An Academy for Liars

By: Alexis Henderson

Narrated by: Tracie Frank

A student will find that the hardest lessons sometimes come from outside the classroom in this stunning dark academia novel from the acclaimed author of The Year of the Witching and House of Hunger.

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. 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.

©2024 Alexis Henderson (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"An Academy for Liars is propulsive, thought-provoking, and sexy—Alexis Henderson is in a class of her own.” – Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of The Foxglove King

"Alexis Henderson turns her incredible eye for the upsetting to academia, and delivers a campus novel saturated with violence, desire, and power. It's a book with blood on its lips, and I loved it completely." – Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of Starling House

“Alexis Henderson is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the realm of dark speculative fiction, each offering better than the last...An Academy for Liars is full of twists and turns, so hold on tight." - Reactor

“I devoured An Academy for Liars in one sitting. It’s a deliciously haunting dark academia read that’s as sexy as it is chilling. Alexis expertly creates a world steeped in mystery, illicit dealings, ruthless ambition, and thrillingly flawed characters. An Academy for Liars sets the bar for compulsively readable dark academia stories that leave readers breathless. “ - N.E. Davenport, author of The Blood Gift Duology

"Twisted, surreal, and delightfully seductive, An Academy for Liars takes dark academia to an entirely different level. In this book, the institution is the villain, and no one comes away innocent." - Olivia Atwater, author of Half a Soul

Really fun first half

The first half of this book was really fun. It was giving Vita Nostra vibes, which I’ve been hunting for since I finished that novel. But as the book progressed, I found myself becoming less interested and more annoyed, especially with our main character. She fell flat for me, putting herself into pretty contrived conflicts and with no sense for resolving things on her own. None of the characters felt 3-dimensional to me, even though there was a whole cast of classmates, professors, and family. The only ones who had any development at all were Lennon and Dante, and even then, I struggled to really connect with either of them.
The rat revolution was pretty awesome, though.

Amazing... I ate this book up!!!

The audio was great! the story, the plot, the morally gray characters. I need me a part 2.

Absolutely loved this book!

I kept seeing this book pop up all over TikTok, so I finally decided to give it a try…and it turned out to be the BEST decision I’ve made based on a TikTok recommendation! I absolutely loved everything about it, especially the fact that the characters are adults—not the typical angsty teens. Lennon, in particular, stood out for me. She’s a little chaotic and free-spirited, but when it matters most, she taps into her inner strength and shows incredible growth. I’m really hoping this book turns into a series because I’d love to follow Lennon’s journey and see where life takes her next!

Cried tears of joy

The visuals, characters, and world absolutely left me in awe. The mysteries were a delight to unravel as Lennon both grew in power and in learning to love herself. And Dante! If there was ever a prince charming it would be him.

If you enjoy characters coming into their own power and overcoming obstacles with those they love - consider this a must read. I can see why many want a sequel.

A Dizzying story

This was a dizzying story about a young adult woman who has terrible taste in men. She is also self deprecating woman who finally learns her own strength & to rely on it. Her unknown abilities save her from jealous classmates but she learns 2 trust it & herself while navigating her new life at her supernatural school.
Is her advisor someone she should love or avoid at all costs.

My 1st Dark fantasy book

I loved this read. It was unpredictable and very much exciting. It had psychology with a hint of romance and murder. Each chapter had you invested. We really need a part 2. This book was really chef's kiss.

It’s Fine…

The “magic” system is interesting but doesn’t quite make up for the relatively unlikable MC. Loose threads were tied up in what felt like random ways. I was also taken out of the story at several points due to glaring mispronunciations of common words by the narrator. Picky? Probably. But they were just enough to take me out of the plot. Overall, an interesting listen but I wouldn’t write home about it.

THE BEST DARK ACADEMIA BOOK I’ve read!!

If you want forbidden love and the best dark academia setting, then this is for you!! I’ve read 12 other “dark academia” books but they are not even close to as good as this was!! I will read everything this author writes from now on!! What a masterpiece seriously.

Not worth it

The five minute preview was alluring and I kept waiting for it to pick up and not be so frustratingly empty and inconsistent but…I just finished and it didn’t get better.

No Cadence

The narrator unfortunately has no depth or passion. The storytelling is flat flat flat. So much so I couldn’t get a grip on the plot. Archived after an hour.