Waves of Green: A Great Basin Tale

by Megan Russ

In the real world Fallon, Nevada, there is a mascot known as the Greenwave or Gurka, as some locals call it. This angry wave of alfalfa has always been a curious point of conversation in the small farming community.

Now this mascot comes to life as a monster of myth and legend.

This novella will take you one step to the left of reality, and twist this creature into a monster that is focused on mayhem and destruction. Twisting history and local lore into a brand new legend for a new generation.

In the 1850s, the Pyramid Lake War broke out. The peaceful Tribe of the Crow in the Lahontan Valley wanted nothing to do with their neighbors’ war. When thirteen brave men went to turn down the Tribe of the Lake, they were cut down and cursed to hunt their peaceful friends of the Fallon settlement forever. Their souls, twisted by the Lake Tribe’s hatred, the thirteen become the Gurka of the fields.

Every ten years the Gurka rise from the summer fields and bring blood and death to the small desert town of the Great Basin. Will rumor and myth be enough to save Fallon when these monsters rise again?



Waves of Green is a direct continuation of the short story Greenwave found only found in my debut short story collection, Shadows of the Great A Haunting Collection of Desert Tales. While you do not have to have read Greenwave to read Waves of Green, it makes for a large picture of this twisted version of Fallon, Nevada.

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Megan has been writing since she was a child. Her dream of being a published author has never faded despite the struggles of life. After taking a few years away from the keyboard she is back. Megan now works as a LMT, with three kids and a houseful of pets. She could not do anything without her amazing support system, mainly her best friend and partner in crime.
Megan enjoys writing Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror, with little limitation on the Sub-genres she will stretch into. Writing as a passion hobby is now what she does to fill the time between work, family, and hiking the Nevada desert. She finds inspiration in everyday life, art, and most of all her crazy vivid dreams.
Find more of Megan's work in Writers United Anthologies, and Butchered Writers Terror Monthly.
Her own collections can be found on Amazon Kindle Unlimited and Paperback.

Short Story Collections:
Shadows of the Great Basin
Night Creature's Lair
Lore

Novellas:
Waves of Green
Finding Forgiveness

Reviews

[Jeffrey Caston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a total sucker for regional horror and Waves of Green by Megan Russ certainly delivers that.

First off, I have to say that I LOVE that the book includes a map. One of the things that drives me nuts with fantasy book when it doesn’t include a map. (I know this book isn’t fantasy, but the fact Russ gives you this just adds to the local world’s mystique.)

This book takes up the world I was introduced to in the last short story of her Great Basin collection. Here we have bloodthirsty green monsters who cyclically terrorize the poor farming town of Fallon, Nevada. At first it switches time periods from 1855, where we have a brewing conflict with the new settlement and the neighboring Native American tribes, to 2025, where modern residents are gearing up for a local Ag festival all the while contending with “vandalism” in the form of graffiti like paintings that are actually warnings of all the bad stuff that’s gonna happen. And on top of that, the monsters/aliens/you don’t know what—at first—pervades the town in subtle ways.

As this novella progresses the narrative weaves together and I really liked that. And to me, like the Shadows of the Great Basin collection, I could really see her affection for the Nevada desert. Which is also a great attribute in my mind.

Anyway, it executes an interesting writing style that I really drilled into. We get the monsters’ origin story and even there, we get the mix of tragedy and evil that makes the Gurkas what they are.

The novella ends with a blood-soaked violent rampage with mayhem ensuing between the monsters and the modern townsfolk. It’s an action-packed ending with the suggestion that Megan Russ maybe has more in store for you in the Greenwave world.

I hope that is in fact the case because I would like to see more.

5/5

[Lunawolfwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Cryptid short story by Megan Russ. I'm excited to see what else this new author will bring to us.

The story takes place in Fallon, Nevada which I found to be pretty cool since I lived in that area until 2021. I loved the horror aspect and gore too!

[D.L. Garvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just over 200 years ago the growing settlement of Fallon Nevada was set upon by an evil curse. Once every decade blood thirsty monsters known as Gerkas rise up from the corn fields. In a reign of terror they go on a killing spree. Many believed this was just a silly urban ledgend. That is untill the summer of 2025 when the urban ledgend became a terrifying reality.

[Kelsey]

Thank you to the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read Shadows of the Great Basin and enjoyed that collection and was excited when Russ asked for ARC readers for a novella following one of the short stories. While that particular story, Greenwave, wasn’t my favorite in the collection and I had some reservations about the monsters being a native curse, I was curious about where the author would take the story.

The book starts with the monsters, the “gurka,” rising from the alfalfa fields in 2025. Then were taken back to 1855, where a native boy runs to the shaman and says settlers are nearby. I’m not an expert in the Paiute-Shoshone group that’s native to the area, but the way the natives are portrayed feels prejudiced. They live in caves and have names like Running Deer and Salty Puddle. They’re referred to as “braves”.

The following chapter takes us back to 2025, where the librarian is not allowing middle schoolers into the library because of “vandalism and violence.” One of the students’ parents comes to yell at the librarian for not allowing her “perfect angel” boy into the library. She demands to speak to “the manager” and calls her a bitch. We find out that the “vandalism” is a picture of the gurka, the monsters that rise every ten years to get rid of the settlers, with the message “They are back!”. But if the librarian has been there for a long time, wouldn’t she know that this isn’t mere vandalism? Wouldn’t she be more concerned for her community?

Nevermind that the local high school’s mascot is a gurka. Yeah, these things come back every ten years and try to kill us, let’s name our school mascot after them!

I DNF’d this book at 17%.

[Graceli Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Cryptid Story

Waves of Green was thoroughly engaging from start to finish. The detailed history of the Gurka was almost as tragic as their decade cycle of rebirth and violence.
While somewhat gory, their rampage was also quite thrilling and edge of your seat (will they or won't they get characters you formed attachments to).
The first ending made me proud (of the character) the second one annoyed me due to its sad resemblance to reality and humanity in general, not the author or the story. You'll have to read it yourself to see what I mean.
I look forward to more Cryptid tales from this author.

[Shalene Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author knows how to tell a tale of horror! The way she told it from the historical and the contemporary point of view was definitely an interesting and daring perspective.
The tension rises higher and higher in this novella until it finally breaks into a terrifying crescendo of mayhem that rocks this little town.
If you’re fan of horror, don’t miss out on this fantastic short read by this talented author.
It’s a dual story-telling of the historical legend and the modern day afflictions that creep into this unsuspecting town. “Nothing good happens in a Cornfield”.

[Kathleen Wellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by Megan Russ that I have read and I loved it! I actually live in Fallon, NV and love how she incorporated our small farming town, traditions and even some of our well known families into the book.
Her writing is very good, quite descriptive and makes you feel like you are right there! Can’t wait for her next book!!

[Jess.loves2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one from Megan Russ! Loved that this one actually creeped me out. Going outside at night alone is not happening anytime soon. If you haven’t read Shadows of the Great Basin yet you should definitely check that one out too. You don’t have to read it first but there is a short story that goes along with this novella.

[Naomie Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waves of Green delivers a chilling and imaginative twist on local Fallon lore, transforming a quirky mascot into a terrifying legend in this gripping, atmospheric desert horror tale.

[Honey-Marie Lashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another fabulous story by Mrs Russ. In order to get the most out of this story you have to read shadows of a great basin. Thank you again Mrs Russ for another captivating read

[T.R. Sharrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so excited for this book when I read the short, and it was well worth the wait!! Loved it!! I'm gonna have to get a shelf for just this author's books! 🥰🥰

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting in Waves of Green is incredibly rich and detailed. Megan Russ brings the desert to life in a way that feels both eerie and grounded, blending local folklore with a twist on desert horror. Nevada, is already full of legend, and while this tale is fictional, the history she crafts makes the story feel unsettlingly possible.

The monster—an angry wave of alfalfa turned creature of mayhem—is seriously creepy, and the tone is full-on horror with a dramatic edge. The stakes feel high not just for a character or two, but for the whole community, and the townspeople’s reactions felt grounded and real, which made the story even more intense.

If you're into folklore-inspired horror with a haunting desert atmosphere, this one’s for you.

[Julissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love local legends. The Gurka curse is scary and full of gore. What intrigued me the most was the backstory of how the Gurka came to be. I can't wait to read more expanded stories from Shadows of the great Basin.

[Ashley Bundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great tale from Megan Russ!

This little story is quick and snappy but manages to carry intense imagery that any horror lover will enjoy. Pick up Waves of Green if you enjoy horror, short stories, or monster tales. This one checks all boxes!

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fascinated by the Gurka Curse bc I think there's legendary tales told everywhere about the places we live or grew up but never know whether to believe them or not. I don't think the town of Fallon who survived the Gurka will question the tales and will have their own tale to tell their families for years to come. I love the way Megan Russ intertwines the folk tales passed down for generations as well as the way she describes places and creatures so well that you can actually imagine your there!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifying twist on a local legend

This brings Fallon, Nevada’s mascot to life in the most chilling way. Blending history, myth, and horror. A creature I’ve never heard of. It reimagines the Pyramid Lake War and a deadly curse that unleashes the Gurka—a terrifying force of destruction—every ten years.

The story’s mix of local lore and supernatural horror is gripping, creating an eerie world. This is a must-read for horror fans. Suspenseful, unique, and impossible to put down!

[Anna Yearwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Praise for Megan Russ for weaving a story about an urban legend into a captivating, creepy book! I was a bit confused starting it, but I realized I hadn’t read Shadows of the Great Basin before reading this one. I’m planning to read that, and reread this one to understand it better and rewrite my review. From what I understood, though, I enjoyed Waves of Green. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Belinda Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading horror, creatures that scare me, legends, folk lore. This novella delightfully creeped me out. I don't want to go outside at night, especially alone, anymore. The story goes back and forth from the 1850's to present day Fallon, Nevada. The Tribe of the Crow are living in peace when settlers come. They meet and agree to live together there in peace. The angry Tribe of the Lake doesn't want the settlers there and sends word to the chief of the Tribe of the Crow that their chief wants to talk about driving the settlers away.
Thirteen members of the Tribe of the Crow, including the chief, go to meet with the Tribe of the Lake to tell them they are not going to be a part of this conflict. The Tribe of the Crow are killed and cursed by the shaman of the Tribe of the Lake and the 1850's Pyramid Lake War breaks out.
In present day, the town of Fallon is represented by a creature known as the Gurka which comes to life every ten years. The Gurka come out of the ground in the alfalfa fields and are the product of the curse put on the Tribe of the Crow to kill everyone who lives on the land. The description and creativity of the details of the monsters by Megan Russ are brilliant. The specifics of the injuries and deaths were so real it was chilling. I started reading this book and I could not put it down. It kept me engrossed all the way to the end. Waves of Green is part of The Shadows of the Great Basin series but can be read as a stand-alone.

[J. Bagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy the backstory leading up to modern times, though it might have more impact if the time frame between the rise of the monsters were more sporadic and at longer intervals. Something so horrific happening every ten years would stay pretty fresh in the minds of the townfolk, so much so, they would long ago have engaged a battle tactic.
However, I love the Great Basin area and know it to be a fertile area of legends and lore. The story concept is imaginative and no doubt will keep a few young ones from a good night's sleep. As it should.....

[Becca Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great change of pace for me. I love horror but don't read it often as I tend to read a lot of paranormal romance, so it was nice to get stuck into another genre for a change.

It flowed well and did not take long to read. I read it within a day.
It kept my interest and the jumps between time really added to the story.

The action scenes were great! My favourite being Erika's.

Highly recommend if you like fighting monsters and action.

[Lucas DiNome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chista è la prima vota ca lèggiu nu rumanzu di Megan Russ. N'auturi accussì stellari. Ben ricercatu e l'incorpurazzioni dâ liggenna urbana è brillanti. Mi arricurda l'autrici Carolina Giammanco.
La scrittura è sia discrittiva ca evoca l'emuzzioni. Li pirsunaggi sunnu ben sviluppati. Aspittu cu entusiasmu li travagghi futuri dâ signura.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a solid, atmospheric horror novella with strong local flavor and a memorable concept. I’d definitely read more set in this world.