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.

- Neverland -
- Douglas Clegg -

Every time I thought I may have figured out what was going on, that theory was always 
tossed out the window when I delved further into this harrowing cauldron bubbling with 
nightmares and fantasy. Clegg kept me on my toes, to the point where at times it began 
to grow painful... 
Douglas Clegg is a master of fantasy and imagination. THIS plot is nothing simple; it 
turns out to be creative and unpredictable as hell and I stand with applause for the 
hours he must have spent brainstorming this one. 
Basically, there is a secret place called 'Neverland.' A young boy, 'Beau Jackson,' 
joins his cousin 'Sumter' in some strange games that unleashes an evil force (so to 
speak).
The setting of the novel is powerful. The old house, the shack, even the water -- 
everything is painted clearly on the pages, and I really felt like I was there 
experiencing it all. 
Besides animals there is cruelty in what the children go through with parents who have 
some serious issues. 
The old grandmother is seen as a benevolent force, but as the story continued my 
thoughts about the woman changed. Trouble was, I kept trying to put her into some sort 
of conspiracy when trying to figure out just what was going on. 
It's rare to find novels told completely through the eyes of a child, but this one 
pulls that trick and succeeds with dazzling effects. 'Beau' is adorable and likable 
while just now crossing that line into semi-adult intelligence. His accompanied sisters 
are less enjoyable but realistic enough in actions. 'Sumter' himself -- it's hard to 
know what to think of him. You either think he's a bit of a brat, or else feel incredibly 
sorry for the little lad. 
Whatever your thoughts on the kids in general, they DO manage to stir up quite a bit 
of trouble that kept me entertained well into the night! 
The pace is quick when it should be, slower when its appropriate, and overall ends with
a stunning conclusion. Another thing I appreciated was that Clegg wrote in what happened 
to the characters we just spent all that time reading about AFTER the story was over. 
Clegg's writing is haunting, enjoyable, and just downright creepy. 
Not any horrifying scenes in terms of scare factor, but many "dark" scenes, and all 
entertaining. It may be intended to scare but I didn't feel fright, instead of a morbid 
sense of intrigue. Whatever this novel makes you feel, I would recommend it to all horror 
fans around. When in the mood for an imaginative roll in the hay, read "Neverland."
A gripping, tightly woven, emotional masterpiece.

Reviewed By Erin Williams.

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