Long before the film there was the written word. Long before we settled down in
front of video or now DVD players for our fright-fests, we would read tales of 
terror by candlelight.
For most, this has been lost, however there are still those that prefer the pages
to celluloid or even both and why not?
This section then is for you. To help you to search through the rubbish and find
stories worth your time to read. If you're an avid reader of horror novels then
why not join 'Castle Dracula' as an official 'staff member' reviewing them.
To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff' link in the menu to the left for details
of this and other vacancies.

- Minion -
- L.A. Banks -

"Minion" is a delectable morsel that promises to be part of a much larger, tantalizing 
entree. Filled to the brim with genuine emotion, action around every corner, delicious 
characterization and an even, rapid pace -- this one's a definite addition to any vampire 
or horror addicts plate. When the ending came around I was drooling for more; my own 
bloodlust was so aroused I will personally hunt down the next addition just to sate my 
newfound hunger. 
"Minion" kept me enthralled from the first chapter. Beginning with people from simpler 
times, it leaves the reader in a daze and a cliffhanger of sorts, only to lure us closer
to the main course. I wasn't quite sure what to think at different moments; I went from 
having my questions about a certain person, to trying to unravel the plot in my head, 
to trying to figure out the outcome. To my delight I couldn't accomplish ANY of these 
things, and as a result this story ended up as my favorite type: unpredictable and knuckle
grinding. 
The only complaint I could find about this one -- and it took plenty of searching to 
conjure up ANY negativity, believe you me -- was that I wanted more. The ending left me 
unsatisfied simply because I am not the biggest fan of cliffhangers. I was rabid with
curiosity about what bloody mess 'Damali' and her crew would drop into my lap next and 
I have to wait to get it. But of course that technique IS the best way to draw in faithful 
fans for the next installments. 
It brings to mind what the main big bad vampire 'Nuit' said (although not in these words) 
-- "the newly turned will want to return to the master's cup." 
That being said, I for one want to know more about that vampire!
Proper suspense was built at the right moments; there's plenty of violence to satisfy 
the graphic crowd. The atmosphere was tight, dark, gritty. But thankfully this book did 
not revolve around endless, pointless violence only for the sake of doing so -- it had a 
heart AND a soul. The style was all about realism in a fantasy we ourselves do not reside 
in. 
'Damali Richards' is a character easy to identify with. Strong and somewhat stubborn, she 
is young, spirited, ambitious, but also very well-rounded. She has her doubts and is 
experiencing her own version of growing pains; being able to bond so well with her helped 
this reader keep her smile. 
The other characters all had their own personal magic, and while at time I had thoughts 
about whether I would have liked to slug the "mother" 'Marlene' or not, in the end her 
personality shone through and it all made more sense. 
Although the bulk of the story is through the eyes of the Vampire huntress 'Damali,' Banks 
also changes pace by showing different avenues of interest through the minds and actions 
of other key players such as 'Carlos,' a man with his own personal kingdom. 
Banks writing style is beautifully written and interesting. The book starts out a bit 
slow but picks up the pace soon enough and proves worth the wait.
Walk, run, hitchhike to the nearest bookstore to pick yourself up a copy. Or else take 
the lazy route like I do and just click onto the Internet. 

Reviewed By Erin Williams.

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