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On an interplanetary population ship a small problem leads to a world of hurt. Martina and her small repair team are awakened to perform minor repairs after a meteor strike during their 100+ year journey. But this meteor is no mere space rock. It carries a dead, mold-like substance. Something seemingly benign. Safe. Harmless. At least that's what they thought... until The Craving begins and Martina's world become's a bloodbath. For fans of SF and extreme Crave will chill you to the bone before snapping it in half, sucking out the marrow and throwing you out the airlock. If you're of a sensitive disposition you may wish to look elsewhere.
122 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2018
95 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 14, 2025
So if you told me when I woke up this morning, that I’d experience reading my first, and hopefully not last, cannibalistic blood orgy in outer space…well…I wouldn’t be surprised! Oh that crazy, unstable crave mold. It has such unexpected and unprecedented effects on its victims. So we more or less follow a small team of crew mates on a gigantic spaceship, who are awoken when something collides with the craft. And things proceed to go from creepy and uncertain to bloody and ‘loving’ over the course of a few chapters. Now when I saw ‘loving,’ I’m not referring to hugs, kissies, and cuddles. But I’ll let you all, as potential readers of this book, find out how deep love can go in outer space. And believe me, when I say that no one care hear you scream in space! I also would like to take this opportunity to plug Killer Klowns from Outer Space and the wonderful tagline it had, being ‘In space, no one can eat ice cream.’ Because how many other chances will I have to use that in a review? But all kidding aside, this was a very gory, visceral, exciting sci-fi ride in an interesting setting. And I just ate it up (Sorry, I lied!) and had a blast. I also hope someone else gets hungry whil reading this, too, or I’m going to feel self-conscious.
September 30, 2024
I really liked this one, unfortunately I feel like almost everything I want to say about it would be some kind of spoilers and it's such a short read...
It's space fungus horror, it's simple but effective in style and I thought it was entertaining through and through.
4.5 rounded up.
It's space fungus horror, it's simple but effective in style and I thought it was entertaining through and through.
4.5 rounded up.
December 14, 2024
Gross.
If you like space horror, you know there’s not a ton of quality options out there.
This says “extreme” space horror on the cover and they were not kidding.
It’s a short novella, but it’s relentless and disgusting.
It starts with a spaceship full of cryogenically frozen colonists, made from a hollowed out asteroid being holed by a meteorite. Three of the crew are automatically woken to investigate. At this point I was sure I knew how it was going to play out. It did not play out like that, it took a disgusting, depraved, violent, filthy turn.
The dude that wrote this is a sick fucker. I actually recoiled several times, but hey, it said “extreme” space horror and unlike most modern entertainment, it actually
over delivered.
I can hardly complain about being given more than I was expecting.
So, if you’re into cannibalism, sadistic sexual violence and outer space this may be for you.
If you find yourself bricked up while reading it though, you may need Jesus!
If you like space horror, you know there’s not a ton of quality options out there.
This says “extreme” space horror on the cover and they were not kidding.
It’s a short novella, but it’s relentless and disgusting.
It starts with a spaceship full of cryogenically frozen colonists, made from a hollowed out asteroid being holed by a meteorite. Three of the crew are automatically woken to investigate. At this point I was sure I knew how it was going to play out. It did not play out like that, it took a disgusting, depraved, violent, filthy turn.
The dude that wrote this is a sick fucker. I actually recoiled several times, but hey, it said “extreme” space horror and unlike most modern entertainment, it actually
over delivered.
I can hardly complain about being given more than I was expecting.
So, if you’re into cannibalism, sadistic sexual violence and outer space this may be for you.
If you find yourself bricked up while reading it though, you may need Jesus!
July 2, 2023
Have you ever craved something? Nothing compares to CraveMeat!!!
This was a gruesome space horror that will turn your stomach. I would definitely read a Crave sequel or series!
Don’t eat while reading this!
This was a gruesome space horror that will turn your stomach. I would definitely read a Crave sequel or series!
Don’t eat while reading this!
