In These Hallowed Halls: A dark academia anthology review
In These Hallowed Halls synopsis:
ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOW
A beguiling, sinister collection of 12 dark academia short stories from masters of the genre, including Olivie Blake, M.L. Rio, Susie Yang and more!
In these stories, dear student, retribution visits a lothario lecturer; the sinister truth is revealed about a missing professor; a forsaken lover uses a séance for revenge; an obsession blooms about a possible illicit affair; two graduates exhume the secrets of a reclusive scholar; horrors are uncovered in an obscure academic department; five hopeful initiates must complete a murderous task and much more!
Featuring brand-new stories from:
Olivie Blake
M.L. Rio
David Bell
Susie Yang
Layne Fargo
J.T. Ellison
James Tate Hill
Kelly Andrew
Phoebe Wynne
Kate Weinberg
Helen Grant
Tori Bovalino
Definition of dark academia in English:
dark academia
1. An internet subculture concerned with higher education, the arts, and literature, or an idealised version thereof with a focus on the pursuit of knowledge and an exploration of death.
2. A set of aesthetic principles. Scholarly with a gothic edge – tweed blazers, vintage cardigans, scuffed loafers, a worn leather satchel full of brooding poetry. Enthusiasts are usually found in museums and darkened libraries.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Overall, this collection of dark academia stories was an eclectic mixed bag. As expected, some stories were thematically relevant, gripping, moody and twisty. Other stories were a bit of a stretch for what I would classify as dark academia.
My top picks of the anthology are:
The Hare and the Hound
Phobos
Pythia
The Professor of Ontography
1000 Ships by Kate Weinberg: ⭐⭐⭐/ 3 stars
This is an intriguing, dark first chapter of a full novel called The Truants. I didn’t feel I had enough time to connect with Lorna Clay, and I was perplexed about how this was meant to be dark academia.
Pythia by Olivie Blake: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 4 stars
If you like techno-horror shows like Black Mirror, you’ll probably like this one. This timely tale explores the ethical implications of technology, exploring what it means to be human and the longing for genuine emotional connections.
It’s a unique format with a Q&A deposition + traditional narrative storytelling. I thought it would’ve been stronger as purely futuristic and speculative sci-fi and eliminated the fantasy/magical element, which was only vaguely explained. Still, it was one of the more memorable reads in this anthology.
Sabbatical by James Tate Hill: ⭐/ 1 star
Maybe the author intended for the MC and supporting cast to be unlikeable. Still, the churlish narration, especially when the MC and other characters spoke of weight and mental illness, didn’t sit comfortably with me. The one star is for the cat, Edward.
The Hare and the Hound by Kelly Andrew: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 4.5 stars
A creepy folkloric, whimsical and magical realism-infused horror short story that gripped me from beginning to end, about a boy tormented by inner demons and a prophecy he received from a seer at a fair regarding a white rabbit. One of my personal favourites in this anthology. Must remember to investigate more of Kelly Andrew.
X House by J.T Ellison: ⭐⭐⭐/ 3.5 stars
Reminiscent of The Grace Year meets boarding school stories, this short story explores the twisted, sinister depths of teenage girl cliques and relationships. However, the pacing wasn’t quite right, and I felt that a more in-depth length would’ve allowed this story to realise its full potential via richer world-building and plot.
The Ravages by Layne Fargo: ⭐⭐⭐/ 3 stars
Nothing groundbreaking, but revenge on a cheating lover is a dependable and entertaining trope.
Four Funerals by David Bell: DNF
Trigger warning: The subject matter of gun violence and school shootings is one I choose to actively avoid in my pursuit of reading for escapism and enjoyment. Skipped.
The Unknowable Pleasures by Susie Yang: ⭐⭐⭐/ 3.25 stars
A tale of an almost fetish-voyeuristic obsession over a charismatic professor and a speculated relationship with a student. The ending built up to what could’ve been a well-executed reveal or climatic point but then ended up being an anticlimactic—bold artistic choice, although it left me unsatisfied.
Weekend at Berties by M.L Rio: ⭐⭐⭐/ 3.5 stars
A solid character study in this one, with some lovely prose. This story explores the morals of what people would do if they found the dead body of an acquaintance in their house. Felt unfinished.
The Professor of Ontography by Helen Grant: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 4 stars
Creepily satisfying and uncanny love-horror story with an ending that gave me nostalgic R.L. Stine Goosebumps vibes.
Phobos by Tori Bovalino: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 4.5 stars
This one was a gripping, dark story with Ninth House vibes, exploring disturbing initiation rites into secret societies and the depraved extremities humans will go to in order to belong and get a leg up in life. This had a satisfying length, plot and ending despite being a short story. Still, I wouldn’t be bummed if Tori Bovalino expanded this into a longer book. It makes my top 3 in this anthology collection!
Playing by Phoebe Wynne: ⭐⭐⭐/ 3 stars
While the “reveal” was almost immediately obvious, this premise had intrigue and potential. Maybe it would be better executed as a longer story. I appreciate what seemed to be authentic musical knowledge of the keys engrained into the story.
My heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for the opportunity to read this work in exchange for an honest review.
View this dark academia anthology book review on GoodReads.
If you enjoyed In These Hallowed Halls, you may also enjoy reading:
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
