Book Review: Unhallowed Halls by Lauren Wilkinson
From the moment I stumbled upon Unhallowed Halls, the title alone whispered promises of dark academia and twisted narratives. My intrigue was only heightened by the stunning cover art and the buzz surrounding Lauren Wilkinson’s debut—it felt like an invitation to a world shrouded in mystery and the grotesque. As part of the blog tour with TBR & Beyond Tours, I was thrilled to get my hands on a digital ARC through Delacorte Press, and let me tell you, this book did not disappoint!
Set against the ominous backdrop of Agathion, a boarding school nestled in the fog-kissed Scottish moors, Unhallowed Halls effortlessly creates an atmospheric story that drips with gothic charm. From the outset, I was mesmerized by the chilling landscape and the foreboding authority of the Magisters. There’s something beautifully unsettling about a place where dark secrets lurk in every shadow, and Wilkinson paints this eerie scene with such evocative prose that it clung to me long after I turned the last page.
The protagonist, Page, immediately won my heart. Her journey of self-discovery amid the elite and enigmatic "clique" at Agathion mirrored the universal struggle of finding one’s place in a world filled with extraordinary expectations. I felt a palpable sense of empathy for her—not just as an outsider grappling with her own mysterious past, but as a young woman eager to be understood while burdened by the weight of looming supernatural prophecies. Wilkinson’s portrayal of Page’s growth, as she learns to embrace her uniqueness and seek forgiveness for her past, resonated deeply with me. Her character arc was a particular highlight, reminding me of my own journey to self-acceptance.
What stood out most was Wilkinson’s ability to balance the eerie with moments of levity. The first half is steeped in anxiety-inducing mystery, crafted brilliantly through sinister imagery and philosophical musings that often left me scratching my head with the complexity. Admittedly, some of the philosophical discussions on ancient Greek thinkers pushed me into a dizzying whirl of confusion! However, the introduction of Celtic mythology wove a rich tapestry throughout the narrative, surprising me as I fell down a rabbit hole of research to uncover more about these intriguing tales.
Now, while the first half was equal parts moody and suspenseful, the second half took a sharp turn into exhilarating chaos—a tonal shift that could easily jar readers. Yet, for me, rolling with that unpredictability became part of the fun! I found myself caught up in the whirlwind of absurd supernatural escapades that left me chuckling at the sheer audacity of it all. While some might find this drastic shift jarring, I viewed it as a delightful rollercoaster ride, showing that balance between darkness and silliness can create an unexpected yet enjoyable experience.
That said, I wished for more depth with the side characters. They held so much potential to enrich the narrative and the “found family” theme, yet often felt like mere plot devices. I craved deeper interactions and growth in their relationships with Page, which might have added another layer to an otherwise gripping tale. And while the romance element didn’t bother me, I felt it could have used more careful development to avoid feeling rushed.
Overall, Unhallowed Halls exceeded my expectations, pulling me out of my comfort zone and enveloping me in a tale of eerie beauty. Wilkinson crafted an immersive world that I couldn’t help but get lost in, and for anyone who revels in dark academia, mythology, and a sprinkle of supernatural humor, this is definitely a book you’ll want to explore.
So, if you’re in the mood for a gothic romp through mystical realms filled with twists and hilarious surprises, give Unhallowed Halls a read. You just might find yourself questioning what lies beyond the cold stone halls of Agathion and discovering a newfound thrill in the shadows. Happy reading! 📚✨
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