’s extreme anxiety and overbearing panic attacks struck a little too close to home for comfort (as someone with both of those afflictions). And while yes, that was a component that gave me more angst rather than the (likely) intended comfort of being seen - I actually think that ultimately, Bartleby wasn’t someone who compelled me to dig deeper with her. The pacing was a little hard for me, as it was on the slower side (which, again, I can do slow if something else - like the characters - are compelling me to join in on the ride). And the magic system isn’t explained well, to the point that it’s honestly confusing. The world itself, and its professional makeup, weren’t clear. The intended context clues fail to give any clarity to any of these areas either..

What did work very well was the commitment to diversity and providing a breadth of characters / representation. The talking skull, Anne, was creative and a love letter to the classics. And while the magic system was confusing, it was also unique (from what I could tell). I could also tell that the author was weaving a more intricate mystery; I truly, at the 59% mark, could not guess what the big reveal will be. The author seemed to have really put the time into this book, and I absolutely hate to give it a review like this.

(Rating is based on what I did finish).

I find this a somewhat tricky book to give a rating to. There were some things that didn’t work for me — but the things this book did well, it did amazingly well.

What didn’t work: The magic system was very complicated and convoluted. At times I thought I understood it, but more often I was confused. What exactly are the ghosts doing within the university? How are the spells/workings performed? The technicalities of graduate-level studies also add a layer of complexity for those without knowledge of academia. What exactly was the main character’s test about?

The lead up to the ending was good, but the ending felt slightly unsatisfying — which I think could have been helped by an epilogue.

What did work: This story is wonderfully creative with perfect stakes. Our main character, Bartleby, has the dual crises of trying to pass her next level exam/presentation and wanting to find out why students are going missing and rescue them. And the two challenges come clashing together well.

Talk about diversity! This novel is a fabulous slap in the face to anyone who makes the ridiculous claim that reading isn’t political. We are treated to a wonderful array of characters of all races, abilities and pronouns. (I’ve read books with they/them pronouns before, but this is my first with she/them and xir/xis.) The author introduces the characters in ways that feel truly authentic and not forced.

This was such a good magical academia book. It is a definitely a magical who done it kind of vibe book. If you enjoy a good suspense mystery with it feeling like the system is against you, then this book fits the bill. There are elements of fighting for social injustices and standing up for what’s right.
The FMC and MMC are definitely a slow burn with an adorably nerdy love connection. It is relatively YA on the spice level, it hints at what happens but never quite on page scenes. Loved the found family elements and magic system that the author created. It is a fun quick read.

4.5 stars ⭐️ 0.5 🌶️

As someone who works advocating for students, this should have been my next favorite read. But it was a tad too whimsical for my taste. I found these elements (like the talking skull) more disorientating than delightful. I kept feeling like I wasn’t “getting” what the author was aiming for, and so respectfully set the book aside. I’m choosing to rate based on what I did end up finishing.

DNF at 77%

As a dark academia fantasy lover with disabilities, Higher Magic had me instantly intrigued. A magical campus, disability representation, and a first-gen grad student fighting anxiety and ableism? Sign me up. This had the potential to be one of my favorite reads of the year. But sadly, it just didn’t deliver.

The concept is undeniable—Dorothe Bartleby accidentally creates Anne, a Regency-era-style narrator who blurts out her most private thoughts in full Jane Austen mode. What starts as quirky quickly becomes overbearing, with Anne’s interruptions pulling me out of the story more often than not. The humor didn’t land, and the tone bounced between whimsical and heavy-handed without ever really finding its footing. Digimancy never really made sense to me, and I wanted more from the plot and more clarity.

Looking for your next cozy dark academia book!? Then you will want to check out Higher Magic by Courtney Floyd 💜 this book will be releasing on Oct 7th!

Thank you to The Hive and Courtney for the e-ARC! I had a great time reading this as this book was filled with an immersive world and magical elements that got me hooked from the first chapter! You got some good humor in this book especially from the beginning where I had some giggles 🤭

What I liked about this story was that you could relate to some situations in here as you have found family and disability mentioned and I felt the author did great voicing that and letting you know you’re heard and not alone!

You have your FMC, Dorothe that is a first grad student in her generation and she has imposter syndrome and struggles with anxiety and she has one chance to pass the Magic Programs qualifying exam after freezing with anxiety her first try. Now, if she fails at this attempt again, she will be kicked out of the University. This book has mages and Dorothe infuses magic and computers and she created Anne that narrates classic stories but she ends up malfunctioning during this process and needs to investigate on how she can fix Anne!

If you like your books to be a slow burn romance, magic, mages, mystery and a haunted campus, then I suggest adding this one to your TBR! 💜

4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THIS is how it's done.

This was an intoxicating fantasy read that was solely responsible for my lack of sleep and extra caffeine intake this morning. At just over 400 pages, this book was perfectly paced and did not ever feel like a slog. I was not happy to see it end, but the end was well done. Our FMC, Dorothea, is impecably written and her flaws are relatable. Her flaws are well fleshed out and, unlike some fantasy authors, they are not shoved in your face to the point it's grating and all you can see.

Let's talk about Anne. I want her to walk through life with me and make me laugh with her hilarious comments. This concept was SO unique and, again, incredibly well done. I don't think I'd be entirely too sad if I had Anne (mistakenly) reading my inner dialogue.

This book, perhaps to some, on the surface was whimsical and, at times, cozy, but it was so much more than that. Without being too overbearing, it tackled important themes—mental health, injustice, burnout, etc.—while never compromising the adventure, magic, laughter, and growth.

This was a fun book. I’d only ever read light or cozy academia before so reading a book that is classified as dark academia was a new one for me. I fell in love with the characters especially Dorothe and Anne. The world building was amazing. The humor was the perfect amount. The magic system was cool and the mystery was good. Enjoyed this one.

As someone who studied most of the authors and texts referenced in this read, I loved it! I'm an academia nerd at heart, and it was so great to be immersed in a magical setting with representation that made me feel welcome. It's a fun, dark academia read that is engaging but light enough that the text doesn't make your mind bend or leap through hoops to make sense of things. It's really enjoyable, like a good cup of tea to chase away impending scaries. I want to call this cozy dark academia that will make you feel seen. This book will have a special place in my heart for being so easy to approach.

I will say, it was a "slow burn" read for me to begin with. The first few chapters took some time for me to get my bearings, but once the plot picked up, I was fully immersed.

I really enjoyed this book, I loved the conversation around accessibility and disability and the magical elements of the story as well!!

Alternate title: The Book that Hijacked my Sleep Schedule and I’m Not Even Mad About It

This is the kind of book that gets my nerd gears grinding. The vibes? Immaculate. It’s not quite dark academia or light academia... I guess I'd say it’s witchy academia? Whimsical and sharp, with a cozy chaos and existential grad school panic that hits just right.

I loved the world, the mystery, the magical systems, the rebellious academic undercurrent, the fight for equitable rights and disability representation, and THE GRADUATE STUDENT UNION!!! LOVE!!

Dorothe Bartleby is a first-gen grad student battling imposter syndrome, anxiety, and a dissertation committee that wants her to rewrite everything with tech-magic. She's messy, brilliant, full of heart, and just trying to stay afloat in a system that seems determined to drown her. I found her instantly relatable, because I have been her. We all have. Whether it's an academic environment or not.

And Anne? My beloved Anne. A snarky, glitchy, Regency-narrating skull who reveals Bartleby’s inner monologue in the voice of Jane Austen. We don’t need AI, WE NEED ANNE. I want her on my desk, stat.

But beyond the humor and hijinks, this book shines in its deeper messages: about academic burnout, disability justice, found family, and how storytelling itself is a kind of power. It’s a love letter to those who’ve ever felt small in big institutions. Those who doubt their voice but keep speaking anyway. Those who dream of home—not just as a place, but a community that sees and loves them as they are.

I stayed up until 3AM to finish this, and my sleep schedule’s been wrecked for days. Was it worth it? Abso-freaking-lutely. Courtney Floyd, please give us 20 more books set in this world. I would follow Bartleby and Anne through every footnote and fiasco.

"Higher Magic" by Courtney Floyd is a fabulous dark academia novel following two magic students as they investigate the disappearances of their peers. Told in the first person from the heroine’s perspective, it’s an engaging blend of mystery, magic, and social commentary.

Dorothea Bartleby, a mage student prone to paralyzing panic attacks, was born with the ability to see beyond consensus reality. She’s never felt like she belongs at the academy. To earn her mage candidacy and keep her teaching job, she must pass a final qualifying exam toward her PhD—after already failing once. If she fails this time to prove that classic literature contains magic, she’ll be expelled and lose her position.

Urged to use Digimancy (a fusion of magic and computers), Dorothea reluctantly tries and ends up creating Anne, a talking skull meant to narrate classic stories. Instead, Anne malfunctions and starts narrating Dorothea’s inner monologue like she’s a Jane Austen heroine. With the help of a fellow candidate, James, she tries to fix Anne—only to uncover a deeper mystery. Disabled students requesting accommodations are vanishing, and the administration is looking the other way. As Dorothea investigates, she risks everything she’s worked for. Conspiracy, magic, mystery, a haunted campus, and slow-burn romance are just a few of the ingredients of this compelling book.

This is one of the most original novels I’ve read, with a complex magic system, rich world-building, relatable protagonists, and vivid side characters. I admired how Dorothea faced her fears and persevered despite unsupportive parents and a rigid academic system. I especially appreciated her determination, vulnerability, and refusal to accept injustice. As she says, “sometimes keeping your head down is the same as looking the other way.”

Anne the skull absolutely steals the show. I loved the classical references and the opening snippets in each chapter. Anne is hilarious, and I appreciated the way the author humanized her, making her more than just a magical construct. The novel explores themes like ableism in academia, disability, anxiety, found family, belonging, self-determination, self-worth, community, friendship, and the courage to stand against injustice.

The writing drew me in from the start. The magic system was initially confusing, but it all came together. There’s a helpful content note listing potential triggers (ableism, depression, death, institutional gaslighting), and I appreciated the heads-up. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of magic, disability and LGBTQ+ representation, and dark academia. It’s a standalone, but I’d love to read more set in this world. Courtney Floyd truly knows how to capture the reader’s imagination. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

Higher Magic by Courtney Floyd, a good well written book with a decent premise. The hook is good but felt a tad disingenuous to then use the hook to make everyone who doesn't use accessibility services into the bad guys.