Top 5 Reasons to Read "The Art of Exile" by Andrea Max
- Kim Bartosch
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
The Art of Exile by Andrea Max is a captivating YA fantasy that blends secret societies, Renaissance magic, and a heroine's journey of self-discovery. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books and book tour sponsorship with TBR and Beyond Tours, this debut novel offers a unique take on the light academia genre.
Thank you to the author and Margaret K. McElderry Books for the book and my honest review. Unfortunately, life got in the way and I wasn't able to read this book as planned - my apologies to the author, publisher, and TBR and Beyond Tours - so I gathered what other readers thought from Goodreads, Amazon, and other blog sites. Scroll down to learn more about the book and five reasons to read!
Title: The Art of Exile
Author: Andrea Max
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Book Buy Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Synopsis:
Legendborn meets The Da Vinci Code in this captivating light academia contemporary fantasy following a teen who infiltrates a secret school for the descendants of exiled Renaissance masters to steal their long-lost arts and sciences.
Unlike the high-achieving members of her family’s secret society, Ada Castle has mastered nothing but the art of falling for the wrong guys. But now she finally has the chance to prove her worth: she just needs to gain access to a hidden school that her family has been trying to locate for generations. Granted, she accidentally goes on a date with the recruiter first, then is temporarily abducted, but Ada manages to secure herself an invitation to the Genesis Institute, where descendants of exiled Renaissance masters practice long-lost arts and sciences.
The school is a utopia of sustainable technology, medical advancements, and myths come to life, yet they are unjustly hoarding their resources. Ada goes undercover to steal their innovations for the rest of the world, but Genesis nurtures her creativity and challenges her views, and she can’t help but fall for the school…and maybe also for her frustratingly off-limits recruiter-turned-mentor.
Ada’s tangle of lies starts to unravel when one of her new friends goes missing. To rescue her, Ada is forced to work with a dangerous (and dangerously hot) classmate whose suspicions threaten her cover. And when the information she’s shared with her family puts her missing friend and all of Genesis in peril, she’ll have to choose whom to betray: the family she loves or the school that has helped her find herself.
Content Warning: someone is drugged
Top 5 Reasons to Read "The Art of Exile" by Andrea Max
🎨 1. A Unique Blend of History and Magic
Andrea Max masterfully intertwines Renaissance history with Jewish mysticism to create a rich, immersive world. The Genesis Institute, a secret school for descendants of exiled Renaissance masters, serves as a backdrop where ancient arts and sciences are not only preserved but also practiced in innovative ways. This fusion offers readers a fresh perspective on how history and magic can coexist.
🧬 2. Complex Characters and Relationships
At the heart of the story is Ada Castle, a relatable protagonist striving to prove herself in a family of high achievers. Her journey is marked by internal conflicts, especially as she forms bonds with members of the Genesis Institute. The relationships are layered, with elements of mentorship, friendship, and romance adding depth to the narrative. (NetGalley)
🏰 3. Intriguing Setting and World-Building
The Genesis Institute is portrayed as a utopia of sustainable technology and mythical elements. From hoverjousting tournaments to golem creations, the school's environment is both fantastical and thought-provoking. The detailed world-building invites readers to explore a society that challenges conventional norms and values. (NetGalley+2The Nerd Daily+2Simon & Schuster+2)
🔍 4. Themes of Identity and Belonging
Ada's undercover mission to steal innovations from the Genesis Institute evolves into a personal quest for identity and belonging. As she grapples with her family's expectations and the institute's ideals, readers are prompted to reflect on the complexities of loyalty, tradition, and self-discovery.
📚 5. Engaging Plot with Twists and Turns
The narrative is filled with suspense and unexpected developments. From Ada's initial recruitment to the unraveling of secrets within the Genesis Institute, the plot keeps readers engaged. The story balances action with introspection, ensuring a compelling read from start to finish.
The Art of Exile is a thought-provoking addition to the YA fantasy genre, offering a blend of historical intrigue, magical realism, and personal growth. Andrea Max's debut novel sets the stage for an exciting series that promises to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Genesis Institute and Ada's evolving journey.
Note: This review is based on insights gathered from various sources, including Goodreads and publisher information.
Meet the author:
Andrea Max has an MSW from New York University and is a high school English teacher. She lives with her husband and son in New Jersey where she starts a lot of art she’ll never finish.
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