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The Hidden: TRIBES!
Ancient native American cultures developed and thrived for centuries before the arrival of white explorers from Europe. For thousands of years, they flourished on the North American continent. They were not alone. During the war of 1812 the fledgling country of the United States of America again went to war with their old rival, England. Many fierce battles raged in the east and to the north into Canada. But on the western frontier, the Indiana Rangers faced an ancient foe so horrible as to threaten not only the white settlers but the Native Americans as well. The time has come for the telling of a forgotten battle so incredible, and so bizarre as to exceed any of the famous actions of this or any war. Return if you dare to the horrific story of the discovery of the Kophet-kur, half alien and half beast, as they threaten to devour the entire human race.
- GenresHorror
165 pages, Paperback
Published January 16, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 24, 2025
Reading The Hidden Tribes by T.D. Barton was like unearthing a secret chapter of American history that had been buried beneath layers of myth and silence. At first glance, it feels like a historical novel centered around the War of 1812 but very quickly, it becomes clear that this story is something far more chilling and fantastical.
Set against the backdrop of the western frontier during a time when the U.S. was embroiled in conflict with England, Barton introduces us to a forgotten, nightmarish threat: the Kophet-kur. Part alien, part beast, these ancient creatures are the kind of horror that lurks not just in the shadows of the wilderness, but in the cracks of recorded history. What struck me most was how skillfully Barton wove Native American lore, speculative sci-fi, and historical military action into one cohesive and compelling narrative.
The Native American cultures are treated with a sense of respect and depth not merely as background characters but as key players in the unfolding battle. The idea that both settlers and Native tribes are forced to unite against a common, otherworldly enemy gives the story both emotional and philosophical weight. It’s a potent reminder of how much history is shaped not just by human decisions, but by the stories we choose to pass down or forget.
The pacing is relentless. Barton doesn’t waste time meandering through exposition. Once the Kophet kur are introduced, the tension ratchets up and doesn't let go. The battle scenes are vivid and terrifying, but what lingers most is the atmosphere of dread—the sense that we are tapping into something truly forbidden.
I appreciated that Barton didn’t shy away from the horror aspects either. There are moments in the book that made my skin crawl, not because of gore, but because of how convincingly he writes the unknown. He brings the monsters to life in such a way that you start to believe they could be part of some dark, undiscovered corner of American history.
If I had one critique, it’s that I sometimes wished for a deeper dive into individual characters. The plot moves so fast that some of the emotional beats don’t land as hard as they could have. That said, the thematic ambition and eerie originality more than make up for it.
Set against the backdrop of the western frontier during a time when the U.S. was embroiled in conflict with England, Barton introduces us to a forgotten, nightmarish threat: the Kophet-kur. Part alien, part beast, these ancient creatures are the kind of horror that lurks not just in the shadows of the wilderness, but in the cracks of recorded history. What struck me most was how skillfully Barton wove Native American lore, speculative sci-fi, and historical military action into one cohesive and compelling narrative.
The Native American cultures are treated with a sense of respect and depth not merely as background characters but as key players in the unfolding battle. The idea that both settlers and Native tribes are forced to unite against a common, otherworldly enemy gives the story both emotional and philosophical weight. It’s a potent reminder of how much history is shaped not just by human decisions, but by the stories we choose to pass down or forget.
The pacing is relentless. Barton doesn’t waste time meandering through exposition. Once the Kophet kur are introduced, the tension ratchets up and doesn't let go. The battle scenes are vivid and terrifying, but what lingers most is the atmosphere of dread—the sense that we are tapping into something truly forbidden.
I appreciated that Barton didn’t shy away from the horror aspects either. There are moments in the book that made my skin crawl, not because of gore, but because of how convincingly he writes the unknown. He brings the monsters to life in such a way that you start to believe they could be part of some dark, undiscovered corner of American history.
If I had one critique, it’s that I sometimes wished for a deeper dive into individual characters. The plot moves so fast that some of the emotional beats don’t land as hard as they could have. That said, the thematic ambition and eerie originality more than make up for it.
October 9, 2023
The Hidden: Tribes!
by T.D. Barton
Genre - Fiction/Occult Horror
Format - Digital
Pages - 165
Publication Information - Independently Published, ISBN-13 : 979-8373891448, January 16 2023
Overall Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewed by William C. Bitner, Jr.
