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Chupacabra #1
Night of the Chupacabra
Post Civil War. Families move west to begin rich new lives, only some never make it. There is a creature that lurks in the vast open deserts of the west. It can only survive on blood and, although it prefers to prey on the weak and young, it will slaughter anyone or anything, once provoked. It is unnatural, deceptive, and difficult to kill. Word about the existence of this elusive beast has not spread since anyone who has crossed paths with it did not live long enough to tell of their account. Night of the Chupacabra is one man’s journey to reunite with his missing family, while the lethal creature that separated them, the mysterious and ravenous chupacabra, is never far behind. Night of the Chupacabra is not only a gruesome regale of carnage, but a unique combination of science fiction bloodshed with a more poignant tale of lost love set against a Western backdrop. Night of the Chupacabra is an unflinching look at the impossible choices made for family, while knowing the consequences will ultimately lead to a fate worse than death.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2012
19 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Michael Hebler
17 books51 followersMichael Hebler is a writer living in Southwest Florida. He was born in Los Angeles County and raised in Orange County, California. He wanted to write compelling stories with exciting characters from the age of 13, having been influenced by Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Robert R. McCammon. Mr. Hebler enjoys writing many types of fiction but finds that most of his inspiration comes from the thriller and horror genres.
Mr. Hebler recently took a hiatus from writing to explore other opportunities but is excited to return to writing this year (2023) to finish the last two books in his Chupacabra Series and explore some of his other story ideas. In 2024, he plans to release, RETURN OF THE CHUPACABRA: In 1990, after more than one hundred years since being seen, the Chupacabra returns to its blood-thirsty vengeance when a troubled young boy discovers and befriends the mysterious creature.
Visit Mr. Hebler's website: www.michaelhebler.com
Mr. Hebler recently took a hiatus from writing to explore other opportunities but is excited to return to writing this year (2023) to finish the last two books in his Chupacabra Series and explore some of his other story ideas. In 2024, he plans to release, RETURN OF THE CHUPACABRA: In 1990, after more than one hundred years since being seen, the Chupacabra returns to its blood-thirsty vengeance when a troubled young boy discovers and befriends the mysterious creature.
Visit Mr. Hebler's website: www.michaelhebler.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 2, 2019
I had Night of the Chupacabra hanging around for a long time and when I finally read it, I wondered why I waited. I loved it. Night of the Chupcabra got my attention early on and really pissed me off about the wagon train.
The story is so sweet, so cute, so savage, so brutal. The past, present and future slam together with good and bad consequences.
I feel really bad for Drake. Will he survive? Will he find what he is looking for? He doesn’t deserve the bad things happening to him and I am hoping he finds what ever he is searching for and finds peace. But, he also surprised me and I didn’t see it coming. I sure want to know more about him, about the chupacabra.
Sheriff Dillmore is not a sheriff you want running your town. To say he is mean is not saying enough. He deserves to be hung up to dry, burned under the jail. I hope he gets his!
I knew the ending…sort of…but won’t know for sure until I meet the Chupacabra in the next story. The series consists of four books and you will need to read them in order and in their entirety to know the complete story.
The story is so sweet, so cute, so savage, so brutal. The past, present and future slam together with good and bad consequences.
I feel really bad for Drake. Will he survive? Will he find what he is looking for? He doesn’t deserve the bad things happening to him and I am hoping he finds what ever he is searching for and finds peace. But, he also surprised me and I didn’t see it coming. I sure want to know more about him, about the chupacabra.
Sheriff Dillmore is not a sheriff you want running your town. To say he is mean is not saying enough. He deserves to be hung up to dry, burned under the jail. I hope he gets his!
I knew the ending…sort of…but won’t know for sure until I meet the Chupacabra in the next story. The series consists of four books and you will need to read them in order and in their entirety to know the complete story.
February 22, 2014
Night of the Chupacabra is a very compelling novel and an interesting start of the series.
I didn't know much about Chupacabra besides the meaning of its name (which I learned form 'Bones' TV series, I think ;) ), so I enjoyed the explanations of its origins and the curse.
The attacks of the creature were written very well but I expected a little more violence ;).
It was tough for me to read dialogues because I'm not a native English speaker and characters spoke in some sort of Southern manner or something like that but I guess it made the story more realistic in its setting.
It was a nice start to a series and I'm interested what will happen in the next book.
Thanks for sending me a free copy from the Making Connections group.