September 4, 2024
I was skeptical, at first, but ended up being quite satisfied. It's a fun little gory read. Recommend!
February 13, 2025
Yeah that was not for me
March 14, 2025
I am a fucking craver for this book , do I want more? You bet your balls I do. This is my first Crowley Barns book, and I’m about to read a Warren Barns book, I fear I may become Barns obsessed.
October 31, 2024
Horrible synopsis of this book:
alien thing happens.
Two people match each others freak.
The end.
alien thing happens.
Two people match each others freak.
The end.
October 28, 2024
I’m craving more of this story
I love the sci-fi mixed with extreme horror this was perfection
I love the sci-fi mixed with extreme horror this was perfection
June 3, 2025
I don't know why I'm so stubborn with the extreme horror. I have yet to find something I'd like and I have read a few of them, all celebrated by the readers of this genre. I guess I just feel like it is something I should be able to enjoy, but my set of requirements to get there is super long, and nothing managed to clear it yet.
This one was going relatively well (spaceship as a setting is always a win for me) until we got to the halfway mark and it turned into porn with some extra steps. I was beyond bored, not even the gore could elevate that feeling sadly. It failed to provoke any emotion in me actually and at this point, I would much rather hate-read it than have it be this uninteresting.
So unfortunately this is going to be another miss for me :c
This one was going relatively well (spaceship as a setting is always a win for me) until we got to the halfway mark and it turned into porn with some extra steps. I was beyond bored, not even the gore could elevate that feeling sadly. It failed to provoke any emotion in me actually and at this point, I would much rather hate-read it than have it be this uninteresting.
So unfortunately this is going to be another miss for me :c
Read
December 25, 2024what the fuck😟. maybe i shouldn’t have gone into this book without knowing anything about it…
July 23, 2025
A gory and disturbing horror novella set in space. I don't want to say much else as I think it's better to go in blind.
This definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you dig extreme horror mixed with some sci-fi, then check this out.
This definitely won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you dig extreme horror mixed with some sci-fi, then check this out.
October 21, 2023
Super fun and weird book but also super brutal, I thought this was such a bizarre book not to be taken too seriously, I'd recommend to anybody that likes fun and weird extreme horror, loved it!!!
Read
November 2, 2024Insane, but I couldn’t put it down
November 9, 2024
Disgusting.
December 9, 2024
Yes this was SICK!! There’s a severe lack of extreme horror set in space and this fit that niche perfectly. The build-up was exquisite so when the switch finally flipped I could not stop reading! It was gross and gnarly in the best way. Can’t wait to read more by this author!
Read
February 16, 2025What a twist/interesting reversal on infection horror
January 30, 2025
love it!!!!!!!!!!! Trodde inte jag skulle gilla nåt som är in space så mkt
September 9, 2023
Creative and Fun Romp
The clues are given from the beginning but I had no idea where this was going. Brutal but amusing. I'm not the typical audience for this kind of book, but I still loved it. Well worth a read!
The clues are given from the beginning but I had no idea where this was going. Brutal but amusing. I'm not the typical audience for this kind of book, but I still loved it. Well worth a read!
December 1, 2024
what in the figgity fuck
November 23, 2023
Crave was not what I expected at all. It seemed like the author was only interested in shocking readers with lots of sexual content, without really having much of a story. There is so much more that could’ve been done with this idea.
Right from the start, it was clear that the main focus of the book was on explicit scenes rather than building a compelling plot or developing interesting characters. It felt like the characters were only there a fillers for the explicit content and there wasn't much more to them than that. This made the whole book feel empty and unsatisfying.
What bothered me the most was that the sexual content in the book didn't really serve a purpose. It felt like the author was just trying to shock and get attention. There wasn’t anything more to it than just trying to be edgy.
There are many other extreme horrors books out there that have engaging stories. I would not recommend this for anyone. For fans of extreme horror I’d say read if you must but you’ll be better off skipping this one.
Warning spoiler ahead.
