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.

- University -
- Bentley Little -

'Jim Parker,' editor of UC Brea's newspaper, did not want to come back to school this 
semester. He should have listened to himself, because something evil has invaded the 
California campus once praised for its high honors. Now violent death is crowding out 
pep rallies for space on the front page...and leaving streaks of bloody ink in its wake.
'Faith Pullen' was wary of taking the job at the library. She should have listened to 
herself, because something evil is lurking in the stacks - and setting its sights on 
the entire campus. No-one knows who started this bloody epidemic, but a terrifying 
question remains in the minds of all: Who in the hell can stop it??
Bentley Little does it yet again with "University"...although unfortunately there are 
more flaws here than some of his other works.
Two students going to a college begin trapped in a desperate struggle to unwrap a 
mystery that's killing their fellow students and threatening their existence. I don't 
wish to give away more of the plot than that, as it may put a hamper on the story if 
you read it yourself.
'Jim Parker' is a great character. He's three dimensional and focused. It was interesting 
for me, an adult woman, to see through the eyes of a college student male. He appeared 
stable and reacted the way I figured most would. His life was interesting and that made 
it even more fun. He had his own classic sets of internal struggles.
'Faith Pullen's' life comes off a bit harsher but she has that strong sense of self that 
I admire. She's enjoyable to read about because, not only does she come across as 
genuine, she comes across as a survivor. Yucky about her mom and what the woman 
does with sodas!
Like his other books, Bentley Little is dark here. Except this time he's a bit too 
unbalanced for my tastes. Some of the gore was a bit too excessive, the violence a little 
unnecessary -- to where they became the focal points more than the story itself.
Finally, "University" is worth a read but it's nothing as shattering as his other works. 
Many books leave a taste in my mouth when they are unpleasant -- and usually this is a 
good aftertaste. This one, however, didn't agree with my taste buds as well. It just came 
across a little too senseless and exploitational, not concentrating as much on story and 
shock factor.

Reviewed By Erin Williams.

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