I didn't know much about Chupacabra besides the meaning of its name (which I learned form 'Bones' TV series, I think ;) ), so I enjoyed the explanations of its origins and the curse.
The attacks of the creature were written very well but I expected a little more violence ;).
It was tough for me to read dialogues because I'm not a native English speaker and characters spoke in some sort of Southern manner or something like that but I guess it made the story more realistic in its setting.
It was a nice start to a series and I'm interested what will happen in the next book.
Thanks for sending me a free copy from the Making Connections group.
October 17, 2012
I’m thrilled to be able to tell you about this brand new release!
The men huddle around the campire. The glow from the flames refelcts on their faces. A friendly game of poker between the two brothers is interupted by little Jessica, Drake‘s daughter. Gavin grins, knowing Drake still can’t figure out how she is sneaking out of the wagon.
Fearing Lucy’s wrath, Drake tucks Jessica back in bed and then stops to talk with his wife. That’s when it starts. The animals are an early warning. They jerk loose and tear off into the desert. Then an unholy roar comes from one of the wagons, soon accompanied by screams of terror.
The brothers race to get their guns, but before they can reach the wagon, something too fast to follow leaps from one wagon to the next and the screaming starts again. The chupacabra easily leaps from wagon to wagon, killing in a blood lust. All goes quite.
Then they get their first look at the creature. It’s the size of a man, but there the resemblance ends. It’s covered in brown fur, it’s spiked tail flicks back and forth, it’s red eyes glow, and it’s stench can be smelled from across the fire.
Then it leaps into Drake’s wagan. He dives in after it. The wagon shakes, rocks and bursts into flames. The creature bursts forth, engulfed in flames, and runs right into Gavin, pinning him to the ground. Gavin is being burned alive.
Impossibly, the thing is alive and leaps up to run off into the darkness, leaving Gavin mortally wounded. Lucy runs away into the night, driven hysterical by the loss of her daughter.
All this Drake sees as he lies helpless on the ground, horribly burned.
I can’t believe this all takes place at the beginning of the book. From the first sentence, you get to meet the Chupacabra and by the second chapter, he gets up close and personal.
If this story didn’t take place in western days, say it took place now, I still don’t know what could have been done. The thing is just too fast.
Drake did survive the attack. He’s horribly disfigured, his face a fright to gaze upon. He has traveled from dusty town to dusty town looking for his Lucy. Each time he thinks he’s found her, it’s a false lead.Then he enters Dillmore Valley, A Fine Community. A strange welcome as the town is hidden in a valley, away from view.
He’s not alone. Something has followed him. He doesn’t want it dead. It has it’s uses.
I just can’t resist this kind of tale. I love scary stories of creatures in the night. I have for as long as I can remember.
Michael Hebler is a fine writer. I can feel the heat of the flames, smell the reek of the Chupacabra, and taste the dust of the trail in my mouth.
When Drake rides into Dillmore Valley it reminded me of Clint Eastwood appearing out of the desert and riding into town in the movie High Plains Drifter. Drake has that same aurora around him. No one in their right mind would mess with him, it’s better to avoid his attention.
I can’t tell you a whole lot about the characters as it would reveal too much of the plot. What I can tell you is they are a diverse lot, just like any small town. You have your nosy parkers, the town drunk, the belligerent bully and then you have the ladies. Each character brings a genuineness to the story, keeping you engrossed and curious. I love character driven stories.
Of course, let’s not forget the Chupacabra. He is something else! You don’t just get a little bit of him here and there. He is very busy, rending, ripping and terrorizing throughtout the book.
Okay. I’ll stop here. I could ramble on and on, but then I’d be telling everything. I don’t want to ruin it for you.
Michael Hebler gave me more than I ever expected. I’m thrilled to know he is making this a series. It will be interesting to see where it goes next.
The men huddle around the campire. The glow from the flames refelcts on their faces. A friendly game of poker between the two brothers is interupted by little Jessica, Drake‘s daughter. Gavin grins, knowing Drake still can’t figure out how she is sneaking out of the wagon.
Fearing Lucy’s wrath, Drake tucks Jessica back in bed and then stops to talk with his wife. That’s when it starts. The animals are an early warning. They jerk loose and tear off into the desert. Then an unholy roar comes from one of the wagons, soon accompanied by screams of terror.
The brothers race to get their guns, but before they can reach the wagon, something too fast to follow leaps from one wagon to the next and the screaming starts again. The chupacabra easily leaps from wagon to wagon, killing in a blood lust. All goes quite.
