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Fear University #1
Fear University
2017 eLit Awards Gold Winner in Fantasy/Science-Fiction I’ve always known I was a monster, and I don’t mean some teenage vampire shit either. My mother abandoned me when I was ten years old because I have a freakish mutant disease that makes me incapable of feeling pain. I bounced from one foster family to another because too many people like to test my medical condition in a game of “Try To Make Ollie Scream.” At sixteen, I killed a man for taking that game too far. Two years later, I’m still on the run in Kodiak, Alaska. Here, I’m the most dangerous person around, until I come face to face with a creature that should only exist in folklore. The monster is an aswang, and I, with my medical anomaly, am uniquely qualified to hunt the beast that haunts the night. At least, that’s what the two scarred, mostly crazy ’swang hunters tell me when they kidnap me and take me to Fear University, a school where young students learn to hunt and kill aswangs. I arrive at the university a prisoner, but I stay because I finally find my freedom. For once in my life, I belong. I’m needed. I make a home for myself inside the university masquerading as an old Alaskan prison. Something close to happiness warms my icy heart when I’m with my scarred, still mostly crazy tutor, Luke Aultstriver. For a murdering runaway like me, Fear University is a haven where I can put my skills to good use hunting monsters in the night. But when certain truths come to light and even more lies are exposed, I fear that I, Ollie Andrews, am the worst kind of monster of all. And, maybe, they should be hunting me. This book is recommended for mature readers due to sexual content, violence, and language.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2015
About the author
Meg Collett
29 books545 followersMeg Collett is from the hills of Tennessee where the cell phone service is a blessing and functioning internet is a myth of epic proportions. She and her husband live in a tiny house with three dogs and not enough couches. She’s the author of the bestselling Fear University series, the End of Days trilogy, and the Canaan Island novels. Find out more at her website www.megcollett.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
September 22, 2016
4.5 stars
This is my first book by this author so I didn't really know what to expect. I have never read a book about aswangs. That alone made this book interesting to me from the beginning. I love paranormal fantasy, and I thought I had read about most paranormal beings. I was excited to come across one I knew nothing about. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this. Ollie is a great main character. She never annoyed me, and I enjoyed reading from her point of view. This story is unique, interesting, and definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book.
This is my first book by this author so I didn't really know what to expect. I have never read a book about aswangs. That alone made this book interesting to me from the beginning. I love paranormal fantasy, and I thought I had read about most paranormal beings. I was excited to come across one I knew nothing about. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this. Ollie is a great main character. She never annoyed me, and I enjoyed reading from her point of view. This story is unique, interesting, and definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to read the next book.
June 8, 2018
I’m not fond of the title of this one. It gives the book a generic feeling of YA or NA and does the book a disservice because it’s a gritty, violent and action-packed story that deserves a title such as Aswang: Demon Dogs! That’s catchier, don’t you think? Or maybe Devil Dogs Want to Eat Your Tasty Bits. Yeah, I like that one but maybe that’s why they don’t ask me. Anyway, I grabbed this because the blurb caught my attention and I’m glad I did because it was pretty darn good.
Ollie has never been able to feel physical pain. Because of this, she ended up abandoned by her mother and was tormented by those who should’ve protected her. She’s grown up tough and resilient and has been living on her own since becoming a young adult. One day she is attacked by a dog-like creature and wins the fight as two young men watch. They can’t believe their eyes. Average humans, AKA civvies, aren’t supposed to win fights against the “aswang”, they’re supposed to become their dinner. They kidnap her and bring her back to “Fear University” where only select families are training to fight a secret war against the aswang beasties. She’s soon entrenched in training for the war by a handsome but all business guy named Luke who is reputed to abstain from sexy times because he likes it too rough. She feels no pain. She is intrigued!
So all that’s going on and a whole lot of other stuff that I will not spoil. This book is definitely more urban fantasy than NA angst or romance and I liked that about it. There’s action, the pace is fast, there are many revelations and surprises, the characters are imperfect and their interactions are interesting. But it’s Ollie who makes the book sing for me. She’s carrying the weight of a painful past and she’s sarcastic, cynical and doesn’t take any crap from anyone but she’s also funny and reminded me a bit of Liv from IZombie.
“I didn’t like Luke or his stupid dick.”
She lies too :)
This was a very good urban fantasy but I recommend picking up the next book (and maybe the one after that) in the series if you’re like me and prefer to have all of your questions answered. This book leaves things a-dangling and may leave you pulling out your hair if you don’t have book two all lined up and ready to go. My library does NOT so arrrrgggh!
The narrator is most excellent. She sounds youthful and tough and exudes emotion exactly where needed.
I received a copy of this audio from Tantor Media. Thanks, Tantor!
Ollie has never been able to feel physical pain. Because of this, she ended up abandoned by her mother and was tormented by those who should’ve protected her. She’s grown up tough and resilient and has been living on her own since becoming a young adult. One day she is attacked by a dog-like creature and wins the fight as two young men watch. They can’t believe their eyes. Average humans, AKA civvies, aren’t supposed to win fights against the “aswang”, they’re supposed to become their dinner. They kidnap her and bring her back to “Fear University” where only select families are training to fight a secret war against the aswang beasties. She’s soon entrenched in training for the war by a handsome but all business guy named Luke who is reputed to abstain from sexy times because he likes it too rough. She feels no pain. She is intrigued!
So all that’s going on and a whole lot of other stuff that I will not spoil. This book is definitely more urban fantasy than NA angst or romance and I liked that about it. There’s action, the pace is fast, there are many revelations and surprises, the characters are imperfect and their interactions are interesting. But it’s Ollie who makes the book sing for me. She’s carrying the weight of a painful past and she’s sarcastic, cynical and doesn’t take any crap from anyone but she’s also funny and reminded me a bit of Liv from IZombie.
“I didn’t like Luke or his stupid dick.”
She lies too :)
This was a very good urban fantasy but I recommend picking up the next book (and maybe the one after that) in the series if you’re like me and prefer to have all of your questions answered. This book leaves things a-dangling and may leave you pulling out your hair if you don’t have book two all lined up and ready to go. My library does NOT so arrrrgggh!
The narrator is most excellent. She sounds youthful and tough and exudes emotion exactly where needed.
I received a copy of this audio from Tantor Media. Thanks, Tantor!
June 14, 2017
DNF at 45%
I tried. I really did but there are so many problems with this book that I just can't stand to read it anymore.
1) The girl is a special little snowflake
I get that she has a medical thing going for her that is the main point of the book but she doesn't seem to have any normal human flaws. She isn't particularly likable and she is overly confrontational. She's a bitch and looks like she wants to start a fight all of the time. That doesn't make for a particularly good character nor one that I want to read.
2) She gets really fit and really good at fighting in literally 2 weeks
As an athlete, I really have a problem with this. It's not about not feeling pain when you are getting fit. It's about making sure your legs are able to hold up your body. Your lungs have to be able to cope with the amount of work that they are having to do. Your muscles take months to tear and then repair before you can become fit.
Furthermore, you can't get really good at fighting in 2 weeks. You can try, but that's not enough time to learn muscle memory or get used to the more refined movements. It is ridiculous to think that a girl that has been training for 2 weeks is able to best a guy that has literally spent his entire life training for these fights.
That is like asking me to go up against fucking Lionel Messi in a penalty kick shootout.
3) She wins a single fight and then thinks that makes her entitled to go out on a hunt over kids that have been training for years.
That's presumptuous, rude, and disrespectful. She really thinks that she deserves to go out hunting with these dudes? I don't care if you can't feel pain because you can still get your fucking arm ripped off because you are too dumb to realize your limits and stay in your lane.
4) The structure of the plot is like a cheap rip off of Vampire Academy.
I didn't even like Vampire Academy but this is really way too close. It is a school in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of students learning to kill big scary things in the woods. There is a big alpha male that really doesn't want to train a girl but he has to and they are both attracted to each other and super sexy. See the resemblance?
5) Aswangs in general
Are these things supposed to be the Grim? They are terrible. They are big black dogs that feed on your fear. So the Grim and and a Dementor had a nasty baby. And they shape shift. But honestly, the worst thing is the nickname. 'Swangs. Now, I know it is not pronounced the way it reads but I can't be intimidated by something that sounds like a redneck describing playground equipment.
6) She seems to think that her pain and experiences are worse than everybody else's and refuses to have a good attitude about it
She has a "don't touch me" kind of personality which I get. She has been scarred and messed up by people in the past. But she meets a woman who literally had her leg ripped off by one of those things and doesn't seem to respect her all that much. She encounters a guy cutting himself so that he isn't scared of pain and she judges the shit out of him. She needs to get out of her own ass and have some respect.
7) She is so damn skeptical
She has no trust at all. Again, I understand. But she also doesn't crack. She just reacts with fear and anger and aggression which doesn't seem particularly accurate. Everybody has a breaking point but she doesn't have any real flaws so it doesn't seem like she has a breaking point either.
Overall, this book just isn't all that original. I know it is difficult to write a book about a magical school of any sort without treading on toes but shit this was just too much. It felt like I could pick out every plot line from another popular book and there wasn't much to inspire me to keep going. None of the characters were likable in any way and I got sick of the main character's whining and self importance. She isn't that cool. She isn't that strong. And she doesn't have any redeeming qualities to speak of. I want at least one of those for any main character if you want me to keep reading. It just wasn't worth it and I feel like I gave it a fair shot.
I think that is enough bitching about this one book. I'm looking forward to deleting it off my kindle.
I tried. I really did but there are so many problems with this book that I just can't stand to read it anymore.
1) The girl is a special little snowflake
I get that she has a medical thing going for her that is the main point of the book but she doesn't seem to have any normal human flaws. She isn't particularly likable and she is overly confrontational. She's a bitch and looks like she wants to start a fight all of the time. That doesn't make for a particularly good character nor one that I want to read.
2) She gets really fit and really good at fighting in literally 2 weeks
As an athlete, I really have a problem with this. It's not about not feeling pain when you are getting fit. It's about making sure your legs are able to hold up your body. Your lungs have to be able to cope with the amount of work that they are having to do. Your muscles take months to tear and then repair before you can become fit.
Furthermore, you can't get really good at fighting in 2 weeks. You can try, but that's not enough time to learn muscle memory or get used to the more refined movements. It is ridiculous to think that a girl that has been training for 2 weeks is able to best a guy that has literally spent his entire life training for these fights.
That is like asking me to go up against fucking Lionel Messi in a penalty kick shootout.
3) She wins a single fight and then thinks that makes her entitled to go out on a hunt over kids that have been training for years.
That's presumptuous, rude, and disrespectful. She really thinks that she deserves to go out hunting with these dudes? I don't care if you can't feel pain because you can still get your fucking arm ripped off because you are too dumb to realize your limits and stay in your lane.
4) The structure of the plot is like a cheap rip off of Vampire Academy.
I didn't even like Vampire Academy but this is really way too close. It is a school in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of students learning to kill big scary things in the woods. There is a big alpha male that really doesn't want to train a girl but he has to and they are both attracted to each other and super sexy. See the resemblance?
5) Aswangs in general
Are these things supposed to be the Grim? They are terrible. They are big black dogs that feed on your fear. So the Grim and and a Dementor had a nasty baby. And they shape shift. But honestly, the worst thing is the nickname. 'Swangs. Now, I know it is not pronounced the way it reads but I can't be intimidated by something that sounds like a redneck describing playground equipment.
6) She seems to think that her pain and experiences are worse than everybody else's and refuses to have a good attitude about it
She has a "don't touch me" kind of personality which I get. She has been scarred and messed up by people in the past. But she meets a woman who literally had her leg ripped off by one of those things and doesn't seem to respect her all that much. She encounters a guy cutting himself so that he isn't scared of pain and she judges the shit out of him. She needs to get out of her own ass and have some respect.
