Decadently vivid and deliciously atmospheric—I couldn’t put down! Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson read like the Dark Academia, YA fantasy love child of The Secret History and Ninth House, which I absolutely loved! It genuinely kept me on my toes (and glued to my seat) until the very last page. 

I was in awe at just how suspenseful (and brimming with the supernatural) this was! Drawing on Gaelic myth, and blending themes of friendship, identity and belonging into the intense, academic setting (complete with a crumbling gothic castle for a school, and misty Scottish moors to brood on); Wilkinson has crafted a gorgeously immersive and haunting novel (with prose to die for) that fans of gothic, dark academia are gonna enjoy. 

I loved the found family-esque cast of characters (Cyrus, Oak, Gideon and Ren especially, but I did warm up to Lacey by the end) who were all as emotionally in-depth and intriguing as they were inclusive. Their banter was also top notch and the nuggets of kindness and connection they bestow Page, did help endear them to me. 

Of all the characters though, it was Page I loved the most. As someone who grew up suffering from fairly painful menstrual cramps, I loved that endometriosis (which Page has) is not only highlighted but realistically portrayed too. Plus seeing her explain her symptoms and then experience them, will go a long way in helping to normalise how vey not normal severely painful periods actually are. 

I also loved that she was a complex and endearing character, whose longing to belong (and finally find acceptance in a friend group) had me eager to see her succeed. Though, with the mystery surrounding her past, there was an edge of unreliability to her that did keep me guessing for a while.

And once that mystery begins to unravel, everything really starts to click into place. Yet, it was her resilience and self acceptance (in the face of such jaw dropping revelations) that really cemented her as my fave. I’m still impressed with her restraint, as know I would’ve been a complete mess in her shoes! 

There’s soo much I want to say, but it’s wrapped up in the plot twists (which I don’t want to spoil.) So all I’ll say is, if you’re looking for an LGBTQIA inclusive novel: full of secrets, betrayals, friendship, a hint of romance and tons of magic (both plant based and dark) —then this is definitely the book for you. Though, I do suggest checking the TWs beforehand. 

Also, a huge thank you to Titan Books UK for the stunning proof (and my spot on the tour.)