The Atlas Six

Six incredibly powerful initiates are chosen chosen to spend one year in a competition to see who will gain membership to the Alexandrian Society. One will be eliminated.

What I loved most about this story was the exploration of the pursuit of power. It is placed squarely in dark academia and given gripping human context. Humans don't seek power and knowledge devoid of their past experiences and Blake brings out the best in how death, neglect, abuse, and loyalty can shape our pursuits.

It also has a really interesting magic system, where the type of magic you can do is classified and able to be refined in a special college. Magic can often come about because of great pain or loss. This puts a whole new spin on the undercurrents and ideals behind magic users.

For those of you looking for a darker look at power, knowledge, and magic.... you've found it.