Complete synopsis of the book:
Spaceship is hit by a meteor. The meteor has a fungus. The fungus causes the crew to go mad. They start eating corpses while simultaneously sexually abusing the corpse in every weird way possible. The end.
Right from the start, it was clear that the main focus of the book was on explicit scenes rather than building a compelling plot or developing interesting characters. It felt like the characters were only there a fillers for the explicit content and there wasn't much more to them than that. This made the whole book feel empty and unsatisfying.
What bothered me the most was that the sexual content in the book didn't really serve a purpose. It felt like the author was just trying to shock and get attention. There wasn’t anything more to it than just trying to be edgy.
There are many other extreme horrors books out there that have engaging stories. I would not recommend this for anyone. For fans of extreme horror I’d say read if you must but you’ll be better off skipping this one.
Warning spoiler ahead.
Complete synopsis of the book:
Spaceship is hit by a meteor. The meteor has a fungus. The fungus causes the crew to go mad. They start eating corpses while simultaneously sexually abusing the corpse in every weird way possible. The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2024
After 20 years of being in a deep sleep hibernation pod aboard a spacecraft, Martina, Flynn, and Jerry are forced into their emergency wake-up protocol after the ship is struck by something. Upon inspection, they seem to have been struck by a large rock, ultimately filled with a strange substance.
At first, they believe it's harmless, but begin the quarantine process just in case. However, they slowly start to sense changes in each other but put it down to brain damage due to being woken up too quickly. As days pass, Martina and Flynn begin to develop strange urges towards Jerry, unnatural but strong urges of craving him in more ways than one..
I must preface this by saying it's not my usual type of read, but after reading DADDY by this author, I wanted a "taste" of something else.
I really enjoyed it. It was well written, witty, and a really fun, silly read. It would actually make a great movie - you're made to believe it's Jerry who's going to be affected as he's the one who ingested the spores but no! It's visceral, super funny and spicy! Loved it.
At first, they believe it's harmless, but begin the quarantine process just in case. However, they slowly start to sense changes in each other but put it down to brain damage due to being woken up too quickly. As days pass, Martina and Flynn begin to develop strange urges towards Jerry, unnatural but strong urges of craving him in more ways than one..
I must preface this by saying it's not my usual type of read, but after reading DADDY by this author, I wanted a "taste" of something else.
I really enjoyed it. It was well written, witty, and a really fun, silly read. It would actually make a great movie - you're made to believe it's Jerry who's going to be affected as he's the one who ingested the spores but no! It's visceral, super funny and spicy! Loved it.
December 14, 2019
I like how this is not just horror/gore porn masquerading as sci fi. One could tell that Crowley put some thought in the science-y parts of the story. I do have some objections to a few of them but it's all good since these do not have any impact on the plot.
The thing is, this is a pretty short book so I was expecting the pacing to be ramped up. The action didn't really start until around the halfway mark, so we only had a short window through which we can experience the novella's dubious pleasures. But when the fun began - well, it's nothing short of a glorious feast is all that I can say. It's a heady mélange of carnality and hunger and the kind of deep, unalloyed love that in the end cannot help but consume its object totally, in a debauched orgy of brutality and desire. It took awhile to get there, but the wait is so worth it.
I'm rating this book 7/10 or 3 stars out of 5.
The thing is, this is a pretty short book so I was expecting the pacing to be ramped up. The action didn't really start until around the halfway mark, so we only had a short window through which we can experience the novella's dubious pleasures. But when the fun began - well, it's nothing short of a glorious feast is all that I can say. It's a heady mélange of carnality and hunger and the kind of deep, unalloyed love that in the end cannot help but consume its object totally, in a debauched orgy of brutality and desire. It took awhile to get there, but the wait is so worth it.
I'm rating this book 7/10 or 3 stars out of 5.
November 7, 2024
once you pop, you can’t stop…
When a small space rock crashes into a colony ship, three members of the crew are awoken to investigate.
At first they believe the fungus they discover growing on the rock to be harmless, but then they start developing an appetite…
This was a sick, sick book - best described as Splatterpunk in space - and I loved it. It was like if Ray Bradbury went on a coke binge, then took a load of Acid before sitting in front of his typewriter.
