Review of An Academy for Liars by Author’s Name
From the moment I stumbled upon the intriguing premise of An Academy for Liars, I was hooked. The allure of dark academia — complete with its weighty tomes, secretive corridors, and brooding characters — called to me like a siren song. The opening scene, where Lennon receives a mysterious phone call that alters the course of her life, promised a tale full of twists and turns. However, as I turned the pages, I found myself grappling with disappointment, and my initial excitement quickly faded.
The book introduces us to Lennon, a young woman in desperation, who feels lost and considers ending her life. This somber beginning leads her to Drayton College, a place where she learns the art of persuasion, wrapped in a brisk narrative. While the idea of exploring the intricacies of influence and manipulation was compelling, the execution fell flat. The pace was frenetic, often leaving me bewildered rather than captivated. It became evident that the potential for deep worldbuilding was squandered, leading to missed opportunities for atmosphere that I longed for.
As a fan of dark academia, I was particularly disheartened by how An Academy for Liars leaned more into the grotesque than the moody aesthetic I expected. The “dark” elements felt more horror-esque; rather than simmering tension, scenes sometimes felt jarring and disconnected. Even the language, which promised to weave a rich narrative, stumbled over itself with peculiar word repetition and distracting formatting — hyphens littering sentences as if words were trying to escape.
Lennon, our protagonist, became increasingly frustrating. At first, her flaws felt relatable — the “I’m-not-good-at-anything” trope often resonates with many of us. However, her choices led her down reckless paths, and I found myself exasperated with her impulsive decisions, from experimental drug use to acts of violence. It bewildered me how she could openly express her struggles yet continuously choose harmful methods to cope. Her interactions with Dante, the mysterious professor, lacked depth, and their romance felt more awkward than electric; moments that should have ignited passion instead bred confusion. "From then on, they did what they did in silence" captured my disbelief — how was this supposed to signify chemistry?
Despite my many criticisms, I appreciate the ambition behind this story. There’s potential for a gripping narrative about personal transformations and hidden truths. Perhaps with revisions, the pacing might tighten, and the characters could become more nuanced.
Ultimately, while An Academy for Liars had the framework of an engaging tale, it faltered in execution and depth. Fans of dense, intricately woven stories may want to look elsewhere, as this may frustrate those seeking the rich tapestry of traditional dark academia. I had high hopes for this book, and though it left me empty-handed, I encourage readers to explore it for themselves. Who knows? It may resonate far better with you than it did with me. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy; I remain hopeful for future works from this author.