Then they get their first look at the creature. It’s the size of a man, but there the resemblance ends. It’s covered in brown fur, it’s spiked tail flicks back and forth, it’s red eyes glow, and it’s stench can be smelled from across the fire.
Then it leaps into Drake’s wagan. He dives in after it. The wagon shakes, rocks and bursts into flames. The creature bursts forth, engulfed in flames, and runs right into Gavin, pinning him to the ground. Gavin is being burned alive.
Impossibly, the thing is alive and leaps up to run off into the darkness, leaving Gavin mortally wounded. Lucy runs away into the night, driven hysterical by the loss of her daughter.
All this Drake sees as he lies helpless on the ground, horribly burned.
I can’t believe this all takes place at the beginning of the book. From the first sentence, you get to meet the Chupacabra and by the second chapter, he gets up close and personal.
If this story didn’t take place in western days, say it took place now, I still don’t know what could have been done. The thing is just too fast.
Drake did survive the attack. He’s horribly disfigured, his face a fright to gaze upon. He has traveled from dusty town to dusty town looking for his Lucy. Each time he thinks he’s found her, it’s a false lead.Then he enters Dillmore Valley, A Fine Community. A strange welcome as the town is hidden in a valley, away from view.
He’s not alone. Something has followed him. He doesn’t want it dead. It has it’s uses.
I just can’t resist this kind of tale. I love scary stories of creatures in the night. I have for as long as I can remember.
Michael Hebler is a fine writer. I can feel the heat of the flames, smell the reek of the Chupacabra, and taste the dust of the trail in my mouth.
When Drake rides into Dillmore Valley it reminded me of Clint Eastwood appearing out of the desert and riding into town in the movie High Plains Drifter. Drake has that same aurora around him. No one in their right mind would mess with him, it’s better to avoid his attention.
I can’t tell you a whole lot about the characters as it would reveal too much of the plot. What I can tell you is they are a diverse lot, just like any small town. You have your nosy parkers, the town drunk, the belligerent bully and then you have the ladies. Each character brings a genuineness to the story, keeping you engrossed and curious. I love character driven stories.
Of course, let’s not forget the Chupacabra. He is something else! You don’t just get a little bit of him here and there. He is very busy, rending, ripping and terrorizing throughtout the book.
Okay. I’ll stop here. I could ramble on and on, but then I’d be telling everything. I don’t want to ruin it for you.
Michael Hebler gave me more than I ever expected. I’m thrilled to know he is making this a series. It will be interesting to see where it goes next.
March 13, 2017
This review may contain spoilers...
Wow! This book got me hooked from the first sentence, and I devoured every page.
While I am not too familiar with the legend of the Chupacabra, I have a memory that this creature is always described vaguely and never met in full detail (I remember watching an X-Files episode with it).
So as I understand, this book explores new territory by presenting the Chupacabra as one of its main characters. I liked the explanations the author presented for the legend's origin and heritage, and also its overall appearance, which is very animalistic while at the same time retains the tiniest shard of its former humanity.
Both plot and characters are well-developed and of course you feel for Drake and his dramatic fate while at the same time enjoying a worthy western plot. At the end, you even wish for Drake to somehow survive, though you know it will require the unavoidable return of the bloodhtirsty Chupacabra.
I can't wait to find out what happens next!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
Wow! This book got me hooked from the first sentence, and I devoured every page.
While I am not too familiar with the legend of the Chupacabra, I have a memory that this creature is always described vaguely and never met in full detail (I remember watching an X-Files episode with it).
So as I understand, this book explores new territory by presenting the Chupacabra as one of its main characters. I liked the explanations the author presented for the legend's origin and heritage, and also its overall appearance, which is very animalistic while at the same time retains the tiniest shard of its former humanity.
Both plot and characters are well-developed and of course you feel for Drake and his dramatic fate while at the same time enjoying a worthy western plot. At the end, you even wish for Drake to somehow survive, though you know it will require the unavoidable return of the bloodhtirsty Chupacabra.
I can't wait to find out what happens next!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2015
You can read this review and more on my blog:
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
You wouldn't know it by simply glancing at my blog, but I am actually a fan of Westerns and Horror. Mostly, I watch Bonanza scary movies so I am not a super fan, but I do like those genres, and I really liked Night of the Chupacabra.
When the story begins, we are introduced to the main character, Drake, and his family. He is traveling with his wife, five year old daughter, and younger brother. Although his life isn’t ideal, he is happy enough and his family is very important to him.