7) She is so damn skeptical
She has no trust at all. Again, I understand. But she also doesn't crack. She just reacts with fear and anger and aggression which doesn't seem particularly accurate. Everybody has a breaking point but she doesn't have any real flaws so it doesn't seem like she has a breaking point either.
Overall, this book just isn't all that original. I know it is difficult to write a book about a magical school of any sort without treading on toes but shit this was just too much. It felt like I could pick out every plot line from another popular book and there wasn't much to inspire me to keep going. None of the characters were likable in any way and I got sick of the main character's whining and self importance. She isn't that cool. She isn't that strong. And she doesn't have any redeeming qualities to speak of. I want at least one of those for any main character if you want me to keep reading. It just wasn't worth it and I feel like I gave it a fair shot.
I think that is enough bitching about this one book. I'm looking forward to deleting it off my kindle.
January 28, 2016
For once in my life. I have finally read the most realistic, if not the most comprehensive, novel about aswangs, written by a non-Filipino. And I am impressed with Meg Collett's writing prowess because she was able to inject fear through this petrifying and blood-curling mythical creature.
Back when I was a kid, hundreds upon hundreds of scary stories about aswangs had been told and these always - and I mean always - really frightened the hell out of me. Poltergeist? Ghosts? Vampires? Werewolves? Cannibals? Headless Horsemen? These didn't scare me. Not even a flinch. But Aswangs? Oh boy.. Now that's a creature I would never, ever, ever want to encounter.
In case you didn’t know, Aswang is part of Philippine folklore, it is a cross between a vampire, werewolf, ghoul, and a witch. It is a day-walker and a shape-shifter – the kind of beast that can transform into a boar, a cat, a crow and most commonly into a dog. It is believed that ‘swangs feed on fear, steal corpses, kidnap people and eat their liver and heart.
In Fear University, Ollie Andrews encountered a dog that looked menacingly evil, with eyes that see her reflection upside down. It growled, prowled, attacked her, bit her. Not knowing what kind of beast it was, she did what she had to do. She killed it. And she came out alive and didn't feel any pain. At all.
Until she'd been tased. Two strangers, Luke and Hatter came out of nowhere and threw her at the back of a van and drugged her. They said she killed an aswang, or 'swang, and although she was just a civilian, she was what Fear University needed. And so her non-existent life began at the one place that provided her a family of sorts. A family she never had ever since her mother abandoned her. A family of hunters. A family of Aswang hunters.
Once again, Meg Collett amazed me. From Michaela of End of Days, to Clark of Days of New, now comes Ollie Andrews who, in my opinion, is even better than Katniss Everdeen. Ollie is one of a kind. She doesn't feel pain. She doesn't even know pain. She's been running her whole life. From Max, from the government, from the cries of the girl in the basement. She's an outsider. Always the outsider. She's one helluva kick-ass girl and she knows it. She actually scared the crap out of me. And I liked it!
This is definitely one of the many Meg Collett books that I could not put down. I wouldn't mind if I were compelled to stay up the entire night reading it. I didn't care if it ended in a cliffhanger. As long as Meg writes it, I am sure it is definitely worth the wait.
Back when I was a kid, hundreds upon hundreds of scary stories about aswangs had been told and these always - and I mean always - really frightened the hell out of me. Poltergeist? Ghosts? Vampires? Werewolves? Cannibals? Headless Horsemen? These didn't scare me. Not even a flinch. But Aswangs? Oh boy.. Now that's a creature I would never, ever, ever want to encounter.
In case you didn’t know, Aswang is part of Philippine folklore, it is a cross between a vampire, werewolf, ghoul, and a witch. It is a day-walker and a shape-shifter – the kind of beast that can transform into a boar, a cat, a crow and most commonly into a dog. It is believed that ‘swangs feed on fear, steal corpses, kidnap people and eat their liver and heart.
In Fear University, Ollie Andrews encountered a dog that looked menacingly evil, with eyes that see her reflection upside down. It growled, prowled, attacked her, bit her. Not knowing what kind of beast it was, she did what she had to do. She killed it. And she came out alive and didn't feel any pain. At all.
Until she'd been tased. Two strangers, Luke and Hatter came out of nowhere and threw her at the back of a van and drugged her. They said she killed an aswang, or 'swang, and although she was just a civilian, she was what Fear University needed. And so her non-existent life began at the one place that provided her a family of sorts. A family she never had ever since her mother abandoned her. A family of hunters. A family of Aswang hunters.
Once again, Meg Collett amazed me. From Michaela of End of Days, to Clark of Days of New, now comes Ollie Andrews who, in my opinion, is even better than Katniss Everdeen. Ollie is one of a kind. She doesn't feel pain. She doesn't even know pain. She's been running her whole life. From Max, from the government, from the cries of the girl in the basement. She's an outsider. Always the outsider. She's one helluva kick-ass girl and she knows it. She actually scared the crap out of me. And I liked it!
This is definitely one of the many Meg Collett books that I could not put down. I wouldn't mind if I were compelled to stay up the entire night reading it. I didn't care if it ended in a cliffhanger. As long as Meg writes it, I am sure it is definitely worth the wait.
September 24, 2015
This book, let me tell you. I was not expecting any of what Fear University brought to the table. It was like a multi-cultural buffet.
There was an abundance of adventure, suspense, humor and sadness. There was friendship and family, along with a multitude of wary characters that could friend or foe.
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat! I'll be impatiently waiting for the next book in the Fear University series to get some much needed answers. If you read this book (which you should!), you'll have no choice but to be left with unanswered questions too. Meg Collett did a great job at ending the book where she did, not a huge cliffhanger but no real conclusion. It left me wanting more! ~ Kelly, 4 stars
There was an abundance of adventure, suspense, humor and sadness. There was friendship and family, along with a multitude of wary characters that could friend or foe.
