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.

- Wither -
- J. G. Passarella -

As the story goes, while browsing online I saw news of an upcoming novel from the 
author (who has now penned "Wither," "Wither's Rain," and "Wither's Legacy"). 
In several groups I visit, mention of this novel were made. At this point, I hadn't 
really heard of the series and of course hadn't read it. After digging in a little 
further, I found out that this was the third offering. Thinking this book sounded 
up my alley, I checked off a mental note in my head to scope out the original ASAP. 
On the way to work the next morning, lo and behold! 
On my bed lay a copy of the original "Wither." What can explain this? 
Well, in all reality, I had made a quick book run at the local goodwill and picked 
up about two stack fulls. This one was in there and had just happened to be one I 
threw on my bed before hearing news of the new installment of the series. I had 
forgotten I had bought it, so of course it was a pleasant surprise when I picked 
it up and realized the treasure I had held all along. 
Quickly finishing off a previous book and then burying myself into this one, I soon 
found myself unable to get out of the hole I had dug myself in. In one descriptive 
word, "Wither" is "amazing."
The characters of 'Wendy Ward,' 'Karen Glazer,' and 'Abby McNeil' as the main 
females were all well written.
'Wendy' especially stands out as the Wiccan practicing teenager who works at the 
local occult shop. 
'Karen Glazer,' the pregnant professor, has a disturbing role as well. 
'Abby' is an 8-year old child who doesn't have as many scenes, but when she IS 
shown, her character is convinvingly real.
While "Wither" is shown through the points of view of many, 'Wendy' is the main 
standout.
The evil witches are nasty, creepy things that make interesting villians. The 
mystery unfolds through bizarre dreams, exploring the towns history, a man's 
reputation, teenage love, and unexplained illnesses. A lot is at stake here - the 
town itself, an unborn child, the lives of two women and one child. Through it all 
the characters remain strong and intelligent, making reading about their trials a 
rewarding experience.
The atmosphere is well crafted for this type of novel;not overly dipped in dark and 
dreary undertones, it still does manage to convince that its horror, and well-done 
horror at that.
The novel, being a large one, doesn't jump right into the boiling pot at the get-go. 
Instead it takes a bit of its time to get to the potent stuff, but from the beginning 
the character development is powerful enough to take me under its spell.
Passarellas' writing style is easily digestible and clear. His suspenseful moments 
are well written and paced, his slower scenes still stay interesting and the finale 
plays off as a worthy finish to a  great book.
If you are intrigued by the idea of witches, this one's for you. The whole town has 
a history of the three hanged crones from long ago; the setting is superb for this 
type of plot and everything adds together to compliment each other.
Do yourself a favor and pick up your own copy of "Wither." Whether it 'supernaturally' 
ends up on your bed screaming to be read, mysteriously falls out of the sky, or else 
has to be hunted down at a bookstore, ignore how you got it and just read the damn 
thing.

Reviewed By Erin Williams.

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