Unhallowed Halls: A Dark Academic Tapestry of Mystery and Mayhem
When I first stumbled upon Unhallowed Halls by Hannah Wilkinson, the promise of dark academia juxtaposed with a sprinkle of supernatural horror piqued my interest. Little did I know, this gothic escapade was precisely the captivating thrill ride I didn’t know I needed! As part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours, I’m excited to share my honest thoughts after reading the digital ARC provided by Delacorte Press via NetGalley.
From the very opening pages, Wilkinson masterfully sets a scene dripping with tension and a hint of the sinister. The backdrop of Agathion, with its imposing architecture and the ever-present Scottish moor shrouded in fog, creates an atmosphere that feels like a character in itself. It’s a place where isolation breeds secrets, and as our protagonist, Page, starts to navigate her new world, that sense of something not being quite right hung in the air—almost palpable. I found myself immersed in this gothic realm, utterly captivated by the images of demonic pigs and the suffocating atmosphere filled with strict Magisters.
Page is such a relatable character, the kind of underdog whose journey is beautifully compelling. Her struggles to fit into the elite clique and her battle with her own perceived oddities are adeptly portrayed. I resonated deeply with her quest for belonging, and the “found family” dynamic with her friends added a heartwarming layer amid the darkly whimsical chaos. Despite her awkward beginnings, watching Page grow was rewarding; her journey of self-acceptance was like a warm hug. She marries her quirkiness with a newfound strength, and that transformation made me cheer for her every step of the way.
Wilkinson’s writing style is an enchanting blend of lyrical and haunting, which I absolutely adored. The pacing, however, is quite the rollercoaster. The first half is a slow build rooted in philosophical musings and dark academia vibes, leading into an explosive second half that feels almost ludicrous in its turn of events. I found this drastic tonal shift fun, albeit unexpected. There’s a sense of urgency as mysteries unfold, and the intensity builds, which kept me glued to the pages.
One of my favorite aspects was the weaving of Celtic mythology; it added depth and a sense of wandering curiosity that had me diving down rabbit holes of research long after I turned the last page. While some may feel the pacing in the latter half detracts from the experience, I found it gave me permission to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the adventure. The introduction of unexpected humor from a memorable character was a delightful curveball that caught me off-guard, yet also felt oddly fitting.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Unhallowed Halls, there were moments I wished for deeper character exploration—particularly among Page’s friends. They served pivotal roles, yet I craved more insight into their individual stories and how their growth intertwined with Page’s journey. The romance aspect, though not at the forefront, left me yearning for more organic development; the transitions felt somewhat rushed.
In conclusion, Unhallowed Halls is a delightful exploration of self-acceptance wrapped in a cloak of eerie charm. If you’re a fan of gothic settings, mythology entwined with supernatural elements, and a character-driven narrative, you’re bound to find joy in these pages. This book was a delightful stretch beyond my comfort zone, reminding me that sometimes, diving into the unknown can lead to surprisingly rewarding experiences. So, if you’re ready to explore the haunting halls of Agathion, I highly recommend taking the plunge! 🌌📚✨