Atlas of Unknowable Things by McCormick Templeman Summary PDF

Atlas of Unknowable Things by McCormick Templeman Summary

 Atlas of Unknowable Things by McCormick Templeman. This book had so much potential, and we’ll talk about that. Let’s start with the summary first. It is scheduled for release on October 7th, 2025, and it carries dark academia vibes with a mix of mystery, fiction, and a touch of horror.

It’s described as perfect for fans of The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, with a modern Gothic twist. High in the Rocky Mountains, on a secluded campus, sits Hillard College—a celebrated institution known for scientific innovation and its sprawling botanical gardens. Historian Robin Quain has been awarded a residency to examine Hillard’s impressive collection of ancient manuscripts. But she has a secret: she’s actually on the hunt for an artifact, one she must find before her former best friend–turned–professional rival gets his hands on it first.

However, Hillard has secrets of its own. Strange sounds echo across the alpine lake. Lights flicker through the pipes, and the faculty seem more like Jazz Age glitterati than academics. There’s also a professor who holds the key to Robin’s research—but she vanished suddenly last spring. What exactly did she do at the college, and why does no one want to talk about her?

As Robin searches for answers, an unknown source sends her cryptic messages that make her question whether she’s the one doing the hunting—or if someone is hunting her. Drawing on historical, botanical, and occult research and steeped in Gothic tradition, Atlas of Unknowable Things considers what it means to search for meaning through science, only to come face to face with the sublime. The book is approximately 320 pages in hardcover and, as mentioned, is due for release on October 7th, 2025.

This book was interesting—it had a lot of potential. But first and foremost, none of the characters are likable. I don’t think characters always need to be likable, but there has to be some reason to keep reading. At some points, as I was listening to the audiobook (which was well done, by the way), I found myself hate-listening because everyone was just so self-centered.

Especially Robin—there are so many moments where she’s constantly accusing people in her head of lying to her, even though she’s lying about her own reasons for being there. She gets angry at everyone for doing exactly what she’s doing. The hypocrisy was hard to take.

The other characters—Aspen, Finn, Jorian, and another girl whose name I can’t remember—are also not very enjoyable. They’ve been at this college in academic roles for years, and Robin storms in like she owns the place. She’s constantly offended when they don’t share information or let her into certain rooms. I wanted to yell, “You’re an outsider, calm down!”

Robin’s backstory involves a best friend named Charles, with whom she conducted research. Apparently, he stole her work, published it, and abandoned her. She’s understandably bitter, but as the story unfolds, her recollections shift slightly each time. That made me question whether she’s a reliable narrator.

Throughout the book, the setting feels oddly empty. For a college known for scientific innovation, there are only about five people around. Maybe it’s summer, but still—it feels eerie. The Rocky Mountains setting was atmospheric, sure, but the tone and references felt more fitting for an old European university. The occult and ancient manuscript elements didn’t fully match the Colorado backdrop.

I’d rate this book around 3.5 to 3.75 stars. The first 60–65% dragged, and it wasn’t until the last portion that the story actually became interesting. Suddenly, the tone shifts—from dark academia to supernatural sci-fi—which felt abrupt. There were hints of witchcraft and pagan relics earlier, but the transition still felt like a sharp turn.

As for reviews, Satie Hartman mentioned that she enjoyed the audiobook for helping her stay patient through the slower, more scholarly parts. I agree—the narrator made it bearable. But even after finishing it, I still don’t understand why it’s called Atlas of Unknowable Things. The title feels disconnected from the story.

Another reviewer, Erin, pointed out something that really resonated with me: the main character is invited into someone else’s space and immediately starts breaking into private rooms and snooping. Exactly! It’s the kind of behavior that makes you want to yell, “Mind your own business!”

The book does take some unexpected turns. Some readers will love that; others won’t. I just wish the author had integrated the later revelations earlier in the story instead of saving everything for the end. The premise was strong, but the execution felt uneven.

Usually, I don’t review books below four stars, but lately, I’ve been including ones that fall into the 3.5–3.75 range because they’re still worth talking about. I’m not sure yet how I’ll officially rate this one—maybe a three, maybe a four—but the premise intrigued me enough to share it.

This could be a “hate read” for some and a fantastic discovery for others. Out of 206 reviews, about 48% of readers gave it four or five stars, which isn’t bad. The rest hovered around the middle, just like me.

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