Found: Hi please help me find the name of a fantasy novel!

I am drawing a blank. From what I remember it was a book about a group of people on an island. Who were treated badly by the government or something. Then one of the kids wandered off to a cabin or a shack. Then he walked towards it and it revealed a hidden mansion. There they practiced magic and art. There was a head professor kind of like Dumbledore. Long story short the boy learned about the magic, I think it might have been a school too. Then he wanted to free the people. I also remember a flying lion lol. I am sorry this is so vague it's just killing me that I can't remember!! I read it back in 2015 or so.

>1 adampack: Hi! I'm afraid I don't know the name of the book, but you're more likely to connect with someone who might if you give your thread a descriptive title. You can request a title change at https://www.librarything.com/topic/349163. Also be sure to check out our tips for posting. Good luck!

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I don't suppose it was The Magicians?

Read it as a teen ... ten years ago? Twenty? More?

not the magicians. Thanks for the answer though. I read it back in 2015.

>1 adampack: The Unwanteds?

>5 RosetheReader: YESSSSS THANK YOU SO MUCH, YOU ARE A LIFESAVER!!! My description was subpar, but I appreciate your help.

>6 adampack: Woo! I'm glad you found your book!