The suspense had me on the edge of my seat! I'll be impatiently waiting for the next book in the Fear University series to get some much needed answers. If you read this book (which you should!), you'll have no choice but to be left with unanswered questions too. Meg Collett did a great job at ending the book where she did, not a huge cliffhanger but no real conclusion. It left me wanting more! ~ Kelly, 4 stars
May 25, 2018
If you liked Ann Aguirre’s
, the. You will like this one.
It has an unknown monster with leaders of the human resistance proving to be less than honest about the beast. Also, the leaders seem to have their own agenda in the battle against the beast. I liked it a lot and will continue the series
, the. You will like this one.It has an unknown monster with leaders of the human resistance proving to be less than honest about the beast. Also, the leaders seem to have their own agenda in the battle against the beast. I liked it a lot and will continue the series
August 15, 2016
Well this 3 book trilogy turned out to be so incredibly unique. I loved that the heroine was a bad ass but it somehow never seemed over the top. The writing style was great. The Filipino legend made for a really creative storyline. I don’t feel that the series title gave it any justice. Fear university just sounds lame, and that was not the case with any of these books. I will definitely check out more of this writers work in the future.
February 5, 2018
Awesome book. Was yanked right in and kept there through the lay book. Creatures I hadn't heard of before. If you like action, monsters, mixed with a little romance and mystery read these books.
May 4, 2017
I found Fear University disappointing for several reasons; the premise is really quite interesting but the execution was sloppy in the extreme. Ollie is different to the regular teenager; for a start she killed a man, for a second she can’t feel pain. Bounced from foster home to foster home where people liked to play the game ‘Try to make Ollie scream’, her final foster father took the game too far. So, two years later she’s on the run and then comes face to face with an aswang; a fearsome creature and only professionals dare hunt.
And so Ollie comes to the Fear University, a place where her lack of pain actually works in her favour as she can train to hunt aswangs. Granted she was kind of kidnapped to get her there but completely besides the point. However, she’s a civvie, not a hunter and her teacher – the exceptionally hot and exceptionally crazy Luke Aultstriver - needs her to know that. Then secrets start coming out and maybe, after all this, she is a monster after all.
Sounds interesting? Yes, sounds very interesting but unfortunately I found myself forcing myself through to reach the end. And it’s not that long a book. Why? Because the writing style isn’t particularly gripping, the love story is obvious and 2D and the characters might as well be cardboard cut-outs. The love story between Ollie and Luke should simply have been a back-story, something going on in addition to the main story, and yet it becomes an irritating focus for large sections of the story. Why? Don’t ask me. This was meant to be a thrilling fantasy, not a Mills and Boon.
The characters either annoyed me through their lack of depth or might as well have not existed; even the complicated characters aren’t actually that complicated. This could have, should have, would have been awesome…if the characters weren’t as see through. The head of the school flips from charmer to dangerous in the blink of an eye and without any real reason; Ollie should have run – and if her character was as 3D as the author wants to make out she would have run – from about day 3, rather than staying in a love-sick mist and making excuses.
===Do I Recommend?===
I really wanted to love this book. But I couldn’t. It was thin. Paper thin. The characters were two dimensional. The focus was too far on the sex and not enough on the story. And therefore characters were unbelievable. I won’t be reading the sequel. I therefore cannot recommend this novel. Which is a shame because this had true potential and simply didn't deliver.
And so Ollie comes to the Fear University, a place where her lack of pain actually works in her favour as she can train to hunt aswangs. Granted she was kind of kidnapped to get her there but completely besides the point. However, she’s a civvie, not a hunter and her teacher – the exceptionally hot and exceptionally crazy Luke Aultstriver - needs her to know that. Then secrets start coming out and maybe, after all this, she is a monster after all.
Sounds interesting? Yes, sounds very interesting but unfortunately I found myself forcing myself through to reach the end. And it’s not that long a book. Why? Because the writing style isn’t particularly gripping, the love story is obvious and 2D and the characters might as well be cardboard cut-outs. The love story between Ollie and Luke should simply have been a back-story, something going on in addition to the main story, and yet it becomes an irritating focus for large sections of the story. Why? Don’t ask me. This was meant to be a thrilling fantasy, not a Mills and Boon.
The characters either annoyed me through their lack of depth or might as well have not existed; even the complicated characters aren’t actually that complicated. This could have, should have, would have been awesome…if the characters weren’t as see through. The head of the school flips from charmer to dangerous in the blink of an eye and without any real reason; Ollie should have run – and if her character was as 3D as the author wants to make out she would have run – from about day 3, rather than staying in a love-sick mist and making excuses.
===Do I Recommend?===
I really wanted to love this book. But I couldn’t. It was thin. Paper thin. The characters were two dimensional. The focus was too far on the sex and not enough on the story. And therefore characters were unbelievable. I won’t be reading the sequel. I therefore cannot recommend this novel. Which is a shame because this had true potential and simply didn't deliver.
November 23, 2015
Quick thoughts: uh best book this year?! I think yes. This was action packed, thick with amazing plotting, great characters, and just awe. I have a book hang over...
My complete reaction after finishing:
Teaser
My complete reaction after finishing:
Teaser
April 18, 2017
Fear University is book 1 in the series.
I thought this book was great, it was different. It did remind me of the Vampire Academy series so I enjoyed it a lot as I absolutely loved that series! I wished there was more at the end of the book, but still, it was a great book.
I thought this book was great, it was different. It did remind me of the Vampire Academy series so I enjoyed it a lot as I absolutely loved that series! I wished there was more at the end of the book, but still, it was a great book.
December 21, 2015
Read this with my good friend Nixon. I'm only giving this 4 stars because I don't rate 5 for a 1st book in a series but it definitely is a very good 1st book. full review on le blog.
September 1, 2016
Oh it's been a while since I have read a book in a day... Happy days!
September 14, 2019
4 stars for plot
2 stars for the romance (if you can call it that)
Alright! So this was a little gem I've had in my Kindle for a very long time! The name Fear University honestly made me think it wouldn't be that good of a book. It's a bit of a silly name that doesn't do the contents any favors.
