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Table of Contents
About The Book
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.
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.
About The Author
Photograph (c) Mark Karten
Andrea Max is the author of the Academy of Muses duology. She is also a high school English teacher, which is a genius hack that allows her to talk about books for a living. Aspects of the worldbuilding in her stories are inspired by the Jewish tradition and history with which she was raised. Andrea lives on the east coast with her family, her coffee machine, and not enough bookshelves. You can find her on Instagram at @AndreatotheMax and at Andrea-Max.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (May 13, 2025)
- Length: 448 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665959865
- Ages: 14 - 99
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Raves and Reviews
"In The Art of Exile, Andrea Max weaves a razor-sharp tale where history and myth collide, crafting a narrative that pulses with emotion. Ada’s journey unfolds as a tale of ambition, self-discovery, and the delicate art of finding one’s place in an ever-changing world. Beautifully fast-paced!"
– Shea Ernshaw, #1 NYT bestselling author of Long Live the Pumpkin Queen
"Andrea Max has a flair for writing dramatic action, vivid imagery, and well-drawn characters. The Art of Exile should be on everyone's TBR!"
– Brigid Kemmerer, NYT bestselling author of Forging Silver into Stars
"Unputdownable. The Art of Exile is in every way an exhilarating read, captivating in its clever mythology and utterly swoonworthy romance."
– Ashley Shuttleworth, author of the Hollow Star Saga
"Clever, propulsive, and atmospheric. Like a Renaissance master, Max’s strengths are numerous: The Art of Exile combines meticulous plotting with a vast, lived-in world, and characters one can’t help but root for. Between the many twists and turns, our protagonist’s messy love life, and the hoverjousting, The Art of Exile had me on the edge of my seat until the very last page."
– Genoveva Dimova, author of Foul Days
“Andrea Max’s The Art of Exile is a delicious light academia romp. Simply put, I devoured this book. With an irresistible cast of characters, plenty of witty banter, and a collection of hair-raising secrets, this is a novel for anyone who ever dreamed that school should (and could) be a truly magical experience. Entirely propulsive and delightful, Max's novel is a remarkable debut.”
– Katy Hays, author of NYT Bestseller The Cloisters
"Drawing from Renaissance history and Jewish mythology, Max conjures a whirlwind romp that cursorily explores themes of wealth inequality and discrimination. Imaginative descriptions of the Makers’ hidden world, Ada’s snarky first-person narration, and a steamy love triangle anchor this contemporary fantasy debut."
– Publishers Weekly, 3/3/2025
"An inventive, compelling debut that’s sure to leave readers eager for the next installment."
– Kirkus Reviews, 3/15/2025
"Max’s world-building and characterizations are remarkable, with a great setup for more thrilling adventures in this series starter."
– Booklist, 4/22/2025
Awards and Honors
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle List High School Title
Resources and Downloads
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