Fear University

Meg Collett presents a narrative centered on Ollie Andrews, a young man who cannot feel pain due to a medical anomaly. After killing a man at sixteen for testing his condition, he flees to Kodiak, Alaska. There, he encounters an aswang, a creature from folklore that is hunted by scarred and unstable experts. These hunters kidnap Ollie and bring him to Fear University, located in a building masquerading as an old Alaskan prison. This institution trains young students to kill aswangs. For the first time, Ollie finds a place where he belongs and feels needed. He makes a home within these walls while learning to hunt the beast that haunts the night. The story explores his unique qualification for this dangerous work due to his inability to feel pain. As truths emerge and lies are exposed, Ollie questions whether he is the worst kind of monster. The narrative suggests that perhaps the hunters should be targeting him instead of the creatures they pursue. This tale blends supernatural horror with psychological tension, focusing on identity and belonging in a world of monsters. This book suits readers who enjoy dark fantasy and stories about outcasts finding purpose in violent communities. It appeals to those interested in folklore-based horror and character-driven plots involving moral ambiguity. Readers seeking lighthearted adventures or traditional ghost stories may find the tone too intense. The narrative does not offer easy answers regarding good and evil, instead presenting a complex view of monstrosity. Fans of urban fantasy elements set in remote locations like Alaska will likely appreciate the setting. The story relies on the protagonist's internal struggle rather than external action alone. Collett writes with a focus on psychological depth and supernatural lore. Her work draws on traditional folklore regarding aswangs, reimagining them for a modern context. The book is organized around Ollie's experiences at Fear University, blending his past trauma with present dangers. It does not follow a linear path of redemption but rather a descent into self-discovery through violence.