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Crota
When the police of Hobbs County, Missouri find a mutilated man's body on the side of the road, they figure a bear attacked him, except that bears aren't indigenous to their area. The local Indian tribe offers another Crota, a great beast of legend, has reawakened. As the body count increases, a hand-picked group of hunters stalk the mythical creature through an underground labyrinth where they will discover a horror beyond all imagining...but all too real!
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First published April 17, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
July 10, 2022
An earthquake frees an Indian legend, the Crota. What is this creature about? Who can stop the monster from killing people and livestock? Sheriff Skip Harington and his Indian friends have an impossible mission to solve. Will they succeed? Brilliant and page turning creature horror based on an Indian legend. Eerie at parts, intriguing, great characters and fast paced action. A perfect horror novel from the end of last century. No wonder the author was awarded with the Bram Stoker Award. This is terrific stuff and the way a gorgeous horror novel should be written. Highly recommended!
August 12, 2022
Crota is a solid creature and an excellent indigenous horror tale. I enjoyed the story immensely and I'll definitely check out more of Goingback's books.
January 8, 2019
I got this novel off the list of Bram Stoker Award winners. It won in the category for best first novel.
It starts off with a murder or two… three… four… They’re gruesome too, and the general consensus is that it’s either the work of a very deranged individual or a bear (to be fair, most of the action does take place in the wilds). Surprise, surprise then that it’s neither.
OK. So there are some well worn horror conventions on display here, but Crota does at least smack of authenticity. If the back page is to be believed, the author is of Choctaw-Cherokee descent, and the Native American lore and history he incorporates into the story makes for fascinating reading. Since this is a first novel, it is not as polished as could be, but it’s certainly relentless. It also reads pretty quickly, which makes it a nice bridge between meatier novels when you’re on a horror-devouring spree.
As you may have supposed, it does deal with themes from Native American mythology. I’m not sure whether the Crota legend is an actual legend or something the author made up, but it’s pretty cool all the same. I did find the descriptions of the beast itself a bit vague at times, so I was never quite sure how to envision it.
The novel is rather gory at times and the character development is basically non-existent, but considering that this whole story takes place in the space of a few days where the protagonists attempt to hunt and kill the bear-that-is-not-a-bear, only to be owned again and again, I suppose all is forgiven.
This is not the best creature feature I have ever read, nor is it the best horror novel I have ever read, but it is pretty entertaining and you could certainly do worse. 3.5 Stars. Recommended for those who like their critters big and mean. One thing is for sure, I won’t be walking alone in the woods at night anytime soon....
It starts off with a murder or two… three… four… They’re gruesome too, and the general consensus is that it’s either the work of a very deranged individual or a bear (to be fair, most of the action does take place in the wilds). Surprise, surprise then that it’s neither.
OK. So there are some well worn horror conventions on display here, but Crota does at least smack of authenticity. If the back page is to be believed, the author is of Choctaw-Cherokee descent, and the Native American lore and history he incorporates into the story makes for fascinating reading. Since this is a first novel, it is not as polished as could be, but it’s certainly relentless. It also reads pretty quickly, which makes it a nice bridge between meatier novels when you’re on a horror-devouring spree.
As you may have supposed, it does deal with themes from Native American mythology. I’m not sure whether the Crota legend is an actual legend or something the author made up, but it’s pretty cool all the same. I did find the descriptions of the beast itself a bit vague at times, so I was never quite sure how to envision it.
The novel is rather gory at times and the character development is basically non-existent, but considering that this whole story takes place in the space of a few days where the protagonists attempt to hunt and kill the bear-that-is-not-a-bear, only to be owned again and again, I suppose all is forgiven.
This is not the best creature feature I have ever read, nor is it the best horror novel I have ever read, but it is pretty entertaining and you could certainly do worse. 3.5 Stars. Recommended for those who like their critters big and mean. One thing is for sure, I won’t be walking alone in the woods at night anytime soon....
December 6, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was an entertaining monster horror novel. The narrative was fast paced with plenty of gruesome action scenes. I enjoyed the indigenous aspects of this story told in an own voices perspective. However, I am learning that I am more interested in the "real world" aspects of modern indigenous culture. This book was more focused on the monsters, myths and spirituality of the people, which are not as personally interesting to me. However, I definitely still want to read more by this author.
