A review by megansnextread
An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Lennon Carter's life is not so stunning when she discovers her Fiancé with one of her close friends hooking up in the bathroom together on their engagement party YUCK. Lennon takes off, and finds herself in a mall parking lot when she hears a phone ringing from a strange vintage phone booth. When she picks up, she is being told by a voice that sounds just like her, that she has been selected for an interview for the prestigious Drayton College, will she accept? 
 
This book was dripping with dark academia, the character and setting descriptions are just stunningly on brand. The students and professors smoke clove cigarettes, have their sleeves rolled up to their elbows, there is vintage and stately furniture around every corner (not to mention skulls) in these large homes on a Southern campus around the 25th square. 
 
I loved that this world existed on the non-existent 25th square in Savannah, my hometown. It made the setting so much clearer for me, and having a campus set up around a square just makes sense! The descriptions and setting were my favorite part of this book. 
 
This book blended magical realism, dark academia, and horror really well, it definitely can get a bit gory and sinister. I did not love our main character, as she is very morally gray along with a lot of the characters. However, Lennon does suffer from depression and panic attacks which comes through on the page. I particularly disliked the scenes of Lennon falling for her professor, which was on brand for her, just not enjoyable to read for me. 
 
The magic system was also not my favorite but it REALLY did lend it to the more darker magic. What these people can do…is truly messed up. And if you are wondering what it is like without spoilers, it very much is giving Eleven from Stranger Things. Mind manipulation, and LOTS of nose bleeds. 
 
All to say I love Henderson's descriptions, settings, and plots. If you can handle the TWs definitely check this one out!! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings