An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson – a Review

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Description:
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.

After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her devastating and unsettling power. But despite persuasion’s heavy toll on her body and mind, she is wholly captivated by her studies, by Drayton’s lush, moss-draped campus, and by her brilliant classmates. But even more captivating is her charismatic adviser, Dante, who both intimidates and enthralls her.

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, and the way her mentor’s tragic and violent past intertwines with it. 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 is going to fail.

Review:

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson is a standalone Dark Academia novel.  We meet Lennon Carter, our heroine, who recently withdrew from school, and to her shock she catches her fiancée having sex with her bff.  She quickly leaves, driving his car, as she stops at a mall, completely devastated.  She hears a phone ringing, and answers the call, which turns out to be for Lennon. She is summoned to participate in an entrance exam at Drayton College, which is a magical school that is hidden in Savannah.  After driving for eight hours, she enters an elevator to the administration, where she meets Dante, who will become her advisor.

Lennon was thrilled with Drayton’s campus and meeting all the brilliant classmates; many who became her friends. After passing the test, Lennon begins to learn how to master her power, which takes a toll over her body and mind; she is captivated by her studies, as well as learning the ability of persuasion. Lennon slowly begins to be captivated and enthralled by her advisor, Dante, despite him determined to not become involved.

Lennon continues her studies, as her control to her magic escalates, and she learns more about the history of Drayton, and the disturbing things she discovers; such as her becoming a new gatekeeper. Lennon will need to uncover the dark and haunting abilities that continue to grow, and the disturbing corruption from the school counselors; who push her to increase her dark powers.  Can she survive?

Lennon must use her powers to protect the school, but can she risk those who might destroy her.  As things escalate, she must learn to wield her powers to defeat the enemies, who are determined to take control of her powers. 

What follows is an exciting and dark story line, with tension, horror, and paranormal elements; there is a slight forbidden love story.  An Academy of Liars was a terrific read, so very well written by Alexis Henderson.  If you enjoy dark academia, you need to read An Academy of Liars, which is filled with politics, secrets, lies, betrayal; keeping me glued to the finale. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher