They are born with magic in their blood but they must be taught how to wield it . . .

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.