"When We Were Monsters" is a dark academia psychological thriller novel by Jennifer Niven. It was published on September 2, 2025. The story revolves around eight students selected for an exclusive storytelling workshop at an elite boarding school, mentored by Meredith Graffam, a renowned writer, director, and actress. The students reveal their darkest secrets amidst rivalry and romance, and the plot involves a dead teacher and the mystery of who is the monster among them. The narrative is described as a mix between "One of Us is Lying" and "The Secret History," with a dark and chilling atmosphere.