The Secret History meets Saltburn in this darkly seductive tale of art, obsession and the perilous cost of reinvention, from bestselling author J.R. Thornton.

His greatest gift was the art of deceit ...

When Christopher 'Atlas' Novotny arrives at Harvard, he is completely unprepared for the privileged world that awaits him. There he meets his roommate, Lucien Orsini-Conti, who is bold, confident and sophisticated – everything Atlas wishes he could be.

In awe of Lucien, Atlas is soon swept into a glittering new world of lavish parties and elite social clubs. But when he struggles to afford his new lifestyle, Lucien, sensing a willing disciple, offers a daring solution.

As their underhand methods draw them into a dangerous game of deceit, Lucien's behaviour grows more erratic. Is Lucien all that he seems, or does his charismatic facade conceal something much more sinister?

A captivating dark academia thriller, perfect for fans of Patricia Highsmith and Donna Tartt