This was an entertaining monster horror novel. The narrative was fast paced with plenty of gruesome action scenes. I enjoyed the indigenous aspects of this story told in an own voices perspective. However, I am learning that I am more interested in the "real world" aspects of modern indigenous culture. This book was more focused on the monsters, myths and spirituality of the people, which are not as personally interesting to me. However, I definitely still want to read more by this author.
October 29, 2018
4.5 stars...
Another good creature feature- this one is based on Native American folklore which was interesting. The hunt for the Crota also leads through subterranean caverns which I think always makes for a nice atmospheric background.
Another good creature feature- this one is based on Native American folklore which was interesting. The hunt for the Crota also leads through subterranean caverns which I think always makes for a nice atmospheric background.
August 27, 2024
Oggi vi parlo di “Crota”, romanzo di Owl Goingback pubblicato nel 1996 e vincitore del prestigioso Bram Stoker Award. L’autore, di origine nativo americana (Choctaw/Cherokee), ha scritto numerose opere di genere Horror e Dark Fantasy.
Missouri. Un terremoto improvviso risveglia una creatura atavica, assetata di sangue, che inizia a mietere vittime, lasciandosi alle spalle corpi mutilati e ridotti a brandelli. L’orrore che si trovano davanti lo sceriffo Skip e i suoi uomini è indicibile. Affrontare il mostro con i mezzi convenzionali è inutile, ma il guardiacaccia Jay Little Hawk, nativo americano, ha le armi adatte, armi che affondano nelle tradizioni del suo popolo.
La storia, capace di trascinare dalla prima all’ultima pagina, presenta un cast di personaggi funzionale e un’ambientazione suggestiva. Davvero interessanti le parti dedicate all’approfondimento degli usi e costumi dei nativi. La magia, lo sciamanesimo e i rituali vengono descritti in modo evocativo e coinvolgente. L’autore è stato molto bravo a inserire l'elemento folkloristico all’interno della trama, rendendolo parte di essa senza forzature.
Un ritmo incalzante, una prosa raffinata e pulita, scorrevolissima. Una caccia alla bestia (o caccia all’uomo a seconda dei punti di vista) densa di atmosfera e adrenalinica, dove la tensione, la paura e il senso di claustrofobia sono palpabili. Da recuperare assolutamente.
Missouri. Un terremoto improvviso risveglia una creatura atavica, assetata di sangue, che inizia a mietere vittime, lasciandosi alle spalle corpi mutilati e ridotti a brandelli. L’orrore che si trovano davanti lo sceriffo Skip e i suoi uomini è indicibile. Affrontare il mostro con i mezzi convenzionali è inutile, ma il guardiacaccia Jay Little Hawk, nativo americano, ha le armi adatte, armi che affondano nelle tradizioni del suo popolo.
La storia, capace di trascinare dalla prima all’ultima pagina, presenta un cast di personaggi funzionale e un’ambientazione suggestiva. Davvero interessanti le parti dedicate all’approfondimento degli usi e costumi dei nativi. La magia, lo sciamanesimo e i rituali vengono descritti in modo evocativo e coinvolgente. L’autore è stato molto bravo a inserire l'elemento folkloristico all’interno della trama, rendendolo parte di essa senza forzature.
Un ritmo incalzante, una prosa raffinata e pulita, scorrevolissima. Una caccia alla bestia (o caccia all’uomo a seconda dei punti di vista) densa di atmosfera e adrenalinica, dove la tensione, la paura e il senso di claustrofobia sono palpabili. Da recuperare assolutamente.
September 28, 2021
This must be the quintessential magical Native American story and I loved it!
A mysterious monster reminiscent of, but not quite Big Foot, a sunken city, lots of gory murders and only one man, the Shaman Little Hawk, who knows what to do...
Starting as a very bloody crime story, it only ever becomes genuinely interesting after Little Hawk enters the scene and his different approach to danger, fear, life in general is what makes this book awesome. And the end was so emotional, I love that!
I'll definitely be reading more books by the author.
