There’s something spellbinding about a book that blends academia, magic, and self-discovery—and Higher Magic by Courtney Floyd does exactly that. Today, I’m excited to feature this newly released story. Set within the enchanted (and sometimes exasperating) halls of magical higher education, this debut novel offers a cozy yet darkly clever twist on the academic fantasy genre.
Courtney Floyd’s debut promises to be one of those rare reads that feels both thought-provoking and heartwarming, balancing irreverence with empathy in a world where books, courage, and self-acceptance hold real magic.
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Synopsis – Higher Magic by Courtney Floyd
Title: Higher Magic
Author: Courtney Floyd
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Age Range: Adult Fantasy
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Contemporary
Available NOW!
In this incisive, irreverent, and whimsical cozy dark academia novel for fans of Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde series and R.F. Kuang’s Babel, a struggling mage student with intense anxiety must prove that classic literature contained magic—and learn to wield her own stories to change her institution for the better.
First-generation graduate student Dorothe Bartleby has one last chance to pass the Magic program’s qualifying exam after freezing with anxiety during her first attempt. If she fails to demonstrate that magic in classic literature changed the world, she’ll be kicked out of the university. And now her advisor insists she reframe her entire dissertation using Digimancy. While mages have found a way to combine computers and magic, Bartleby’s fated to never make it work.
This time is no exception. Her revised working goes horribly wrong, creating a talking skull named Anne that narrates Bartleby’s inner thoughts—even the most embarrassing ones—like she’s a heroine in a Jane Austen novel. Out of her depth, she recruits James, an unfairly attractive mage candidate, to help her stop Anne’s glitches in time for her exam.
Instead, Anne leads them to a shocking and dangerous discovery: Magic students who seek disability accommodations are disappearing—quite literally. When the administration fails to act, Bartleby must learn to trust her own knowledge and skills. Otherwise, she risks losing both the missing students and her future as a mage, permanently.
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Higher Magic Themes and Vibes 🕯️:
The tone is whimsical but edged with the sharp awareness of what it means to be neurodivergent, anxious, or “different” in academic systems that demand perfection.
Thematically, it explores:
- The intersection of literature, technology, and magic
- Academic pressure and the stigma around mental health
- Found family and solidarity among students who don’t fit the mold
- The idea that stories themselves can be a source of power—a way to rewrite both institutions and identity.
It’s the kind of novel that will resonate deeply with readers who loved Ninth House, The Magicians, or Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries but wished those worlds had a little more warmth, humor, and compassion.
Why read this book:
A fresh take on dark academia: Instead of glorifying academia’s elitism, Higher Magic celebrates imperfection, creativity, and courage in the face of systemic challenges.
Deeply relatable protagonist: Dorothe’s anxiety, ambition, and heart make her one of the most human magical scholars you’ll meet.
A talking skull narrator (yes, really): Anne’s witty, Austen-esque commentary adds humor and emotional depth to every scene.
Smart, subversive magic system: The concept of Digimancy—where computers and magic intertwine—feels original and timely.
Representation and empathy: Floyd brings neurodivergence and mental health into fantasy with sincerity and insight.
PRAISES:
“Higher Magic is my catnip. By what dark arts I know not, Floyd has summoned up a wonderful wizard-grad-school slice-of-life, replete with organizing, romance, anxiety, camaraderie, and courage. More please!” —Max Gladstone, NYT Bestselling Co-Author of This is How You Lose the Time War
About the Author:
Courtney Floyd is a neurodivergent fantasy author who grew up in New Mexico, where she learned to write between tarantula turf wars and apocalyptic dust storms. She currently lives at the bottom of a haunted mountain in the woods of Vermont with her partner and pets. Higher Magic is her debut novel.
Courtney has a PhD in British Literature and a penchant for irreverent literary allusions. Her short stories have appeared in publications including Fireside Magazine, Small Wonders, and Haven Spec, and her audio drama, The Way We Haunt Now, is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find her online at courtney-floyd.com.
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