An Academy for Liars

Interesting setting and “magic” marred by characters that are barely even cardboard cutouts that absolutely refuse to actually talk to each other and have a full conversation.

read for the literally dead book club: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXaXf...

unfortunately i really didn't like this one. i felt like this was so unintentionally vague which left so much to be desired. lennon was a bit annoying. the romance was horrible and took over the end of the story. the side characters were underdeveloped to put it nicely. overall this book was just extremely lackluster.

First 50% was soooo good but then I lost some of the interest

An interesting premise that disappoints at every turn. I tried to finish it, but the more I consider what I've read, I respect my time too much to attempt more. DNF @ 70%
• One-dimensional, unlikable characters
• Predictable “twists”
• Hamfisted handling of the “chosen one” trope
• A MC that doesn't seem to understand actions have consequences
• Lots of nosebleeds (I nearly had one trying to finish this dull mess)
• False marketing – the gothic vibes are there if you squint hard but be careful not to strain too much or you'll give yourself a nosebleed
• Meandering, cyclical plot
• Borrows elements from The Magicians, Inception, Remedy's Control, and X-Men but somehow still manages to underwhelm

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!