A brilliantly immersive dark academia fantasy that I can’t stop thinking about. Bloody and brutal at times, this book introduces us to an inventive magic, an engaging world, and characters you won’t be able to get enough of. Full of dark magics, sinister plots, undeniable chemistry, combined in an alchemical explosion you will not be able to put down, this fast became one of my favourite reads this year.

This book is a captivating and immersive read that hooks you from the first page. The writing is beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and strong character development that makes the story come alive. The plot is well-paced, balancing moments of tension with quieter, reflective scenes that allow the characters to grow. The themes explored are deep and thought-provoking, resonating long after the final page. Whether it's the emotional depth, the twists and turns of the plot, or the unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys rich, engaging stories. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy.

Any time a description for a book says ‘dark academia’, I’m sold. It’s my favorite thriller trope. Mix in some magic and I’m double sold. Plus, would you look at that cover?!

It took me a little while to get into this one but once I did, I ended up really enjoying it. The magic of persuasion is intriguing and unique. The way the students are taught to hone their abilities gave me some heart palpitations a few times but those lessons proved to be an important aspect of the plot as a whole. Although it is a slow burn, the last 40% really kicked the story into gear and was full of action and shocking revelations. I truly hope there is a book 2 and, if so, I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Tracie Frank did a wonderful job with the narration. She set the tone and amped up the suspense with her descriptive storytelling! I definitely recommend the audio for this one!

Mystical, terrifying, and engrossing. Really like nothing I’ve read before and I can’t wait to read more from this author.

I started out slow, i was almost ready to give up reading. Magic and power and a bit of fantasy. Lennon was a difficult character is many issues. The academy was totally weird with all it’s powers and darkness. There are some that will love this story, but It wasn’t for me.

I really enjoyed this dark academia novel! It was so intriguing and had the most complex characters that had you feeling so invested them!

An enjoyable dark academia fantasy, but unfortunately not a personal hit for me in the way Henderson's previous works have been. I was super compelled by the story and had a hard time putting it down, but the middle of the book felt a little ramblely and I wasn't sure where we were going with the plot or the point. I think a little more editing could have tightened up the book overall.

I also realize this is the first contemporary fantasy that Henderson has written and I think perhaps she just does better in the past.

Still a great read, but was sad it wasn't another five star for me. I will continue to pick up her books.

3.5 stars

Lennon Carter has hit rock bottom when a mysterious phone call in the night informs her she has been invited to attend Drayton College, if she can pass the entrance exams. Lennon manages to pass and finds her way to the hidden school of magic for those with the gift of persuasion. As Lennon studies at her new school she uncovers unsettling information about the history of Drayton and the secret world she is now a part of. Armed with this information and the ultimate power at her fingertips Lennon will have to pass the most important test of her life if she wants to survive.

There is so much to unpack in this story! Calling it complex would be an understatement. I’m still not sure I truly understand how it all works but I thought the concept was great and the ideas are just so twisted when I sit and think on it. The ideas themselves are morally grey as are the characters themselves and I really like the way it has left me thinking about it. The idea of using persuasion as a magic system and a way to build power and control literally whatever you want. That is terrifying.

I will say there are quite a few plot holes and we are left with unanswered questions. It’s also hard to connect with most of these characters because they are pretty awful people. But with a great atmosphere and just a great dark academia set up (secret societies and all) I’m a fan of this book.

*Thank you to BerkleyPub/Ace Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

There's one common element in Henderson's books that prevents me from loving them completely: the unhealthy nature of their romantic relationships.

An Academy For Liars did not escape this tendency, with Lennon fastly and immediately plunging into an obsession for the affections of her tutor.

It's a shame Lennon's character work wasn't handled a bit more thoughtfully.

For a character journey that started off as a misguided, insecure woman who was described as always falling for the wrong men, to have her entire development focus on yet another obsession for yet another man was a strange choice.

Her growth from insecure, uncertain, and unambitious person to strong, independent, and powerful was somehow marred by her incessant and coercive pursuit of a relationship with Dante.

I would have enjoyed seeing more of what we got in glimpses: Lennon's blossoming into her power, unraveling her darkest strengths and pitilessness. Finally, a female character with all her flaws on display, a keen ruthlessness as the male mcs get to be effortlessly loved for.

Lennon was a fantastically dark character suddenly thrown into an adventure for survival in a dark academia setting, mastering a dark magic system (the power to bend others, and reality itself, to your will). But what we mostly get from this deeply intriguing world is Lennon's never worked-over need to be with a man.

Henderson's female characters are fleshed out, but they somehow remain skin-deep. I wish we had seen more character development and more of the world because both had such great potential. Still, I enjoyed reading the slivers I got.

There's just something about Henderson's writing.

Lovers of dark romantasy should definitely pick this one up!

Actual Rating 1.5

I wanted more from the setting and atmosphere of this work. I think the dark academia vibes got lost for the most part, and this was especially true in relation to the setting. It never really came to life the way I hoped for and the only “dark academia” aspect of this is that it was set on a campus and there were plenty of moody, entitled people hanging around.

There was no real emotional connection to the characters, either. Most of them weren’t developed beyond what was needed for the plot or to support Lennon, creating a flat feel. Lennon herself was difficult to like or even sympathize with, especially when it came to some of her decisions and actions. The romance also felt odd and forced, like it existed solely because it was “supposed to” rather than because there was any real chemistry. This also made the ending fall flat and left me wondering, “was that it?”

Honestly, this book almost felt like it was just trying to check off BookTok boxes to be a hit. But if you love magical realism with some dark academia vibes then you might enjoy this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Alexis Henderson has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I devoured Year of Witching and The House of Hunger. An Academy for Liars was no difference.

An Academy for Liars follows a young woman as she navigates life at a super exclusive school. It has an intriguing "magic" system and I loved the dark academia vibes.

I can't wait to see what this author writes next!

4/5

Alexis Henderson is the queen of unsettling novels that burrow deep under your skin and refuse to surface for months afterward. Her third novel, An Academy for Liars is a sumptuous southern gothic academia that examines the legacy of academia and the advantages taken on members of vulnerable communities. Through Lennon Carter, Henderson unveils a magical academy specializing in one thing –persuasion, a tool that is wielded in aid of world powers, politicians, and hidden agendas. A mirror into psychological trauma and the morality of persuasion, both as a source of power over others and the concept of will itself, An Academy for Liars masterfully bridges dark academia and fantasy in one twisted novel. I always go into these unsure of where Henderson will take the story and An Academy for Liars has shown once again just how skillful she is at wielding it. Love the entire concept and I'll certainly won't be forgetting this one soon!

I really enjoyed this one! Alexis Henderson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. The worlds she writes are so immersive and addicting. Once I start one of her books, they truly consume me.

I liked it, a lot happened at the front end. I ended up having to listen to it to keep up. I did enjoy it though!

Quite zany and not sure the genre mashup worked. I was intrigued but didn’t find myself needing to get to the end or get all the answers. The setup and premise was interesting, love the academia vibes, but I felt the characters were a bit washed out / formulaic and the twists at one point felt like they were just for shock value than actually plot relevant.

I had so much fun with this book. To offer a brief introduction– this novel follows Lennon, stuck in the monotony of a loveless engagement with her fiancé before she’s called to join the elusive school of Drayton College. This is no ordinary school either. The students at Drayton practice the art of persuasion, enforcing their will on people to later influence the world.

As a huge fan of The Magicians, this gave me a very similar vibe, but with some major improvements (read: no whiny yt protagonists here). I stayed up late every night reading each chapter, unable to put it down. This book offers just about everything: an engaging magic system, a fun cast of characters, and a brooding and dangerous love interest.

I’m giving this a four stars just because I felt the last 15% was a bit rushed, though I did like the ending. Maybe that’s just me selfishly wanting to linger in this story a bit more.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ace for this e-ARC!

I’m a fan of Henderson’s novels. She’s got a unique and creative mind and she really showcases this in An Academy for Liars. I read this in just under a day and the sheer dysfunction of Lennon’s life and the uniqueness of Drayton College was cat nip to my little kitty heart.

Dark academia and the love for it, is a thing, and I’ve got a thing for it – so, obviously, I adored this story but there’s more than just the dark academia that I loved. The reason the college exists, for one, the ability of the student’s, another. On top of that, each student/teacher’s complex character added brilliantly to the storyline and added so much depth to an already compelling and complex storyline.

Lennon and Dante’s story though! Le sigh! Also, what the heck! There’s so much I loved about this and I’m not ready to let go of this story, Drayton College or it’s inhabitants so I’m hoping for more from Alexis in this world! Give us more!

Henderson's latest is a twisty and inventive take on magical schools! I loved stumbling into Savannah and Drayton alongside Lennon, meeting the other characters who find themselves at this unique school, and learning the steep cost of persuasion both for herself and in the world. If you love dark academia, young women finding their power, and a touch of romance this book is for you! Step inside the elevator and prepare to have your world widened.

This book has me reeling. It took me a while to get into it, but I read the last 50% of the book in about 48 hours it had me on the edge of my seat. I'm a sucker for dark academia books and that was largely why I was drawn to An Academy for Liars and it didn't disappoint in that department. Drayton College, and the people at it, we're shrouded in mystery and deceit and I was completely drawn into it.

I found the 'system' of 'magic' to be very innovative and well developed and explained throughout the book. I would have loved to have learned more about the history of Drayton College and can only hope there is a prequel someday! I also loved Lennon as a main character. She's not perfect, she's not even particularly moral at times; but she is compelling, strong, and easy to root for.

My only disappointments in the book were that I wanted more character development to the rest of the characters beyond Lennon and Dante. Emerson, Sawyer, Blaine, and Kieran especially tended to blend together in my mind and I think if I'd had just a bit more characterization of them it may have helped.

Additionally, I am typically not a fan of the 'young woman with immense power being mentored/manipulated by an older man with a big secret' kind of storyline, but I ended up appreciating the way the story concluded with Lennon and Dante and particularly appreciated learning more of his history toward the end of the book.

I truly gasped at the ending of the book and turned the page devastated to learn it was the end. Please let there be more to this story someday!

I did not know I had been looking for this book — needing this book — until I couldn’t escape its pages into the small hours of the night. This book consumed me with such subtlety — like a frog in a pot slowly beginning to boil. Make no mistake: I will, forevermore, be a willing victim of Alexis Henderson’s literary prowess. It has taken my breath away. AAFL is a southern gothic-esque dark academia in the way dark academia used to be known. With
Within its old university, secret society, violence, desire, mysterious murders and agendas, AAFL’s reluctant hero (and not the whiny kind) struggles to maintain her moral compass as she sinks deeper into her psychological powers. This book is the strange beauty I wish had been made more available in my life — or perhaps I haven’t been paying enough attention. You have my attention. Everyone, please read.
Did I immediately buy Henderson’s backlist in hardcover? Yes. Yes, I did.