A mysterious monster reminiscent of, but not quite Big Foot, a sunken city, lots of gory murders and only one man, the Shaman Little Hawk, who knows what to do...
Starting as a very bloody crime story, it only ever becomes genuinely interesting after Little Hawk enters the scene and his different approach to danger, fear, life in general is what makes this book awesome. And the end was so emotional, I love that!
I'll definitely be reading more books by the author.
January 12, 2024
Crota has been on my list for so long & I am kicking myself for not getting it sooner again. I’ve read a lot of good modern Native American/Indigenous horror & I’m glad to finally have read one that laid the groundwork for so many others. Even though this would be considered #vintagehorror, no drunk uncle stories this time. We just get right to the blood/gut spilling and one of the most frightening monsters I’ve read about so far.
Quick synopsis: An earthquake frees a creature of ancient lore from its confinement. Soon local livestock and farmers are found horribly mutilated by a beast that can’t be killed by man’s modern weapons. The only thing that can stop this monster/save mankind are long forgotten rituals and long-lost artifacts. Now it’s a battle against time while the bodies pile up and the entity grows stronger and more intelligent with every kill. You might have heard the trope before, well now you can read one of the stories that got it started. Done right, one that shows how a GOOD monster book/movie should be done. Will forever recommend this one!
October 7, 2020
This was so fun. A feature creature horror novel by then-debut author Owl Goingback that is confident and spooky in all the right ways.
CONTENT WARNING:
Things to love:
-The mythology/culture. We get a great look at different traditions from Native people and their outlooks. I loved that so hard. Plus a really amazing myth made modern.
-Just ookie enough. This wasn't a slasher, but there were parts where I went OMG NEVER EVER EVER I WOULD NEVER I WOULD DIE. Which is what I also yell at the TV when we're watching scary movies, so I think it worked!
-Does what it says. It's a perfect little novel that tells its story and doesn't try to pretend it's something else. It did what it set out to do competently and without fuss.
I really enjoyed this. I think it accomplishes all of its goals. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
CONTENT WARNING:
Things to love:
-The mythology/culture. We get a great look at different traditions from Native people and their outlooks. I loved that so hard. Plus a really amazing myth made modern.
-Just ookie enough. This wasn't a slasher, but there were parts where I went OMG NEVER EVER EVER I WOULD NEVER I WOULD DIE. Which is what I also yell at the TV when we're watching scary movies, so I think it worked!
-Does what it says. It's a perfect little novel that tells its story and doesn't try to pretend it's something else. It did what it set out to do competently and without fuss.
I really enjoyed this. I think it accomplishes all of its goals. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
April 28, 2019
I had a lot of fun with this one. Solid writing, an original monster, and convincing lore. A great read if you're in the mood for some violent, pulpy creature action.
April 30, 2021
Long before Stephen Graham Jones writing with a native American slant there was Owl Goingback. American Indian graveyards, legends and so forth have long been a horror trope, but Goingback's Crota breaks new ground here nonetheless. Our main protagonist, Sheriff Skip Harding, works in the small town of Logan, Missouri. One day he is called to investigate a bizarre double homicide off a highway close to town; two bodies, horribly mutilated and one wedged in a tree 15 feet off the ground, gutted like a pig. A few days later, a cow farmer is killed in a similar manner along with 12 of his cows, including a huge stud bull. While checking this out our sheriff Skip gets attacked by a monster with glowing yellow eyes and suffers a concussion and a nasty scalp wound. What the hell is the monster and how can it be stopped?
Our other lead, Hawk, is an Indian and the local gamekeeper, who after finding a deer strangely gutted finds an old cave called the Boot and senses great evil within. Hawk is also quite a shaman, being raised as such by his grandparents, and after his close encounter with the beast retires to his sweat lodge to consult the spirits as to what the beast is-- the Crota!
