Unhallowed Halls: A Thrilling Dance Through Darkness
As soon as I saw the cover of Unhallowed Halls by L. K. Wilkinson, I felt an irresistible pull toward this dark academia tale wrapped in supernatural intrigue. The moody hues and gothic aesthetics promised an adventure that was equal parts atmospheric and eerie, and I was more than ready to dive into its depths. I had the privilege of reading this as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours, with special thanks to Delacorte Press for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Spoiler alert: I had a blast!
From the very first chapters, Wilkinson masterfully crafts a setting that feels almost alive—Agathion, the boarding school, stands as a character in its own right. Its intimidating halls, combined with the foggy moors that enshroud the campus, create the perfect concoction of suspense and intrigue. I was hooked by the chilling atmosphere and couldn’t shake the feeling that something just isn’t quite right here. This sensation is heightened by elements like a menacing demonic pig encounter and the strange school rules that had me on edge. It was a delightful blend of uneasy thrills that lingered long after I turned the last page.
Our protagonist, Page, is just as intriguing as her surroundings. I found myself easily empathizing with her lone-wolf persona and her journey through personal turmoil. The layers of complexity that surround her character—marked by her perceived oddity and the haunting shadow of past inexplicable events—captivated me. As she intertwines herself with her newfound "elite clique," the themes of friendship and found family flourish. Page’s growth truly resonated with me; her journey of self-acceptance is one of the book’s highlights. It’s a testament to the healing power of connection and understanding, rather than merely fitting in.
The writing style held my attention too. Wilkinson effortlessly weaves in philosophical discussions reminiscent of heavy academia, while also exploring enthralling Celtic mythology. Although I must admit that some of these intellectual threads made me feel a bit out of depth (hello, imposter syndrome!), they contributed to the rich tapestry of the narrative, leading me to unexpected rabbit holes of curiosity.
However, while the first half kept its dark, cerebral tone, I found myself navigating a tonal shift in the latter half that was, well, bonkers! What started as a slow-burn mystery exploded into a wild, chaotic ride of events. It’s a tonal divergence that some may find jarring, but I embraced the madness, enjoying the humor that came to the fore through quirky characters and outlandish twists. I laughed more than I anticipated, especially from unexpected comedic moments that brought levity to the unfolding horror.
Nevertheless, certain story elements left me yearning for more depth—specifically within the friendships that blossomed, and a romance that felt rushed. I wished for greater exploration of the individual journeys of Page’s friends and a more organic progression in her romantic arc. These elements felt like they served to advance the plot rather than enrich the character development.
In conclusion, Unhallowed Halls transcended my expectations and delivered a gorgeously twisted story I didn’t know I needed. If you love gothic dark academia with a sprinkle of mythology and supernatural chaos, this is your book! It wonderfully balances something profoundly unsettling with a story of healing and self-acceptance. I encourage anyone curious about a captivating escape—one that deftly walks the line between eerie and endearing—to give this spirited romp a try. You may just find yourself reveling in the wonderfully uncanny world of Agathion as I did!