We, Cryptids - A Monster Hunting Horror Story

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

*****

"Hurts, doesn't it? That burning sensation, that feeling like you're going to die. It makes you feel alive, that torture is proof that you're real, that you're breathing. That's the cruelty of it. To make you reach that peak, only for the coin to flip and remind you that your end is near. I want to thank you, actually. For giving me that despair. Allowing me to experience that fever. That burning pain... Its heat melted away my confusion and gave me clarity. Clarity as a product of my realization that I wanted to live. It was something I'd always known, but it was never quite tested. Not until tonight. And you... you gifted me that."

Holden Cauthwell was just ten years old when his father abandoned him. Left on his own, the young man did all he could to make ends meet and thrive in his isolated world. When he investigated an abandoned building to sate his desire to explore creepy areas, he was viciously attacked by a monstrous creature and brought to the brink of death before something unlocked within him. Having realized his supernatural heritage, which granted him a bizarre yet powerful ability, Holden must discover who he and his family truly are. That's easier said than done when he has to battle nightmarish horrors who defy imagination and learn to trust the eccentric cast of characters he finds himself surrounded with in the process.

*****

What To Expect:

We, Cryptids is an upcoming internet novel within the "monster hunting" genre. In a world where dangerous Cryptids as well as half human, half cryptid hybrids exist, conflict is sure to emerge. Hybrids and full-blooded monsters who possess supernatural abilities interact in often violent ways, whether it be for the sake of their agendas, or raw predatory instinct.

*One-Two Chapters per week.

*Flashbacks and perspective shifts

*Monster hunting anime/manga inspired scenes and tropes

*Brutal fight scenes built upon a mix of strategy and horrific powers

*Quiet character interactions from time to time

Discord link. Come chat with me!https://discord.gg/YhNrsUuxJ6

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2024
Author: FrozenEntropy

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.6/ 5.0
Followers: 169
Views: 18,509

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(9)

1nsinqRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Although it starts off a little slow (I have to admit I had a bit of difficulty getting into it because of the rather cliche and unrealistic way in which the personality of the main character is framed), once the story gets going it is really phenomenal. The characters have a remarkable depth and the action scenes are gripping and full of suspense. The contrast between the two main characters keeps the dialogue engaging and I love that there is a cute little puppy included. I've read the first half of what has been published, and my favourite parts so far have been chapters 4, 8 and 9. I think the narrative technique of switching back and forth between when Holden was a boy, and the current storyline, keeps the storytelling dynamic and fresh while moving the action along at a pace which is guaranteed to make you want more. I would recommend this story to any anime enjoyers out there who harbour a bit of morbid curiosity, because it's a really intriguing blend of styles from both anime and horror which manages to make you really feel for the characters. I especially enjoyed the fight scene with the doll-cryptid, and the way in which Holden defeated it was well thought out and intellectually satisfying.
Keep up the great work Frozen!
Angelica RaizeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
- Style -
I personally love the writing style, it effectively captures both action-packed sequences and more psychological/narrative ones in a clean but also very vivid prose that I find really pleasing to read.
As for the clear picture of the eerie, supernatural world Holden finds himself in, I really love the setting and its horror and otherworldly encounters that are very well handled, providing a compelling narrative flow overall.
- Grammar -
Overall, the grammar is strong. As I said the narrative flows smoothly.. There are occasional moments where the language becomes overly complex or verbose, which might slow down the pacing. Simplifying some things could enhance readability without sacrificing depth, but that's just my personal preference. The author does a good job at what they're doing - so it's more of a personal opinion than a critique.
- Characters -
The characters are well-developed. Holden is portrayed as a solitary, introspective. The usual quite guy, which I find personally very alluring. His internal conflicts are portrayed carefully and they're given weight - something you don't see often nowadays. Usually authors just dump a sad backstory and call it a day, but in this novel I can actually feel the importance of Holden's past.
Melony Harper stands out a lot. She is very special and I like her very much. Her playful demeanor provides a huge contrast to Holden's character. This dynamic creates an interesting interplay between the two, making the story actually exciting and compelling. Melony's guidance and Holden's reluctant acceptance of her help drive much of the character development and plot progression, which is something I really appreciate.
- Story -
The story is intriguing. It blends a supernatural horror with character-driven drama and martial arts. The narrative begins with Holden's personal struggle and life, and it immediately evolves into a bigger exploration of cryptid hunting with a fight scene. The pacing is generally well-managed,
Common1121Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I very much enjoyed the novel, from the suspense it gave me to the unique and interesting ideas I’ve never came across in a story. It has an abundance of chapters right now so it makes it easy to binge and get lost within the book, for others it leaves them enough to continue reading later on if they don’t have enough time at the moment. A flower yet to bloom fs.
King of AnsanRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I love the story so far kept me intrigued and hooked definitely could use some touch ups but can’t all stories the niche details are irrelevant when a story can keep you so invested and Attentive!!! Can’t wait to see what else is planned and orchestrated behind the mind of this great author
jazzywazzyRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I’ve been following WeCryptids for a while and was excited to see it on RoyalRoad. I’m mostly a big fan of the characters, who are perhaps the most striking aspect of the story for me. Each is vividly explored, with intricate backstories and motivations that make them feel real. Frozen has a remarkable ability to breathe life into these characters, making them not just figures on a page but living, breathing entities that you find yourself really rooting for. Their struggles, joys, and growth throughout the story are portrayed with such nuance that you can't help but become deeply invested in their journeys. :)
The writing stands out with a style that feels both innovative and deeply intimate. I think most people could probably tell it’s a labor of love once you progress further into the story, and the writing only gets progressively better. Great work!
AG0RARoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
The Author instantly grabs you and has put serious time and attention into this story. Magnificent world building and innovation with their writing style displayed. The characters are well-developed and deep, the style is eerie and intimate. Really incredible. The pacing is fantastic.
Only complaint is that there isn't more to read!
A Treat to read.
Malus MichaelRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Style: It is perfect! The author catches our attention with his creative and detailed descriptions of the creepy spaces that the terrifying cryptids live and attack our MC. The fight scenes are brought to life with their gory, Mortal Kombat-esque spice.
Story: The beginning is pretty unique and interesting. Our MC explores and takes photos of an abandoned home that feels straight pulled out of a Backrooms wiki page. We're then introduced to the mentor character and a flashback that gives us better context of the MC's relationship with his dad. His second fight against a cryptid later is not lacking in creativity and it promises to immerse you in those chapters.
Grammar: Saw no issues with it. Moving on.
Characters: Holden is an MC with a unique flavor with his interests and hobbies in creepy, liminal spaces. The mystery surrounding his parents is engaging as well. Also, he has a dog! Points for that.
Melony is just great! Very funny character and brimming with personality and cool powers!
My only issue is that some character over-expose their motivations in dialogue, which feels artificial at times. A lot of these fits better if it's baked into narration, in my opinion.
Other than that, this is a great story and I definitely recommend it!
npmRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Style:
This author's style is vivid and immersive, with a knack for creating unsettling atmospheres, which I really liked. The descriptions of creepy abandoned spaces and grotesque cryptids are detailed and evocative in a Lovecraft sort of way. Fight scenes are brutal and visceral, with some gloriously gory moments that wouldn't feel out of place in a horror movie. The writing balances suspense, action, and quieter character moments well.
Story:
We follow Holden, a teen who discovers he has supernatural powers linked to his mysterious parentage. The story starts with a bang, throwing us into a creepy abandoned house encounter that sets up the cryptid-hunting premise nicely. There's an intriguing backstory with Holden's missing parents that unfolds gradually. The worldbuilding around cryptids, hybrid hunters, and rival factions is creative and leaves me wanting to learn more. The plot moves at a good clip, with tense confrontations and reveals that keep things engaging.
Grammar:
No major issues stood out to me. The writing is polished and flows smoothly.
Characters:
Holden is an interesting protagonist - a loner with a fascination for creepy places and a traumatic past. His development from wary skeptic to embracing his powers is compelling. Melony steals the show as his wacky mentor figure. Her over-the-top personality and shape-shifting powers make for some fun scenes. The villainous factions introduced have some delightfully twisted members that I'm curious to see more of.
My main critique would be that some of the dialogue feels a bit on-the-nose in spelling out character motivations. But overall, the characters are distinct and entertaining.
In summary, this is a fun, creepy romp with cool powers, gnarly monsters, and an intriguing mystery at its core. Horror fans should definitely check it out!
catgymRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
Has some really good plot points that are told early and really hook you in.
The action is really good and the descriptions of monsters are really distinct and off putting.
the character design is well written and characters do really seem to be actual people, and a lot of them have some really interesting backgrounds that makes you heavily invested in the story.
9/10 will recommend to friends.