I will stop with the plotting here as this is a relatively short book and it is a lot of fun seeing the story unfold. What makes this such a good read concerns Goingback's comfortable prose and his ability to give this such a 'real' feeling. I think it was Stephen King who said the art of a good horror story is allowing the reader to suspend their disbelief regarding the supranational narrative and just go with the flow (obviously a bad paraphrase, but I hope you get the idea). Goingback really immerses you with this story, giving us real characters deftly developed in a very concise manner. Even the Indian rituals seem to come alive as does the nasty Crota. Hawk knows about the Crota and he also knows no 'white man weapon' can stop it. I can see why this won the Bram Stoker award and look forward to reading more of Goingback. 4.5 stars!!
Our other lead, Hawk, is an Indian and the local gamekeeper, who after finding a deer strangely gutted finds an old cave called the Boot and senses great evil within. Hawk is also quite a shaman, being raised as such by his grandparents, and after his close encounter with the beast retires to his sweat lodge to consult the spirits as to what the beast is-- the Crota!
I will stop with the plotting here as this is a relatively short book and it is a lot of fun seeing the story unfold. What makes this such a good read concerns Goingback's comfortable prose and his ability to give this such a 'real' feeling. I think it was Stephen King who said the art of a good horror story is allowing the reader to suspend their disbelief regarding the supranational narrative and just go with the flow (obviously a bad paraphrase, but I hope you get the idea). Goingback really immerses you with this story, giving us real characters deftly developed in a very concise manner. Even the Indian rituals seem to come alive as does the nasty Crota. Hawk knows about the Crota and he also knows no 'white man weapon' can stop it. I can see why this won the Bram Stoker award and look forward to reading more of Goingback. 4.5 stars!!
July 11, 2017
Terrific book. Started off as a pretty standard horror thriller but when John Little Hawk showed up it got really interesting, adding an interesting twist to the... well, standard horror thriller. Some really great characterization and cinematic moments. Definitely recommend.
Want to read
October 21, 2020Currently under $5 on Kindle. If this doesn't look like the perfect October read, I don't know what does!
Don't try to reach me Halloween Night, with the full moon. I'm booked!!!
Don't try to reach me Halloween Night, with the full moon. I'm booked!!!
September 9, 2021
Such a fun ride about a creature I’ve never heard of. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend!
February 29, 2020
An exciting horror novel. Although published in 1998, it took me back to some of that awesome 80s horror that I so much enjoyed. The Crota is a monster from the dim and distant past. An earthquake frees it from the deep world where it was imprisoned once before by an alliance of shamans. But now there are few who follow the old ways and have any knowledge of how to stop this creature, who can't be killed by bullets. Well written and full of interesting lore. Highly recommended.
December 30, 2009
This is something of a B-movie monster movie story, but with with an interesting multi-cultural background. It's fast-paced, well-written, and a lot of fun.
January 12, 2021
Crota appears to be a very by-the-numbers sort of creature-feature at first, what with the monster coming from the darkness and brutally murdering human and bovine alike. But there is a heart here, and not the one the titular beast scopes from the chest of its victims.
You can read Chris' full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
You can read Chris' full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
June 23, 2019
Originally posted on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.
"When the police of Hobbs County, Missouri find a mutilated man’s body on the side of the road, they figure a bear attacked him, except that bears aren’t indigenous to their area. The local Indian tribe offers another explanation: Crota, a great beast of legend, has reawakened. As the body count increases, a hand-picked group of hunters stalk the mythical creature through an underground labyrinth where they will discover a horror beyond all imagining…but all too real! "
With in the very first chapter, you know exactly what this book has in store for you. Giant, stalking creature and blood! Crota had plenty of gory, yet somehow Owl managed to not be too terribly graphic in his deceptions of the carnage. The novel had a very nice pacing to the plot. We had a lot of activity from the creature. It wasn’t just 24/7 action, but the down times in between monster attacks never felt too slow. It was just the right amount. It never felt like the story was dragging.
I’m DYING to tell about the monster, but I don’t want to blurt out any spoilers! The author leaves it a little vague for a while, and you can’t really tell where he is going with it. Is it an evil Native American spirit? Is it a lost prehistoric creature? Is it just a mutant bear? I was quite pleased when it was revealed where the creature came from. It was a category of creature horror that I am very fond of. ❤
It was really cool getting to see a lot of Native American culture and mysticism in Crota. You can tell the author is very proud of his heritage from the way he writes about it. He also, very subtly, brought up problems his people face on a daily basis. Mentions of drinking, gambling, no land, and being marginalized and looked down upon by white people. Owl points these things out in order to bring our awareness to them, but he never let’s it take over the book. The book is filled with hope and a very positive outlook. White man listens to the wisdom of the Native Americans and both joining forces to take on their problems, as brothers, not enemies.
