Book Description 

When Ali McCain, an eighteen-year-old from Los Angeles, is accepted at Oxford, it’s a chance to fulfill his dreams. To study English literature in England; to meet true intellectuals; and to glimpse the life he might have lived had his father—British rock star Gel McCain, legendary frontman of the Pale Fires—not abandoned him and his mother when he was a toddler.

But not long after he arrives at the storied campus, Ali is drawn into a dark, disorienting world where events grow more and more curious by the day. Trading on his father’s name, he gains entry into one of Oxford’s oldest and most selective secret societies, the Saracens. As he immerses himself in this rarefied world, he inadvertently sets in motion a series of events that might culminate in disaster.

A mind-bending literary house of mirrors, replete with bookish allusions and Easter eggs ranging from Brideshead Revisited to King Lear, The Rabbit Club is an arresting work of dark academia by the category’s finest writer.

My Review 

I was very excited about the opportunity to read this book because I love dark academia and this book appeared to have elements of some of the best features of the genre: prestigious university, English lit, secret societies, etc. 

Ali shows up at Oxford University, determined to prove himself by joining a secret society. He is also hoping to reconnect with his famous father. He meets an eccentric cast of characters and tries to survive in the City of Dreaming Spires. 

One thing I noticed immediately is that the dialogue had an odd quirk. It devolved frequently into these odd and mawkish exchanges that seemed out of character. It made the characters appear silly, almost as if they are embarking on a parody of the dark academia genre. 

To be completely honest, I wasn’t particularly thrilled with the little moments of silliness, but I stuck with the book… and wow, was it worth it. I can’t go into details without risking revealing too much, but there’s a split timeline, and there’s going to be a point where you think you have figured everything out. However, I can almost guarantee that you are going to walk away at the end of this in awe of all the twists and revelations. 

I would absolutely recommend The Rabbit Club. If you are a fan of English literature in addition to the dark academia genre, then you are going to appreciate all the references. I was thrilled with all the references to Brideshead Revisited and Shakespeare. I’m definitely going to check out that copy of Yates’ Black Chalk that’s been sitting on my TBR!

I received a digital ARC of this book from Harlequin Trade/NetGalley.