This book is a new favorite! 

These Violent Delights is a character-driven story focused on the codependent relationship between Paul and Julian. They are both alone and gay in the 70’s, so, understandably, they latch onto each other when they meet, especially because both share the same perspective on the world and intellectual interests. Their relationship is toxic, and I like that it’s pointed out in the text. The lengths they go to show each other that they love and trust each other are truly wild. There’s an interesting exploration of grief as Paul and his family are grieving his father’s death. I love that the writing is a little pretentious, as Dark Academia can be. It flows nicely and is very effective at depicting the dark atmosphere and the tension. 

I like the slow pace, but the story drags in the middle. That’s why I think the book could have been a little shorter. The academic setting is not the main focus, which is unfortunate because it’s one of my favorite aspects of the genre. But there is enough sprinkled for the book to be considered Dark Academia. I would have loved to see Julian’s POV; we exclusively get Paul’s. I think his POV of the last chapter could have been fascinating. I still had a great time with this book and will pick up the audiobook for a reread at some point.