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3.4 AVERAGE
3.4 AVERAGE
There are, in a general sense, three things that detracted from this book’s ability to be enjoyable.
Firstly, dark academia is not a genre I’d believe to lend itself well to short stories, and this proves that quite true. The draws of the genre: the atmosphere, the deep character work, the subtle building of unease— all of those are infinitely harder to include in such a succinct format as short stories. So the very concept of “In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology” is working against it.
On a similar note, dark academia is not a diverse genre, by any means. In fact, it’s one of the most monolithic genres I can think of. Many of the stories featured in this anthology lack uniqueness when it comes to plot, which is not always a bad thing, but no other aspect of them picked up the slack. The writing all felt very mediocre and did nothing to lift the relatively basic narratives. That’s the crux of the issue; I wouldn’t call any of these stories bad, but indifference is not what an author wants to invoke from readers and that’s mostly what I experienced.
And lastly, as both a caveat and valid talking point, I’m not particularly familiar with short story anthologies in general. The format has never been one I’ve read much of. This book drew me due to its genre and a few notable authors I was interested in. So as both context for my review and a heads up to anyone else looking to read this: “In These Hallowed Halls” is not the book to get you into anthologies or to sate your dark academia cravings.
I’d like to reiterate that there is nothing particularly wrong with this collection, but there is also not much in the way of excellence. It is a book, it exists, and I feel mostly nothing about that fact.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
Firstly, dark academia is not a genre I’d believe to lend itself well to short stories, and this proves that quite true. The draws of the genre: the atmosphere, the deep character work, the subtle building of unease— all of those are infinitely harder to include in such a succinct format as short stories. So the very concept of “In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology” is working against it.
On a similar note, dark academia is not a diverse genre, by any means. In fact, it’s one of the most monolithic genres I can think of. Many of the stories featured in this anthology lack uniqueness when it comes to plot, which is not always a bad thing, but no other aspect of them picked up the slack. The writing all felt very mediocre and did nothing to lift the relatively basic narratives. That’s the crux of the issue; I wouldn’t call any of these stories bad, but indifference is not what an author wants to invoke from readers and that’s mostly what I experienced.
And lastly, as both a caveat and valid talking point, I’m not particularly familiar with short story anthologies in general. The format has never been one I’ve read much of. This book drew me due to its genre and a few notable authors I was interested in. So as both context for my review and a heads up to anyone else looking to read this: “In These Hallowed Halls” is not the book to get you into anthologies or to sate your dark academia cravings.
I’d like to reiterate that there is nothing particularly wrong with this collection, but there is also not much in the way of excellence. It is a book, it exists, and I feel mostly nothing about that fact.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
challenging
dark
mysterious
these dark academia short stories were spooky, suspenseful, and definitely unsettling at times! a wonderful sample of the genre
I don’t have much to say, this anthology was a significant let-down. I was disappointed by tye introduction, whose purpose was to advertise the book and not introducing anything to think about on the genre of dark academia. Further, a portion of the anthologies did not take place at an academy or provide any criticism on dark academia. Was more based on vibes, which is just not my cup of tea.
On a side note, Olivie’s story was incredible.
On a side note, Olivie’s story was incredible.
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Usually anthologies are pretty hit or miss for me but I'm happy to report that this one had more hits than misses! I don't know if it's because I like the dark academia aesthetic or if it's just because I like a lot of the contributing authors but I enjoyed reading this collection and seeing how each author interpreted the concept of dark academia. Here are my brief thoughts on each of the stories.
-1000 Ships (2 stars): not the strongest start to the anthology and it was a pretty basic and straightforward story. I didn't hate it but it left a little to be desired.
-Pythia (4 stars): not exactly dark academia but a great black mirror esque sci-fi story that explores a sentient oracle AI. Olivie Blake does it again
-Sabbatical (1 star): the main character was so unlikable and annoying. It was also a little hard to follow the descriptions of people and things that were happening.
-The Hare and the Hound (5 stars): one of my favorites in the collection. Super surreal and spooky with a lot of neat mythological ties and a fun character arc. Need to check out more Kelly Andrew
-X House (4 stars): the pacing was a little odd but I loved the way the author described the world and the characters in such a detailed way in a very short amount of time. Also the twist was unexpected and very entertaining.
-The Ravages (5 stars): probably the most fun interpretation of dark academia I've seen. The story is very cute and funny and the twist was excellent. A very unexpected and surprising revenge story.
-Four Funerals (2 stars): I don't think this was the best way to address a very difficult and sensitive subject matter but I will say the depiction of survivor's guilt was done very well.
-The Unknowable Pleasures (1 star): this one just annoyed me. Not dark academia at all and the main character was extremely insufferable. I get that it was supposed to call out the fetishization of gay relationships but it was just so gross to hear about how obsessed she was with them and then the ending was anticlimactic.
-Weekend at Bertie's (5 stars): I might be a little biased because If We Were Villains is one of my all time favorite books but this was such a fun story. M.L. Rio is such a versatile writer and is so good at writing realistic, interesting characters.
-The Professor of Ontography (3 stars): the central mystery was fantastic and the ending was chilling but I can't help but think that this would have been better if it was a little shorter or if the time skip didn't happen. It messed with the pacing and created a bit of a plot hole.
-Phobos (5 stars): another one of my favorites in the collection! The secret society was so neat and the story was very engaging. I would read a whole book about these characters and this initiation.
-Playing (1 star): a very weak one to end on, honestly I skimmed most of it and saw the end reveal coming from a mile away. Phobos would have been a stronger story to end on.
-1000 Ships (2 stars): not the strongest start to the anthology and it was a pretty basic and straightforward story. I didn't hate it but it left a little to be desired.
-Pythia (4 stars): not exactly dark academia but a great black mirror esque sci-fi story that explores a sentient oracle AI. Olivie Blake does it again
-Sabbatical (1 star): the main character was so unlikable and annoying. It was also a little hard to follow the descriptions of people and things that were happening.
-The Hare and the Hound (5 stars): one of my favorites in the collection. Super surreal and spooky with a lot of neat mythological ties and a fun character arc. Need to check out more Kelly Andrew
-X House (4 stars): the pacing was a little odd but I loved the way the author described the world and the characters in such a detailed way in a very short amount of time. Also the twist was unexpected and very entertaining.
-The Ravages (5 stars): probably the most fun interpretation of dark academia I've seen. The story is very cute and funny and the twist was excellent. A very unexpected and surprising revenge story.
-Four Funerals (2 stars): I don't think this was the best way to address a very difficult and sensitive subject matter but I will say the depiction of survivor's guilt was done very well.
-The Unknowable Pleasures (1 star): this one just annoyed me. Not dark academia at all and the main character was extremely insufferable. I get that it was supposed to call out the fetishization of gay relationships but it was just so gross to hear about how obsessed she was with them and then the ending was anticlimactic.
-Weekend at Bertie's (5 stars): I might be a little biased because If We Were Villains is one of my all time favorite books but this was such a fun story. M.L. Rio is such a versatile writer and is so good at writing realistic, interesting characters.
-The Professor of Ontography (3 stars): the central mystery was fantastic and the ending was chilling but I can't help but think that this would have been better if it was a little shorter or if the time skip didn't happen. It messed with the pacing and created a bit of a plot hole.
-Phobos (5 stars): another one of my favorites in the collection! The secret society was so neat and the story was very engaging. I would read a whole book about these characters and this initiation.
-Playing (1 star): a very weak one to end on, honestly I skimmed most of it and saw the end reveal coming from a mile away. Phobos would have been a stronger story to end on.
First I would like to say 1) I don't like short story collections as a general rule but 2) dark academia is one of my favourite genres to read.
I feel like some stories didn't really fit in the image I have of "dark academia" and some I'm just completely indifferent to. In the end, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, the last stories are great, they really left the best for last but still put some really good ones throughout the book.
I wrote notes for every story so I'll leave it here:
1000 Ships - Kate Weinberg
The writing style is really good and it felt creepy in the right amount. I've read the truants before so it was nice seeing the "prequel" and a little bit more about one of the characters.
4/5
Pythia - Olivie Blake
Oh, how I missed Olive Blake's writing. Her way with words speak very closely to my heart, it's a feeling that I can't describe. The story itself was just interesting, but the writing was exactly what I wanted it to be.
4.5/5
Sabbatical - James Tate Hill
I'm indifferent to it.
2/5
The Hare and the Hound - Kelly Andrew
It was really good.
4/5
X House - J. T. Ellison
Could've been a full length novel, I can't help but feel like it was kinda wasted in a short story.
4.5/5
The Ravages - Layne Fargo
Interesting choice naming the book after this story. I like the atmosphere but I don't know how I feel about the ending.
3.5/5
Four Funerals - David Bell
I'm completely indifferent to this one, only didn't dnf because it was short.
2/5
The Unknowable Pleasures - Susie Yang
This would be immaculate as a novel about obsession, it's still pretty good as it is but I can't help but think "what if".
4/5
Weekend at Bertie's - M. L. Rio
If We Were Villains if one of my favourite books of all time, and I'm so so happy to have another story by ml rio.
4/5
The Professor of Ontography - Helen Grant
This was by far the best short story in this collection up until now. Well constructed and truly feels like it had the right length for the story it told.
4.5/5
Phobos - Tori Bovalino
This one was great, I think it would've been a smart choice to put it as the last one, as it could've been a great way to end it.
5/5
Playing - Phoebe Wynne
Also a great story, even though I still think Phobos should've been in the end. But this works too.
4/5
I feel like some stories didn't really fit in the image I have of "dark academia" and some I'm just completely indifferent to. In the end, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, the last stories are great, they really left the best for last but still put some really good ones throughout the book.
I wrote notes for every story so I'll leave it here:
1000 Ships - Kate Weinberg
The writing style is really good and it felt creepy in the right amount. I've read the truants before so it was nice seeing the "prequel" and a little bit more about one of the characters.
4/5
Pythia - Olivie Blake
Oh, how I missed Olive Blake's writing. Her way with words speak very closely to my heart, it's a feeling that I can't describe. The story itself was just interesting, but the writing was exactly what I wanted it to be.
4.5/5
Sabbatical - James Tate Hill
I'm indifferent to it.
2/5
The Hare and the Hound - Kelly Andrew
It was really good.
4/5
X House - J. T. Ellison
Could've been a full length novel, I can't help but feel like it was kinda wasted in a short story.
4.5/5
The Ravages - Layne Fargo
Interesting choice naming the book after this story. I like the atmosphere but I don't know how I feel about the ending.
3.5/5
Four Funerals - David Bell
I'm completely indifferent to this one, only didn't dnf because it was short.
2/5
The Unknowable Pleasures - Susie Yang
This would be immaculate as a novel about obsession, it's still pretty good as it is but I can't help but think "what if".
4/5
Weekend at Bertie's - M. L. Rio
If We Were Villains if one of my favourite books of all time, and I'm so so happy to have another story by ml rio.
4/5
The Professor of Ontography - Helen Grant
This was by far the best short story in this collection up until now. Well constructed and truly feels like it had the right length for the story it told.
4.5/5
Phobos - Tori Bovalino
This one was great, I think it would've been a smart choice to put it as the last one, as it could've been a great way to end it.
5/5
Playing - Phoebe Wynne
Also a great story, even though I still think Phobos should've been in the end. But this works too.
4/5
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A