Native American lore and science fiction come together in this very creative and beautifully crafted tale. I’ve read a number of things co-authored by T.D. Barton and he never disappoints. Great characters and compelling plots all throughout this fast paced novella. I’m always anxious to read one of his collaborations.
From the back cover - “Ancient native American cultures developed and thrived for centuries before the arrival of white explorers from Europe. For thousands of years, they flourished on the North American continent.
They were not alone.
During the war of 1812 the fledgling country of the United States of America again went to war with their old rival, England. Many fierce battles raged in the east and to the north into Canada.
But on the western frontier, the Indiana Rangers faced an ancient foe so horrible as to threaten not only the white settlers but the Native Americans as well.
The time has come for the telling of a forgotten battle so incredible, and so bizarre as to exceed any of the famous actions of this or any war.
Return if you dare to the horrific story of the discovery of the Kophet-kur, half alien and half beast, as they threaten to devour the entire human race.”
by T.D. Barton
Genre - Fiction/Occult Horror
Format - Digital
Pages - 165
Publication Information - Independently Published, ISBN-13 : 979-8373891448, January 16 2023
Overall Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewed by William C. Bitner, Jr.
Native American lore and science fiction come together in this very creative and beautifully crafted tale. I’ve read a number of things co-authored by T.D. Barton and he never disappoints. Great characters and compelling plots all throughout this fast paced novella. I’m always anxious to read one of his collaborations.
From the back cover - “Ancient native American cultures developed and thrived for centuries before the arrival of white explorers from Europe. For thousands of years, they flourished on the North American continent.
They were not alone.
During the war of 1812 the fledgling country of the United States of America again went to war with their old rival, England. Many fierce battles raged in the east and to the north into Canada.
But on the western frontier, the Indiana Rangers faced an ancient foe so horrible as to threaten not only the white settlers but the Native Americans as well.
The time has come for the telling of a forgotten battle so incredible, and so bizarre as to exceed any of the famous actions of this or any war.
Return if you dare to the horrific story of the discovery of the Kophet-kur, half alien and half beast, as they threaten to devour the entire human race.”
February 11, 2026
The Hidden: TRIBES!
By: T.D. Barton
Publisher: Independently Published
Published Date: January 14, 2023
ASIN: B0BSCRJSHM
Page Count: 173
Triggers: violence, creature horror, war themes, suspense
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: ☠️☠️☠️
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Historical frontier horror meets creature feature with a side of “wait… is this secret history or nightmare folklore?” I showed up expecting War of 1812 storytelling and instead found monsters in the woods and tension thick enough to chew.
Here’s What Slapped:
The concept is wildly creative and feels fresh in a genre that can sometimes recycle the same haunted houses and cursed objects. The pacing moves fast in the best way, making it an easy one sitting read. The blending of history, speculative horror, and legend creates a creepy “what if this actually happened?” energy that sticks with you. The monsters themselves feel unsettling without needing over the top gore, which honestly makes them more effective.
What Could’ve Been Better:
I would not have complained about spending more time with the characters before everything escalated. The story moves quickly and sometimes emotional moments pass by at a sprint. Not a dealbreaker, just a “stay a little longer” feeling.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
historical horror
frontier survival stories
creature features with lore
fast reads with eerie atmosphere
“lost history” horror vibes
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
By: T.D. Barton
Publisher: Independently Published
Published Date: January 14, 2023
ASIN: B0BSCRJSHM
Page Count: 173
Triggers: violence, creature horror, war themes, suspense
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: ☠️☠️☠️
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Historical frontier horror meets creature feature with a side of “wait… is this secret history or nightmare folklore?” I showed up expecting War of 1812 storytelling and instead found monsters in the woods and tension thick enough to chew.
Here’s What Slapped:
The concept is wildly creative and feels fresh in a genre that can sometimes recycle the same haunted houses and cursed objects. The pacing moves fast in the best way, making it an easy one sitting read. The blending of history, speculative horror, and legend creates a creepy “what if this actually happened?” energy that sticks with you. The monsters themselves feel unsettling without needing over the top gore, which honestly makes them more effective.
What Could’ve Been Better:
I would not have complained about spending more time with the characters before everything escalated. The story moves quickly and sometimes emotional moments pass by at a sprint. Not a dealbreaker, just a “stay a little longer” feeling.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
historical horror
frontier survival stories
creature features with lore
fast reads with eerie atmosphere
“lost history” horror vibes
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews