An Academy for Liars

Alexis Henderson

$22.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Penguin (Transworld)
14 August 2025

Modern & contemporary fiction (post c 1945); Horror & ghost stories; Fantasy

They are born with magic in their blood but they must be taught how to wield it . . . In a mysterious college a student will find that the hardest lessons are learned outside the classroom in this stunning dark academia novel from the acclaimed author of The Year of the Witching and House of Hunger.

'Saturated with violence, desire, and power. It's a book with blood on its lips, and I loved it completely.' ALIX E. HARROW

'Alexis Henderson is one of the best Gothic writers out there.' HANNAH WHITTEN

'Dark academia stunner infused with Henderson's signature style - it's lush, atmospheric, imaginative and impossible to put down.' RACHEL HARRISON

'A modern-day Anne Rice, Henderson has a gift for creating a world engorged with desire and death.'

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Lennon Carter's life is falling apart.

Until she gets a mysterious phone call inviting her to sit the entrance exam for somewhere few have heard of - Drayton College, a school of magic hidden in a secret pocket of Savannah.

Lennon doesn't know it yet, but she is special. She possesses the innate gift of persuasion- the ability to wield her will like a weapon, controlling others, and even matter itself. But this is a devastating power than Lennon must learn how to master.

While persuasion takes a heavy toll on her body and her mind, she is captivated by all that surrounds her - her studies, Drayton's lush campus and, most of all, Dante - the charismatic adviser who both intimidates and enamours her.

But the longer that Lennon spends at Drayton, learning to wield her uncanny abilities, the more she uncovers about Drayton's unsettling history, and Dante's tragic and violent past.

For it seems that the ultimate test is to embrace absolute power without succumbing to corruption and darkness . . . and it's a test she's terrified she is going to fail.

By: Alexis Henderson
Imprint: Penguin (Transworld)
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 127mm, Spine: 35mm
Weight: 500g
ISBN: 9781804993651
ISBN 10: 1804993654
Pages: 464
Publication Date: 14 August 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Alexis Henderson is a speculative fiction writer with a penchant for dark fantasy, witchcraft and cosmic horror. Her adult books include The Year of the Witching, House of Hunger and An Academy for Liars. Growing up in one of America's most haunted cities, Savannah, Georgia, instilled in her a life-long love of ghost stories. When she doesn't have her nose buried in a book, you can find her painting or watching horror movies with her feline familiar. When I Was Death is her debut YA novel.

Reviews for An Academy for Liars

This darkly gorgeous story is a lavish feast for fans of gothic horror. One of my top reads of the year! -- SUNYI DEAN, author of The Book Eaters 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, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January A modern-day Anne Rice, Henderson has a gift for creating a world engorged with desire and death. * THE NEW YORK TIMES * 'An Academy for Liars is propulsive, thought provoking, and sexy - Alexis Henderson is in a class of her own. -- HANNAH WHITTEN, author of The Foxglove King Dark academia stunner infused with Henderson's signature style – it's lush, atmospheric, imaginative and impossible to put down. -- RACHEL HARRISON, author of Cackle Perfect for the darker nights. ***** * HEAT magazine *