What if Harry Potter, but EDGY? This seems to be the question that Alexis Henderson is answering. The trouble is, it's been answered already. It's difficult for me when I'm given a bunch of characters that I actively dislike in the name of "grownup realism." None of these folks, particularly the main character, are people I admire or want to spend time with. The idea of a magic academy that is really a training ground for people with immense willpower is interesting, but I have to care about the people in order to care about the setting. And that I didn't do.

Thank you to the author and publisher, Berkley Publishing Group | Ace, for providing me with an ARC of this book. The publication date is set for September 17, 2024.

An Academy for Liars is noted as a dark academia, horror, and fantasy book. I wasn’t sure if this one would align with me but honestly, I was pleasantly surprised.

This multifaceted book incorporates elements from various genres - the atmosphere of dark academia, the powers and unique fantasy-derived world-building, the mystery and intrigue of thrillers, and has the perfect amount of tension you would expect from a slow-burn romance novel.

Overall, the characters, the atmosphere, the 'world', and the plot were executed nearly perfectly. This was more of a slow-burn book, but aside from that, I enjoyed how everything unraveled. The story was rich in detail and the story stuck with me. I loved the magical component.

There are a few parts I would have done differently or eliminated, but, it is a solid 4-star read. Another round of edits could have made this easily a 5-star book. Great premise and the cover of this book is beautiful. I would definitely recommend this one! I cannot wait to add this one to my library once it is released to the world.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Having really enjoyed Alexis Henderson’s previous books, I was excited to hear she was releasing another. I was a little hesitant when I read the premise of An Academy for Liars and saw it was more contemporary-set, as opposed to the historical fantasy of her prior work, but I tend to like dark academia for the most part, so I remained optimistic. And while it’s not perfect, I enjoyed this book overall.
Lennon was a hard sell for me initially. I love compassionate, messy depictions of people struggling with their mental health, but her “acting out” early on was very hard to take in. But that puts her in an intriguing place for a miracle…that is, the invitation to Drayton College. And while she continues to make mistakes as she navigates life there, from tapping into her gifts of persuasion to her personal entanglements, I came to root for her as she grew in her abilities and as a person, especially as this primed her to further be tempted by the power and its corruption.
A large part of her arc is her tendency to place her self-worth in the hands of men and how attractive they find her. The catalyst for her spiral at the beginning of the book was a bad breakup, and coming to Drayton sees her entertaining the attentions of her advisor, Dr. Dante Lowe. While it’s an uncomfy relationship with the power dynamic, I feel Henderson handled it with deftness and sensitivity, highlighting the impact this relationship has on shaping Lennon’s fate and potential.
The book is on the longer side, but there’s enough going on, what with Lennon’s personal arc, the “romantic” arc, and various other intrigues, that it didn’t drag much. It is a bit of a slower burn pacing wise at the beginning, however, but it adequately sets up the narrative to come.
This was a pleasant surprise, given some of my initial misgivings. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy dark academia with complex, morally gray characters.

An Academy for Liars
By Alexis Henderson
🦄🦄🦄🦄

First off, thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for my digital copy of this book. Unless otherwise stated, all opinions are my own.
Synopsis from NG: "Lennon Carter’s life is falling apart.
Then she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to take the entrance exam for Drayton College, a school of magic hidden in a secret pocket of Savannah. Lennon has been chosen because—like everyone else at the school—she has the innate gift of persuasion, the ability to wield her will like a weapon, using it to control others and, in rare cases, matter itself.....
As Lennon continues in her studies, her control grows, and she starts to uncover more about the secret world she has entered into, including the disquieting history of Drayton College. She is increasingly disturbed by what she learns, for it seems that the ultimate test is to embrace absolute power without succumbing to corruption...and it’s a test she’s terrified she’s going to fail."

My thoughts: OK wow. I wasn't certain going into this book how I was going to feel about it. I don't find myself drawn to dark academia books very often. Let me tell you, though, this book was worth it. Henderson's writing style drew me in right away. The concept of persuasion was really interesting and something I'd never read before. Additionally, I really liked the MMC Dante, Lennon's advisor. I could totally see him become book boyfriend to many (like Lauren 😘). There were definitely some unexpected and slightly gruesome death scenes. There were a few parts that were repetitive and I didn't like the FMC, to be fair. She was a little too whiny in parts and I don't think she had a ton of development. But that just might have been me. Overall I very much enjoyed myself. An easy and enjoyable read. This was my first of Henderson's books, but it won't be my last.

The creepy, atmospheric vibes of Drayton College sucked me in right from the start and the concept of persuasion was also fascinating. I really thought I would wholeheartedly love this book when I first started since I love dark academia, but unfortunately this was not the case. The ambivalence I feel toward this book has to do with the lack of character development with all the characters. Not only was I not invested in what happened to these characters, but I also questioned how certain relationships were formed because I saw no basis for certain attachments. There was a lot of potential in this story that was not realized and as a reader, that was disappointing.

When I read the description of this book I was initially super excited for a dark academia adult fantasy book. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this. My overall issue with this book was the pacing of the story as I felt like things felt very slow in the start but then everything was moving quickly. This book was not for me but I will keep my eye out to see what Henderson may publish in the future!

I felt like this book had the best elements of all my favorite genres, the atmosphere of dark academia, the powers and unique world building of fantasy/sci-fi, the mystery and intrigue of thrillers, and the tension and slow burn of romance.

I had been in such a slump until I picked this one up and was instantly gripped. Our protagonist is flawed, troubled, empathetic and raw. Often looked as a victim or a person to be used, she finally has power within her grasp, if she chooses to wield it. The characters were interesting and mysterious, I was kept guessing on motives and intentions most of the book. There is rivalry and it gets dark and gritty. While the plot doesn’t center on romance, there is a sprinkle of forbidden romance within and it’s done well!

The powers in the book are somewhat disturbing, morally grey and almost have more of a sci-fi feel to them than “magic”. It was a unique, sometimes confusing, and wholly riveting take on mind control.

Overall, this was complex, consuming and captivating. Henderson’s writing weaves an atmosphere that is palpable through the pages. While the pacing moved slow at times, it was rich with detail and the story has stuck with me since I finished.

Thank you to Alexis Henderson, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of this book! I throughly enjoyed reading and providing my honest review!

Dark academia. Magic. Life and death consequences. This book has it all. Henderson smashes it out of the park with this one.

An Academy for Liars has a little something for everyone: dark academia, student rivalries with bloodshed, the question of whether what these students do is good or bad, the question of whether there's a monster lying in wait inside all of us, romance that doesnt' overpower the plot. There is something imbued within the pages that will make readers devour and then wish this book wasn't finished. I can feel the book hangover starting already.

Lennon Carter is a character that so many can relate to. She runs from her problems. She finds solace in things (and people) that aren't good for her. She wants to give up. On the brink of giving up is when she receives a mysterious phone call alerting her to her moving onto the next round of acceptance to a mysterious, and completely unknown, college: Drayton. Drayton is a special place, and it allows Lennon a possibility of becoming someone, something, special.

But its also a dark place. Students at Drayton have the power of persuasion, which sounds immediately as dangerous as it is. Lurking under the lessons of meditation and persuasion themselves, is the question <i>should this be a thing</i> (Henderson puts the question far more eloquently than I do). There are moral and ethical battles at play, but Henderson doesn't let the story get bogged down in those questions. Those are for the reader to contemplate. Henderson deftly focuses on what could be the more mundane aspects: Lennon's desire to be accepted, her mental health, the rivalries that she finds herself in. They're all so compellingly wrapped up in the growing power that Lennon has, that some want to destroy, some want to harness. Its a fascinating story and I wish i could forget it and read it all over again for the first time.

Lennon Carter answers a call to test into a secret college after abandoning her home and cheating fiancé. She takes the chance, leading her into an ominously strange environment at a hidden campus in Savannah Georgia where persuasion and manipulation are the norm. Grisly episodes in this dark academia tale will appeal readers to who don't get queasy amidst blood and gore. While I am a queasy reader, I can definitely recommend this to readers who will love the adrenaline rush as well as folks who enjoy the scariness and competition that proliferates in academia fantasy novels.

First and foremost, thank you to Netgalley and Berkley/Ace for this arc. My opinions are my own.

On the cusp of ending her life, Lennon Carter gets an unexpected phone call from a mysterious source saying she has the chance to interview for a spot at Drayton College. However, Lennon didn’t apply for this school nor has she ever heard of it. When she arrives at Drayton, she discovers this college isn’t just like any college but a school for those with the gift of persuasion. Persuasion is the art of manipulating the natural order, whether it be the world around them or in some cases people. At last, this brings Lennon into a dangerous world full of secrets, lies and unimaginable power.

From the very first page, this atmospheric novel engulfs you and never lets you go. I found this book to be rather unique. I’ve never read anything quite like it before. Dark academia has never been something that I’ve actively picked up but this one has shown me the joys of the sub-genre.
The characters are all morally gray and you don’t know who/what to believe throughout the book. Lennon is the perfect protagonist to follow and found her to be someone to root for even when she makes questionable choices.

My biggest issue with this one was the ending. It felt like whiplash. So much happened so quickly with little room to even breathe. In my opinion, it was too much. Also, so many plot points aren’t solved. I know that’s probably intentional but I needed more.

Overall, I really liked it. It’s the perfect read to start off the fall season.
3.75 stars

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson is a captivating tale that delves into the idea that the most challenging lessons often originate from experiences beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. Once I started reading, I could not put this one down! I can't wait to read more from this author.

"An Academy for Liars" by Alexis Henderson is a gripping tale of dark academia that leaves you yearning for more. Although this is my first encounter with the author's work, I will certainly be on the lookout for future writings.

Lennon's life is unraveling, yet a glimmer of hope shines through when she receives an enigmatic invitation to sit for Drayton College's entrance exam—a magical institution in Savannah. Selected for her innate gift of persuasion, Lennon seizes the opportunity. Upon acing the exam, she embarks on honing her abilities to manipulate mind and matter. Reveling in her studies and newfound power, she feels a profound sense of purpose. Under the tutelage of her mentor, Dante, her powers intensify, and as she delves deeper into his history and that of Drayton, she discovers that power comes at a price—corruption. The dilemma remains: can she amplify her strength without succumbing to its darker side?

I was immediately engrossed by the book, drawn to the characters, and intrigued by the unique portrayal of magic. It's a definitive read for aficionados of the genre.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in return for an honest review.

this was SOOO good. i have been wary of many “adult gets to go to magic school” books but this was fascinating. i loved the idea of persuasion as something between magic and science especially because it’s an ability anyone can have. this story was classic and unique in all the right ways!!

SPOILERY STUFF AHEAD:
blaine has my whole heart end of story. the dante and lennon relationship was treated perfectly i think and i won’t lie i loved them. blaine you are everything. i loved the idea that in this case our chosen one just got to fuck off if she wanted to. again such an interesting take on this genre!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review of An Academy for Liars!

This book starts with our main character Lennon being at the absolute end of her rope, looking for a sign that she should live. And so you enter the world of Drayton Academy.

There was a lot to like about this book as it has all the makings of dark academia greatness. I loved the setting, concept, and general eeriness of the whole book.

I often felt frustrated by Lennon as she couldn’t seem to get out of her own way and I felt parts of the story were told rather than shown, mainly her relationship with her advisor, but I thought the ending perfectly encapsulated the feel of the story. 4 stars.

As a huge fan of Alexis Henderson, I was so excited to receive a copy of An Academy for Liars. Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me. The book didn't pick up until the 60% mark. which was when I started enjoying the story.
The writing was great, and the premise was very original. I'm sure this book will be a hit for many readers.

If you’re squeamish about blood, gore, or anything gruesome, this is definitely not the book for you. But if you, like me, can talk about blood and bodies all day long (in a perfectly normal, healthy way, of course), then An Academy For Liars is a dark academia delight you won’t want to miss!

As someone who loves books like The Secret History, If We Were Villains, and The Basic Eight, I found An Academy For Liars to be a fascinating blend of horror and psychological thriller within a dark academic setting. The story plunges you into a twisted magical school where students, each with the gift of persuasion, push their abilities to the limit—often with bloody, bone-breaking consequences.

The writing far exceeded my expectations, and the plot kept me hooked from start to finish. By the time I hit the 60% mark, I was fully invested, my jaw dropping at every turn (literally in public!). The tension between the characters, especially the way the male figures challenge the protagonist’s strength, had me glued to the pages. Although I felt the ending was a bit rushed and some character relationships could have been better developed, the plot more than made up for it. This was a wild, unexpected ride that I’m glad I took, especially as I prepare for another school year of teaching.

