An Academy for Liars

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

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.

Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for the alc!

This was a very inventive magic school novel where the “magic” is really based on persuasion. I appreciated the moral implications the book delved into. The mc was not my favorite person. I kept waiting to like her more. And maybe I've read too much romance, but I was unsatisfied by the relationship between her and Dante. Solid narration that kept me engaged. Overall, an interesting dark academia novel with some depth.

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.