It’s the first book I’ve read by Barns, and I very much doubt it will be the last.
We need more horror like this!
Splatterpunk in space is the best concept yet!
When a small space rock crashes into a colony ship, three members of the crew are awoken to investigate.
At first they believe the fungus they discover growing on the rock to be harmless, but then they start developing an appetite…
This was a sick, sick book - best described as Splatterpunk in space - and I loved it. It was like if Ray Bradbury went on a coke binge, then took a load of Acid before sitting in front of his typewriter.
It’s the first book I’ve read by Barns, and I very much doubt it will be the last.
We need more horror like this!
Splatterpunk in space is the best concept yet!
Read
September 9, 2025It's extreme horror, of course it's going to be disgusting and/or disturbing. It was still an entertaining, fun little story...'til it got to the end. I was not okay with the mention of events to come for certain characters in the end. If you know, you know.
July 24, 2024
A Descent into Cosmic Horror
Crowley Barns' Crave is a relentless plunge into the abyss of cosmic horror, a grotesque ballet performed by the deranged against the backdrop of the unknown. This is not a book for the faint of heart; it’s a visceral assault on the senses, a relentless pace of gore and madness that demands to be consumed in a single, breathless sitting.
Barns’ decision to immerse the reader in the minds of psychopaths is a bold one, offering a unique and disturbing perspective. The narrative is a high-speed chase through a labyrinth of depravity, with no respite from the escalating horror. The author’s skill in crafting a world of cosmic terror is undeniable. The alien entity, a grotesque enigma with an utterly alien reproductive cycle, is a Lovecraftian nightmare brought to life. Its nature remains shrouded in mystery, a constant, looming threat that gnaws at the reader's sanity.
The pacing is relentless, mirroring the frantic desperation of the characters as they confront the unimaginable. The story is a relentless descent into madness, culminating in a bleak and nihilistic ending that leaves the reader with a profound sense of futility and despair. It’s a conclusion that lingers, a haunting echo of the horrors witnessed.
Crave is not for everyone. It demands a strong stomach and a mind unburdened by squeamishness. Yet, for those brave enough to venture into its depths, it offers a truly unforgettable experience. If you crave a horror story that pushes the boundaries of the genre, and are willing to confront the darkest corners of the human psyche, then Crave is an absolute must-read.
Warning: This book is not for the faint of heart. Proceed with caution.
Crowley Barns' Crave is a relentless plunge into the abyss of cosmic horror, a grotesque ballet performed by the deranged against the backdrop of the unknown. This is not a book for the faint of heart; it’s a visceral assault on the senses, a relentless pace of gore and madness that demands to be consumed in a single, breathless sitting.
Barns’ decision to immerse the reader in the minds of psychopaths is a bold one, offering a unique and disturbing perspective. The narrative is a high-speed chase through a labyrinth of depravity, with no respite from the escalating horror. The author’s skill in crafting a world of cosmic terror is undeniable. The alien entity, a grotesque enigma with an utterly alien reproductive cycle, is a Lovecraftian nightmare brought to life. Its nature remains shrouded in mystery, a constant, looming threat that gnaws at the reader's sanity.
The pacing is relentless, mirroring the frantic desperation of the characters as they confront the unimaginable. The story is a relentless descent into madness, culminating in a bleak and nihilistic ending that leaves the reader with a profound sense of futility and despair. It’s a conclusion that lingers, a haunting echo of the horrors witnessed.
Crave is not for everyone. It demands a strong stomach and a mind unburdened by squeamishness. Yet, for those brave enough to venture into its depths, it offers a truly unforgettable experience. If you crave a horror story that pushes the boundaries of the genre, and are willing to confront the darkest corners of the human psyche, then Crave is an absolute must-read.
Warning: This book is not for the faint of heart. Proceed with caution.
December 18, 2024
I received this from the author a few months ago, and after finally getting around to reading it, I WISH I HAD READ IT SOONER! The mixture of soft sci-fi and extreme horror was exactly what I needed to get me out of a reading slump.
