If you love dark academia with hidden societies and creepy boarding schools, Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson deserves a spot on your TBR. This standalone YA fantasy follows Page Whittaker, a teen girl sent to a prestigious Scottish school with a dark past—and possibly darker magic. Here’s why I’m planning to read it.
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Bookish Essentials
Genre: Young Adult / Dark Academia / Fantasy
Series: Standalone Novel
Reading Age: 14+
Published: 2025
Pages: 456
From the Jacket of Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson
A teen girl travels to an exclusive boarding school after a deadly incident at her old school, but the wood-paneled halls of Agathion are built over centuries of secrets—including an ancient society which may have ties to demonic magic—in this dark academia fantasy perfect for fans of Curious Tides.
Page Whittaker has always been an outcast. And after the deadly incident that destroyed her single friendship at her old school, she needs a fresh start. Which is why when she receives a scholarship offer from Agathion College, an elite boarding school folded deep within the moors of Scotland, she doesn’t even consider turning it down.
Agathion is everything Page has ever wanted: a safe haven full of dusty books, steaming cups of tea and rigorous intellectual debate. And for the first time in her life, Page has even managed to become part of a close group of friends. Cyrus, Ren, Gideon, Lacey and Oak help her feel at home in Agathion’s halls–the only problem is, they’re all keeping secrets from her.
Page doesn’t know it yet, but her perfect new school has dark roots–roots that stretch back to its crooked foundation, and an ancient clandestine society with rumored ties to demonic magic. Soon, Page will be forced to learn that not everyone at Agathion is who they say they are. Least of all, her friends.
Agathion claims to teach its students history…but some histories should stay buried.
Why Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson is on my TBR
I’m excited about Lili Wilkinson’s Unhallowed Halls because—let’s be honest—I’m a sucker for secret societies. Who isn’t? After a deadly incident at her old school, Page Whittaker gets a second chance at Agathion College—an elite boarding school tucked deep in the Scottish moors. But what starts as an academic dream quickly spirals into something darker, with whispers of a secret society and demonic magic. This is giving me Daughters of Eve vibes, which is also near the top of my TBR stack. I can’t wait to read it!
You Might Also Like
- Daughters of Eve, by Lois Duncan
- The Bone Charmer, by Breeana Shields
- Curious Tides, by Pascale Lacelle
Save Lili Wilkinson’s Unhallowed Halls to your TBR List
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