Hall of Shadows

by Mariah Stillbrook

In the quiet life of Tess Moreau lies a remarkable power—her touch revives ashes, defying nature's laws. When she uncovers a mysterious book linked to her grandmother and a witch's coven, her journey begins. Guided by a cursed deck of oracle cards, Tess delves into The Hall of Shadows, a realm crafted by her ancestors. With each dimension traversed, she uncovers her true lineage—a descendant of mythical beings. As Tess's humanity wanes, her destiny beckons. At journey's end, she faces a choice: preserve or destroy the hall. In a tale of magic and identity, Tess's odyssey may end, but her legacy is just beginning—a testament to the power within us all.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

394 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2024

About the author

Mariah Stillbrook, originally from Iowa, is a pansexual, witchy author. She lives in Colorado with her German shepherd, husband, and little girl. She spends most of her days writing, reading, and enjoying the occasional hike. Though she's moving into multi-genre storytelling, she focuses her writing on urban fantasy and horror in both adult and young adult genres.

Author of In the Pines, The Erwain Trilogy, and Hall of Shadows.

Praise for In the Pines:

"Stillbrook penned an utterly mesmerizing tale full of magic spells and rituals, spirits and demons, and witches and their familiars." Readers' Favorite

Praise for The Lost Erwain:

"Mariah Stillbrook delivers a mesmerizing tale due to her stellar writing skills. It was like reading The Chronicles of Narnia all over again. Fantasy lovers will be pleased." Readers' Favorite

Praise for Hall of Shadows:

"This captivating tale contains family secrets, deception, mystery, adventure, paranormal elements, and drama. Mariah Stillbrook pulls her readers into a fully developed fantasy world brimming with enchantment and magic." Readers' Favorite

Reviews

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA story about witches and magic was a very entertaining book. The author builds an original magic system and world in this book is interesting to read about.

I will say that I struggled through Tess’s journey through the Hall. All the coded speak was confusing and I didn’t have an easy time keeping track. I don’t think I got anything out of that whole section of the book, as I’m not sure I understood what was happening through most of the scenarios and how they tied together to further Tess’s story.

Once she left the Hall though, things made sense again and it was engaging and suspenseful as the story unfolded.

Overall, the book was entertaining, and judging by everyone else’s reviews and ratings, this could have just been an issue with me not understanding parts of it. I liked the book and I would definitely be interested in continuing on with this series!

I received an advance reader copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Diane Billas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

Tess is a 15-year-old that just lost her mother and grandmother in a senseless mugging in NYC. Because of this, she gets bequeathed her grandmother's apartment and is suddenly sucked into the Hall of Shadows because of a cursed deck of oracle cards. There she has to go through 13 dimensions of shadow work and can't escape until all 13 are completed. Along the way Tess meets some interesting people including the captivating Liz. Will Tess be able to escape or is she destined to be stuck in the Hall forever?

Hall of Shadows is a unique and twisted story—I’ve never read anything like it! From the moment I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked, wanting to know more about the next shadow that Tess had to overcome. There is mystery, heartbreak, betrayal, and finding oneself in the least likely places. Really recommend this book!

[Misti Jorges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hall of Shadows is the second book I've read by Mariah Stillbrook and I've loved both of them. This is not a book that's packed with action but it does read smoothly from one event to the next so you're not bored.

Tess knows she doesn't fit in anywhere though is never quite sure why. Well, minus her little trick of turning ash back to whatever form it was previously. The only people she seems to get along with are the couple who run a witchy shop and teach her how to read tarot cards. When her grandmother and mother are found murdered, weird things begin to happen and she finds out she did not know her grandmother nearly as well as she thought.

When she goes to the Hall of Shadows, Tess is forced to go through one door after another, slowly learning about her lineage and the dangers she never knew was out there. As she continues through the Hall, she loses a piece of herself each time as well. Can she get through all the rooms intact and face her grandmother's and mother's murderer?

I do like witchy and coming-of-age books and I feel like this book delivers on that. I loved the different rooms which were very unique from each other and had different requirements for her to pass through to the next. At one point, she asks why they can't just tell her everything at once in which the reply is that it would be too much and she wouldn't be able to take it all in that way. I think that was clever not only because it allowed for the book to keep moving but also because of the truth of that statement. Had she been told everything at once, even the reader would have had a difficult time keeping everything straight I think. This allowed us to go on the journey with her and figure things out.

I gave it four stars because there isn't any scene that has climactic action to it. There is one scene where she has to use a flamethrower on undead which is really cool but I was looking more for the Big Final Battle, which never appeared. The defeat of the Big Bad was pretty anticlimactic. The action in the book is still good but it stays level throughout. There were times where, even though we weren't given all the information at once to absorb, I was still a little confused as to what was going on.

But as a whole, I did enjoy Hall of Shadows and I would definitely read it again.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a beautiful, haunting, magical read this book was. Mariah gives her readers a rollercoaster of ups and downs within the book as our MC journeys to discover so much about herself, the power she holds, and the empowerment she develops along said journey. Being a book dedicated to outcasts, this read is great for anyone still trying to find their place. We all feel out of place at some point and this story reminds us to not give up and find the place we thrive.

Tess is 15 years old and doesn’t fit in anywhere in her world. Having magic that no one seems to understand, she doesn’t have anyone who can help her with this power either. She experiences a devastating loss of her mom and grandma, but it’s then that weird things begin happening in her life. As life unfolds, she discovers a lot of her family history has been kept buried and nothing is at it seems.

When she comes to the Hall of Shadows, each door takes her through a trial and exposes more family history, secrets, and insight. But even as the Hall of Shadows gives her information, it takes a small piece of her away as well. Staying intact to get to the end is of the utmost importance, but also the hardest thing Tess has ever had to do.

Classified as young adult horror, this book captured me and I was here for the journey it took me on. Compared to other fantasy books I have read, I could say it wasn’t as exciting, but then remembering the age this book was written for, it was well done. Mariah does a wonderful job of world building and the growth we do see Tess go through is evident as she begins to believe in her own strength!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🌹Urban Fantasy
🥀Magical Creatures
🌹Young Adult
🥀Family Secrets
🌹LCBTQIA+ Rep
🥀Power Trials

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been an age since I read a YA novel. I'm so glad I picked up Mariah Stillbrook's Hall of Shadows. Oddly enough, parts of this story reminded me of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, which is whimsical but a dark whimsy and far more dangerous.


For a standalone, this world was surprisingly complex. The story started well enough, but then a greater mystery was revealed that kept me on my toes because I honestly didn't know what was happening at first. I went along with MFC Tess (who describes herself as "a recluseteenager whose best friends were, like, thirty."). I loved her, by the way, and as she's figuring things out, so am I. There were more "so that's what that meant" moments than I can count. The world was wondrous yet inky. Everything is tied together, revealing this compelling fantasy with Tess undertaking trials and meeting a bunch of fantastical people in the process who have their own story yet are tied to a greater one.


This story is dark and filled with tons of magic, but it was also part psychological "thriller" it seems like the wrong word, but I don't know what else fits. Tess had to go on this journey to uncover parts of herself that she didn't even know about. She also learns of her grandmother's story, which is far more interesting than it had any right to be.


Two words to describe Hall of Shadows:  unapologetically intriguing. The story sunk its hooks in me and kept pulling me deeper. I felt like I fell into a whole new world and was sad to give up the dark and wondrous things when the story ended. What a completely unexpected read. This is my first Stillbrook read; I want more.

[Robin.Bookish.Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a YA read with a breathtakingly unique story that is a hauntingly exquisite whirlwind of magic and suspense, with monsters that are both twisted and intelligent, witches, cursed oracle decks, shadow realms, and family secrets that are filled with heart break and betrayal. A coming-of-age story which allows for beautiful character development and wisdom through the pain.

This story follows Tess, a 15-year-old girl who is an outcast not only in her school, community and within her friend group but within her own family. With a magic that allows her to restore life to ashes, she has no one she can turn to for guidance. After the sudden and tragic death of her mother and grandmother in NYC, Tess finds a cursed oracle deck and embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the trials set forth by the deck. The story progressed as she goes through the 13 dimensions of shadow and attempts to complete the trials. Will she make it out of the darkness, or will she fall deeper and be swallowed by it??

I have always been a huge fan of Mariah Stillbrook's world building, and this is no exception. It’s masterfully created and detailed in a way that leaps off the page and allows me to see it clearly in my mind. I especially love how the story comes full circle and doesn’t leave random questions hanging or plot holes after your done reading. This really is one of my new favorite reads and will be added to my ALWAYS RECOMMEND list!! Watch out, this book is heavily addicting!!

[Sweetpea4me · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The shadows may draw energy from you, but you - being in charge of your own darkness-may draw just as much power from them."

This book grew on me. It started out a little slow and some events seemed coincidental, but once she got to the hall of shadows things really took off. It all started with "Welcome to the library"

Being different, Tess didn't have many friends (except Jamae,who practiced witchcraft and owned a shop called Hexed, and her boyfriend Ethan.) It was in this shop she found a book that contained her grandmother's (whom had passed) signature. From there, she searched out the author and learned of The Hall of Shadows and a link to her grandma.

This hall was navigated by a tarot deck. Each card was a different dimension. Tess had to learn how to embrace her darkness to find out who or what she is.

I became so investigated in taking in all the breadcrumbs left for us. My fav card was The Opera, but my favorite part was the room with the books that contained all the residents. Each book was a different person and their life story.

The revelation was pretty gnarly (you'll understand when you read it), and I especially liked the LGBT representation. Each character is so intricate to the story. Hall of Shadows also gives Phantasma vibes. Both make the reader feel immersed as if they are right next to the characters navigating everything with them.

Don't sleep on this book! Start it today!

[Samantha Picaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess has always been an outsider and her power to revive ashes has not helped. She goes on a journey to discover the origin of her magic and the secrets of her grandmother when she delves into a realm called the Hall of Shadows with the guidance of cursed oracle cards.
I really loved this book! What drew me in the first place was the idea of cursed oracle cards and going through personal trials in another world based on those cards. It gave me very strong Persona series vibes, and I’m a fan of that video game series. The uncertainty of whether or not the shadows and humans alike were allies or enemies added to the excitement and further challenged Tess. Most of all, I liked the book’s message that it is okay to embrace the parts of ourselves society tells us to ignore or banish. Tess went through so much growth through each trial and the ending of the book made it clear her growth is far from over.
Also has following elements/tropes:
-MC with powers
-LGBTQIA+ rep
-outcast MC
-another world
-family secrets
-sarcastic MC
-MC who is not human (at least not entirely)
-New York setting (at least in human world)
-tests for the MC
-close grandma-granddaughter relationship

[Kara Beauchamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up 15-year-old Tess has always been an outsider. Growing up in privilege she never really fit in. Tess was given the gift of magic but was never able to fully tap into it. Tess loses her mother and her beloved grandmother. Tess is bequeathed her grandmother’s apartment and is sucked into The Hall of Shadows. Tess finds herself on a journey to uncover the origin of her magic and the secrets kept by her grandmother. Tess’ journey is lead by cursed oracle cards. Will she make it through all 13 dimensions and escape the Hall of Shadows or will she be stuck forever?

I really liked this book. It was such a unique journey that sucked me into to Hall of Shadows with Tess. I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what the next shadow had to offer Tess. This book has mystery, family secrets, heartbreak, and a journey to find oneself in the last place you’d expect. It reminds you to embrace what makes you unique in a world where society says otherwise. Also - the writing was so well done and you are given complete descriptions and amazing imagery. I felt like I could visualize everything in my head. Highly recommend this book.

[Lesley DeBow · Rating 5 out of 5]

15-year-old Tess has never fit in at home, at school, with family, or with friends. She has a kind of magic that she doesn’t really understand and does not talk about with anyone. When her mother and grandmother pass, she is left her grandmothers apartment and embarks on a journey to discover more about her magic and who she is with the help of a deck of magical oracle cards.

I really enjoyed this book!!! I was drawn to the idea of the deck of oracle cards acting as a guide through a journey of self discovery for whoever holds the cards. Tess’s story was intricate and full of family secrets, betrayal, and heartbreak. Hall of Shadows was a wonderful story with a message to embrace who you are despite what society claims to be acceptable or the “norm”. Everyone is given the choice to decide for themselves whether or not they want to choose the light or choose to embrace their shadows. The writing style was so enjoyable to read and the imagery brought you right into the book alongside Tess. I loved how everything connected full circle as the story came to a close. Will definitely be recommending!!!

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 4 out of 5]

An, amazingly, different book, with an original take on magic and its place within worlds. There is an incredible amount to learn in this book and it took me a while to be able to access it, fully, and then it all clicked into place. The whole idea of shadows is very well conceived and Tess’s journey of discovery was one for me, too. I’m grateful that I have a strong background in fantasy as I would have found this book a challenge. As it was, I enjoyed it and followed, eagerly, as Tess grew from human into her ultimate incarnation. Mariah Stillbrook’s characters are well developed; even those with a lesser role have substance. The plot pulls the reader along at a good pace and Tess’s journey through the Hall of Shadows is epic. I know that this is a book I shall read multiple times and, by doing so, I’ll discover mor each time.

[melissa Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, its different. The author created a unique magic system and world which was interesting and entertaining. The shadow hall is intriguing,  I enjoyed the 13 dimensions and the work tess had to do within herself and to find her grandfather.

As the teenager who never fit in, I sympathise with Tess, teenage years are hard enough without finding out you are heir to the shadow Hall and have magical powers, not to mention a mother who never wanted you and a father who she thinks doesn't understand her.

It's a coming of age story that we can all understand, learning about ones true self and learning to accept who we are.

The ending was lovely and I'm glad there was no big climatic end as I think this would have spoilt the story, its left open ended which leave the opportunity to carry on the story.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brand-new world to become obsessed with. A shadow world so to speak. Tess’s family has a past that comes out. There is a mystery factor in play as Tess has to maneuver through this Hall of Shadows, while learning about herself and her past. 

There is a very diverse and fantastical set of characters. Witches, Wraiths, Sirens, and Vampires. There’s found family representation as Tess does not do well with people her age, and while she is discovering her Witch ancestry, she meets others that help and guide her. Whether they are all on her side or are in the midst of betraying her or have already betrayed her, can only be discovered through the pages. 

I couldn’t put it down. 

#hallofshadows #mariahstillbrook #witchesandvampires #fantasy 

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to CJM and Mariah Stillbrook for the ARC.

“It hurts any time we let go of a piece of ourselves.”

This was one of the coolest stories I’ve read in awhile. Such a unique and intriguing concept—a girl who can recreate things from ashes, a cursed deck of oracle cards, and having to navigate 13 shadow dimensions while learning your family is…uhhh…not exactly average?! Yes, please!

In addition to the great plot and characters, I was in love with the prose. Truly beautiful lines and phrases, great descriptions and imagery, etc. I barely notice the writing in most modern books, so everything about this was an unexpected treat.

[Booktokqutiepie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great ya witchy coming of age story!

This story centers on Tess a 15 year old who just lost her mother and grandmother to tragedy and all that’s left to her are her own unique powers to return anything from ask and a cursed tarot card deck.

This tarot card deck takes her to the Hall of shadows where she undergoes 13 trials to uncover hidden truths, family secrets and more. A great book about self discovery and overcoming adversity and finding strength in one’s self.

I rate this book a solid 4⭐️ and would recommend this to anyone within the appropriate age range for this book or anyone who enjoys ya witchy fantasy.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled in the beginning getting into this book. I felt like the story of Tess was a little all over the place and the random use of “groovy” and “rad” didn’t really belong. But when Tess got into her true journey I couldn’t put it down. The journey was extremely well written and I enjoyed each and every step. The ending to me was a bit all over the place and I felt like the “romance” was forced and could have been left out of the book entirely because it didn’t make a whole lot of sense with the rest of the storyline.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would. I think growing up as a teenage girl who never fit in with a mother who was absent made me really connect with Tess. The details in this book had me in the Hall of Shadows. This book is one I will be thinking about for a long time.

"It is time for you to introduce yourself to the feelings you have hidden in the shadows. It is time to walk with the storm."

[Carmen DaVinleam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the first page! It was a hero’s journey that was just enthralling.
Tess is an amazing YA FMC. I love the hero's journey in steps! Tess has an awesome power and delves deep when she discovers a deck of oracle cards with that power. I can't say enough good things about this book. I loved the magic and the monsters. This book is deep and I can't wait for more by Mariah Stillbrook! I just loved this book!!! I don't want to say too much because I hate spoilers, but it's a fantastic read.

[N.K. Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really deep book with an unique plot and plenty of magic.
The prose was engaging and the main character well developed.
There were a lot of secondary and passing characters introduced in the central section which I often found confusing, having to re-read to keep them straight.
But if you love magic and heavy plot-driven works, this is for you!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read I felt like Tess’ confidant, being the only one to hear her amazing coming of age story. The casual dialogue and her youth pull you into the shadows with her.

An enthralling romp much like Alice in Wonderland but through a deep dark tarot card spread. You’ll meet disturbed but wise characters as you follow Tess on the way to her destiny.

Download and read this - RIGHT NOW!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. It is quite possibly my favorite read of all year! Mariah did an excellent job building the world and characters, the story was suspenseful & grabs you from the very beginning.
Tess self discovery journey is both fascinating and heartbreaking. I can’t wait to read more (crossing my fingers).

[Kerin Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars ⭐️ YA this is about a tennage girl that has no idea who she is. Starts on a path of discovery and lies. Solid read the world building and intrigue is so good. Witchcraft and covens. Light and shadows. I would reccomend! -Kerin

[Micki-D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hall of shadows is an entertaining journey like no other. It’s a twisty ride full of heartbreak, betrayal, mystery, suspense, witches, family secrets, wraiths, sirens, vampires, a shadow realms and the journey of finding oneself in the least likely of places.

[Nelly]

show I read or the book cover missing with me because it look so gorgeous ?????

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book journey will be unlike any you've encountered before. It took me a while to read because so much happens. So many passages need read again. I'd call it an epic journey. The description does a good job overshadowing what is to come. You'll never ever guess the things that happen the last 50 pages. This book is a wonderful tale and I am so thankful to have come across it! Prepare to have your mind blown.