THE FOUR by Ellie Keel is an intense exploration of the dark underbelly of life at a prestigious boarding school. The story follows four scholarship students—Rose, Marta, Sami, and Lloyd—who find themselves as outsiders at High Realms, a place where social hierarchies and traditions create a suffocating atmosphere. From the moment they arrive, it's clear that fitting in will be an uphill battle, especially for Marta, who seems indifferent to the pressures of conformity. When popular student Genevieve sets her sights on Marta, the animosity between them spirals out of control, leading to dire consequences.

What stands out in THE FOUR is the way Keel captures the toxic environment of High Realms. Although the book is marketed as dark academia, it diverges from traditional expectations of the genre. Instead of focusing on academic intrigue, it highlights the hostile and often damaging dynamics within the school. This isn’t a mystery steeped in scholarly pursuits like The Secret History; rather, it's a story about survival in a place that should be safe but instead becomes a battleground.

Narrated by Rose, the book offers a complex and unreliable perspective. As an adult looking back on her teenage years, Rose attempts to recount the events with a certain rationality, but there’s an underlying sense that she’s not entirely truthful—either with herself or the reader. This adds an intriguing layer of tension to the narrative, as you’re never quite sure if Rose’s version of events can be trusted. While the relationships between the characters, particularly Rose and Marta, are compelling, some connections feel underdeveloped. For instance, the dynamics involving Lloyd and Max could have been explored more deeply. Additionally, the book touches on significant themes such as trauma, sexual assault, and self-harm, which elevate it from a typical school rivalry story to something more visceral and unsettling. These elements are handled with a rawness that might make some readers uncomfortable, but they are crucial to the narrative’s impact.

However, there are moments when the book’s sensationalist tendencies may feel overwhelming. The narrative occasionally takes on a voyeuristic tone, particularly in its portrayal of heavy subjects. Also, the treatment of queerness in the story felt somewhat superficial, with only brief references that seemed out of place given the setting and time period.

Despite these minor issues, THE FOUR is a gripping read that challenges the boundaries of dark academia. It delves into the complexities of privilege, power, and the lengths teenagers will go to protect themselves and each other. Though the book can be unsettling, it’s a powerful exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the environments we create for young people. If you’re looking for a novel beyond the typical boarding school drama, THE FOUR is worth your time.