The story is set aboard a spaceship traveling 120 light-years away with a group of astronauts sent to colonize a new planet. 20 years into the mission, a crew of three are awoken to discover a meteorite has crashed into the ship, and minor repairs are needed. Once the meteorite is investigated, all Hell breaks loose.
I'm not too big a fan of hard sci-fi. I like when horror stories are set in unknown futures because it opens up the possibility for more than just serial killers and demented minds. It unlocks such potential. And this novella truly does something special. I'd place it alongside Alien, Event Horizon, and Pandorum as some of the best sci-fi horror stories.
Also, a small detail that I never thought about before: the spaceship is an actual meteor that has been mined for ore and necessary substances, then retro-fitted with thrusters and all the amenities necessary for space flight. Truly inspired.
The writing was tight and engaging, and the path it took to showcase mental sanity slowly breaking was haunting. I highly recommend everyone go out and check this one out ASAP, because I know I will be reading more of The Barns Brothers in my future!
The story is set aboard a spaceship traveling 120 light-years away with a group of astronauts sent to colonize a new planet. 20 years into the mission, a crew of three are awoken to discover a meteorite has crashed into the ship, and minor repairs are needed. Once the meteorite is investigated, all Hell breaks loose.
I'm not too big a fan of hard sci-fi. I like when horror stories are set in unknown futures because it opens up the possibility for more than just serial killers and demented minds. It unlocks such potential. And this novella truly does something special. I'd place it alongside Alien, Event Horizon, and Pandorum as some of the best sci-fi horror stories.
Also, a small detail that I never thought about before: the spaceship is an actual meteor that has been mined for ore and necessary substances, then retro-fitted with thrusters and all the amenities necessary for space flight. Truly inspired.
The writing was tight and engaging, and the path it took to showcase mental sanity slowly breaking was haunting. I highly recommend everyone go out and check this one out ASAP, because I know I will be reading more of The Barns Brothers in my future!
November 4, 2024
"We Love him"
"Jerry, Jerry, JERRY!"
MUST READ! Tik Tok Didn't disappoint! Neither did Crowley!
I don't even know where to start on this one. First book by Crowley Barns and to be honest did NOT disappoint. Outer space extreme horror with some weird spice.
A spaceship, 3 main characters and one heck of a nasty ride. I must say this is THE FIRST E.H I have had to put down because I couldn't eat and read. That in my book is a 5/5 book! Crowley accomplished something I didn't think was possible. But Congrats! You get my PBJ Sammich award because I couldn't finish my sandwich without putting the book down.
Highly recommend! Extremely hard not to give away spoilers so let me just state this: Something happens to a space ship, emergency codes wake up 3 members, and it all goes down hill from there (In a fantastic extreme horror way).
"Jerry, Jerry, JERRY!"
MUST READ! Tik Tok Didn't disappoint! Neither did Crowley!
I don't even know where to start on this one. First book by Crowley Barns and to be honest did NOT disappoint. Outer space extreme horror with some weird spice.
A spaceship, 3 main characters and one heck of a nasty ride. I must say this is THE FIRST E.H I have had to put down because I couldn't eat and read. That in my book is a 5/5 book! Crowley accomplished something I didn't think was possible. But Congrats! You get my PBJ Sammich award because I couldn't finish my sandwich without putting the book down.
Highly recommend! Extremely hard not to give away spoilers so let me just state this: Something happens to a space ship, emergency codes wake up 3 members, and it all goes down hill from there (In a fantastic extreme horror way).
November 3, 2024
This short extreme horror novella was better than I expected, with a unusual amount of world building for the genre and some unexpected twists. The story begins with a meteorite striking an interstellar ship and several members of the crew being awakened from hypersleep, only to find that the meteorite included a spaceborne mold. The story initially sounds very familiar, but goes in a very different direction than you would expect. That said, the horror is much more explicit than you would typically find in a space horror work, to the point that the graphic descriptions start to get tedious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews