Book One of the dark academia fantasy duology Sleep of Reason.
Skip never thought of himself as university material. His family had neither money nor connections, and despite his interest in science, he struggled in school. However, his hobby of writing fantastical stories led to a meeting with a kindly astronomer who saw his potential. With the astronomer’s support he wins a place in a physics program, hoping to make a life doing something he loves.
Higher education takes Skip deeper into the wonders of art, philosophy, and science. It introduces him to millennia-old scholarly traditions. One of these traditions is the Capstone – a mysterious final examination in which advanced students either gain profound insights or die. As Skip prepares for this challenge, his mentor is sidelined by a rival professor who changes the rules of the test. How will he survive?
Meanwhile, beneath the academics’ noses, a snarky gardener named Elena rediscovers witchcraft.
If others learn about her forbidden discovery, it will shatter scholars’ understanding of reality.
Elena crosses paths with Skip, and the consequences change both their lives forever.
Get Palace Without Windows here.