The Art of Exile

By: Andrea Max

Narrated by: Emily Lawrence

Legendborn meets The Da Vinci Code in this “inventive, compelling” (Kirkus Reviews) light academia contemporary fantasy and “whirlwind romp” (Publishers Weekly) following a teen who infiltrates a secret school for the descendants of exiled Renaissance masters to steal their long-lost arts and sciences.

Steal from a hidden utopia.
Fake date your nemesis.
Don’t fall for your mentor.
And whatever you do—don’t get caught.

For centuries, Ada Castle’s family has searched for the Genesis Institute: a secret utopia where the descendants of exiled Renaissance masters study arts and sciences so extraordinary they feel like magic. So when Ada is rescued from an attempted kidnapping by the institute’s handsome, brilliant, and completely off-limits recruiter, she seizes the chance to infiltrate the school and finally steal its advancements for the rest of the world.

To access the institute’s most guarded knowledge, Ada must earn a place in its elite guild system under the guidance of the recruiter-turned-mentor she’s quickly falling for. But when a new friend disappears, she’s forced to fake a relationship with the school’s most dangerous—and dangerously attractive—student, who’s convinced she’s a spy and is determined to prove it. Which is a problem, because there’s a reason Genesis has managed to stay a secret for centuries…and they will kill to keep it that way.

As devastating revelations come to light and Ada’s understanding of right and wrong starts to blur, she must choose who to betray—the family whose mission she has always believed in, or the school that has completely reshaped her beliefs…and her heart.

Fun, smart, and sexy!

Amazing writing and narration. Such a fun story and premise that hooked me from the start. I love the characters. Ada is so funny but also relatable. This love triangle is definitely going to create factions. (Team Rafe!) I love the messages about creativity and how the author imagined a utopia, and the ethical issues that would come with it. I really enjoyed the world building and novel magic systems, and how the school breaks the mold in terms of not every student having ‘magic’ and students being able to master multiple guilds. I love that message about having multi-faceted identities (in a world that encourages picking a lane and specialization). I also loved the messages about how it’s okay to be a beginner at something creative and to not get discouraged and stop trying. So impressed by the narrator, she really brought the characters alive, nailed the accents, and gave every line its full due. Pleasure to listen to.

Richly imagined fantasy world with surprises around every corner!!

So very enthralled by this story that kept me guessing until the very end!!! This coming of age/coming into power story is perfect for fans of stories featuring magic schools, renaissance history, and sizzling love triangles. Give this gorgeous tale a listen!

Great Premise!

such a unique premise. i loved the characters and the writing and performance was so strong.