Ollie can't feel pain, so when she's attacked by an aswang (a hellish version of a werewolf), and is not brought to her knees by his pain/fear inducing mental attack, AND manages to kill it with her bare hands...she catches the eye of a few people. Luke and Hatter, who happened to be hunting the aswang, take Ollie with them to...dun dun DUN Fear University.
From there she starts to learn about what they are, and how to kill them. Now, there is a underlying plot of a sadistic leader who wants to create an army of fearless soldiers.
It was all interesting. Like, I really really enjoyed the plot. So, why only 3 stars?
My friends, the relationship between Ollie and Luke is awful. At first I liked it, I'll admit. The playful banter back and forth, I always find those to be cute. But then the relationship took a turn into manipulative and hurtful. There is a sex scene, I'll tell you bluntly, and it's not good.
So, when aswangs bite a human, their saliva affects everyone differently. For Luke it's in the form of sexual aggression (no, seriously). Ollie, who is mentally going through something and wants to pull away from everyone, starts to push his buttons and then...yeah. She manipulates him into giving into his aggression and when it's over he's obviously embarrassed since he hates that about himself.
It's terrible! I really didn't like this part and it's the only reason I'm hesitant to keep reading. Like, on the one hand I'm curious about the plot and on the other I'm just not interested in Luke and Ollie being together. For now they're on my TBR, we'll see if I pick up the rest of the series or not.
2 stars for the romance (if you can call it that)
Alright! So this was a little gem I've had in my Kindle for a very long time! The name Fear University honestly made me think it wouldn't be that good of a book. It's a bit of a silly name that doesn't do the contents any favors.
Ollie can't feel pain, so when she's attacked by an aswang (a hellish version of a werewolf), and is not brought to her knees by his pain/fear inducing mental attack, AND manages to kill it with her bare hands...she catches the eye of a few people. Luke and Hatter, who happened to be hunting the aswang, take Ollie with them to...dun dun DUN Fear University.
From there she starts to learn about what they are, and how to kill them. Now, there is a underlying plot of a sadistic leader who wants to create an army of fearless soldiers.
It was all interesting. Like, I really really enjoyed the plot. So, why only 3 stars?
My friends, the relationship between Ollie and Luke is awful. At first I liked it, I'll admit. The playful banter back and forth, I always find those to be cute. But then the relationship took a turn into manipulative and hurtful. There is a sex scene, I'll tell you bluntly, and it's not good.
So, when aswangs bite a human, their saliva affects everyone differently. For Luke it's in the form of sexual aggression (no, seriously). Ollie, who is mentally going through something and wants to pull away from everyone, starts to push his buttons and then...yeah. She manipulates him into giving into his aggression and when it's over he's obviously embarrassed since he hates that about himself.
It's terrible! I really didn't like this part and it's the only reason I'm hesitant to keep reading. Like, on the one hand I'm curious about the plot and on the other I'm just not interested in Luke and Ollie being together. For now they're on my TBR, we'll see if I pick up the rest of the series or not.
September 20, 2016
Pretty decent read. I liked the uniqueness of the world. I liked Ollie as a female lead. I found her character refreshing. She was completely confident in her abilities without becoming overly cocky. Most likely this was due to all the years she spent relying on no one but herself. She did have a few self-deprecating moments that were kind of bothersome but she lacked the helpless dramatic whininess that so many UF leads are plagued with and so to me it never became overwhelming.
The male lead, Luke, was typical misunderstood asshole with dickish tendencies, but I suspect he will grow on me.
The supporting characters Hatter and Sunny were pretty great and as odd as it is for me to feel this way, I wouldn't mind if one or more of the books in this series focused on the two of them specifically.
The plot at this point is a focused a lot on setting everything up and hinting at a connection in Ollie's past. Plus it's a University so there is a good amount of page time dedicated to training. I've never minded that myself and have often complained that this aspect of a university setting is glossed over and lacking so those were some of the scenes I rather enjoyed.
There is quite a bit of violence, blood and gore in this. There are flashback scenes involving child abuse, mental and physical against Ollie, plus references to child abuse against other characters. None of the described abuses were sexual in nature but they were still disturbing. This is not a light and fluffy story at all, although it wasn't completely without lighthearted moments. There is a sex scene, and while it's not overly pornograhic, it's also not tender and loving. This is not YA, and I think the title might be a bit misleading in that regard.
Overall I thought this was interesting and intriguing enough to see where it goes.
The male lead, Luke, was typical misunderstood asshole with dickish tendencies, but I suspect he will grow on me.
The supporting characters Hatter and Sunny were pretty great and as odd as it is for me to feel this way, I wouldn't mind if one or more of the books in this series focused on the two of them specifically.
The plot at this point is a focused a lot on setting everything up and hinting at a connection in Ollie's past. Plus it's a University so there is a good amount of page time dedicated to training. I've never minded that myself and have often complained that this aspect of a university setting is glossed over and lacking so those were some of the scenes I rather enjoyed.
There is quite a bit of violence, blood and gore in this. There are flashback scenes involving child abuse, mental and physical against Ollie, plus references to child abuse against other characters. None of the described abuses were sexual in nature but they were still disturbing. This is not a light and fluffy story at all, although it wasn't completely without lighthearted moments. There is a sex scene, and while it's not overly pornograhic, it's also not tender and loving. This is not YA, and I think the title might be a bit misleading in that regard.
Overall I thought this was interesting and intriguing enough to see where it goes.
February 7, 2016
4.5 stars
My first Meg Collett book and I really liked it.
It's a unique take on paranormal books with creatures we haven't read about so far. I applaud her originality.
I adored the main heroine, Ollie. She's everything I love in my leading ladies; she's strong and independent, she's feisty and doesn't back down from a challenge. She's self sufficient and doesn't take BS from our hero.
In a way Fear University reminded me of the Vampire Academy but there are no other similarities between them other than them both being schools. I liked how the author kept things hidden till it was moment to let us know what's going on - those plot twists made for some great WTH moments.
The book is action packed with some incredible fighting sequences. I loved the descriptions and they made this book so much more 'real'
Some small editing problems, but they didn't derail me from enjoining this adrenaline filled book.
If you like heroine driven PRN books, with great characters and bloody scenes the you should give Fear University a go.
My first Meg Collett book and I really liked it.
It's a unique take on paranormal books with creatures we haven't read about so far. I applaud her originality.
I adored the main heroine, Ollie. She's everything I love in my leading ladies; she's strong and independent, she's feisty and doesn't back down from a challenge. She's self sufficient and doesn't take BS from our hero.
In a way Fear University reminded me of the Vampire Academy but there are no other similarities between them other than them both being schools. I liked how the author kept things hidden till it was moment to let us know what's going on - those plot twists made for some great WTH moments.
The book is action packed with some incredible fighting sequences. I loved the descriptions and they made this book so much more 'real'
Some small editing problems, but they didn't derail me from enjoining this adrenaline filled book.
If you like heroine driven PRN books, with great characters and bloody scenes the you should give Fear University a go.
December 5, 2015
I received this book as part of the goodreads book contests. The book is good. It is engaging and pulls you in right from the start. The story is well developed and lacks any holes, which I really appreciate it. I would have given it four stars, except I have a problem with the main character, Ollie, and the way that she gives so much power to her boyfriend, Luke. She's a very powerful character, and instead of holding on to that power, every time Luke enters the scene, she turns into either a following, willing participant to whatever he wants to do, or she antagonizes him until he's angry. There's also this whole thing about Luke being celibate because he's tool sexually aggressive, but of course he can't control it and it's Ollie's fault.
It's worth the read, and I would read the sequel to find out what Ollie's heritage is.
It's worth the read, and I would read the sequel to find out what Ollie's heritage is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2016
Wow! I have not read any books that have these creatures before so it was nice to read something out of my normal (vampires werewolves) readings. I was impressed and loved it! This is the first time reading anything by this author and it will not be the last. I am impressed! She has a great writing style and her characters have depth. This book was difficult to put down and I didn't have to think twice about getting the next in the series.
August 8, 2016
4.5 stars!! Loved this. Ollie is a badass. This had suspense and action and I really don't know where it's all going. Luke and Ollie are explosive and Hatter is the perfect comic relief. Can't wait for book 2.
August 6, 2016
4.5 stars
August 31, 2016
3.5 stars
June 30, 2017
I have to be honest, I picked this book up to possibly impress someone. Granted I was intrigued some by he synopsis but I did not expect a lot from this book.
That being said this book blew my mind! I may have vaguely heard of Aswangs before and that alone brings a uniqueness to the story. Then to have the main character Ollie with the ability (or disease depending on how you look at it) to feel no physical pain what so ever is just exceptional. I've heard of this before but never seen it in a story and so told so well! Collett's writing is fantastic and she creates the best banter and snark between her characters. I can not wait to read more in this series.
I am seriously recommending this book to all my friends!
That being said this book blew my mind! I may have vaguely heard of Aswangs before and that alone brings a uniqueness to the story. Then to have the main character Ollie with the ability (or disease depending on how you look at it) to feel no physical pain what so ever is just exceptional. I've heard of this before but never seen it in a story and so told so well! Collett's writing is fantastic and she creates the best banter and snark between her characters. I can not wait to read more in this series.
I am seriously recommending this book to all my friends!
December 24, 2018
I almost didn't pick this book up because of the title. It sounded cheesy and I worried the entire novel would have that tone. To my surprise and delight, this book was anything but cheesy! It was gritty, downright scary at times, and overall dark. It reminded me a bit of the TV shows Supernatural (with the whole hunting monsters thing) and Jessica Jones.
Ollie definitely had that Jessica Jones, self-sufficient, I'm a badass vibe. Ollie can't feel pain which makes her instantly invaluable in the war against the aswangs, a creature from Filipino folklore that can make you feel pain and terror. After being attacked Ollie comes to Fear University and it is there that she finds out about the war between the hunters and aswangs and perhaps the role she can play in it.
My favorite thing about this book was the never-ending action! This book is just a fun read. There is constantly something going on in the plot and there are a lot of threads to unravel in this world and the story. There are also enough side characters that it doesn't feel like the main characters are doing all the work carrying the plot.
I liked the relationship between Luke and Ollie as well. Their chemistry sizzled and I really wanted these two broken characters to make it work! This is a multi-book series though so, of course, we'll have to wait to see if these two can make it through everything the author has in store for them.
Overall, this was a great read! This book is my first introduction to Meg Collett but it definitely won't be the last book I read by this author.
Ollie definitely had that Jessica Jones, self-sufficient, I'm a badass vibe. Ollie can't feel pain which makes her instantly invaluable in the war against the aswangs, a creature from Filipino folklore that can make you feel pain and terror. After being attacked Ollie comes to Fear University and it is there that she finds out about the war between the hunters and aswangs and perhaps the role she can play in it.
My favorite thing about this book was the never-ending action! This book is just a fun read. There is constantly something going on in the plot and there are a lot of threads to unravel in this world and the story. There are also enough side characters that it doesn't feel like the main characters are doing all the work carrying the plot.
I liked the relationship between Luke and Ollie as well. Their chemistry sizzled and I really wanted these two broken characters to make it work! This is a multi-book series though so, of course, we'll have to wait to see if these two can make it through everything the author has in store for them.
Overall, this was a great read! This book is my first introduction to Meg Collett but it definitely won't be the last book I read by this author.
April 19, 2018
Big huge hit with me! I couldn't put it down.
Everything right with this book. A distinct difference with each character. A unique story. Plenty of action.
I think I'm in love with Meg Collett. She has written a character that would act exactly the way I would if put in that scenario.
January 14, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
September 16, 2016
I’ve always known I was a monster, and I don’t mean some teenage vampire shit either.
My mother abandoned me when I was ten years old because I have a freakish mutant disease that makes me incapable of feeling pain. I bounced from one foster family to another because too many people like to test my medical condition in a game of “Try To Make Ollie Scream.” At sixteen, I killed a man for taking that game too far.
