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Crucifax
Originally published in 1988, Ray Garton s fourth novel, following not long after his award nominated Live Girls, is regarded as a classic of the splatterpunk movement in horror fiction. Garton has a way with teenage boredom, atmospheric small town isolation, incest, drug abuse, and over the top violence and he has managed to create a modern remake of the story of the Pied Piper with a sinister character, Mace (who wears a crucifax around his neck a crucifix with an axlike blade on it) appearing on the scene, seducing mixed up kids with his siren song of pleasure, power, and indulgence, all leading to a horrifically unsettling climax of death and destruction. And then there are the ratlike things that do the piper s bidding . . .
387 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
31 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Ray Garton
180 books564 followersRay Garton is the author of several books, including horror novels such as LIVE GIRLS (which has a movie in the works), CRUCIFAX, E4 AUTUMN, and THE FOLKS; thrillers like TRADE SECRETS and SHACKLED; and numerous short stories and novellas. He's also written a number of movie and television tie-ins for young readers. He lives with his wife, Dawn, in California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 28, 2016
I don't care how "dated" this book supposedly is, I think it's first-rate pulp horror. Unlike some others here, I really enjoyed the 80s-ness of this, Garton's followup to his breakthrough third novel Live Girls. The author does a great job of making the reader feel as if they're living in 1988, complete with all the references to hair metal bands, religious fundamentalists against rock music, mullets, MTV, cults, etc. All that only adds flavor to the novel, imo, instead of detracts. It's also just-plain-fun to read, and the action rarely lets up for a 400-page novel.
It tells the story of a group of typical jaded high-schoolers in the San Fernando Valley area of California, and the new guy in town, Mace, who's several years older, cool, and who seems just about perfect in every way. He slowly integrates himself into their crowd, all the while gaining more and more teen outcasts as cult-like followers of himself and his mysterious, sinister cause, one that will culminate in an underground (literally underground) rock concert he plans to put on. Meanwhile, all the kids have taken to hanging out in the sewers and a huge, abandoned factory, and wearing these weird, crucifix-shaped necklaces. Some are even killing themselves with their sharp edges. A few of the parents and one guidance counselor are determined to get to the bottom of these suicides, and the new cult in town. But Mace has a bunch of rat/weasel-like "familiars" that he can use to see everything that's happening in town.
Crucifax is one of the best examples of the late 80s splatterpunk movement, and the tension and horror remain ramped up throughout. Garton has a skill in connecting the reader to his characters, much more so than many of his contemporaries in the sub-genre, and it's no different here. It only takes a few chapters before each character's personality traits and motivations are intimately known. I know sometimes it's all about when you read something, or what type of mood you're in, but for me this was a blast to read. And disturbing as hell at times. Another reviewer here mentioned the "drive-in movie" feel of it, and I agree.
This isn't a book that will change your life, but if you're looking for a quintessential example of the splatterpunk era, look no further.
4.5 Stars
(This mass market edition of the book has one major chapter that was notoriously, severely edited at the request of the publisher, but the Dark Harvest hardcover, titled Crucifax Autumn, is uncensored. Also, the Paul Sammon-edited Splatterpunks anthology contains the chapter it its full, disgusting glory.)
It tells the story of a group of typical jaded high-schoolers in the San Fernando Valley area of California, and the new guy in town, Mace, who's several years older, cool, and who seems just about perfect in every way. He slowly integrates himself into their crowd, all the while gaining more and more teen outcasts as cult-like followers of himself and his mysterious, sinister cause, one that will culminate in an underground (literally underground) rock concert he plans to put on. Meanwhile, all the kids have taken to hanging out in the sewers and a huge, abandoned factory, and wearing these weird, crucifix-shaped necklaces. Some are even killing themselves with their sharp edges. A few of the parents and one guidance counselor are determined to get to the bottom of these suicides, and the new cult in town. But Mace has a bunch of rat/weasel-like "familiars" that he can use to see everything that's happening in town.
Crucifax is one of the best examples of the late 80s splatterpunk movement, and the tension and horror remain ramped up throughout. Garton has a skill in connecting the reader to his characters, much more so than many of his contemporaries in the sub-genre, and it's no different here. It only takes a few chapters before each character's personality traits and motivations are intimately known. I know sometimes it's all about when you read something, or what type of mood you're in, but for me this was a blast to read. And disturbing as hell at times. Another reviewer here mentioned the "drive-in movie" feel of it, and I agree.
This isn't a book that will change your life, but if you're looking for a quintessential example of the splatterpunk era, look no further.
4.5 Stars
(This mass market edition of the book has one major chapter that was notoriously, severely edited at the request of the publisher, but the Dark Harvest hardcover, titled Crucifax Autumn, is uncensored. Also, the Paul Sammon-edited Splatterpunks anthology contains the chapter it its full, disgusting glory.)
May 15, 2024
I was saddened to see Ray Garton’s recent passing. I grew up with Ray’s writing and Live Girls was always one of my favorites. Years later, I connected with him on social media, and he was always so gracious and polite. His wit and wisdom never failed to inspire. So much so, you never would’ve thought he was ill. That was just the kind of guy Ray was. Even as much of a fan I was of Ray’s writing, I wish I had read more of his catalog. If I had, I could’ve told him how much more I enjoyed his work, like my latest read in honor of his passing, Crucifax.
Ah, the late 80s. Smack dab in the middle of the latch-key kid years. Divorces were still new to this generation, and if your parents were still together, many of them worked multiple jobs, including night shifts, to pay the bills. Left alone, our generation had to learn to fend for ourselves during our teenage years. Some were successful. Some fell through the cracks. Those that did became the lost souls, feeling unloved and unwanted, a ship without a rudder.
Crucifax is about evil that preys on these lost souls, giving them misguided hope, and his name is Mace. Mace shows up one day out of nowhere with a bag of weed and a place for them to hang out with no rules. He seems to have all the answers, and the troubled teens begin flocking towards him. Kevin, the bad boy ignored by his rich parents, who’s desperately trying to make it big with his band. Nikki, the awkward girl with the divorced, alcoholic mom, who also finds out she’s pregnant. Mallory, another latch-key kid whose divorced mom works nights and is rarely home. The list goes on and on, and so does the number of Mace’s devotees, who know where a razor-sharp cross around their neck that he calls a Crucifax. J.R., the high school counselor, sees a pattern emerge, and when one teenager kills herself with the sharpened edge of the Crucifax, all signs point back to the mysterious Mace. Can J.R., with the help of Mallory’s brother, Jeff, put a stop to this madness before more from the cult-like group of teens kill themselves?
Garton nails the 80s vibe of teen angst in Crucifax. The characters seemed like so many that I went to school with. His prose is smooth and easy to read, yet has a nice, literary quality to it that makes it rise above much of the pulp from the era. If you’ve never read Garton before, I’ll always recommend you start with the classic, Live Girls. But Crucifax wouldn’t be a bad follow up.
4 Sewer Rats on Steroids out of 5
Ah, the late 80s. Smack dab in the middle of the latch-key kid years. Divorces were still new to this generation, and if your parents were still together, many of them worked multiple jobs, including night shifts, to pay the bills. Left alone, our generation had to learn to fend for ourselves during our teenage years. Some were successful. Some fell through the cracks. Those that did became the lost souls, feeling unloved and unwanted, a ship without a rudder.
Crucifax is about evil that preys on these lost souls, giving them misguided hope, and his name is Mace. Mace shows up one day out of nowhere with a bag of weed and a place for them to hang out with no rules. He seems to have all the answers, and the troubled teens begin flocking towards him. Kevin, the bad boy ignored by his rich parents, who’s desperately trying to make it big with his band. Nikki, the awkward girl with the divorced, alcoholic mom, who also finds out she’s pregnant. Mallory, another latch-key kid whose divorced mom works nights and is rarely home. The list goes on and on, and so does the number of Mace’s devotees, who know where a razor-sharp cross around their neck that he calls a Crucifax. J.R., the high school counselor, sees a pattern emerge, and when one teenager kills herself with the sharpened edge of the Crucifax, all signs point back to the mysterious Mace. Can J.R., with the help of Mallory’s brother, Jeff, put a stop to this madness before more from the cult-like group of teens kill themselves?
Garton nails the 80s vibe of teen angst in Crucifax. The characters seemed like so many that I went to school with. His prose is smooth and easy to read, yet has a nice, literary quality to it that makes it rise above much of the pulp from the era. If you’ve never read Garton before, I’ll always recommend you start with the classic, Live Girls. But Crucifax wouldn’t be a bad follow up.
4 Sewer Rats on Steroids out of 5
May 30, 2021
Gonzo novel by Garton first published in 1988. I have the English edition with a better cover, but so be it. The only other novel I have read by Garton is Lot Lizards which was a very fun romp as well. This, however, is pure over the top 80s horror at its finest! Crucifax starts kinda slow as Garton introduces a wide array of characters-- Jeff, a teenager who is more or less the lead, his sister Malory, Jeff's mom (who is a stripper and sex call worker), Kevin, another teenager trying to get a band together, J.R., one of the local high school's guidance councilors, and of course, Mace, the 'leader' of the crucifax 'movement' for lack of better words.
The story is set in 'The Valley' in California and centers on a host of local teenagers doing what typical teenagers do. School is just about to start once again when some strange lights appear in the sky one cloudy evening, leaving the viewers a bit confused. Mace enters the scene not long after and the guy seems to know everyone's inner secrets and worries; his confident ways (and his killer grass) woo over many students at school. Mace lives more or less in an abandoned health center connected to the sewers and indeed, the kids to go to see him go through the sewers to get there. Mace seems to be attracted to the kids with issues so to speak; the ones coming from broken homes and so forth. His promise: he will take them to a better place...
This is a quick read and one really hard to put down once you get by the first few chapters. Very original and it really captures the spirit of the 80s very well-- the moralistic street preachers (who play a key role here), the music, the clubs, the angst associated with the Reagan era. Great settings and Mace's 'eyes'-- large rat like creatures-- are creepy AF. In fact, the entire story is creepy. Throw in some incest (double yuck!), lots of good weed and some horse, loud metal and let it rip! 4.5 rock'in stars!!
The story is set in 'The Valley' in California and centers on a host of local teenagers doing what typical teenagers do. School is just about to start once again when some strange lights appear in the sky one cloudy evening, leaving the viewers a bit confused. Mace enters the scene not long after and the guy seems to know everyone's inner secrets and worries; his confident ways (and his killer grass) woo over many students at school. Mace lives more or less in an abandoned health center connected to the sewers and indeed, the kids to go to see him go through the sewers to get there. Mace seems to be attracted to the kids with issues so to speak; the ones coming from broken homes and so forth. His promise: he will take them to a better place...
This is a quick read and one really hard to put down once you get by the first few chapters. Very original and it really captures the spirit of the 80s very well-- the moralistic street preachers (who play a key role here), the music, the clubs, the angst associated with the Reagan era. Great settings and Mace's 'eyes'-- large rat like creatures-- are creepy AF. In fact, the entire story is creepy. Throw in some incest (double yuck!), lots of good weed and some horse, loud metal and let it rip! 4.5 rock'in stars!!
October 2, 2017
This hardcover signed and slipcased edition is copy 96 of 300 produced and is signed on the limitation page by both author Ray Garton and illustrator Bob Eggleton.
November 24, 2025
I don’t write reviews.
And I don’t know what I think about this story. I guess I feel like I should have loved it, but I didn’t. Part of the reason would be that I imbibed aurally and the narrator was an absolute freak. What would compel him to voice Mace as a Hungarian vampire, JR as a whiny child and every girl as a bimbo secretary from Brooklyn?
The bulk of the blame lies with Garton though. The characters were awful and no one learned anything. Even Jeff, who was planning on helping everyone, just crumbled. The incest focus wasn’t particularly interesting. The vapid teens were especially vapid. Who could I have rooted for out of this lot? I wanted to find out more about Mace and the creatures. Did the crucifax have any special meaning or was it only there as an easy suicide assist?
I didn’t hate this book, just like I didn’t hate Live Girls. Yet I am left with that same feeling as after Live; something is missing.
And I don’t know what I think about this story. I guess I feel like I should have loved it, but I didn’t. Part of the reason would be that I imbibed aurally and the narrator was an absolute freak. What would compel him to voice Mace as a Hungarian vampire, JR as a whiny child and every girl as a bimbo secretary from Brooklyn?
The bulk of the blame lies with Garton though. The characters were awful and no one learned anything. Even Jeff, who was planning on helping everyone, just crumbled. The incest focus wasn’t particularly interesting. The vapid teens were especially vapid. Who could I have rooted for out of this lot? I wanted to find out more about Mace and the creatures. Did the crucifax have any special meaning or was it only there as an easy suicide assist?
I didn’t hate this book, just like I didn’t hate Live Girls. Yet I am left with that same feeling as after Live; something is missing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2011
A horror book of the 80's, (no cellphones, internet, texting, etc.) that takes place in the San Fernando Valley. It's a "drive-in movie" kind of a book and I mean that in the best way. What I appreciated most is Garton's observations on the cult of personality, teen angst, absent parents, the "evils of drugs and rock & roll" and the hypocracy of religion when faced with problems that aren't exactly black and white. Published as a paperback original, there is an "author's cut" with an extended gory scene not found in my version - since I've got the old paperback. I've always admired Garton's short fiction. I will definitely be looking for more of his novels.
September 1, 2016
typical 80s horror, great read, reminds on growing up, conflicts with parents and authorities, sexual experiences and interesting dark figure named Mace, a kind of modern pied piper, religious groups, an interesting portrait of a reverend... much tension and action, really a page turner from the past, don't miss it!
February 28, 2024
My first Ray Garton novel and I had a great time with it.
This novel has a bit of everything in it from hideous creatures, gangs, drug use, suicide and supernatural beings who have undue influence over the actions of the teenagers in the town. It has some pretty ghastly scenes one involving an abortion and some "wtf" moments with the incest of two characters. Its definitely quirky and the characters development is great. A fun 80s horror novel that's worth checking out if you can find a copy.
This novel has a bit of everything in it from hideous creatures, gangs, drug use, suicide and supernatural beings who have undue influence over the actions of the teenagers in the town. It has some pretty ghastly scenes one involving an abortion and some "wtf" moments with the incest of two characters. Its definitely quirky and the characters development is great. A fun 80s horror novel that's worth checking out if you can find a copy.
December 10, 2014
"Crucifax" is a 1980's Pied Piper story.
I've read a few 1980's horror novels recently and have cringed slightly at how outdated a couple of them have been. "Crucifax", though, holds up well with a theme that is still relevant. Granted, there are still a few references that didn't survive Father Time and the spiked mullet hair-style sported by the antagonist wouldn't pass muster today, those aside, the novel works.
3 1/2 STARS
I've read a few 1980's horror novels recently and have cringed slightly at how outdated a couple of them have been. "Crucifax", though, holds up well with a theme that is still relevant. Granted, there are still a few references that didn't survive Father Time and the spiked mullet hair-style sported by the antagonist wouldn't pass muster today, those aside, the novel works.
3 1/2 STARS
January 26, 2022
A seducing, sinister song of death preying on unaware and messed-up teenagers. A successful horror of the eighties you will enjoy reading despite its creepiness and some scenes that are not for everyone.
December 30, 2016
Crucifax de primeras es el típico libro molón. Un pastor satánico, sectas juveniles, adolescentes, rock and roll etc... Pero lo que de verdad hace este libro más que cañero, lo que subyace y me sorprendió es ahondar en los problemas adolescentes, los problemas de verdad. Familias disfuncionales, padres pasotas, padres egoístas, presiones, gente mayor que no les escucha, que no hace para entenderles. Es en estos quien Mace, el venido de los infiernos se centrará y plantará su semilla. Lo interesante del malo del libro es que no da miedo, te seduce igual que seduce a estos adolescentes, aunque igual que ellos de primeras sabes que algo malo está por llegar. Tiene escenas gore, terroríficas, excitantes, sexuales. Las va soltando en momentos adecuados, en tramos en el que clímax se va generando poco a poco, que va siendo real, que cuando llega dices BUAH QUE PASADA. Y es en el final cuando llega su momento más álgido, que es imposible soltarlo y hace que lo acabes prácticamente en una noche.
Y al terminar deja esa sensación de horror, después de presenciar algo terrible.
Crucifax debería ser reeditado, pues es una JOYA.
Y al terminar deja esa sensación de horror, después de presenciar algo terrible.
Crucifax debería ser reeditado, pues es una JOYA.
December 22, 2016
An entertaining read about a bunch of teens who get sucked into hanging out with a mysterious stranger named Mace. Giving them drugs and booze, he soon has more influence over them than their family and friends.
I didn't find this book at all scary, but there are a few disturbing scenes.
I didn't find this book at all scary, but there are a few disturbing scenes.
July 9, 2015
This was a good, almost great horror novel by esteemed horror scribe Ray Garton. Solidly constructed and well described, it still leaned towards excess and went way over the top whenever it could. I liked it for the most part, but there were some truly dumb moments and overall the book left me with a slightly sour taste. Good, not great and Garton has written much better books, see "Live Girls" and "Ravenous" for examples.
July 14, 2024
I am going to rate this 79/100.
It took me a while not because it wasn't good but because I started new stuff in detriment over this. IT was a very good horror from the 80/90' and after finishing I come to realize that I enjoy this kind of horror probably more than nowadays. Most of my favourite horror writers are guys that started to write back in the 80/90 like Bentley Little or Richard Laymon.
This tale is a retelling of Pied Piper of Hamelin but instead of old germany is set on California present day and he is called Mace.
Our main protagonist , well one of it, is Jeff which is a young teen (15) who lives with his sister (Mallory) and mother (Erin) and he has a shameful secret.
Around the half way point we also start following JR which is a councillor and he becomes very important character.
First of all, the first 50/70 pages is basically explaining what is happening in the town in the 80's where teens were rebelling (again) hearing rock and doing drugs and such. Nothing that their forbearers had not done in the wild 60/70. Amidst this clash, we've got some kids with a priest trying to convert to a path of righteous aka The Calvary Youth. Mace appears and we start seeing promising this rebel and "unwanted" kids stuff. IT starts promising stability and happiness that they couldn't find at home/school.
But stuff is not as simple as it seems. You've got a mother who has to do degrading things to provide food for her family, we've got incest broiling up in a confused mind, success being the path to perdition among other stuff.
I mean the book starts slow pace, just a normal slice of life very particular to the 80's , then Mace starts doing his stuff and more and more kids starts following him. JR which is the councillor starts connecting the dots between what is happening now to what happened several years ago to his sister.
Very entertaining. Highly advisable. Will look more for his novels.
I will not, from now on, talk about trigger warning because I don't think they exist. This is horror. If killing doesn't trigger why incest, mutilation, animals etc should? Killing is the end. But we are sanitized (don't know if this is the correct word) to it... Trigger make you alive. IT disgusts you but at the same time it's rewarding, overcome it right?
It took me a while not because it wasn't good but because I started new stuff in detriment over this. IT was a very good horror from the 80/90' and after finishing I come to realize that I enjoy this kind of horror probably more than nowadays. Most of my favourite horror writers are guys that started to write back in the 80/90 like Bentley Little or Richard Laymon.
This tale is a retelling of Pied Piper of Hamelin but instead of old germany is set on California present day and he is called Mace.
Our main protagonist , well one of it, is Jeff which is a young teen (15) who lives with his sister (Mallory) and mother (Erin) and he has a shameful secret.
Around the half way point we also start following JR which is a councillor and he becomes very important character.
First of all, the first 50/70 pages is basically explaining what is happening in the town in the 80's where teens were rebelling (again) hearing rock and doing drugs and such. Nothing that their forbearers had not done in the wild 60/70. Amidst this clash, we've got some kids with a priest trying to convert to a path of righteous aka The Calvary Youth. Mace appears and we start seeing promising this rebel and "unwanted" kids stuff. IT starts promising stability and happiness that they couldn't find at home/school.
But stuff is not as simple as it seems. You've got a mother who has to do degrading things to provide food for her family, we've got incest broiling up in a confused mind, success being the path to perdition among other stuff.
I mean the book starts slow pace, just a normal slice of life very particular to the 80's , then Mace starts doing his stuff and more and more kids starts following him. JR which is the councillor starts connecting the dots between what is happening now to what happened several years ago to his sister.
Very entertaining. Highly advisable. Will look more for his novels.
I will not, from now on, talk about trigger warning because I don't think they exist. This is horror. If killing doesn't trigger why incest, mutilation, animals etc should? Killing is the end. But we are sanitized (don't know if this is the correct word) to it... Trigger make you alive. IT disgusts you but at the same time it's rewarding, overcome it right?
April 8, 2020
Libro de terror de los años 80. Vemos como un hombre del cual no nos queda clara su procedencia ni lo que es, va acercandose a adolescentes con problemas personales ( ya sean físicos, psicologicos, familiares, etc) y les consigue convencer de que lo sigan pormetiendoles un "lugar mejor" el cual no es otro que un dramático final. Esto por rsro que parezca lo vemos tambien en la vida real con todas esas sectas que les lavan tanto el cerebro que harían cualquier cosa que les pidieran. Le doy tres estrellas porque pese a que el final es impresionante y duro a la vez, el resto de la novela me ha resultado muy lenta, enrevesandolo todo muchisimo y alargando las cosas excesivamente (bajo mi punto de vista). Pese a ello el final como ya dije es duro y nos hace tomar conciencia de que tenemos que estar pendientes siempre de la gente que nos importa, no solo cuando nos viene bien. Y sobre todo tener los ojos bien abiertos ante actitudes extrañas ya que verlo a tiempo puede ayudar muchisimo.
March 8, 2017
A disturbing thoughtful read
Well written and disturbing this novel by Ray Garton asks what happens when you do not pay attention to your children. This novel was written in the 80s in the height of music being satanic and D &D causing kids to kill themselves. It feeds well off the environment of the 80s.
Well written and disturbing this novel by Ray Garton asks what happens when you do not pay attention to your children. This novel was written in the 80s in the height of music being satanic and D &D causing kids to kill themselves. It feeds well off the environment of the 80s.
January 30, 2014
Ray's such a great writer it's probably hard for him to write a bad story. Though this one's too 80s for me, I'm still giving it five stars, because he crafted an intelligent, genuinely creepy horror tale about a community in L.A. besieged by an insidious force.
October 23, 2023
I was conflicted while reading this book, but I guess I enjoyed it a fair bit, since I pretty much raced through it, which is usually a sign that I'm having a good time, but that it's not a terribly deep book, maybe, and doesn't warrant much pause or cogitation.
I kind of liked the characters even though they made bad decision after bad decision throughout. For some of the kids at least you can say it's probably down to drugs or mojo or bad juju or something, but there were times when I just had to laugh at how thick-headed some o' these people coudl be. But sometimes, life really does feel like that, doesn't it? Kind of reminds me of old classics like The Blob where nobody will listen to any of the sensible young people who are just trying to protect the town from a vicious monster, but "proper" heads keep getting in the way. only here, the young people are all drugged up and acting weird and doing inexplicable things after taking a hit of grass. It's "supergrass", you see!
There were some pretty gross 'n' gruesome bits, and one incredibly vile scene with which nothing else in the book compares -- you'll know it when you get to it, is all I'm going to say about taht. There is some weird sexual stuff and even incest, which seems to come up more than you'd think in some of these 80s books; I think some should probably consider that a warning. It's also funny how some of the stuff in books like this one would really be considered "not for kids" and yet high-school students feature prominently. They can be drinking beer and goofing off one moment, and the next saying things like, "jeez, I don't know, let me talk to my guidance counsellor about that....Do you want to speak to my mom?" I did find some of this a little jarring from time to time but on the whole it's not too bad, except for one final thing which i have a bit ofa silly rant about, that I'll get to at the end.
There were a few surprises and subversions that might be worth taking note of. The religious fundamentalist nutcase, who starts off the book as a real hypocritical piece of crap who you think will probably get his just reward ends up being more sympathetic than I thought he would be, and when he meets his end, there's more pathos than one might expect. The police are written out as a possible solution for the protagonists quite early on, and though it's done in a way that I think is a bit flimsy, it's also kind of funny: At one point one of the teen protagonists is thinking of calling the police so they can keep his errant sister away from the Big Evil Villain. A cop shows up at the house -- just to be a helpful enabler and give her a lift straight to the lair of the Big Evil Villain! The cops are in on the conspiracy! Oh no!
There's some stuff about the insidious magnetism of cult leaders and such. A part of me wonders if the book might have been more powerful if there was no supernatural force involved and the main antagonist was really just some charismatic, incredibly dangerous evil man who corrupted the town just through sheer force of will and personality. If that'd been the case though, I think the author would have had less of an excuse to turn things so over-the-top, and you wouldn't get scenes like a mass-breakout in a juvenile detention centre with the aide of vicious mutant rat-like creatures. I was definitely reminded a little bit of some of Stephen King's devilish charming antagonists, but the origin of this one is kind of interesting and different -- less Lucifer/Satan; more the Pied Piper. Actually, this book could kind of be summed up as: The good people of Los Angeles VS the Pied Piper. There's even a suggestion that this might be a sort of incarnation of the O.G. Piper himself. I'm not 100% sure the analogy works -- the Piper abducted the children of Hamelin because he did them a service and in return they wronged him, not because the parents didn't love their children -- but I still appreciate the effort to bring an unusual flavour into the mix.
Now, I have a question. Why can't many writers get being in a rock band right? Is it because they've not been in a band themselves? Have they not talked to anyone who was in a band? There's supposed to be music in this book -- it's one of the ways the villain is going to bring in the crowd, of course; to lure them to their doom. He requisitions a band near the very beginning. it's the band of one of the local high-school guys and his buddies. This guy is supposedly really passionate about music, but I read the whole book, paying especial attention to the band stuff, and i still don't really know what he, or any of the other guys, who get names at some point but aren't even characters, do. I counted six guys in the band including the Big Evil. Six guys! What do they all do? Meanwhile this musician guy just lets this total stranger take over his band. We're told that his parents give him plenty of money. Why can't he get them a rehearsal space then? There's no talk of transporting instruments, loading gear, setup. Every time the band is supposed to play we cut to another scene or get distracted by some other stuff. Maybe this sounds picky or something, but I would have liked more focus on this angle, especially as Kevin (the former band-leader, replaced by this charismatic interloper) is supposed to take his music so seriously, and he's a pretty important character in the book. He brings the whole band to meet up with this stranger so they can -- play him a demo tape -- which he listens to on headphones. Um, allright then. it's just odd and most of it doesn't ring true. Again though, I kind of appreciate the effort.
Likeable characters though, even if they seldom really seem to do the "right" things. A nice amount of ambiguity at certain points, too, both around the evil presence in the story and how it's wrapped up, you get a sense, only for the moment. Nobody walks off romantically into the sunset even though you think they might, and the toll is quite high. The book might be potentially upsetting to some readers, with not only the sexual content but plenty of descriptions of self-harm and suicide, and I know it sounds sort of bullish of me to say "don't take it too seriously", but that's sort of what it does come down to. This is an over-the-top book from a time that seemed to embrace such fare, and aside from a few niggles I have, the writing is above some I've read. I did almost quit reading for a while there because I got tired of seeing the word "teenager" appearing with such frequency in such a short span of pages, but that might just be a personal thing (please, just say "teen", people). I've known about Ray Garton for a bit, and this was kind of a random place to start, but I'd do more. Sure I would! Once you take one hit, you always want more!
I kind of liked the characters even though they made bad decision after bad decision throughout. For some of the kids at least you can say it's probably down to drugs or mojo or bad juju or something, but there were times when I just had to laugh at how thick-headed some o' these people coudl be. But sometimes, life really does feel like that, doesn't it? Kind of reminds me of old classics like The Blob where nobody will listen to any of the sensible young people who are just trying to protect the town from a vicious monster, but "proper" heads keep getting in the way. only here, the young people are all drugged up and acting weird and doing inexplicable things after taking a hit of grass. It's "supergrass", you see!
There were some pretty gross 'n' gruesome bits, and one incredibly vile scene with which nothing else in the book compares -- you'll know it when you get to it, is all I'm going to say about taht. There is some weird sexual stuff and even incest, which seems to come up more than you'd think in some of these 80s books; I think some should probably consider that a warning. It's also funny how some of the stuff in books like this one would really be considered "not for kids" and yet high-school students feature prominently. They can be drinking beer and goofing off one moment, and the next saying things like, "jeez, I don't know, let me talk to my guidance counsellor about that....Do you want to speak to my mom?" I did find some of this a little jarring from time to time but on the whole it's not too bad, except for one final thing which i have a bit ofa silly rant about, that I'll get to at the end.
There were a few surprises and subversions that might be worth taking note of. The religious fundamentalist nutcase, who starts off the book as a real hypocritical piece of crap who you think will probably get his just reward ends up being more sympathetic than I thought he would be, and when he meets his end, there's more pathos than one might expect. The police are written out as a possible solution for the protagonists quite early on, and though it's done in a way that I think is a bit flimsy, it's also kind of funny: At one point one of the teen protagonists is thinking of calling the police so they can keep his errant sister away from the Big Evil Villain. A cop shows up at the house -- just to be a helpful enabler and give her a lift straight to the lair of the Big Evil Villain! The cops are in on the conspiracy! Oh no!
There's some stuff about the insidious magnetism of cult leaders and such. A part of me wonders if the book might have been more powerful if there was no supernatural force involved and the main antagonist was really just some charismatic, incredibly dangerous evil man who corrupted the town just through sheer force of will and personality. If that'd been the case though, I think the author would have had less of an excuse to turn things so over-the-top, and you wouldn't get scenes like a mass-breakout in a juvenile detention centre with the aide of vicious mutant rat-like creatures. I was definitely reminded a little bit of some of Stephen King's devilish charming antagonists, but the origin of this one is kind of interesting and different -- less Lucifer/Satan; more the Pied Piper. Actually, this book could kind of be summed up as: The good people of Los Angeles VS the Pied Piper. There's even a suggestion that this might be a sort of incarnation of the O.G. Piper himself. I'm not 100% sure the analogy works -- the Piper abducted the children of Hamelin because he did them a service and in return they wronged him, not because the parents didn't love their children -- but I still appreciate the effort to bring an unusual flavour into the mix.
