Unhallowed Halls: A Delightfully Eerie Exploration
You know that feeling when you come across a book that beckons you with promises of dark academia and supernatural intrigue? That was me when I stumbled upon Unhallowed Halls by H.B. Wilkinson. I joined the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours, and I must thank Delacorte Press for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley. This enchanting, albeit unsettling, read ended up being a delightful 4-star adventure that took me well beyond my comfort zone.
From the very first page, I was drawn into the claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere of Agathion, a boarding school shrouded by foggy moors and eerie, cold halls. Wilkinson expertly builds a world steeped in gothic charm, layering in subtle hints that something is profoundly wrong. Imagine wandering through grand, austere corridors only to encounter a demonic pig lurking in the shadows—yes, it’s that kind of unsettling! 😅 This sense of wrongness lingered at the edges of every scene, creating a riveting blend of suspense and dread that kept me on my toes.
Our protagonist, Page, is an instantly relatable character. Through her struggles, we witness the complex layers of someone who feels perpetually out of place—not quite fitting in at her previous schools and bearing the heavy weight of her parents’ expectations. What I loved most was her transformation throughout the story. As she discovers her new place among a quirky elite clique, she learns to embrace her uniqueness and find healing in unexpected friendships. The themes of found family resonated with me, despite wanting a deeper exploration of her friends’ individual stories.
Wilkinson’s writing is both immersive and atmospheric. The mix of intellectual discussions about the Greeks paired with the enchanting tidbits of Celtic mythology sent me down delightful rabbit holes of research—who knew I could be so intrigued by ancient tales? However, I will admit it also made me feel a bit intellectually inadequate at times! 🤣 But for those who revel in the academic aspect of dark academia, you’ll appreciate how this element is woven throughout the narrative.
Now, let’s talk about the pacing. The first half is a slow burn, carefully crafting an air of suspense, while the second half shifts dramatically into a whirlwind of supernatural chaos. Honestly, this tonal transition caught me off guard. Yet, once I surrendered to the absurdity of it all, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the wild ride. The humor woven into the narrative, especially through one quirky character, was an unexpected bonus that lightened the eerie mood in just the right way.
While some might find this abrupt shift jarring, it was a unique experience for me. That said, I would have preferred to see more depth in the romantic subplot—perhaps a bit more organic build-up? I appreciated the romance, but a bit more nuance could have elevated it further.
In the end, Unhallowed Halls exceeded my expectations. It’s a fascinating blend of gothic ambiance, mythology, and clever humor wrapped up in an eerie package. If you love tales that dance on the edge of dark academia, supernatural horror, and a touch of madness, this book should find a spot on your to-read list. Personally, it left me with an invigorating sense of adventure and a newfound appreciation for the strange and the uncanny. Who knows—the next time you wander through creaky halls, you might just be inspired to write your own tale of mystery! 📚✨