I do want to note that this book had a fair amount of animal death. Several cows and a bull get mutilated and a dog was skinned alive. All of the animal deaths went on for a few pages that I just had to skip over. I did not like having that much detail about the animals getting hurt, especially the pet doggo. 😦
The majority of the book I found very entertaining and a joy to read. The last chapter, however, was annoying AF. It felt so sugary sweet happy ending that it kinda made me want to gag. We already had a happy ending and this chapter just felt like over kill. I don’t know. Maybe I’m too cynical or something, but this just felt like too much. The last chapter didn’t ruin the whole book or anything, but the book would have been better without it.
"When the police of Hobbs County, Missouri find a mutilated man’s body on the side of the road, they figure a bear attacked him, except that bears aren’t indigenous to their area. The local Indian tribe offers another explanation: Crota, a great beast of legend, has reawakened. As the body count increases, a hand-picked group of hunters stalk the mythical creature through an underground labyrinth where they will discover a horror beyond all imagining…but all too real! "
With in the very first chapter, you know exactly what this book has in store for you. Giant, stalking creature and blood! Crota had plenty of gory, yet somehow Owl managed to not be too terribly graphic in his deceptions of the carnage. The novel had a very nice pacing to the plot. We had a lot of activity from the creature. It wasn’t just 24/7 action, but the down times in between monster attacks never felt too slow. It was just the right amount. It never felt like the story was dragging.
I’m DYING to tell about the monster, but I don’t want to blurt out any spoilers! The author leaves it a little vague for a while, and you can’t really tell where he is going with it. Is it an evil Native American spirit? Is it a lost prehistoric creature? Is it just a mutant bear? I was quite pleased when it was revealed where the creature came from. It was a category of creature horror that I am very fond of. ❤
It was really cool getting to see a lot of Native American culture and mysticism in Crota. You can tell the author is very proud of his heritage from the way he writes about it. He also, very subtly, brought up problems his people face on a daily basis. Mentions of drinking, gambling, no land, and being marginalized and looked down upon by white people. Owl points these things out in order to bring our awareness to them, but he never let’s it take over the book. The book is filled with hope and a very positive outlook. White man listens to the wisdom of the Native Americans and both joining forces to take on their problems, as brothers, not enemies.
I do want to note that this book had a fair amount of animal death. Several cows and a bull get mutilated and a dog was skinned alive. All of the animal deaths went on for a few pages that I just had to skip over. I did not like having that much detail about the animals getting hurt, especially the pet doggo. 😦
The majority of the book I found very entertaining and a joy to read. The last chapter, however, was annoying AF. It felt so sugary sweet happy ending that it kinda made me want to gag. We already had a happy ending and this chapter just felt like over kill. I don’t know. Maybe I’m too cynical or something, but this just felt like too much. The last chapter didn’t ruin the whole book or anything, but the book would have been better without it.
July 12, 2020
A few incidents start to occur in a small town and the sheriff's first thought is that they must be from a bear attack. But as he investigates more of these violent incidents he finds out it's something much worse.
Admittedly, creature features are not my go-to subgenre but I really enjoyed this one and thought it did what it did really well! Goingback's writing is easy to get into and I found the novel to be a real page-turner. The story is quite action-packed with some excellent gruesome and gory moments.
What sets this apart from countless other creature features is the element of Native American folklore. It's a big part of the story and there are some Native American characters. It also touches on themes such as colonialism and racism and their impact on these characters. This gave the novel a unique and interesting angle that really worked with the story.
Overall, this is a fun and gory ride with some heart and emotion too. Definitely a great choice if you're looking for a fast-paced read!
Admittedly, creature features are not my go-to subgenre but I really enjoyed this one and thought it did what it did really well! Goingback's writing is easy to get into and I found the novel to be a real page-turner. The story is quite action-packed with some excellent gruesome and gory moments.
What sets this apart from countless other creature features is the element of Native American folklore. It's a big part of the story and there are some Native American characters. It also touches on themes such as colonialism and racism and their impact on these characters. This gave the novel a unique and interesting angle that really worked with the story.
Overall, this is a fun and gory ride with some heart and emotion too. Definitely a great choice if you're looking for a fast-paced read!
April 20, 2022
Absolutely creepy gorey and monster horror atmosphere.
February 6, 2020
3.25 Stars. Audible. A fun, fast-paced, monster book.
February 22, 2024
Pretty solid "creature feature " with some Native American folklore and elements woven in. Overall, despite the typical tropes and some pretty descriptive animal casualties, I enjoyed it. I'll definitely be reading more by Goingback.
October 18, 2022
Whilst the first half is almost too simple and offers no surprises, the story in itself draws you to go on and boy you should! For it reveals all its interest and passion in the second half 🙂
Crota is a hell of a book and I got huge fun reading it 🙃
Crota is a hell of a book and I got huge fun reading it 🙃
April 7, 2023
Action packed and bloody adventure story with a nasty ancient monster. Crappy representation of women. Edit: Also worth noting the particularly nasty description of the death of a dog at the hands of the creature. I was able to skim over it, but thought potential readers should be aware.
May 25, 2024
Reads like white-written magical Native nonsense. Started questioning partway through whether the author is actually native. Turns out, probably not. Just another pretendian mixing up cultures and getting things wrong. DNF.
November 25, 2019
TWs:
descriptive gore and violence, description of mutilation and dismemberment, death of animals and pets, reference to outdated racial epithets
February 25, 2023
Gory and exciting! This kind of hits that itch for "exploration gine wrong" that I get.
May 4, 2022
✨4.5 stars✨
I listened to this book on audible for my first Read Your Own Adventure Challenge pick. I am on Team Necromancer and so we have horror books to read. The first prompt is The Untrodden Forest- Read a book by an indigenous author or have indigenous rep. This book had both.
The Crota is a beast of nightmares that was awoken after an earthquake. Not haven eaten for 1000 years it took to the surface to feed. I held my breath as it tore through animals and cows, leaving a bloody trail back to its lair.
The Sheriff and Game Warden team up to battle the beast underground. Will they succeed?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the narrator did an amazing job too. For a long time I have been searching for a scary creature story and by golly this one was just great. Full of danger, suspense and plenty of gore, I could not top listening.
I listened to this book on audible for my first Read Your Own Adventure Challenge pick. I am on Team Necromancer and so we have horror books to read. The first prompt is The Untrodden Forest- Read a book by an indigenous author or have indigenous rep. This book had both.
The Crota is a beast of nightmares that was awoken after an earthquake. Not haven eaten for 1000 years it took to the surface to feed. I held my breath as it tore through animals and cows, leaving a bloody trail back to its lair.
The Sheriff and Game Warden team up to battle the beast underground. Will they succeed?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the narrator did an amazing job too. For a long time I have been searching for a scary creature story and by golly this one was just great. Full of danger, suspense and plenty of gore, I could not top listening.
November 25, 2022
A nightmarish creature is freed from the earth by an earthquake, and the job of killing it falls to a park ranger and the sheriff.
Featuring:
• An ancient, abandoned, underground city.
• Native American legends and teachings.
• Some of the goriest, most horrible deaths.
• Redeemable characters.
• Heebie jeebies.
This book was so well-written, witty, fascinating, and terrifying. The underground scene with all of the deputies was particularly horrifying.
Great book - five stars.
Featuring:
• An ancient, abandoned, underground city.
• Native American legends and teachings.
• Some of the goriest, most horrible deaths.
• Redeemable characters.
• Heebie jeebies.
This book was so well-written, witty, fascinating, and terrifying. The underground scene with all of the deputies was particularly horrifying.
Great book - five stars.
December 2, 2020
This is not the typical monster story. Shamanism, spiritualism, mysticism, and Native American Lore combine to create a fantastic story of love, loss, and sacrifice. This centuries old creature is as old as time and as evil as satan. Terrifying in its details this story is not to be missed.
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