Unhallowed halls by Lili Wilkinson

Page Whittacker is thrilled when she is given a scholarship to go to Agathion College, an elite school in the moors of Scotland. She needs to get away from her old life which has been destroyed by a strange incident, leaving her friendless and isolated. She hopes that the College with its mind-over-body philosophy and emphasis on academic achievement will give her a fresh start and she does find a refuge in the library and the intense reading program. She even makes friends with a diverse group of students, Cyrus, Ren, Gideon, Lacey and Oak, who have formed a tight group, with secrets they are keeping from her. And there is a dark atmosphere in the College. Page is uncertain if the staff can be trusted and there is evidence of a secret society and magical rituals.

The first half of the book is gripping as Wilkinson vividly describes the brooding atmosphere of the gothic College building and the isolation of the moors. It is easy to relate to Page who has a deadly secret and desperately wants to fit into life at the College. She must navigate the difficult curriculum, while trying to work out what is happening with the magisters and gain the trust of some of the students, especially Oak, with whom she feels a special bond. The second half of the book moves into a fantastical realm, with supernatural elements and dangerous ceremonies. Page has to use her intelligence and courage to overcome the conspiracies that Agathion College has hidden for generations.

Fans of dark academia will revel in Unhallowed Halls and will wait impatiently for the next fantasy by Wilkinson. Meanwhile older readers might like to read the Scholomance series by Naomi Novik or The secret history by Donna Tartt. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Fantasy, Magic, Supernatural, Academia, Friendship.

Pat Pledger