Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson

Lili Wilkinson’s Unhallowed Halls is an ambitious foray into the dark academia genre, blending gothic atmosphere, classical scholarship, and supernatural intrigue. Set in the secluded and antiquated Agathion College—a boarding school nestled deep within the Scottish moors—the novel follows Page Whittaker, a scholarship student seeking a fresh start after a traumatic incident at her former school. But Agathion’s illustrious facade conceals a labyrinth of secrets, from its rigid traditions to an enigmatic secret society with disturbing ties to demonic magic.

From the outset, Wilkinson constructs an immersive world dripping - perhaps overflowing - with gothic charm. Agathion’s old-world setting is vividly realised, from candlelit libraries and archaic rituals to the eerie sense of something lurking beneath its hallowed halls. The novel revels in the tropes of dark academia—intense intellectualism, secretive friendships, and a school seemingly untouched by time. The emphasis on classical texts, particularly Greek and Latin philosophy, gives the novel a scholarly depth, though at times the references feel more ornamental than integral to the story’s themes.

The first half of the novel is undoubtedly its strongest, as Wilkinson weaves an engaging mystery around Page’s adjustment to Agathion and her tentative friendships with a charismatic but secretive group of students—Cyrus, Ren, Gideon, Lacey, and Oak. Their interactions are compelling, layered with tension and unspoken truths, making for a gripping exploration of loyalty and deception. The novel’s gothic horror elements gradually emerge, culminating in a palpable sense of dread that builds alongside Page’s growing suspicions about the school’s true nature.

However, as the novel transitions into its supernatural revelations, the pacing becomes uneven. The introduction of demonic magic and cosmic horror elements, while intriguing, feels abrupt, shifting the novel’s tone from a slow-burning academic thriller to a more action-driven fantasy. The careful balance of suspense and intellectual allure in the first half gives way to a frenzied sequence of events in the latter, with some plot points resolved too hastily while others remain frustratingly ambiguous.

Wilkinson’s cast of characters is diverse, and the novel offers meaningful representation, though certain elements of queer identity feel somewhat surface-level. Some secondary characters, particularly Lacey and Cyrus, lack the development needed to make their narrative arcs fully satisfying. Despite this, Page remains a compelling protagonist—flawed, intelligent, and believably conflicted as she unravels the truth about Agathion.

One of the novel’s highlights is its evocative imagery and gothic aesthetic, particularly in its atmospheric descriptions of Agathion’s landscape and traditions. A standout moment is the eerie banquet scene, which seamlessly blends absurdity and horror, encapsulating the novel’s unsettling charm. However, as the story progresses, the action sequences become overly detailed and muddled, diluting the novel’s initial psychological intrigue.

Ultimately, Unhallowed Halls is a richly atmospheric but imperfect entry into the dark academia genre. Wilkinson crafts an engaging mystery with an irresistible setting, but the novel struggles to maintain its momentum in the second half. Readers new to dark academia may find its mix of gothic horror and fantasy captivating, while more seasoned readers might crave a more refined execution of its ambitious themes.

Reviewer: Chris Reed

Allen & Unwin