Two years later, I’m still on the run in Kodiak, Alaska. Here, I’m the most dangerous person around, until I come face to face with a creature that should only exist in folklore. The monster is an aswang, and I, with my medical anomaly, am uniquely qualified to hunt the beast that haunts the night. At least, that’s what the two scarred, mostly crazy ’swang hunters tell me when they kidnap me and take me to Fear University, a school where young students learn to hunt and kill aswangs.
I arrive at the university a prisoner, but I stay because I finally find my freedom.
For once in my life, I belong. I’m needed. I make a home for myself inside the university masquerading as an old Alaskan prison. Something close to happiness warms my icy heart when I’m with my scarred, still mostly crazy tutor, Luke Aultstriver. For a murdering runaway like me, Fear University is a haven where I can put my skills to good use hunting monsters in the night.
But when certain truths come to light and even more lies are exposed, I fear that I, Ollie Andrews, am the worst kind of monster of all. And, maybe, they should be hunting me.
Warning: This book is recommended for mature readers due to sexual content, violence, and language
What did I think of it:
5 stars
This book was a hole lot better than I thought it was going to be, it reached out and grabbed me and had me hooked, while it does have VIOLENCE, TORTURE, ABUSE in it, it also show you how strange someone can be to go though all of that and not give up, it also brings up the fact that the main character has a mutation of congenital analgesia and that because of that she can't ever feel pain, while there is a romance that's starting between 2 of the characters it doesn't take anything away from the story at all, plus the idea behind the story line was a nice break from the typical Urban Fantasy book, so if you like books like The Mortal Instruments series then you might want to check this series out, I will be getting book 2 and 3 when I can
July 27, 2016
"Fear University" is one of the most unique reads I've had the pleasure of reading in a long time. Meg Collet has a wonderful writing style that slowly unveils the secrets of the characters in such a way that keeps the reader on the edge of your seat all while preparing you for the next suspenseful event.
If you are anything like me, you have never heard of the Philippine legend of the Aswang. It is a man husk by day and a ferocious dog by night that feeds on the fear and bodies of its victims. So, imagine when hound woman named Ollie comes along who does not experience fear. From the age of ten she has been shuffled from foster home to foster home and to people who could not properly deal with her condition until one day she killed one of her tormentors. Now she lives life in the shadows hiding from her victim's son, Max.
One night as Ollie is walking home from her waitress job she encounters an Aswang who speaks her through her mind. She manages to kill it by hand and then is kidnapped by two young men dressed in black. They shuttle her away to Fear University, as former prison where she learns of an elite military squad designed especially to take out the Aswang. The head of the university offers Ollie a chance to be a part of something wonderful, a family and protection from Max. For a girl who has been living on the outskirts of normal of course she will take the deal without asking questions.
At the University Ollie meets a sweet an caring girl named Sunny who is the brunt of many jokes. Additionally, she will trained by Luke, one of the two guys who initially kidnapped her. Soon, Ollie learns the social nuisances of the hunters and quickly realizes that all is not as it seems. She will also learn of her secret ancestry. She knows she should run but we don't always do what we should. Who can you trust when everyone around you is keeping secrets? That is the question Ollie will need to answer I'd she is going to survive.
This book was so refreshing since it is not a cookie cutter YA/New Adult academy series. The characters are multifaceted. the writing superb and I just loved the contrast between the sweetness of Sunny versus the tough kickass character of Ollie. This has the potential to be one of my favorite series and I'm truly looking forward to book two.
If you are anything like me, you have never heard of the Philippine legend of the Aswang. It is a man husk by day and a ferocious dog by night that feeds on the fear and bodies of its victims. So, imagine when hound woman named Ollie comes along who does not experience fear. From the age of ten she has been shuffled from foster home to foster home and to people who could not properly deal with her condition until one day she killed one of her tormentors. Now she lives life in the shadows hiding from her victim's son, Max.
One night as Ollie is walking home from her waitress job she encounters an Aswang who speaks her through her mind. She manages to kill it by hand and then is kidnapped by two young men dressed in black. They shuttle her away to Fear University, as former prison where she learns of an elite military squad designed especially to take out the Aswang. The head of the university offers Ollie a chance to be a part of something wonderful, a family and protection from Max. For a girl who has been living on the outskirts of normal of course she will take the deal without asking questions.
At the University Ollie meets a sweet an caring girl named Sunny who is the brunt of many jokes. Additionally, she will trained by Luke, one of the two guys who initially kidnapped her. Soon, Ollie learns the social nuisances of the hunters and quickly realizes that all is not as it seems. She will also learn of her secret ancestry. She knows she should run but we don't always do what we should. Who can you trust when everyone around you is keeping secrets? That is the question Ollie will need to answer I'd she is going to survive.
This book was so refreshing since it is not a cookie cutter YA/New Adult academy series. The characters are multifaceted. the writing superb and I just loved the contrast between the sweetness of Sunny versus the tough kickass character of Ollie. This has the potential to be one of my favorite series and I'm truly looking forward to book two.
October 7, 2016
I picked this up on a whim because
It was free
The cover looked awesome
The name sounded promising
My initial skepticism of starting yet another series (because I am a serial abandoner when it comes to long, unfinished series) was swept under the rug as I came to really, and I mean really enjoy this book. I bought it on a Thursday and proceeded to read it all through lunch at work Thursday and Friday and read well into the night Saturday until my eyes burned. I would have read it every chance I got if I hadn’t taken another trip up state to visit family. Seeing as its frowned upon reading while someone you haven’t seen in three years is here for a short time I stomped my urge to devour the book. Once home on Monday I finished Fear University as quickly as possible. Then I proceeded to buy the next book because whoops I’m hooked.
