I actually really enjoyed this book, even though some of it was very obvious from the beginning.
I think overall the main character needed some work. Yes, she is new to this Maker world but there are somethings that an 18 year old should have been able to figure out without her hand being held. The revelation at the end should have been so obvious to her.
The side characters were enjoyable and I wish we had gotten to see more of Georgie. Kor is the worst because he's manipulative and power hungry. and the fact that Ada can't see that is wild.
The atmosphere and world building were great. I do think that the magic system could have used just a bit more explanation because some of it was hard to follow and I still don't understand even after finishing the book.
The romance aspect with Michael was gross, 21 to 17 is not a good age gap. when one character isn't an adult and the other is supposed to be some prodigy that is also her MENTOR AND TEACHER.... gross
I thought the plot was moving along at a good pace and wasn't too reptitive and that overall the writing style was enjoyable. There were a lot of side characters that I wish were more involved. I would have loved to see more of Georgie, Hypatia and Simon.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even with some of the downs that I have noted in this review and would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon Teen for providing me with an ARC!

This book was so interesting, and I think it might be one of my favorite fantasy novels I’ve read all year! It reminded me of some childhood favorites like Harry Potter or KOTLC with the trope of ‘kid going to magic school where they find out their world is a lie’. It wasn’t that different from that overall plot, but it expanded much more and the worldbuilding was incredible. There were some interesting twists, such as Ada being sent to the school as a spy for her family, and overall it had a great plot.

I liked the romance a ton. There was a love triangle, but it was pretty clear what the outcome would be early on. After reading hundreds of romance books, it does get predictable by now. There was a cliffhanger at the end, so I wish the next book was out now! Considering this is an ARC, I probably won’t be continuing the series (if there is one) just because I won’t remember anything, but I definitely recommend this book.

I honestly cannot give appropriate feedback for this arc because I DNFed it at 25% in. I think after a quarter of the book and just being annoyed by the characters and uninterested in the world, I sadly just could not get myself to finish it. The FMC’s background and her family and the reasoning behind wanting her to infiltrate feels flimsy and maybe it is something that is clarified later but I just can’t seem to get back into it despite trying to give it a break. I also am not remotely interested in the love interest… interests? It other reviews are correct, the “love triangle” is not one I’d enjoy. I do appreciate the opportunity to read it though. Giving it mid stars since I did not finish to truly appreciate the full work

DNF @ 59%. I’m really sad about this because the book had such a STRONG beginning. Like serious da Vinci code vibes, which I LOVE but only with some high tech involved! Even though it was giving da Vinci code vibes, it still felt like a unique read and I loved the direction it was going in. However, at some point I started to zone out in the middle and was being bogged down by a lot of information that I’m not sure was 100% necessary.. and I kind of lost my way? I don’t like the feeling of dragging myself through a book which is ultimately why I decided to pick it down. That’s not to say that maybe one day I won’t pick it back up and give it a whirl again!

I could not finish this book. I felt uncomfortable with the PLL-esque teacher student attraction in the few chapter or so. Not long after, there were several passages about religion and utopia that I found disquieting. In general, I reject any conversation that brings any religion into conversations about creating the perfect society even when it allegedly is "open to everyone." Once I was thoroughly unsettled by these elements, I found that the plot and characters did nothing to hold my attention, or convince me to read beyond the discomfort.

Maturity rating: 18+ bc of the weird teacher/student stuff that I would hate for a child to read

This book includes:
- a secret society
- supernatural abilities
- magic school

I received this eBook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Andrea Max, and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863 and it will be posted to my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightingales/ and booktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tinynightingales?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

“You were born to create, and if you don't, your mind will suffer for it. A piece of you will die.”

The Art of Exile fell a bit short for me, especially because it took me a long time to truly engage with the story (almost half the book). That’s probably linked to the fact that the author mixed a lot of things, wanting to recreate a setting close to the Renaissance’s state of mind, during which people mastered more than one subject, mixing sciences and arts. That was the reason why I picked the novel, but in the end I didn’t truly feel that, didn’t understand where the author was going and also felt like I was missing some cultural keys to truly understand what was happening. (That being said, that might come later in the series)
The school lacked a bit of magic IMO, as there were more explanations about the magical system than things truly happening and/or being shown. However, that might be something that will bloom later, as –once again– it’s the first book in a series (and the characters will evolve), so I’ll keep my eyes peeled for the future.
I’m not a fan of love triangles so the romance wasn’t my cup of tea but it is a well written one (even though a bit underdeveloped). The characters “work” well together in the second half, you never know who you can trust, and the plot –and its twists– are well mastered so it gives me great hopes for the sequel.

Thank you to the author, TBR beyond tour for the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

3.5/5

dnf; i'm not really liking the main character. she seems very entitled and a bit dull, and unfortunately, the plot isn't really doing it for me either. it's sad, because this seemed to have a lot of potential and it could have been really good, but the execution just fell a little flat.

Thank you to Simon Teen for the advance reader copy and to Simon Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

The art of Exile introduces a brand new YA fantasy world. And I found myself falling into it and never wanting to leave. Ada's family asks her to infiltrate the Genesis Institute, a place where "makers" or people with a variety of different magical powers have gone to hide from the rest of society.

Ada is clearly the heroine of the story. And that's about all that's obvious. The story includes so many secrets and twists with questions of who is trustworthy. I was able to easily guest some parts of the mysteries. But there were so many layers to keep me interested and engaged throughout the story.

There's a tired class system reminiscent of political and social hierarchies. And that social structure and the plot raise fascinating questions about morality. Some of the themes that interested me most were about what to do with advanced technology and medicines and how accessible they should be.

The book also features bits of love interests. Those didn't grab me or feel as necessary to the story. But I expect they are setting up later books. I can't wait for book two. This one had me so intrigued and has continued to make me reflect.

Emily Lawrence narrated the entire audiobook. She performed quite well throughout the 14.5 hours.

4.5 stars rounded up

I enjoyed this book. The story line was rich and complex. Excellent world building and relationships. I particularly enjoyed the relationship with the MC and her nemesis - lots of great banter and tension. I would say this more on the mature side of YA, but still a fast paced enjoyable read.

A secret society of magic users and a school where they go to train sounds pretty great, but it just didn't land for me. The world-building felt overdone to the point of being boring and a lot of the details weren't really important to the plot. I found this to be bogged down, especially in the first half of the book.

I also didn't enjoy the love triangle, it just seemed like Ada and Michael didn't have much chemistry and I'm not a fan of teacher/student in a high school setting. Rafe seemed like a better choice, especially once they spent time together.

This went on too long and I was ready for the ending. Hopefully others like it more!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books and NetGalley for the copy.

What a great debut! I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. The premise confused me at first but once we were in it, I was constantly on the edge of my seat anticipating where this was going to go next. I really enjoyed the mix of art history, magical system, and Jewish lore that tied together to create a fascinating world inside of our own. The descriptions were vivid and the dialogue relatable. My only wish was that after Ada's and Michael's age gap was established that they just left it. Yes she was "almost 18" but still a minor when they med, he should not have been leading her on. ESPECIALLY with Rafe as a perfectly viable (way hotter) option. I thought this was a standalone but I will absolutely be reading the sequel, I'm hooked.

I enjoyed this book a lot! I liked the Renaissance and historical aspects. The main character acts a little immature, but she is a teenager. I'm not thrilled by the love triangle set up, but it might go better than I expect. I will definitely be reading the sequel!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4.5/5 stars.

Okay, so....yes this is a late review HOWEVER I enjoyed this SO MUCH. The plot was new with YA, the world building was fine considering it's the first book in the series. The romance? the YEARNING with Rafe and the slow enemies to lovers, fake dating, but wait they can't but their energy matches? THE BANTER. I loved it. Give me more. I didn't like the whole love triangle...but it's fine. I also enjoyed just the science and magic and the influence from Judaism. I also didn't see the twist at the end (although it makes sense). Anyways, GIVE ME BOOK 2.

This book delivers everything you’d want from a secret-society-meets-hidden-school story—plus unexpected ethical dilemmas, romance, and high-stakes drama.

Ada Castle is a lovable disaster, the world-building is chef’s kiss, and the mentor-recruiter romance? Yes, please. The tension between Genesis hoarding its advancements versus sharing them adds depth, making Ada’s mission more than just sneaky espionage.

Fast-paced, unique, and entertaining—I’d absolutely enroll at Genesis. Would I survive Ada’s chaos? Doubtful.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon Teen for this eARC and for sending the physical copy!

Contemporary Fantasy debut? Say less!

Thank you @simonteen for my digital galley . The Art of Exile released in May and I am little surprised that I haven’t seen it around much because I actually quite enjoyed it

I am talking secret societies with a high tech style magical academy for people with special innate abilities. They get to train their ability and perform before the guild masters to be chosen into a special guild. The most fun part was that it has immaculate renaissance vibes along with sci-fi ish technology and somehow they both work in tandem and keeps you engaged

Ada is infiltrating Genesis academy, a long last school for descendants of renaissance masters that were once exiled. After her ancestors fruitless endeavors in finding this highly secretive academy, Ada finally manages to get in. She needs to steal the advanced technology and innovations from the school to take it to the rest of the world because Genesis academy is unwilling to share as the prior trials were not able to provide positive outcomes. However, everything Ada was raised to believe gets tested during her time at the academy and she might be the only chance to bring the two communities together before the world falls into a chaos

There is intrigue, there is romance, camaraderie, messy teenage angst and much more. It definitely had the Da Vinci code vibes with a blend of myths and legends seamlessly mixing with futuristic elements. I was quite impressed with the author for pulling off this mashup of the genres! I am really excited to see how the sequel develops from here on.

If you are looking for something fascinating that’d would definitely keep you engaged from the beginning do give it a try. It felt like a breath of fresh air to me.

RATING: 3 out of 5 Enchanted Roses

ONE-WORD REVIEW: Alchemical

OPENING LINE: It figures that when I’m finally chosen for something, it’s to be kidnapped.

REVIEW:

First, I want to thank Simon & Schuster for an e-ARC of 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝓇𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝐸𝓍𝒾𝓁𝑒!


𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝓇𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝐸𝓍𝒾𝓁𝑒 felt like it was built from the best pieces of the stories we all grew up on—Harry Potter secret trains, Sailor Moon clumsiness, and Divergent-style moral chaos—but filtered through something much more self-aware, sparkly, and Jewish. Ada is your classic disaster teen: brilliant in weird ways, thirsty as hell, and carrying enough angst to power Florence. She's trying to prove herself to everyone—her secretive mom, her intimidating classmates, the entire Utopian society of the Makers—and keeps stumbling headfirst into moral grey zones and steamy hallway moments. Her voice is so endearing and awkward and real, it almost feels like reading a text from your younger self (if your younger self got fake-kidnapped into a Renaissance-inspired science cult).

"𝐻𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒽 𝓉𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓁𝓈 𝓊𝓅 𝓉𝑜 𝓃𝒾𝓅 𝒶𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝑒𝒶𝓇, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝑒 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝒾𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝑒. 𝒩𝑜𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝓁𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝒸𝒶𝓃𝒹𝓁𝑒, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓇𝓊𝒸𝓉𝒾𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝓁𝒶𝓏𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝒻𝓁𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓈."

The world-building is a hybrid of history nerd dreams and slick, high-concept fantasy tech. There’s hoverjousting, secret tunnels, and a morally ambiguous magical society that thinks it knows better than the rest of the world. And sure, the romance gets melodramatic, the plot slows some in the middle, and a few tropes are loud—but it works. The Makers' utopia is both dazzling and uncomfortable, and Ada’s internal conflict about whether it deserves to exist at all? That is where the book shines.

And, of course, you know I have to mention the romance. The romance is very YA in the best possible way: intense, confusing, deliciously forbidden. There's a love triangle—which you know I hate—, but it works because both love interests are compelling in totally different ways. Ada is PARCHED, and it’s actually hilarious—but it’s also very real for a seventeen-year-old grappling with identity, insecurity, and the pressure to matter. Her romantic arc parallels her emotional growth, and the way she navigates her feelings (and her choices) adds to the heart of the story. You’ll swoon. You’ll yell at her. You’ll maybe cry.

𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓂𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈

✨Renaissance-era Lore
✨Secret societies
✨Magic school
✨Found family
✨Gripping ethical dilemmas
✨Diverse and Inclusive Cast—Jewish mythology rep & LGBTQ+ rep
✨ Magic Powers
✨ Romance Tropes—fake dating, love triangle, enemies-to-lovers

𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉: 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝓇𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝐸𝓍𝒾𝓁𝑒 is a whip-smart, romantic, twisty debut that does what every good magical school story should: sweep you into another world while asking big, uncomfortable questions. Come for the magic and hoverjousting tournaments, stay for the moral philosophy, queer joy, and hilarious teenage yearning. I can’t wait to see what chaos the sequel brings.

Happy Reading!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
Bookstagram: @TheTatteredPage

www.TheTatteredPage.com

If you like academia books, secret societies, utopian worlds and Harry Potter (but more upper ya/new adult) then you'll get hooked on this series? Stunning world building, great characters, love triangle, mythological creatures, magic, this book has it all. It was a fun ride from beginning to end. I can't wait for more.

Love me some hidden magical schools. This had secrets and drama, and magic topped off with pretty solid characters. The pacing was good, and I felt engaged through out by the plot. This had a really interesting sort of speculative, magical realism vibe, too. I really liked that, it gave the story some unique-ness and made it a more compelling read.

A intriguing story about a hidden magical school and magical student with secrets,magic,drama,doubt and possible romance.
Good characters that share the story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

YA fantasy that blends secret societies, lost Renaissance knowledge, and a protagonist trying to prove she’s more than just the family screw-up—and it works so well. Think Legendborn meets The Da Vinci Code with a splash of light academia vibes.

We follow Ada Castle, who infiltrates the ultra-secret Genesis Institute, a school where descendants of exiled Renaissance masters keep ancient magical arts and sciences alive. Her mission? Steal their secrets for her own family’s society. But of course, things get messy when Ada starts to fall in love with the school—and maybe her off-limits recruiter, too. 👀

What makes this book shine is the setting—hoverjousting, sustainable tech, golems—it’s the kind of magical realism that feels fresh and exciting. Ada’s voice is relatable, witty, and full of heart. Her inner conflict, torn between loyalty to her family and her new friends, gives the story real emotional weight.

Add in mysterious disappearances, secret agendas, and a touch of romance, and you’ve got a page-turner that doesn’t let go.