Overall, An Academy For Liars was a thrilling way to kick off the fall season and a new academic school year!!

Series Info/Source: This is a stand alone book. I got a copy of this on ebook to review through NetGalley..

Thoughts: I really enjoyed this dark academia novel. It reminded me a bit of Bardugo's Alex Stern series but not as quite as gritty. There is some intriguing mystery and magic in here, and a lot of characters that are somewhat "broken" that are using this magical school of Drayton to find a place for themselves.

This story follows Lennon, she has struggled with panic attacks and mental health issues her whole life. She thinks she finally has some stability and is engaged to be married. Then, she finds her fiance having sex with her best friend and flees the scene to an abandoned shopping mall. There she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to attend Drayton College, a school that is hidden outside the bounds of society. In Drayton, she starts to learn the art of persuasion and gets drawn in to some darker secrets surrounding the school.

This book is full of "broken" characters who are trying to thrive at Drayton despite all of their past trials and mental challenges. It is also full of characters that regularly make questionable decisions. Lennon is no exception to this. I enjoyed watching her grow and gain confidence as the book progressed but also struggled with a lot of the decisions she made. This does have a relationship between a teacher and student; both are consenting adults.

I also enjoyed unraveling Drayton's dark secrets and delving into this strange in-between school. The writing here is absolutely engrossing and magical. The descriptions allow you to picture everything perfectly, and the situations the characters get themselves in to are intense and desperate.

I ended up completely engaged in this book and struggled to put it down. I loved the dark, gothic atmosphere and the complex, wounded characters. This really is a perfect dark academia read, and I adored it.

My Summary (5/5): Overall I absolutely loved this. It is an intriguing premise, and our characters are deliciously conflicted, with real struggles that you can't help but cheer them through. There is a romance in here, a lot of mystery, and some strange commentary around reality. This is the first book I have read by Henderson ( I have "The Year of the Witching" on my wishlist but haven't read it yet). This book makes me want to bump that book up on my reading pile; I loved Henderson's moody writing style.

<i>“You know, I used to thing God’s greatest gift was his love for us. But I’m not so sure anymore. I think that maybe his greatest gift to us is free will. The ability to choose who and what we are.”</i>

I don’t think I’ve fallen head over heels for an author so much as I have for Alexis Henderson. The way she crafts a story and characters with such precision and skill is unmatched. I was extremely excited to get an early copy of this book, having absolutely loved her previous 2 novels, with “the Year of the Witching” being next to perfect in my eyes.

Our story follows Lennon, a gorgeous woman who is just at her wits end with life, after being pushed to her limits but just as she is about to make a drastic choice, she received a phone call informing her that she has been accepted to Drayton college, to study persuasion, the act of changing the will of others and time. There she meets people who got the call as well, as well as her devilishly hot advisor, Dante. This power comes with great cost and could cost her everything in the end.

The title of this book is SO accurate. You will never know who to trust. The characters and the magic system are insanely great. I don’t know how Henderson came up with this story, because it is very unique and is not like other dark academia books. She will hands down always be a Author buy for me. What a good time….P.s its VERY gory and bloody!

Thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Alexis Henderson for providing me with a digital review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

So what grabbed me with this one was the dark academia label. I LOVE dark academia. While it did involve academia, and it was dark, there was also a good bit of fantasy, which isn’t my favorite.

I think it’s perfect for fall/spooky season.

I am very impressed with the story that Alexis Henderson has created in An Academy for Liars. Hidden in Savannah is a special school where only very special students can find and be admitted. The dark academic setting is a perfect backdrop for this gothic horror and its paranormal elements. The author has created a detailed world with expertly crafted characters and backstories. Teaching the art of persuasion, the school is a minefield of betrayal, academic politics, and secrets. Lennon Carter finds herself at Drayton College. She seems to be able to use her mind to make things happen and possesses a very special ability that ties her to the very formation of the school. The story is complex and messy as there are several morally grey people and situations.

This is a perfect choice for lovers of dark academia. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publisher for the advance reader copy.