I have never heard of Meg Collett before but let me tell you, I am looking into her other books very heavily. Ollie was the perfect heroine in this story. She had all the relatable qualities a good character should have and I just felt myself really easily drawn to her. Of course the fact that she can’t feel physical pain doesn’t mean she can’t feel emotional/mental pain and this book plays on that really well. Also, props to Meg Collett for writing about lesser known paranormal creatures. I had only ever heard about Aswangs once before and never really looked into them. I highly recommend looking into their lore because that is some seriously creepy stuff. I’m very excited to read more about Asian supernatural creatures in her next book The Killing Season.
It was free
The cover looked awesome
The name sounded promising
My initial skepticism of starting yet another series (because I am a serial abandoner when it comes to long, unfinished series) was swept under the rug as I came to really, and I mean really enjoy this book. I bought it on a Thursday and proceeded to read it all through lunch at work Thursday and Friday and read well into the night Saturday until my eyes burned. I would have read it every chance I got if I hadn’t taken another trip up state to visit family. Seeing as its frowned upon reading while someone you haven’t seen in three years is here for a short time I stomped my urge to devour the book. Once home on Monday I finished Fear University as quickly as possible. Then I proceeded to buy the next book because whoops I’m hooked.
I have never heard of Meg Collett before but let me tell you, I am looking into her other books very heavily. Ollie was the perfect heroine in this story. She had all the relatable qualities a good character should have and I just felt myself really easily drawn to her. Of course the fact that she can’t feel physical pain doesn’t mean she can’t feel emotional/mental pain and this book plays on that really well. Also, props to Meg Collett for writing about lesser known paranormal creatures. I had only ever heard about Aswangs once before and never really looked into them. I highly recommend looking into their lore because that is some seriously creepy stuff. I’m very excited to read more about Asian supernatural creatures in her next book The Killing Season.
November 4, 2015
Forget werewolves and vampires in this world it's all about the 'swangs. Wondering what they are? So is Ollie because it appears she just killed one! And then there's the guys who won't tell her anything, but make decisions for her like she'll just go along with them. Wrong on so many levels, but sometimes you can't fight physically. Soon after Ollie finds out the truth but begins to realize there are many different versions of it. Who can she trust and can she handle finding out the ultimate truth. About herself?
From a young age Ollie was sent from one foster home to another because people were either too freaked out by her condition or they liked testing her a bit too much. Not being able to feel pain might sound cool but she would give anything to just be normal and have a family that actually wants her.
When she finds herself at Fear University she may have finally found it, but if it looks too good to be true.... Well then she just needs to figure out what is going on before it gets her killed, or worse.
Ollie might have a smart mouth, but she chooses what she says carefully and listens even more. She hears and sees things most would overlook making her smart and definitely my kind of character. She is no damsel in distress, but will use whatever she can to save herself.
This is book one in a new series I'll definitely be following. The world was created so well you feel like you're right there with the characters, living Ollie's life alongside her. Great paranormal read with an interesting monster twist!
From a young age Ollie was sent from one foster home to another because people were either too freaked out by her condition or they liked testing her a bit too much. Not being able to feel pain might sound cool but she would give anything to just be normal and have a family that actually wants her.
When she finds herself at Fear University she may have finally found it, but if it looks too good to be true.... Well then she just needs to figure out what is going on before it gets her killed, or worse.
Ollie might have a smart mouth, but she chooses what she says carefully and listens even more. She hears and sees things most would overlook making her smart and definitely my kind of character. She is no damsel in distress, but will use whatever she can to save herself.
This is book one in a new series I'll definitely be following. The world was created so well you feel like you're right there with the characters, living Ollie's life alongside her. Great paranormal read with an interesting monster twist!
November 3, 2015
Title: Fear University
Author: Meg Collett
Reviewer: Rea Loftis
I loved Fear University!
From the first chapter, Meg had me hooked in her world of Aswangs and hunters!
It's a mixture of Underworld, Twilight and Hunger Games! It always baffles me how writers can come up with new animals/monsters and create a whole world around them! Such creativity and brilliance at play in the writer's mind!
I loved Ollie from the start! She's a badass female lead, and you couldn't ask for anything more! Ollie has been through a lot in her life; foster care, abuse, abandoned by her parents, and is hiding out in Alaska! (Side note: I'm obsessed with Alaska, so I loved the locale!) The action starts almost immediately when Ollie encounters what she thinks is some type of monster dog and the hunters who are after it!
Enter Luke!! Swoon!! Who doesn't love a broody, mysterious hunter?! I do!! Especially after meeting Luke! He and Hatter, the other Hunter, are shocked when they encounter Ollie! And see what she can do! (I can't tell you that! You'll have to read and find out!) They kind of kidnap her, and thus starts her journey to Fear University!! A world like you've never known, steeped in history and legacies older than you can imagine!
I can't wait for the 2nd book in this series!! Meaning to you-- yes it does end on somewhat of a cliffie.
Fear University gets 4 blood red velvet cupcakes from me!
Author: Meg Collett
Reviewer: Rea Loftis
I loved Fear University!
From the first chapter, Meg had me hooked in her world of Aswangs and hunters!
It's a mixture of Underworld, Twilight and Hunger Games! It always baffles me how writers can come up with new animals/monsters and create a whole world around them! Such creativity and brilliance at play in the writer's mind!
I loved Ollie from the start! She's a badass female lead, and you couldn't ask for anything more! Ollie has been through a lot in her life; foster care, abuse, abandoned by her parents, and is hiding out in Alaska! (Side note: I'm obsessed with Alaska, so I loved the locale!) The action starts almost immediately when Ollie encounters what she thinks is some type of monster dog and the hunters who are after it!
Enter Luke!! Swoon!! Who doesn't love a broody, mysterious hunter?! I do!! Especially after meeting Luke! He and Hatter, the other Hunter, are shocked when they encounter Ollie! And see what she can do! (I can't tell you that! You'll have to read and find out!) They kind of kidnap her, and thus starts her journey to Fear University!! A world like you've never known, steeped in history and legacies older than you can imagine!
I can't wait for the 2nd book in this series!! Meaning to you-- yes it does end on somewhat of a cliffie.
Fear University gets 4 blood red velvet cupcakes from me!
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