Unlocking the Shadows: A Review of Unhallowed Halls by Lauren Wilkinson
As a lover of dark academia and a touch of the supernatural, I was immediately drawn to Unhallowed Halls by Lauren Wilkinson. When I heard about a gothic boarding school nestled in the fog-shrouded Scottish moors, my curiosity piqued. I was thrilled to join the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours, and a big thank you to Delacorte Press for my digital ARC via NetGalley! Spoiler alert: it lived up to my expectations, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts.
From the very first pages, Wilkinson masterfully crafts an atmosphere steeped in unsettling mystery. The grand yet cold halls of Agathion form a backdrop that feels both enchanting and foreboding. There’s an undeniable sense of wrongness that hangs in the air, and I found myself captivated by the tension—even before the demonic pig incident! (Seriously, you have to read it to believe it). The eerie ambiance paired with the strict school rules and enigmatic Magisters made for an engaging reading experience that kept my heart racing.
Our protagonist, Page, is incredibly relatable. She’s always felt like an outsider—too intelligent and, as her parents see her, a potential threat. The journey she embarks on not only through Agathion’s corridors but her own self-acceptance felt poignant and real. There was a special charm in watching her find a sense of "found family" among her elite clique, and I genuinely rooted for her growth. I particularly loved how she learned to embrace her uniqueness—and her healing journey left me feeling quite uplifted!
Now, let’s chat about the academic themes. At times, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the philosophical discussions regarding the greats of ancient Greece—honestly, I felt practically brain-dead! But for those who revel in that kind of intellectual exploration, you’re in for a treat. The incorporation of Celtic mythology was a delightful rabbit hole for me; I enjoyed learning more beyond what the narrative offered.
The pacing shifts noticeably between the first and second halves of the story. While I adored the slow burn of the initial setup, the erupting chaos in the latter half took me by surprise. It was like enjoying a hearty stew and then suddenly being served an extravagant dessert. I was initially thrown off, but once I leaned into the whimsy of the unfolding events, I found myself chuckling more than I anticipated. One character introduced later added an unexpected comedic flair, and honestly, who doesn’t love a little humor in their supernatural escapades?
That being said, I understand why some readers might feel a bit disoriented with the tonal shift. I also craved a deeper exploration of the supporting characters, who, at times, felt more like plot devices than fully realized individuals. I wanted to savor their stories just as much as Page’s! And while I appreciated the budding romance, I yearned for more organic development; it felt a tad rushed for my taste.
All in all, Unhallowed Halls pleasantly surprised me as a reader who usually shies away from supernatural horror. If you enjoy a blend of gothic dark academia, rich mythology, and even a hint of ludicrous fun, you’re likely to find this story as enjoyable as I did. Wilkinson creates a vivid, immersive world that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the final page. Embrace the eerie, dive into the chaos, and perhaps, like Page, you’ll find that being a little "different" is a gift in itself.