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CRULUS
The Body Snatchers meets Stranger Things in this gripping supernatural horror perfect for fans of eighties horror like Grady Hendrix’s My Best Friend's Exorcism and Brian Keene’s Ghoul.
Sometimes the dead do not stay dead, and the living are not who they say they are.
It is 1981, Dylan Wolfendale’s first year in Comprehensive school, but it’s not just the bullies he needs to worry about. It’s the dead.
Able to traverse realms with ease, Dylan soon discovers that he’s destined to escort souls to the afterlife.
The peace of Draigwen, Wales, becomes shattered. People are being murdered; their bodies decomposing in seconds, rather than days. Unwilling to believe that there are dead men walking, the police are baffled.
Dark shadows become real, bodies are snatched, and a supernatural demon rampages through Draigwen. The realm of the dead is slowly being breached, and supernatural events cause an unlikely partnership between Dylan, his school friends, and police officer, Fiona Brasking.
Can they stop what is already dead?
Crulus is a fast-paced supernatural horror from debut author, Llrâc Nôdbé.
Praise for
“CRULUS pulses with emotional truth and atmospheric tension, weaving the adolescent experience seamlessly into visceral, soul-deep terror.” Elizabeth J Brown author of the Brimstone Chorus series ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'80s old-school horror. Unapologetically Welsh. Unapologetically brutal. Unapologetically heart breaking … Perfect for fans of Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes', Davidson's 'Saturday Night Ghost Club', and King's 'The Body'.' Sarah Jules author of the series You Invited It In ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The threat and suspense loom behind every word … with gruesome scenes and suspicious characters leading us into new territory.' Catriona Mowat author of Beyond The Smoke And Shadow and Fragments ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The story will make you wince from pain, shudder with fear, gasp in shock, sigh with sorrow and feel so many feelings.’ Alexandra Nisneru author of Hunt and A Werewolf’s Diary ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Sometimes the dead do not stay dead, and the living are not who they say they are.
It is 1981, Dylan Wolfendale’s first year in Comprehensive school, but it’s not just the bullies he needs to worry about. It’s the dead.
Able to traverse realms with ease, Dylan soon discovers that he’s destined to escort souls to the afterlife.
The peace of Draigwen, Wales, becomes shattered. People are being murdered; their bodies decomposing in seconds, rather than days. Unwilling to believe that there are dead men walking, the police are baffled.
Dark shadows become real, bodies are snatched, and a supernatural demon rampages through Draigwen. The realm of the dead is slowly being breached, and supernatural events cause an unlikely partnership between Dylan, his school friends, and police officer, Fiona Brasking.
Can they stop what is already dead?
Crulus is a fast-paced supernatural horror from debut author, Llrâc Nôdbé.
Praise for
“CRULUS pulses with emotional truth and atmospheric tension, weaving the adolescent experience seamlessly into visceral, soul-deep terror.” Elizabeth J Brown author of the Brimstone Chorus series ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'80s old-school horror. Unapologetically Welsh. Unapologetically brutal. Unapologetically heart breaking … Perfect for fans of Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes', Davidson's 'Saturday Night Ghost Club', and King's 'The Body'.' Sarah Jules author of the series You Invited It In ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The threat and suspense loom behind every word … with gruesome scenes and suspicious characters leading us into new territory.' Catriona Mowat author of Beyond The Smoke And Shadow and Fragments ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'The story will make you wince from pain, shudder with fear, gasp in shock, sigh with sorrow and feel so many feelings.’ Alexandra Nisneru author of Hunt and A Werewolf’s Diary ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
408 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2025
6 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Llrâc Nôdbé
1 book11 followersLlrâc Nôdbé (pronounced ‘Lark Nod-Bee’), or simply Lark for short, was born in the Sirhowy Valley, South Wales in 1970 and has spent most of his life arguing with the voices in his head, although, he usually loses.
Therefore, he writes whatever the voices tell him to write, and they don't always have something nice to say.
Because he’s spent most of his life there, Lark tends to live in the past, and you can find him lurking around the 80's.
For more information about Lark and his books, please follow
‘The Voices Made Me Do It’ on social media or visit his LinkTree™ page, linktr.ee/llracnodb
Book cover art by https://www.sabercore23art.com/bookco...
Therefore, he writes whatever the voices tell him to write, and they don't always have something nice to say.
Because he’s spent most of his life there, Lark tends to live in the past, and you can find him lurking around the 80's.
For more information about Lark and his books, please follow
‘The Voices Made Me Do It’ on social media or visit his LinkTree™ page, linktr.ee/llracnodb
Book cover art by https://www.sabercore23art.com/bookco...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 24, 2025
It is 1981 in Wales and Dylan can see and speak to the dead, his role is to guide souls to the afterlife but he is also a kid trying to avoid the bullies and have fun with his friends. A killer stalks his small town leaving decomposing corpses in its wake and it falls to him to stop the killer, save the girl and survive school.
A fantastic debut supernatural horror from Lark that feels so raw and real. The Welsh colloquialisms, the ache of first love, the friends that are both everything and annoying, the fear of bullies and the horror of real life alongside the dark forces of the other side.
It is a coming of age, loss of the age of innocence, found family tale of a remarkable boy who lives in a world of harsh cruelty and real life fear whilst navigating the land of the dead both good and evil. With exceptional characterisation and heartbreaking scenes of fear, failure and pain, especially from the kids in this story, it is both chilling and compelling.
A monstrously malevolent journey into the mind of evil with succulent body horror that will get your horror juices flowing, fabulous!
A fantastic debut supernatural horror from Lark that feels so raw and real. The Welsh colloquialisms, the ache of first love, the friends that are both everything and annoying, the fear of bullies and the horror of real life alongside the dark forces of the other side.
It is a coming of age, loss of the age of innocence, found family tale of a remarkable boy who lives in a world of harsh cruelty and real life fear whilst navigating the land of the dead both good and evil. With exceptional characterisation and heartbreaking scenes of fear, failure and pain, especially from the kids in this story, it is both chilling and compelling.
A monstrously malevolent journey into the mind of evil with succulent body horror that will get your horror juices flowing, fabulous!
August 5, 2025
In the town of Draigwen, Wales, something horrific is unfolding—bodies are piling up and many are spontaneously decomposing. At the heart of it all is Dylan, a boy who can communicate with the dead, and who quickly finds himself in over his head as he tries to uncover the chilling truth.
I really enjoyed this supernatural coming-of-age horror story. I’d never read anything by Llrâc Nôdbe before. Once I settled into the unique writing style, the tension and mystery gripped me, and I had to finish in one sitting.
I tend to be cautious with coming-of-age stories, having read so many over the years, but Nôdbe’s fresh take on the theme really worked for me. All of the characters felt grounded and authentic, and the horror elements were well-woven into the story.
My only issue was the sheer number of characters involved—it occasionally became a bit hard to keep track of everyone. That said, this might just be a personal thing and didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment and I would definitely read more of this author's work.
I’d recommend Crulus to fans of supernatural horror especially those who enjoy coming-of-age stories.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this supernatural coming-of-age horror story. I’d never read anything by Llrâc Nôdbe before. Once I settled into the unique writing style, the tension and mystery gripped me, and I had to finish in one sitting.
I tend to be cautious with coming-of-age stories, having read so many over the years, but Nôdbe’s fresh take on the theme really worked for me. All of the characters felt grounded and authentic, and the horror elements were well-woven into the story.
My only issue was the sheer number of characters involved—it occasionally became a bit hard to keep track of everyone. That said, this might just be a personal thing and didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment and I would definitely read more of this author's work.
I’d recommend Crulus to fans of supernatural horror especially those who enjoy coming-of-age stories.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2025
Crulus is a debut novel that clearly wasn't rushed. What I love about this is that authir, Llrac Nodbe was careful in crafting a book that's creative and well written.
Set in 1981 in Wales, it was such a great trip down memory lane, and there were many occasions I chuckled to myself, half remembering television shows, sayings or current events I'd not thought about in years, and also at how youngsters or readers from across the pond would not have a clue about the references. And that just made me smile more! 😁
This coming-of-age tale surrounds Dylan and his friends as they try to navigate their way through high school and er, evil entities! What starts off as typical teenage angst, rapidly descends into the chilling paranormal...
I loved the juxtaposition of suspense and fear, with some genuinely funny splashes of humour. It's a slow burner that builds up to a really strong, and exciting finale.
Crulus reads like a book written by an author with a handful of books already under his belt. Llrac is one to watch and I can't wait to see what comes next from him.
Set in 1981 in Wales, it was such a great trip down memory lane, and there were many occasions I chuckled to myself, half remembering television shows, sayings or current events I'd not thought about in years, and also at how youngsters or readers from across the pond would not have a clue about the references. And that just made me smile more! 😁
This coming-of-age tale surrounds Dylan and his friends as they try to navigate their way through high school and er, evil entities! What starts off as typical teenage angst, rapidly descends into the chilling paranormal...
I loved the juxtaposition of suspense and fear, with some genuinely funny splashes of humour. It's a slow burner that builds up to a really strong, and exciting finale.
Crulus reads like a book written by an author with a handful of books already under his belt. Llrac is one to watch and I can't wait to see what comes next from him.
August 9, 2025
"Crulus" is a very densely plotted coming-of-age debut horror novel, thirteen years in the making, brimming with Welsh lore and a weird sense of humor, employing familiar urban fantasy tropes and transforming them into a singular tale of mythological, occasionally surreal, supernatural horror.
The cast is large, the resolution complex, the way there labyrinthine; yet the author manages to offer a solid horror story of good versus evil, refraining from easy solutions and cheap gimmicks, insisting on including real-life complications (from alcoholic mothers and cruel teachers to two-faced friends and intimidating bullies). Ultimately though, this is a story of occult horror, figuring a magic book, a speaker to the dead, detailed rules of the afterlife, monstrous spirits, and evil soul-snatchers. Set in a small town in Wales, it focuses on Dylan, a precocious eleven-year-old, who's forced into a battle between a body-jumping evil (the titular "Crulus") and Dylan's friends and family. Standing out among them is Fiona, a copper with smarts and heart, who catches on almost immediately on what's been happening, and allies herself with Dylan, speeding up the plot and driving the story forward.
There are a couple of things I would have appreciated seeing them included in the book: first of all, a list of the characters populating the story; they are too many, some of them too similar to each other, several others given the spotlight for too brief a time. Secondly, a list of the rules governing the afterlife: again, there's a lot of them, never given beforehand, often presented unfairly as plot-twists. Though this approach ties in perfectly with Dylan's own road of discovery, it does make for a messy reading experience, as one has to piece everything together on their own, with no breather allowed in the story. That said, the author's choice to include a short, reader-friendly explanation of Welsh idioms appearing in the book was brilliant, and the same can be said about the list of songs mentioned and employed, in fact, as chapter titles.
Overall, the book is a very intelligent take on the familiar story of a group.of schoolchildren facing a sinister entity which is taking advantage of its victims' psychological and physical weaknesses. The supernatural elements cohere together in a wildly inventive way, and the fast-pacing suits this occult adventure perfectly! Recommended!
The cast is large, the resolution complex, the way there labyrinthine; yet the author manages to offer a solid horror story of good versus evil, refraining from easy solutions and cheap gimmicks, insisting on including real-life complications (from alcoholic mothers and cruel teachers to two-faced friends and intimidating bullies). Ultimately though, this is a story of occult horror, figuring a magic book, a speaker to the dead, detailed rules of the afterlife, monstrous spirits, and evil soul-snatchers. Set in a small town in Wales, it focuses on Dylan, a precocious eleven-year-old, who's forced into a battle between a body-jumping evil (the titular "Crulus") and Dylan's friends and family. Standing out among them is Fiona, a copper with smarts and heart, who catches on almost immediately on what's been happening, and allies herself with Dylan, speeding up the plot and driving the story forward.
There are a couple of things I would have appreciated seeing them included in the book: first of all, a list of the characters populating the story; they are too many, some of them too similar to each other, several others given the spotlight for too brief a time. Secondly, a list of the rules governing the afterlife: again, there's a lot of them, never given beforehand, often presented unfairly as plot-twists. Though this approach ties in perfectly with Dylan's own road of discovery, it does make for a messy reading experience, as one has to piece everything together on their own, with no breather allowed in the story. That said, the author's choice to include a short, reader-friendly explanation of Welsh idioms appearing in the book was brilliant, and the same can be said about the list of songs mentioned and employed, in fact, as chapter titles.
Overall, the book is a very intelligent take on the familiar story of a group.of schoolchildren facing a sinister entity which is taking advantage of its victims' psychological and physical weaknesses. The supernatural elements cohere together in a wildly inventive way, and the fast-pacing suits this occult adventure perfectly! Recommended!
August 23, 2025
I must admit that when I started reading this, I did have a bit of trouble with the writing style. After the first couple of chapters, I stopped and wondered if this was for me. I couldn't remember characters' names or what was going on. So I started again, but the second time, I slowed down my reading. This worked a treat and also reminded me not to be in such a rush. I also found that this is not the type of book you read a couple of pages here and there. It's better suited for when you have decent chunks of time to fully absorb it.
Ring now onto the book itself. I'm not sure what I found scarier the monster in the story or how rough life was growing up in 80's Wales? Both aspects of this story were terrifying in their own way, and yet they blended together so well that they gave the story an extra depth, which I wasn't expecting. The folklore was really well done, and how it tied into the characters was very clever.
If you like books where you have an afternoon free so that you can take the time to fully emerce yourself into the story, then this is definitely the book for you. Once I was in the story, hours flew by without even noticing.
Ring now onto the book itself. I'm not sure what I found scarier the monster in the story or how rough life was growing up in 80's Wales? Both aspects of this story were terrifying in their own way, and yet they blended together so well that they gave the story an extra depth, which I wasn't expecting. The folklore was really well done, and how it tied into the characters was very clever.
If you like books where you have an afternoon free so that you can take the time to fully emerce yourself into the story, then this is definitely the book for you. Once I was in the story, hours flew by without even noticing.
July 16, 2025
Draigwen Wales, 1981
Dylan has just started comprehensive school, and is already juggling bullies and talking to the dead.
Because in Draigwen, the dead don’t seem to stay dead.
This is a paranormal horror/thriller with a difference. You can feel the love and attention that the author put into this on every single page. A coming-of-age story about a group of kids trying to work through trauma, grief, and a lot of harm around them, Crulus takes the reader on a journey that is wholesome, heartbreaking, gasp-inducing, and thrilling. The threat and suspense loom behind every word as we are slowly drawn into the supernatural mystery, with gruesome scenes and suspicious characters leading us into new territory.
The sub-plots all tie together beautifully, with a conclusion that will satisfy and enrage every reader: because you won’t want it to end! With twists and turns in the plot, I will freely admit I didn’t expect everything that I got from Crulus.
This may be a debut novel, but Llrâc Nôdbé cements himself as a staple in the indie horror world with this story. It reads as if a seasoned writer produced this, and you can see the attention to detail and care put into every single word. I expected great things from Llrâc, and he exceeded every expectation. I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Dylan has just started comprehensive school, and is already juggling bullies and talking to the dead.
Because in Draigwen, the dead don’t seem to stay dead.
This is a paranormal horror/thriller with a difference. You can feel the love and attention that the author put into this on every single page. A coming-of-age story about a group of kids trying to work through trauma, grief, and a lot of harm around them, Crulus takes the reader on a journey that is wholesome, heartbreaking, gasp-inducing, and thrilling. The threat and suspense loom behind every word as we are slowly drawn into the supernatural mystery, with gruesome scenes and suspicious characters leading us into new territory.
The sub-plots all tie together beautifully, with a conclusion that will satisfy and enrage every reader: because you won’t want it to end! With twists and turns in the plot, I will freely admit I didn’t expect everything that I got from Crulus.
This may be a debut novel, but Llrâc Nôdbé cements himself as a staple in the indie horror world with this story. It reads as if a seasoned writer produced this, and you can see the attention to detail and care put into every single word. I expected great things from Llrâc, and he exceeded every expectation. I can’t wait to see what he does next.
August 18, 2025
Come back to the 80s in this supernatural tale full of ghosts, zombies, demons and school kids! This is a fast paced story that hits hard from the moment it starts til the moment it finishes, and refuses to let up. The characters are very well developed, and the novel is rich in folklore and myths, as well as plenty of horror and thriller- all bound up in a coming-of-age story that is unputdownable. The twists and turns are fabulous, and all those threads intertwine to create something truly wonderful in what I can't believe is a debut novel! I can't wait to see what Llrâc does next
November 25, 2025
A well-executed debut that delivers on every bit of its premise. Crulus brings a full slate of tension, chills, laughs, and heart. I fell in love with the mythos that Lark built to bolster the events of the story, with the characters, even the Welsh colloquialisms throughout the dialogue. But make no mistake, this was an unsettling ride, with plenty of bleak aspects, and there were great stretches of the plot where it felt like no one was safe.
September 7, 2025
I love how this debut novel never once felt rushed. Nodbe took extra care in making a great story that is both creative and well written. The narrative feels raw and real, with a chilling edge that had me hooked from start to finish. It is definitely worth the read and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
July 18, 2025
A great debut, a hell of a story of coming of age for a group of friends that are confronted not only with a supernatural evil planning to conquer the world but with so many other "mundane issues" that gathered up can shortly be named surviving teenage years and school : bullying, family issues, relationships and so on.
The story will make you wince from pain, shudder with fear, gasp in shock, sigh with sorrow and feel so many feelings.
And the best bit for me was that I have never encountered a story so authentic, so real from using all the Wales's dialect and regional expressions, which I absolutely loved.
The story will make you wince from pain, shudder with fear, gasp in shock, sigh with sorrow and feel so many feelings.
And the best bit for me was that I have never encountered a story so authentic, so real from using all the Wales's dialect and regional expressions, which I absolutely loved.
December 28, 2025
What an engrossing tale. Imagine being just a child and realizing you are an Angel of Death. Dylan has a heck of a time keeping up and is soon finding he bit off more than he can chew.
While there is a lot going on, and sometimes the characters mix. It keeps you on your toes. And when bodies start decomposing rapidly, you better keep an eye out.
It was a horrific read of the paranormal kind. I would recommend it.
While there is a lot going on, and sometimes the characters mix. It keeps you on your toes. And when bodies start decomposing rapidly, you better keep an eye out.
It was a horrific read of the paranormal kind. I would recommend it.
September 5, 2025
Crulus by Llrâc Nôdbé is a powerhouse of a supernatural debut, and my first introduction to Welsh Lore.
Dylan guards a secret. As if heartbreaking familial struggles, adolescence, bullying, and coming of age in the rough and tumble of Draigwen, Wales, in 1981 isn’t hard enough for an 11 year old protagonist; there’s a killer on the loose.
Rapidly decomposing bodies are stacking up. Evil malignancy infects the town. The dead don’t stay dead. Is anyone, even who you think they are?!
With the help of his friends and an unlikely ally, detective Fiona Brasking who’s working the case, Dylan won’t stop until he saves the girl and the town, but can he?
Reminiscent of the nostalgia and adolescent grit of Stand by Me, Crulus explores themes of friendship, loss, betrayal, rites of passage, good vs evil, morally gray ambiguity, and acts of extreme bravery. Dylan is no stereotype, he’s a boy with very real fears and natural emotions.
Very much a character-driven novel with an ambitious, wide cast of characters, it demands engagement and paying attention to details. A slow consistent read helped me sort the pieces and keep everyone and everything in place.
Action packed and brimming with atmospheric dread, the unique to me Welsh lore made for a refreshing read. There’s certainly no shortage of plot, tension, or subplots, all of which are addressed to some degree.
The door left wide open for another one.
Because Draigwen may be the distinctly Welsh cousin to Derry.
I also dug the QRC for a compilation soundtrack of chapter titles (awesome 80’s music btw) provided by the author in the back matter. A brilliant touch.
Also brilliant, the unflinching introduction to Welsh vernacular, culture, and the social milieu of a particular age.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
A debut? Really? No freakin way.
And THAT cover 👀✌🏼vibes the story so hard.
🪦🪦🪦🪦🪦
Dylan guards a secret. As if heartbreaking familial struggles, adolescence, bullying, and coming of age in the rough and tumble of Draigwen, Wales, in 1981 isn’t hard enough for an 11 year old protagonist; there’s a killer on the loose.
Rapidly decomposing bodies are stacking up. Evil malignancy infects the town. The dead don’t stay dead. Is anyone, even who you think they are?!
With the help of his friends and an unlikely ally, detective Fiona Brasking who’s working the case, Dylan won’t stop until he saves the girl and the town, but can he?
Reminiscent of the nostalgia and adolescent grit of Stand by Me, Crulus explores themes of friendship, loss, betrayal, rites of passage, good vs evil, morally gray ambiguity, and acts of extreme bravery. Dylan is no stereotype, he’s a boy with very real fears and natural emotions.
Very much a character-driven novel with an ambitious, wide cast of characters, it demands engagement and paying attention to details. A slow consistent read helped me sort the pieces and keep everyone and everything in place.
Action packed and brimming with atmospheric dread, the unique to me Welsh lore made for a refreshing read. There’s certainly no shortage of plot, tension, or subplots, all of which are addressed to some degree.
The door left wide open for another one.
Because Draigwen may be the distinctly Welsh cousin to Derry.
I also dug the QRC for a compilation soundtrack of chapter titles (awesome 80’s music btw) provided by the author in the back matter. A brilliant touch.
Also brilliant, the unflinching introduction to Welsh vernacular, culture, and the social milieu of a particular age.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
A debut? Really? No freakin way.
And THAT cover 👀✌🏼vibes the story so hard.
🪦🪦🪦🪦🪦
August 20, 2025
An entertaining Welsh supernatural tale steeped in folklore and is packed full of tension, mystery and drama as much as it is with horror.
It is 1981 in Draigwen, Wales where eleven year old Dylan Wolfendale is in his first year of comprehensive school when a series of mysterious murders begin to take place in the town.
At the same time, Dylan has discovered that he has the ability to speak to the dead, and can help transition them to the afterlife. In a world of body snatching supernatural entities, this ability soon comes to the fore as he and his friends get caught up in the center. They along with Fiona, a police officer team up to try and bring down the evil that is ultimately the cause of all the killings.
This book has a heavy emphasis on Welsh folklore but is done in a way that explains it to the reader without being confusing which is no mean feat. There is also a guide at the back of the book for some of the Welsh colloquialisms for those who do struggle.
Crulus is a novel that has been carefully crafted over a number of years and it's impressive that this is a debut novel as it doesn't read like one at all. It is confident, impressively thought out, and complex and best of all is a blast to read.
The characters are a good mix and have a great depth to them, the effects of the story taking its toll on some more than others. The tale despite its length (over 400 pages) has a good pace and is well written. There were times where I stayed up well past my bedtime just to see what happened next.
There are some heartbreaking moments, there are some sweet, tender moments and it is all wrapped up in a supernatural, coming of age tale you don't want to miss. A fantastic debut.
It is 1981 in Draigwen, Wales where eleven year old Dylan Wolfendale is in his first year of comprehensive school when a series of mysterious murders begin to take place in the town.
At the same time, Dylan has discovered that he has the ability to speak to the dead, and can help transition them to the afterlife. In a world of body snatching supernatural entities, this ability soon comes to the fore as he and his friends get caught up in the center. They along with Fiona, a police officer team up to try and bring down the evil that is ultimately the cause of all the killings.
This book has a heavy emphasis on Welsh folklore but is done in a way that explains it to the reader without being confusing which is no mean feat. There is also a guide at the back of the book for some of the Welsh colloquialisms for those who do struggle.
Crulus is a novel that has been carefully crafted over a number of years and it's impressive that this is a debut novel as it doesn't read like one at all. It is confident, impressively thought out, and complex and best of all is a blast to read.
The characters are a good mix and have a great depth to them, the effects of the story taking its toll on some more than others. The tale despite its length (over 400 pages) has a good pace and is well written. There were times where I stayed up well past my bedtime just to see what happened next.
There are some heartbreaking moments, there are some sweet, tender moments and it is all wrapped up in a supernatural, coming of age tale you don't want to miss. A fantastic debut.
August 19, 2025
Dylan is eleven in 1981, growing up in Wales with his mates while trying to avoid the bullies who haunt his school.
But something else haunts Dylan - his ability to communicate with the dead. And something is coming to this small town, something terrifying.
This is a book for anyone who grew up in the 80s, and pretty much everyone else. Scary, occasionally totally bonkers, it balances its horror and sadness with real heart, and this is what makes it work.
A love letter to horror stories, and days gone by, and a reminder, perhaps, of the importance of friendship and love.
I adored every page of this brilliant debut!
But something else haunts Dylan - his ability to communicate with the dead. And something is coming to this small town, something terrifying.
This is a book for anyone who grew up in the 80s, and pretty much everyone else. Scary, occasionally totally bonkers, it balances its horror and sadness with real heart, and this is what makes it work.
A love letter to horror stories, and days gone by, and a reminder, perhaps, of the importance of friendship and love.
I adored every page of this brilliant debut!
August 9, 2025
An intricate, tightly woven debut novel.
Crulus is a coming of age supernatural horror novel, reminiscent of 80s old-school horror. Unapologetically Welsh. Unapologetically brutal. Unapologetically heart breaking.
Crulus puts you right back in your school years, where you believe anything is possible, but wish it wasn't.
Perfect for fans of Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes', Davidson's 'Saturday Night Ghost Club', and King's 'The Body'.
Crulus is a coming of age supernatural horror novel, reminiscent of 80s old-school horror. Unapologetically Welsh. Unapologetically brutal. Unapologetically heart breaking.
Crulus puts you right back in your school years, where you believe anything is possible, but wish it wasn't.
Perfect for fans of Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes', Davidson's 'Saturday Night Ghost Club', and King's 'The Body'.
August 19, 2025
A debut novel that can't go wrong. Llrac brings us a fresh take on the coming-of-age story. We follow Dylan in 1981 as he helps to escort souls to the beyond. But the action heats up when a malevolent force is causing havoc with the souls. A supernatural tale that has zombies, demons, and ghosts. It shows a large cast of characters which works really well combines with the suspense and action. Can't wait to read his next one.
January 16, 2026
A phenomenal debut from this author! The Story flowed so well, and it just kept expanding and throwing little twists and turns along the way that kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved the 80's setting, and even more so the soundtrack that came along with it. excited to see what the authors comes up with next.
August 12, 2025
Meet Dylan. Dylan can see the dead. And if that wasn’t already bad enough for a pre-teen navigating bullies, a sick father, and an alcoholic mother, the dead can see him too. One spirit in particular has nothing but bad intentions… and it’s getting closer.
Set in 1981 Wales, CRULUS is a masterful blend of coming-of-age poignancy and supernatural dread. The world Nôdbé builds feels lived-in and raw—from the uneasy camaraderie of school life to the undercurrents of fear rooted in family illness and emotional neglect. Into this fragile reality seeps an older, darker power, turning every creak, shadow, and flicker of movement into a potential trigger for nightmares.
What stands out isn’t just the eerie mythology or the unsettling imagery, but the heart behind it: the fear, defiance, and stubborn hope of a boy trying to take control in a world that keeps stripping it from him. CRULUS pulses with emotional truth and atmospheric tension, weaving the adolescent experience seamlessly into visceral, soul-deep terror.
This may be his debut, but one thing’s certain: Llrâc Nôdbé is carving out a place as one of horror’s most compelling new voices.
Set in 1981 Wales, CRULUS is a masterful blend of coming-of-age poignancy and supernatural dread. The world Nôdbé builds feels lived-in and raw—from the uneasy camaraderie of school life to the undercurrents of fear rooted in family illness and emotional neglect. Into this fragile reality seeps an older, darker power, turning every creak, shadow, and flicker of movement into a potential trigger for nightmares.
What stands out isn’t just the eerie mythology or the unsettling imagery, but the heart behind it: the fear, defiance, and stubborn hope of a boy trying to take control in a world that keeps stripping it from him. CRULUS pulses with emotional truth and atmospheric tension, weaving the adolescent experience seamlessly into visceral, soul-deep terror.
This may be his debut, but one thing’s certain: Llrâc Nôdbé is carving out a place as one of horror’s most compelling new voices.
December 24, 2025
I am sorry.
I had to DNF this.
I just couldn't do it.
But not for lack of trying.
I tried and tried for MONTHS, but I finally threw in the towel.
I thought the cover looked interesting, a melding of flesh and rot and evil- now I'm wondering if AI helped create it.
I'm bored senseless by the one-dimensional characters, the forced and shallow perspectives, the manufactured dialogue.
It's predictable and odd and the similies are some of the worst I've ever seen in a book. (e.g., "lines like burnt kit kats on his hand")
I took a mental break for a few months and cannot remember anything that has happened because nothing mattered enough to stick.
I had to DNF this.
I just couldn't do it.
But not for lack of trying.
I tried and tried for MONTHS, but I finally threw in the towel.
I thought the cover looked interesting, a melding of flesh and rot and evil- now I'm wondering if AI helped create it.
I'm bored senseless by the one-dimensional characters, the forced and shallow perspectives, the manufactured dialogue.
It's predictable and odd and the similies are some of the worst I've ever seen in a book. (e.g., "lines like burnt kit kats on his hand")
I took a mental break for a few months and cannot remember anything that has happened because nothing mattered enough to stick.
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