Now, I have a question. Why can't many writers get being in a rock band right? Is it because they've not been in a band themselves? Have they not talked to anyone who was in a band? There's supposed to be music in this book -- it's one of the ways the villain is going to bring in the crowd, of course; to lure them to their doom. He requisitions a band near the very beginning. it's the band of one of the local high-school guys and his buddies. This guy is supposedly really passionate about music, but I read the whole book, paying especial attention to the band stuff, and i still don't really know what he, or any of the other guys, who get names at some point but aren't even characters, do. I counted six guys in the band including the Big Evil. Six guys! What do they all do? Meanwhile this musician guy just lets this total stranger take over his band. We're told that his parents give him plenty of money. Why can't he get them a rehearsal space then? There's no talk of transporting instruments, loading gear, setup. Every time the band is supposed to play we cut to another scene or get distracted by some other stuff. Maybe this sounds picky or something, but I would have liked more focus on this angle, especially as Kevin (the former band-leader, replaced by this charismatic interloper) is supposed to take his music so seriously, and he's a pretty important character in the book. He brings the whole band to meet up with this stranger so they can -- play him a demo tape -- which he listens to on headphones. Um, allright then. it's just odd and most of it doesn't ring true. Again though, I kind of appreciate the effort.
Likeable characters though, even if they seldom really seem to do the "right" things. A nice amount of ambiguity at certain points, too, both around the evil presence in the story and how it's wrapped up, you get a sense, only for the moment. Nobody walks off romantically into the sunset even though you think they might, and the toll is quite high. The book might be potentially upsetting to some readers, with not only the sexual content but plenty of descriptions of self-harm and suicide, and I know it sounds sort of bullish of me to say "don't take it too seriously", but that's sort of what it does come down to. This is an over-the-top book from a time that seemed to embrace such fare, and aside from a few niggles I have, the writing is above some I've read. I did almost quit reading for a while there because I got tired of seeing the word "teenager" appearing with such frequency in such a short span of pages, but that might just be a personal thing (please, just say "teen", people). I've known about Ray Garton for a bit, and this was kind of a random place to start, but I'd do more. Sure I would! Once you take one hit, you always want more!
Read
December 17, 2018En un entorno actual, el autor nos enseña un ambiente lleno de vicios y tentaciones, en el cual, un demonio llega a un pueblo con el fin de ganar adeptos y obtener su alma, su objetivo básicamente son adolescentes que no tienen definidas sus creencias y que están en desacuerdo con la sociedad que los rodea, en ese sentido, se da a la tarea de ofrecerles todos los placeres mundanos que son prohibidos para ellos.
Básicamente es la historia de un culto lleno de alegorías sexuales y perversiones juveniles que, obviamente resultan en una horda de seguidores ávidos de liberarse de las ataduras de una sociedad decadente.
Para el lector interesado en una lectura erótica/contemporánea, es un texto imperdible que recomiendo ampliamente y que espero podamos comentar si tienen oportunidad de leerlo.
Espero sus comentarios.
Saludos!!
Básicamente es la historia de un culto lleno de alegorías sexuales y perversiones juveniles que, obviamente resultan en una horda de seguidores ávidos de liberarse de las ataduras de una sociedad decadente.
Para el lector interesado en una lectura erótica/contemporánea, es un texto imperdible que recomiendo ampliamente y que espero podamos comentar si tienen oportunidad de leerlo.
Espero sus comentarios.
Saludos!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
I ordered this book after looking for Halloween reading and being told that this was a horror novel that featured heavy metal.
The book is like a horror fairy tale with a figure like the Pied Piper who attracts disenchanted teenagers to his cult. The Pied Piper figure also uses rat-like creatures for protection and spying. Just like the Pied Piper, he has the power to lead these rat-like creatures and children.
The novel starts to get repetitive after a while, and there are parts involving incest that are designed to make the reader extremely uncomfortable. It was an okay read, but not great.
The book is like a horror fairy tale with a figure like the Pied Piper who attracts disenchanted teenagers to his cult. The Pied Piper figure also uses rat-like creatures for protection and spying. Just like the Pied Piper, he has the power to lead these rat-like creatures and children.
The novel starts to get repetitive after a while, and there are parts involving incest that are designed to make the reader extremely uncomfortable. It was an okay read, but not great.
January 10, 2022
Although the Spanish translation was not fully accurate, the story caught my attention since the very beginning.
Mace, the mysterious character who comes out of the blue to take out the young kids of suburban Los Angeles, is more a mirror of ourselves than anything else.
I recommend it. I hadn't read anything by R.Garton before and hope this will not be my last reading of his works.
Mace, the mysterious character who comes out of the blue to take out the young kids of suburban Los Angeles, is more a mirror of ourselves than anything else.
I recommend it. I hadn't read anything by R.Garton before and hope this will not be my last reading of his works.
May 30, 2017
In 'Crucifax', a group of miserable high school students find their lives taking a turn for the unpredictable with the arrival of a mysterious musician called Mace. As they spend more time with him, they begin to spiral out of control - experimenting with drugs, engaging in reckless behaviour and believing that they have boundless freedom. Meanwhile, school counsellor J.R. grows increasingly concerned as these teenagers' behaviour reminds him of his deceased sister..
From the first page, I found myself getting engrossed in this dark, sinister story due to the aptly fast pacing that remained consistent till the very end. The author excelled at showing instead of telling, thus the feeling of impending doom and creepy atmosphere were successfully conveyed throughout the story. Initially, Mace didn't appear to be much of a threat. After all, he merely approached some of the students and never forced them into doing anything. However, his persuasion skills and ability to sense their secrets and weaknesses as well as use his knowledge to his advantage was terrifying.
Although Mace was shrouded in mystery with no details regarding his past or identity ever revealed, he was undoubtedly a convincing villain. He was able to blend in with the crowd, show himself in broad daylight and behave like a normal person yet underneath it all, he had his own motives. Most of the teenagers were highly unlikeable but they were fleshed out characters. The two siblings, Jeff and Mallory were alright at first but they gradually deteriorated. J.R. was easily the best character. Without him, everything would have felt hopeless.
There were several gory and disturbing (not necessarily simultaneously) scenes that will continue lingering in my mind. They helped move the story along rather than being merely gratuitous. The true horror lied in how Mace didn't have to do much in order to lead the youngsters astray - parental neglect and lack of love and attention at home just made it easier for Mace to achieve his goals. Herd mentality was yet another contributing factor. The ending was satisfying; I'm glad that J.R. even though there's a high possibility that Mace will .
Overall, 'Crucifax' was a thought-provoking, haunting read that delivered in terms of horror, character development and depth.
From the first page, I found myself getting engrossed in this dark, sinister story due to the aptly fast pacing that remained consistent till the very end. The author excelled at showing instead of telling, thus the feeling of impending doom and creepy atmosphere were successfully conveyed throughout the story. Initially, Mace didn't appear to be much of a threat. After all, he merely approached some of the students and never forced them into doing anything. However, his persuasion skills and ability to sense their secrets and weaknesses as well as use his knowledge to his advantage was terrifying.
Although Mace was shrouded in mystery with no details regarding his past or identity ever revealed, he was undoubtedly a convincing villain. He was able to blend in with the crowd, show himself in broad daylight and behave like a normal person yet underneath it all, he had his own motives. Most of the teenagers were highly unlikeable but they were fleshed out characters. The two siblings, Jeff and Mallory were alright at first but they gradually deteriorated. J.R. was easily the best character. Without him, everything would have felt hopeless.
There were several gory and disturbing (not necessarily simultaneously) scenes that will continue lingering in my mind. They helped move the story along rather than being merely gratuitous. The true horror lied in how Mace didn't have to do much in order to lead the youngsters astray - parental neglect and lack of love and attention at home just made it easier for Mace to achieve his goals. Herd mentality was yet another contributing factor. The ending was satisfying; I'm glad that J.R. even though there's a high possibility that Mace will .
Overall, 'Crucifax' was a thought-provoking, haunting read that delivered in terms of horror, character development and depth.
May 4, 2021
Pero pero pero, ¿cómo he tardado tanto en leer este libro? Es una auténtica maravilla!!!
¿Te gustan las películas de los 80?, ¿las sectas satánicas?, ¿los adolescentes atolondrados? Entonces Crucifax a tu libro. Tiene de todo y todo bueno: diversión, terror, locura y sexo incestuoso. ¿Se puede pedir más?
Hacía tiempo que no me divertía tantísimo con una novela. 100% recomendada.
¿Te gustan las películas de los 80?, ¿las sectas satánicas?, ¿los adolescentes atolondrados? Entonces Crucifax a tu libro. Tiene de todo y todo bueno: diversión, terror, locura y sexo incestuoso. ¿Se puede pedir más?
Hacía tiempo que no me divertía tantísimo con una novela. 100% recomendada.
November 8, 2016
Another winner from Garton. And although written back in the '80s, it still stands up today.
August 27, 2017
Muy entretenido libro de terror para todos aquellos amantes del rock y toda la tematica de las sectas, mi calificaciòn (subjetiva obviamente) es de 3 pero vale la pena echarle un vistazo. Saludos !
September 1, 2021
Encima me dejo HORRORIZADA.
Buena ambientación de los 80s.
Esta bueno pero me costaba sentarme a leer
Mallory sos una pelotuda.
La evolución del personaje de kevin es buenísima
Buena ambientación de los 80s.
Esta bueno pero me costaba sentarme a leer
Mallory sos una pelotuda.
La evolución del personaje de kevin es buenísima
September 3, 2021
Another great novel by Garton. Pulp 80’s horror with a Jim Jones type villain that’s influencing the teens in this story. Very well crafted from start to finish.
September 6, 2021
Entre mis cortas y escasas incursiones al género del terror literato, Crucifax se ha convertido en uno de esos libros que supo hacerme suyo, atrayéndome sibilinamente entre sus páginas hasta el punto de pasar los capítulos sin darme cuenta. El ritmo no decae en ningún momento, y el final llega de esa misma manera que el resto de la obra, lenta y apropiada.
De la mano de "Gran Super Terror", me adentré en un mundo aterrador, siniestro y visceral como él mismo. La narrativa, esa incursión tan amena y sencilla, me mantuvo en suspense durante todo el tiempo. La obra posee una facilidad bastante artística para meterte en la historia sin necesidad de retocadas metáforas, descripciones hechas párrafo, ni ninguna floritura recargada. Ni le sirve ni lo necesita, basta todo lo que tiene para contarte, y como lector se te echa la imaginación a volar cuando recreas frase a frase todo lo que se narra. Ya digo, de fácil y amena lectura.
La trama resulta una gozada. Orientada a adolescentes-jóvenes (aunque más mayores igualmente podría servir), cala realmente fácil por los problemas que presenta y critica, desde el instituto, problemas familiares, referencias a "alarmas sociales" de la época, etc. La historia de terror que nos tiene preparada es asombrosa, cruda y muy apetitosa para los que quieren algo místico o paranormal sin llegar a recurrir a monstruos o fantasmas.
No se puede olvidar la moraleja escondida que nos ofrece el relato, sutil pero martilleante, da para pensar, sobretodo si el lector es ya una persona "hecha y derecha", con hijos y posee algunos de los requisitos que critica la obra de Garton.
Indispensable, diría yo, para todo aquel que guste del terror con ese halo de misterio que le pueden llegar a infundir las personas. El ser humano y no tan humano, una apología a los deseos carnales y fantasiosos y sobretodo, una lección a los valores de uno. Entre líneas, puedes llegar a apreciar cierto comportamiento humano que los personajes te presentan como comunes y érroneos, y cómo afectan a sus allegados llegándoles a afectar; simplemente porque "esto es lo que debe ser".
Obra maestra, 10/10.
De la mano de "Gran Super Terror", me adentré en un mundo aterrador, siniestro y visceral como él mismo. La narrativa, esa incursión tan amena y sencilla, me mantuvo en suspense durante todo el tiempo. La obra posee una facilidad bastante artística para meterte en la historia sin necesidad de retocadas metáforas, descripciones hechas párrafo, ni ninguna floritura recargada. Ni le sirve ni lo necesita, basta todo lo que tiene para contarte, y como lector se te echa la imaginación a volar cuando recreas frase a frase todo lo que se narra. Ya digo, de fácil y amena lectura.
La trama resulta una gozada. Orientada a adolescentes-jóvenes (aunque más mayores igualmente podría servir), cala realmente fácil por los problemas que presenta y critica, desde el instituto, problemas familiares, referencias a "alarmas sociales" de la época, etc. La historia de terror que nos tiene preparada es asombrosa, cruda y muy apetitosa para los que quieren algo místico o paranormal sin llegar a recurrir a monstruos o fantasmas.
No se puede olvidar la moraleja escondida que nos ofrece el relato, sutil pero martilleante, da para pensar, sobretodo si el lector es ya una persona "hecha y derecha", con hijos y posee algunos de los requisitos que critica la obra de Garton.
Indispensable, diría yo, para todo aquel que guste del terror con ese halo de misterio que le pueden llegar a infundir las personas. El ser humano y no tan humano, una apología a los deseos carnales y fantasiosos y sobretodo, una lección a los valores de uno. Entre líneas, puedes llegar a apreciar cierto comportamiento humano que los personajes te presentan como comunes y érroneos, y cómo afectan a sus allegados llegándoles a afectar; simplemente porque "esto es lo que debe ser".
Obra maestra, 10/10.
September 8, 2020
Un apóstol satánico surge de las tinieblas para sembrar la corrupción y la muerte entre los adolescentes. Su nombre es Mace. Uno a uno, los adolescentes acudirán a su escondrijo para ser seducidos con rock duro, drogas, una sexualidad sin fronteras y la promesa de un paraíso. Cada uno de ellos recibirá el Crucifax, un amuleto que puede transformarse en un arma letal. Mace recluta a sus víctimas entre los adolescentes con problemas familiares, de quienes extrae sus deseos y pasiones más ocultos y morbosos, para poder subyugarles y encaminarles en sus orgías macabras.
Cual flautista de Hamelín del Infierno, se aprovecha de los adolescentes con problemas y alejados de sus padres para influir en ellos y llevarlos a una terrorífica salida al sufrimiento.
"Los padres tienen hijos, les crían una temporada, los observan crecer como si fueran azaleas o algo así, no caen el la cuenta de las obligaciones que deberían contraer para criar a esa persona. Parecen pensar que el desarrollo ocurre sin más. Como las azaleas, las riegas, les da el sol y crecen. Ellos no se dan cuenta de la tarifa que tienen que pagar por esa vida extra"
"El viento soplaba a rachas por los canales, y silbaba a través de las rejas y las tapas de las cloacas como fantasmas iracundos."
"Blanco o negro. todo es blanco o negro para la gente como usted, el bien y el mal. Usted es blanco y yo soy negro. Negro por completo, malo hasta los huesos, ¿no? Pero, reverendo, usted vive en un mundo gris, ¿es que no lo sabe? No existe el negro ni el blanco, solo el gris."
"En todos los casos, un extraño, o dos, aparecen semanas o meses antes de las muertes. Extraños que rondan a los chicos, que celebran fiestas y a veces, les proporcionan drogas"
"Soy lo que ocurre cuando nadie está mirando"
Cual flautista de Hamelín del Infierno, se aprovecha de los adolescentes con problemas y alejados de sus padres para influir en ellos y llevarlos a una terrorífica salida al sufrimiento.
"Los padres tienen hijos, les crían una temporada, los observan crecer como si fueran azaleas o algo así, no caen el la cuenta de las obligaciones que deberían contraer para criar a esa persona. Parecen pensar que el desarrollo ocurre sin más. Como las azaleas, las riegas, les da el sol y crecen. Ellos no se dan cuenta de la tarifa que tienen que pagar por esa vida extra"
"El viento soplaba a rachas por los canales, y silbaba a través de las rejas y las tapas de las cloacas como fantasmas iracundos."
"Blanco o negro. todo es blanco o negro para la gente como usted, el bien y el mal. Usted es blanco y yo soy negro. Negro por completo, malo hasta los huesos, ¿no? Pero, reverendo, usted vive en un mundo gris, ¿es que no lo sabe? No existe el negro ni el blanco, solo el gris."
"En todos los casos, un extraño, o dos, aparecen semanas o meses antes de las muertes. Extraños que rondan a los chicos, que celebran fiestas y a veces, les proporcionan drogas"
"Soy lo que ocurre cuando nadie está mirando"
December 12, 2022
¿A dónde van realmente los hijos adolescentes cuando salen de casa? Crucifax es una novela que plantea el Terror en la adolescencia: cuando un hijo deja de ser ese niño y se convierte en otro, en otro que posee ideales distintos al de los padres, con una sexualidad distinta al de los padres y se genera el desentendimiento de padres e hijos, dos generaciones que no saben entenderse y escucharse.
Crucifax aborda el terror de cómo alguien, como en este caso Mace, ofrece a los adolescentes la posibilidad de gozar aquello que los adultos prohiben: las drogas, sexo, incesto, música, pero este goce conlleva el costo que es la vida propia.
La trama retoma acontecimientos que fueron comunes a finales de la década de los 80's: suicidios adolescentes y padres acusando el heavy metal de estos actos, sin asumir la responsabilidad de haber descuidado a los hijos.
Honestamente disfrute mucho esta novela, la forma en cómo se generan los acontecimientos y el desarrollo de algunos personajes.
Crucifax aborda el terror de cómo alguien, como en este caso Mace, ofrece a los adolescentes la posibilidad de gozar aquello que los adultos prohiben: las drogas, sexo, incesto, música, pero este goce conlleva el costo que es la vida propia.
La trama retoma acontecimientos que fueron comunes a finales de la década de los 80's: suicidios adolescentes y padres acusando el heavy metal de estos actos, sin asumir la responsabilidad de haber descuidado a los hijos.
Honestamente disfrute mucho esta novela, la forma en cómo se generan los acontecimientos y el desarrollo de algunos personajes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews