Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson is the perfect rainy-day read moody, mysterious, and just the right amount of dark magic woven through ivy-covered walls and ancient secrets.

Set in an elite boarding school tucked away in the Scottish moors, this book delivers everything I love about dark academia: secret societies, occult history, morally gray characters, and a protagonist with a past she’s trying to outrun. The atmosphere is rich and immersive you can practically smell the old books and candle wax.

The plot builds slowly but keeps you intrigued, and the demonic magic twist adds an unexpected layer of tension and danger that elevates it beyond a typical boarding school mystery. While some characters could have used a bit more development, I was hooked enough to keep reading late into the night.

If you're a fan of Curious Tides, Ninth House, or anything that blends magic, mystery, and a touch of menace, grab this with a blanket and cocoa and dive in.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback. Rec for fans of Library at Mount Char, American Gods, and Catherine House. Dark academia fantasy done really well.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this. The element of mystery early on was intriguing, and the plot twists throughout kept me on the edge of my seat. This feels like a timely read with fall just around the corner as well.

Dark and spooky premise. Had so much potential, but I don't think this book was for me. I didn't connect with the characters at all.

I think this book was a bit of a struggle for me. i did not feel that connected to the characters. I had struggled to care about the story. I have liked hr books in the past and this book did not work for me.

Creepy good gothic/dark academia vibes. Fast paced. Engaging characters. HS readers will love this.

I felt like this book had a lot of potential and was really drawn to the dark academia aspects of the plot, but I feel like it started to fall apart halfway through. It could be a great introduction to someone who is new to that subgenre, but someone who is a seasoned dark academia reader may find themselves disappointed with this story and ending.

This dark academia fantasy was quite the wild ride!! This book was way more than I thought it would be! Even the cover! I appreciate all if the details so much more after having read it.

I loved all of the Characters. Oak as a love interest was perfect. I found him so intriguing. I could have used a bit more backstory on the others in the group,particularly Oak,but they were all great additions to the story. The setting was perfect! Not just a bording school, but an ancient school with a dark rumored history? Yes. If it wasnt for all the death, I would want to enroll.

It does seem a bit weird that the mc didnt immediatly suspect magic seeing as she had experiance with such things before, but its also understandable that she would be in a bit of denile. Like oh gawd, not again!

The old magic, group of friends and the ancient midevil setting reminded me of the Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, which is one of my favorite series of all times!

The only reason it didnt get 5 stars from me is because it got a bit confusing around the end. Honestly that could have just been me, but it took me out of the adventure a little and that effected my experiance a tad bit. So close though. Really its more of a 4.75.

After a deadly incident at her old school, Page Whittaker is desperate for a fresh start. When she receives an unexpected scholarship to Agathion College, an exclusive boarding school hidden deep in the Scottish moors, she jumps at the opportunity.

Agathion seems perfect—grand libraries, intense intellectual debates, and a group of friends who finally make her feel like she belongs. But as Page settles in, she realizes not everything is as it seems. Her new friends—Cyrus, Ren, Gideon, Lacey, and Oak—are all hiding secrets, and the school's history is darker than she ever imagined.

Rumors whisper of an ancient clandestine society lurking within Agathion’s halls—one that might have ties to demonic magic. As Page uncovers buried truths, she learns that history isn't always just something to study—sometimes, it's something you should be afraid of.

Tropes
✨Dark Academia
🖤Elite Boarding School with secrets
✨Found Family
🖤Secret Societies & Occult Magic
✨Gothic Mystery
🖤Morally Gray Characters
✨Slow Building & betrayals

It delivers on its dark academia premise, drawing readers into the haunting, mysterious world of Agathion College. The setting is richly atmospheric, with its gothic architecture, eerie moors, and hidden history.

Page is compelling, though her past remains somewhat vague at first, adding to the intrigue. The side characters are interesting but elusive, each hiding something, which creates suspense but also makes them harder to connect with emotionally.

The pacing is a slow burn, with the tension gradually escalating as Page begins to piece together the truth about Agathion and its secrets. The demonic magic subplot adds a supernatural edge, though it remains more of an undercurrent than a full-blown fantasy element.

People who love dark academia, this is your sign to read this book!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and the author for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Unhallowed Halls is a dark academia story that follows Page, an outcast with unknown dangerous magic who travels to a remote boarding school that isn’t what it seems. As Page tries to bond with a group of students, you can see the distrust on all sides. This only gets more significant as strange things happen on campus and Page reveals more of her past.

Overall this book was very exciting and kept me engaged the whole time. I’d give it a solid 4/5 stars. It felt like the author maybe bit off a bit much for the book, as there were a lot of pieces that were not fully fleshed out or things that felt unattended to. Despite that, I think the story is really mysterious and exciting and I enjoyed this book a lot!

This book was good! I liked it but didn’t love it. I definitely see potential in it and look forward to seeing what else the author does.

This book completely pulled me in from the first few pages. Unhallowed Halls is a wonderfully eerie blend of dark academia and gothic mystery, with a splash of demonology for good measure—and I didn’t realize how much I needed that combination until now.

Set deep in the remote Scottish moorlands, the story follows Page Whittaker, an American scholarship student trying to outrun a mysterious, traumatic past by starting fresh at Agathion—a prestigious and secretive boarding school unlike any she’s known.

From the first page, Wilkinson establishes a powerful sense of unease. The setting is gorgeously eerie—fog-drenched moors, austere stone corridors, and a school governed by arcane traditions and cryptic rules. There’s a slow-burning tension that builds with each chapter, heightened by surreal and chilling moments (including a demonic pig attack early on that sets the tone for what’s to come). The novel excels at cultivating that gut-deep feeling that something is not quite right, even before the supernatural elements fully take hold.

Page is a compelling protagonist—introspective, intelligent, and emotionally guarded. Her journey is as much about uncovering the secrets of Agathion as it is about coming to terms with who she is. Her sense of otherness—of being too smart, too intense, too “wrong” for the world around her—makes her easy to empathize with. Watching her slowly find her footing, connect with others, and begin to forgive herself adds a satisfying emotional arc to the story.

Also, I just loved the friend group! Cyrus, Ren, Gideon, Lacey, and Oak—their “found family” dynamic adds warmth to the otherwise brooding atmosphere. Oak, in particular, stands out as a gentle and grounding presence, and his relationship with Page is sweet without veering into full-on romance territory.

The book does shift pretty dramatically in tone about halfway through. It goes from slow-burn academia to full-on supernatural chaos—and honestly, while I normally hate that kind of abrupt pivot, I found myself enjoying the wild ride. Some moments definitely required suspension of disbelief, but that’s part of the fun with fantasy, right?

I appreciated the way the book touched on themes like body and mind, gender identity, and what it means to feel things instead of just thinking them. Even if not every idea was tied up perfectly, it made me reflect in ways I didn’t expect. It also left me with this unexpected urge to experience life more, not just intellectualize it, which was such a personal takeaway for me.

In the end, Unhallowed Halls surprised me in the best way. It’s dark, immersive, and full of heart. If you like your stories a little spooky, a little philosophical, and unapologetically weird in the best way, this one’s for you.

Dark academia with a demonic twist — Unhallowed Halls is equal parts atmospheric and addictive. From the fog-drenched moors of Scotland to the secretive, ivy-cloaked corridors of Agathion College, this is a gothic tale of friendship, betrayal, and the cost of belonging. With a fiercely smart outsider protagonist and an eerie, slow-building mystery, Wilkinson delivers a thrilling page-turner perfect for fans of The Secret History and A Deadly Education.
4.5/5 — witchy, wicked, and wonderfully strange.

Unfollowed Halls is a sharp, eerie, and thought-provoking ride through the blurred lines of online culture, identity, and truth. Lili Wilkinson delivers a story that feels both modern and haunting, with twists that keep you guessing and a voice that pulls you right in. The characters are complex, the atmosphere tense, and the themes hit hard in the best way. It’s smart, unsettling, and impossible to put down. A standout read that I’m still thinking about—and already recommending to friends.

In Unhallowed Halls, Lili Wilkinson introduces us to Page Whittaker, a teenager who has never quite fit in. After a traumatic and deadly incident at her previous school destroys her one precious friendship, Page eagerly accepts a scholarship to Agathion College, an elite and mysterious boarding school hidden deep within the Scottish moorlands. Agathion promises a fresh start—a sanctuary of old-world charm filled with intellectual challenges, steaming cups of tea, and the quiet magic of belonging.


But as is often the case with institutions shrouded in mystery, Agathion hides dark roots beneath its charming exterior. Page quickly becomes part of an intriguing but complicated friend group: Cyrus, Ren, Gideon, Lacey, and Oak. Each character is captivating at first glance, yet Wilkinson struggles to fully develop them, leaving readers somewhat disconnected and craving more depth. At times, it felt like navigating a crowded room, unsure of whose story truly mattered most beyond Page's.


Wilkinson shines in creating the atmosphere of Agathion. The school's descriptions are beautifully detailed, perfectly capturing the dark academia aesthetic fans of the genre adore—think misty moorlands, creaky staircases, shadowed hallways, and hidden secrets whispered behind closed doors. The tension of an ancient clandestine society lurking beneath the surface added intrigue, keeping the pages turning even through the slower-paced sections.


Speaking of pacing, Unhallowed Halls takes its time building to its dramatic reveals. The deliberate pacing works beautifully at times, creating an eerie suspense that heightens curiosity. However, the slowness also risks losing readers who prefer a quicker plot. For me, it sometimes drifted too slowly, especially in the novel’s middle stretch, leaving me impatient for the promised magic and action.


One of the strongest aspects of the story is Page herself. Her experience as an outcast, coupled with her chronic illness (endo rep thoughtfully incorporated), adds layers of realism and depth, making her character exceptionally relatable. Wilkinson portrays Page’s internal struggles authentically, creating a protagonist readers genuinely want to root for.


On the other hand, the magical elements hinted at throughout—particularly the tantalizing mentions of demonic magic—felt somewhat underdeveloped. Readers hoping for high-stakes fantasy might find themselves longing for more explicit magic or supernatural revelations. Perhaps this is personal preference, but more tangible magic would have enriched the reading experience.


Despite these reservations, Unhallowed Halls delivers strong emotional resonance through Page's journey, exploring themes of friendship, trust, and belonging alongside darker explorations of power, secrecy, and the cost of buried truths. The subtle queer representation was woven naturally into the story, providing authenticity without feeling tokenistic.


Ultimately, while Unhallowed Halls may not fully meet the expectations of readers looking for abundant magic or rapid pacing, it excels as atmospheric storytelling with compelling emotional undertones. Wilkinson’s novel holds appeal particularly for fans of slow-burn mysteries and character-driven narratives.


Perfectly imperfect, this dark academia fantasy lingers in the mind long after the final chapter, leaving readers wondering which histories should truly stay buried—and at what cost.


Final Verdict:


Unhallowed Halls is an atmospheric journey into a world where secrets simmer beneath polished appearances. While pacing and characterization could have been stronger, Page’s relatability and Wilkinson’s vivid prose ensure a rewarding read, ideal for readers who crave mood over magic.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I’m such a sucker for all dark academia books with spooky vibes that are very atmospheric. This book delivered just that and it couldn’t be more perfect.

A solid premise for a novel, but unfortunately another book that fails the academic portion of its Dark Academia theme.

And that’s the thing about going for Dark Academia rather than just Fantasy set at a school: The academics have to actually pass the test for good research and implementation.

The idea behind this book felt right, but the use of Ancient Greek philosophy is at its best unsophisticated and in its worst moments, outright incorrect. It also doesn’t help that we got other things casually tossed in that don’t fit: Shakespeare! Schopenhauer! Celtic myth!

The bones of the plot are ok if you try to read it just as straight YA Fantasy, though it devolves into something fairly nonsensical in the end that definitely doesn’t fit academically and really doesn’t do so in a narrative sense either.

One of the best books I've read this year - dark and suspenseful but with characters you care about and are rooting for the whole time. So many twists and turns and surprises - could not stop reading just to see what would happen next. Excellent writing and a gripping storyline - well done! This book is sure to be a hit in our middle school library and we will be purchasing multiple copies.

Enjoyment rating: 2
Quality rating: 3

I realized about halfway through this book that this wasn’t my kind of book and I wasn’t the right audience for it, but I’ll try to be otherwise as objective as possible.

In the beginning of the book, the vibes were immaculate, as the kids say. The book had a rich academic atmosphere full of mystery and intrigue. The description of the library alone had me convinced this was THE book for me. The dark academia elements were right on, and Page trying to find her way in a new school with her classmates from different worlds is well done. I loved the references to classic literature, and I enjoyed the fact that I had to pull out a dictionary and Google more than once to brush up on my vocabulary or references to Greek mythology. That doesn’t happen very often, and it’s exactly what I’d hope for in a dark academia book. I wish some of the references had more depth to the story instead of just showing how educated the characters are, but they’re fun regardless. It was perhaps trying a little too hard, but I was here for it.

Things got weird when it moved from dark academia boarding school with super rich kids to the magical elements. What was working really well was lost in trying to develop and explain what was going on. There are a lot of complex explanations, fast action scenes that are hard to follow, and a lot of confusing events. To be completely fair, I’m not into demons or body swapping as concepts, but I also had a hard time following what was happening — or figuring out why I should care. There are a lot of weird things going on, and I found it more gross and disturbing than enjoyable in any way.

The character development started out well, but several characters had big moments later in the book that didn’t hit for me because their development had paused. I sometimes had a hard time remembering which character was which, which got even worse when body swapping came into the picture. It seems like found family was supposed to be a key element of this, but there were characters that never seemed to have a relationship built with Page herself except for just being part of the friend group automatically.

It also seemed like there wasn’t a lot of development in the overall effects of what happens in the book and how this school and the actions of it have been going for so long. What happens after the events in the book? What kind of impact did this have in the world? How closely connected is the mythology of this book to the real world? I never could figure it out. There’s a big need not to ask too many questions to get through the book, and I found myself not wanting to ask them because I didn’t really want more details about this weird world anyway. I did wonder why all of these students for generations didn’t ask those questions though. The kids that go to this school are supposed to be smart, but oh boy are they willing to be oblivious about some really weird stuff.

Overall, this wasn’t a book for me. I just don’t like gruesome elements, demons, or body-swapping much. If I read something with those elements, I need the book to be well-written to convince me to stick around anyway. This book didn’t do that. However, I think dark academia fans looking for a dark magic story may enjoy this a lot.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book for purposes of review. My opinions were not influenced by this at all.