As you can tell from the synopsis, Drake’s happiness doesn't last very long. His life is destroyed on the night a deadly creature attacks and separates him from his family.
Drake is horribly scarred from his encounter with the Chupacabra, and the only thing that keeps him going is the search for the family he lost.
This book was very entertaining and fast paced Drake tracks his wife to a very small little town, and has a lot of trouble with the locals. Not only do they naturally distrust any strangers, but Drake's disturbing appearance causes people to be extra fearful of him.
At first, I was settling into my normal routine while reading this. I decided that the town was filled with a bunch of narrow minded jerks, and Drake was the misunderstood hero. However, nothing is this story was quite that simple. In comparison to most of the other men in town, Drake was the “good guy”, but he was far from a hero. In fact, if the story had been told from another point of view, he could have just as easily been a villain. But since I knew him so well and understood what drove him, I found myself rooting for him even when I shouldn’t. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy it when a book can make me root for unlikely characters.
There were plenty of details in this book, and that was both a good and bad thing. It was a good thing because the details were well written without being overly descriptive, and it made it easy to get lost in the story. I felt as though I got to peek into each person’s psyche, and found out what made them tick. I knew what was important to them, who they loved, who they hated, and what they feared in just a few short pages. It was a bad thing because I was forced to keep track of about 15 different characters at the same time. I didn’t only have to deal with Drake’s point of view either. I saw things through the eyes of almost every character, including the monster, and I found it difficult to to remember who each person was.
However, this is a Horror novel so I didn’t have to keep track of certain people for very long.
I can honestly say that I have never read a book like this. It was scary, but not overly dramatic and traumatizing. There were definitely gory moments, but I didn't feel like the author was depending on shock value, instead, he used those moments of violence to exemplify the deeper messages and plot points. Drake’s intense and obsessive love for his family is highlighted by the things he is willing to do to get them back. The misery and fear of the town’s residents causes them to behave in an animalistic and cruel manner. And even the Chupacabra was more than a mindless killing machine.
This was a very gritty and exciting read, and I can’t help but look forward to reading future installments in the series.
Because of violence, language, and mild sexual content, I would recommend this book for ages 17 and up.
You wouldn't know it by simply glancing at my blog, but I am actually a fan of Westerns and Horror. Mostly, I watch Bonanza scary movies so I am not a super fan, but I do like those genres, and I really liked Night of the Chupacabra.
When the story begins, we are introduced to the main character, Drake, and his family. He is traveling with his wife, five year old daughter, and younger brother. Although his life isn’t ideal, he is happy enough and his family is very important to him.
As you can tell from the synopsis, Drake’s happiness doesn't last very long. His life is destroyed on the night a deadly creature attacks and separates him from his family.
Drake is horribly scarred from his encounter with the Chupacabra, and the only thing that keeps him going is the search for the family he lost.
This book was very entertaining and fast paced Drake tracks his wife to a very small little town, and has a lot of trouble with the locals. Not only do they naturally distrust any strangers, but Drake's disturbing appearance causes people to be extra fearful of him.
At first, I was settling into my normal routine while reading this. I decided that the town was filled with a bunch of narrow minded jerks, and Drake was the misunderstood hero. However, nothing is this story was quite that simple. In comparison to most of the other men in town, Drake was the “good guy”, but he was far from a hero. In fact, if the story had been told from another point of view, he could have just as easily been a villain. But since I knew him so well and understood what drove him, I found myself rooting for him even when I shouldn’t. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy it when a book can make me root for unlikely characters.
There were plenty of details in this book, and that was both a good and bad thing. It was a good thing because the details were well written without being overly descriptive, and it made it easy to get lost in the story. I felt as though I got to peek into each person’s psyche, and found out what made them tick. I knew what was important to them, who they loved, who they hated, and what they feared in just a few short pages. It was a bad thing because I was forced to keep track of about 15 different characters at the same time. I didn’t only have to deal with Drake’s point of view either. I saw things through the eyes of almost every character, including the monster, and I found it difficult to to remember who each person was.
However, this is a Horror novel so I didn’t have to keep track of certain people for very long.
I can honestly say that I have never read a book like this. It was scary, but not overly dramatic and traumatizing. There were definitely gory moments, but I didn't feel like the author was depending on shock value, instead, he used those moments of violence to exemplify the deeper messages and plot points. Drake’s intense and obsessive love for his family is highlighted by the things he is willing to do to get them back. The misery and fear of the town’s residents causes them to behave in an animalistic and cruel manner. And even the Chupacabra was more than a mindless killing machine.
This was a very gritty and exciting read, and I can’t help but look forward to reading future installments in the series.
Because of violence, language, and mild sexual content, I would recommend this book for ages 17 and up.
October 24, 2012
I want to thank Michael Hebler for giving me a copy of his Western Horror "Night of The Chupacabra". I'm new to the western scenes but plan on getting my boots dirty with some western reads.
In the late 1800's Drake's family wagon is ravished by something one night. They may have got away. Drake left to die. Five years later Drake finds himself disfigured looking for this monster who took the better part of his life. Drake comes to a town in the hunt of his lost family and the monster. The sheriff believes he is like his wife "Looney Lucy" Drake is out for revenge now more to the town, then the monster "The Chupacabra"
Now with his sworn oath over his wife's grave he will get back there daughter being cared for (sorta) by a whore pimping out local woman as well. Is it the "Chupacabra" that lives on or the curse. Get your copy of Michael Hebler's Night of the Chupacabra
My overall thoughts on this novel is a great western horror but lack of suspense. The Horror is light for my liking, but he keeps you turning the page cheering on Drake hoping for his revenge. I will look forward to "Book 2" in 2013.
In the late 1800's Drake's family wagon is ravished by something one night. They may have got away. Drake left to die. Five years later Drake finds himself disfigured looking for this monster who took the better part of his life. Drake comes to a town in the hunt of his lost family and the monster. The sheriff believes he is like his wife "Looney Lucy" Drake is out for revenge now more to the town, then the monster "The Chupacabra"
Now with his sworn oath over his wife's grave he will get back there daughter being cared for (sorta) by a whore pimping out local woman as well. Is it the "Chupacabra" that lives on or the curse. Get your copy of Michael Hebler's Night of the Chupacabra
My overall thoughts on this novel is a great western horror but lack of suspense. The Horror is light for my liking, but he keeps you turning the page cheering on Drake hoping for his revenge. I will look forward to "Book 2" in 2013.
March 11, 2015
I'm torn on this one.
On one hand, it was written well. Everything made sense. There were no loose ends.
On the other hand, it just didn't do it for me. I just never felt vested in it.
It begins with several families who are all headed to "Frisco". They are all stopped for the evening with most families bedded down in their wagons. A creature attacks killing many of them and separating Drake from his family who ran off into the desert. Drake was attacked and somehow set on fire. I should have re-read this part as I am still a bit confused on how the creature burned him. Fast forward a few years and Drake is still in search of his family when he comes upon a small town. Pretty standard issue Wild West town with everyone congregated in the saloon, playing cards, drinking, whores working the room, etc. We find out the original creature was a Chupacabra and there is one following Drake. Craziness ensues and the town ends up in shambles.
I always thought a Chupacabra was Mexico's version of a Sasquatch but smaller and with an affinity for goats. In this story, it's more of an other-worldly entity created from spirits brought to this world by an Indian chief.
It was a good story but I just couldn't get into it. I'm sure many others will love it.
On one hand, it was written well. Everything made sense. There were no loose ends.
On the other hand, it just didn't do it for me. I just never felt vested in it.
It begins with several families who are all headed to "Frisco". They are all stopped for the evening with most families bedded down in their wagons. A creature attacks killing many of them and separating Drake from his family who ran off into the desert. Drake was attacked and somehow set on fire. I should have re-read this part as I am still a bit confused on how the creature burned him. Fast forward a few years and Drake is still in search of his family when he comes upon a small town. Pretty standard issue Wild West town with everyone congregated in the saloon, playing cards, drinking, whores working the room, etc. We find out the original creature was a Chupacabra and there is one following Drake. Craziness ensues and the town ends up in shambles.
I always thought a Chupacabra was Mexico's version of a Sasquatch but smaller and with an affinity for goats. In this story, it's more of an other-worldly entity created from spirits brought to this world by an Indian chief.
It was a good story but I just couldn't get into it. I'm sure many others will love it.
June 11, 2014
Hi, I would like to thank the author for gifting me this book in exchange for a honest review.
When I saw the title of this book it sparked my interest, This isnt my usual genre,but I've heard stories of the chupacabra and said why not. This book did not let me down, we meet Drake and his family traving to San Francisco after the Civil War, when they are attacked by the chupacabra. Drake loses his wife and daughter and is left badly scarred and unrecognizable.
This book was preety fast paced and I was never bored, lots of action, lots of gunfighting. I liked the twist on the chupacabra here, we learn how the chupacabra came to be. Drake has to deal with alot, who also discovers alot in the small town he ends up at. The town is not very welcoming and dislike strangers, the sheriff was something else. I was a little sad with the ending, after everything Drake went through and now that. But overall great story. Thanks again.
When I saw the title of this book it sparked my interest, This isnt my usual genre,but I've heard stories of the chupacabra and said why not. This book did not let me down, we meet Drake and his family traving to San Francisco after the Civil War, when they are attacked by the chupacabra. Drake loses his wife and daughter and is left badly scarred and unrecognizable.
This book was preety fast paced and I was never bored, lots of action, lots of gunfighting. I liked the twist on the chupacabra here, we learn how the chupacabra came to be. Drake has to deal with alot, who also discovers alot in the small town he ends up at. The town is not very welcoming and dislike strangers, the sheriff was something else. I was a little sad with the ending, after everything Drake went through and now that. But overall great story. Thanks again.
December 7, 2013
This was an interesting read. It is rife with iconic old west scenes of wagon trains, boom towns, and saloons. The author came up with a unique twist to the Chupacabra myth. For a creature that is so embedded in American mythology, this is the first instance I’ve ever seen it as the focus of a novel, and I was intrigued to see how it was represented. I think the opening chapter was one of my favorites; the author allows us inside the mind of the creature, which gives a frame of reference for it’s habits and motivations throughout the story. Some of the fight and confrontation sequences ran a bit long, but otherwise the unique theme kept me reading.
October 21, 2012
Not bad. Personally I had hoped the Western action was going to be a bit more gritty than it was and the Chupacabra aspect was not what I thought it would be.
April 20, 2013
A great idea with a lot of promise and some great moments of high tension.
March 30, 2021
I liked this. There was a ton of creepy cryptid action, but also a fair amount of filler that wasn't as exciting. Good writing, but a little heavy handed on the westerny-ness, especially in the dialogue.
October 17, 2012
Original post here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2012/10/release-day-review-night-of-chupacabra.html
Night of the Chupacabra is a great Horror-Western that is perfect for October. Night of the Chupacabra follows a man, named Drake, and his family traveling to west for a better life. One night while resting from all their travels with not too far to go, they end up meeting something terrible in the desert. They don't know what it is. All they know is that it looks like a man, it is fast and it wants to eat something...or someone. After tragedy strikes, Drake is on a journey. While he stumbles on a town, he gets more more than he bargained for, both from the townspeople and from the chupacabra he thought he left behind.
Wow, what a wonderful read this was. The story was very thrilling and well paced. Night of the Chupacabra is much more than a monster story. It is the story of a man who needs closure. Drake has lost so much, but he is on a mission. He is trying to find his lost wife. He doesn't believe she died when the chupacabra came and took out their camp. He travels send him to a secluded town named Dillmore (well valley), and as expected, everyone is frightened of Drake due to the scars on his face. Everyone is suspicious of him because they believe he is trouble. There are a few snags while he is staying at a bar, but things take a turn for the worse when it seems the chupacabra has followed him into town and a mistake was made with the locals.
I loved our main character Drake. He knows his looks make people rude, scared, and sometimes homicidal. But he doesn't let that faze him. He does what he can for his lost love. He doesn't let the stupidity or expectations of others stop him or make him into the monster they think he is. But my absolute favorite character in this book was the little girl Jessie. She has been taken in to work for the bar by selling matches, but she is such a tough girl. She has seen and heard enough that she has quite the backbone and a lot of street smarts. She is the youngest person in the book but she is smarter than most of the adults. The story is full with quite a bit of villains as well. One in particular named Charles. He seems to have the sheriff wrapped around his finger and wants nothing more than to put those he thinks are doing him wrong in jail or worse, for instance Raul. Raul plays quite the role in this book, but I must say, as helpful as he was, he rings some alarm bells for me. Same thing goes for the sheriff, but he was more upfront about it. Just wait until you hear their stories and how they connect to Drake, the sheriff is definitely something. Goodness, it is hard not to spoil.
This was an amazing. The story had me at the edge of my seat from page 1. With every chapter, something new is revealed. And even though this book is done, there is still more to uncover. The story is so action packed and heartfelt, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this story. I know of the chupacabra and this is the very first story I have read featuring the mythical creature. I am glad this was my introduction because Hebler really gave us quite the take on the chupacabra. I love the story behind it and the mythology behind the creature. This is a horror story you shouldn't miss. I can't wait for book 2. I am officially a fangirl.
Night of the Chupacabra is a great Horror-Western that is perfect for October. Night of the Chupacabra follows a man, named Drake, and his family traveling to west for a better life. One night while resting from all their travels with not too far to go, they end up meeting something terrible in the desert. They don't know what it is. All they know is that it looks like a man, it is fast and it wants to eat something...or someone. After tragedy strikes, Drake is on a journey. While he stumbles on a town, he gets more more than he bargained for, both from the townspeople and from the chupacabra he thought he left behind.
Wow, what a wonderful read this was. The story was very thrilling and well paced. Night of the Chupacabra is much more than a monster story. It is the story of a man who needs closure. Drake has lost so much, but he is on a mission. He is trying to find his lost wife. He doesn't believe she died when the chupacabra came and took out their camp. He travels send him to a secluded town named Dillmore (well valley), and as expected, everyone is frightened of Drake due to the scars on his face. Everyone is suspicious of him because they believe he is trouble. There are a few snags while he is staying at a bar, but things take a turn for the worse when it seems the chupacabra has followed him into town and a mistake was made with the locals.
I loved our main character Drake. He knows his looks make people rude, scared, and sometimes homicidal. But he doesn't let that faze him. He does what he can for his lost love. He doesn't let the stupidity or expectations of others stop him or make him into the monster they think he is. But my absolute favorite character in this book was the little girl Jessie. She has been taken in to work for the bar by selling matches, but she is such a tough girl. She has seen and heard enough that she has quite the backbone and a lot of street smarts. She is the youngest person in the book but she is smarter than most of the adults. The story is full with quite a bit of villains as well. One in particular named Charles. He seems to have the sheriff wrapped around his finger and wants nothing more than to put those he thinks are doing him wrong in jail or worse, for instance Raul. Raul plays quite the role in this book, but I must say, as helpful as he was, he rings some alarm bells for me. Same thing goes for the sheriff, but he was more upfront about it. Just wait until you hear their stories and how they connect to Drake, the sheriff is definitely something. Goodness, it is hard not to spoil.
This was an amazing. The story had me at the edge of my seat from page 1. With every chapter, something new is revealed. And even though this book is done, there is still more to uncover. The story is so action packed and heartfelt, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this story. I know of the chupacabra and this is the very first story I have read featuring the mythical creature. I am glad this was my introduction because Hebler really gave us quite the take on the chupacabra. I love the story behind it and the mythology behind the creature. This is a horror story you shouldn't miss. I can't wait for book 2. I am officially a fangirl.
May 4, 2014
Night of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler is the first book in a six novel series based on the mysterious cryptid known as the Chupacabra, a beast that is said to feast on the blood of goats and other livestock. The book focuses on Drake Byrne and his family as they head out west to San Francisco in search of a better life. Everything seems to be perfect for Drake at the start of the novel; he has a loving family and an exciting new adventure ahead of him. Then one night a mysterious creature ravages the camp in a fit of bloodlust and Drake loses everything. His family and friends are killed - with the exception of his wife, who fled the attack amidst the chaos - and Drake is left for dead while the camp burns around him.
Five years after the attack, Drake is now hideously disfigured after his first encounter with the Chupacabra and finds himself in the town of Dillmore Valley, determined to locate his wife. Drake's disfigurement instantly puts him at odds with the residents of the town and quickly finds himself on the run after an incident at the town's saloon convinces the town and its sheriff that he is a murderer. However, something far more sinister has arrived in Dillmore Valley and it will leave nothing but death and destruction in its wake.
Initially, I had my doubts about the Chupacabra being scary enough to drive the novel as it is usually reported as being rather small, but Hebler managed to tweak the mythology to make the creature downright terrifying. Hebler's Chupacabra is roughly the size of a man with spikes that run from its head to its tail, red eyes and a stinger-like appendage that it uses to drink the blood of its victims. It is also extremely fast, smart and can heal itself which makes it a lethal predator throughout the novel.
I also loved the origin story Hebler created for the Chupacabra. Despite numerous reported sightings in real life, there is no real definitive explanation of exactly what it is or where it came from. This ambiguity allowed Hebler to create an intriguing background for the monster. I don't want to spoil the answers outright for any potential readers, but Hebler weaves in Native American tradition to explain one component of its origin. The other part is one of the biggest twists in the novel and I can honestly say I didn't see it coming! Drake's earlier interactions with the monster in Dillmore Valley were a bit confusing, but after it is revealed what the Chupacabra is, it all makes sense and makes Drake's struggle more complicated. I wish Hebler would have given more insight into these earlier interactions after the big reveal, but it is possible the issue could be explored in future novels.
Night of the Chupacabra is a thrilling horror and western mash-up that I found almost impossible to put down. Despite a few spots that were a little confusing, the novel is an action-packed read with a great cast of characters and plenty of surprising twists and should appeal to fans of many different genres. I am looking forward to checking out the other books in the series and it will be interesting to see where the series goes once it moves from the 1800s into the 20th century.
Rating: 3.5/5
Five years after the attack, Drake is now hideously disfigured after his first encounter with the Chupacabra and finds himself in the town of Dillmore Valley, determined to locate his wife. Drake's disfigurement instantly puts him at odds with the residents of the town and quickly finds himself on the run after an incident at the town's saloon convinces the town and its sheriff that he is a murderer. However, something far more sinister has arrived in Dillmore Valley and it will leave nothing but death and destruction in its wake.
Initially, I had my doubts about the Chupacabra being scary enough to drive the novel as it is usually reported as being rather small, but Hebler managed to tweak the mythology to make the creature downright terrifying. Hebler's Chupacabra is roughly the size of a man with spikes that run from its head to its tail, red eyes and a stinger-like appendage that it uses to drink the blood of its victims. It is also extremely fast, smart and can heal itself which makes it a lethal predator throughout the novel.
I also loved the origin story Hebler created for the Chupacabra. Despite numerous reported sightings in real life, there is no real definitive explanation of exactly what it is or where it came from. This ambiguity allowed Hebler to create an intriguing background for the monster. I don't want to spoil the answers outright for any potential readers, but Hebler weaves in Native American tradition to explain one component of its origin. The other part is one of the biggest twists in the novel and I can honestly say I didn't see it coming! Drake's earlier interactions with the monster in Dillmore Valley were a bit confusing, but after it is revealed what the Chupacabra is, it all makes sense and makes Drake's struggle more complicated. I wish Hebler would have given more insight into these earlier interactions after the big reveal, but it is possible the issue could be explored in future novels.
Night of the Chupacabra is a thrilling horror and western mash-up that I found almost impossible to put down. Despite a few spots that were a little confusing, the novel is an action-packed read with a great cast of characters and plenty of surprising twists and should appeal to fans of many different genres. I am looking forward to checking out the other books in the series and it will be interesting to see where the series goes once it moves from the 1800s into the 20th century.
Rating: 3.5/5
August 29, 2013
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.
“Night of the Chupacabra” by Michael Hebler is Book One of the “Chupacabra Series”. I have long been fascinated by the legendary Chupacabra, or “goat-sucker”, and have long held my impression of what a Chupacabra looks like. In “Night of the Chupacabra” Hebler has created a new (to me) “monster” that consists of evil spirits called forth by an Indian Shaman seeking revenge for some slight or injury. The evil spirits all combined into a single Evil Spirit, which then usurped the body of the Shaman and morphed into a red-eyed being capable of running on two legs or four, at lightning-like speeds, to suck all the blood from its victims through a hollow tongue.
In this scenario, there exists only a single Chupacabra at any given time. When that being is killed, the evil spirit enters the body of another to usurp control once again. In “Night of the Chupacabra”, the contemporaneous Chupacabra attacked a wagon train bound for San Francisco, killing almost everybody, excepting only a woman and her daughter who ran away into the desert, and a badly burned man who was nursed back to health by a small band of Indians who were hunting the Chupacabra to end its reign of terror.
This man, Drake Byrne, was the spouse and father of the mother and daughter who escaped into the desert. He spent several years following tenuous leads, in an attempt to relocate his wife, Lucy, and daughter, Jessica. The bulk of this story takes place in Dillmore Valley, touted as A Fine Community. It is in Dillmore Valley that Drake’s journey comes to an end. At the same time, Dillmore Valley also comes to an end.
Michael Hebler has created the quintessential Western town of the post-Civil War era, complete with dishonest Sheriff, power-wielding Madam of the house of ill repute, and unrepentant lawbreakers who had the Sheriff’s blessing to do pretty much as they pleased. Hebler’s description of the original wagon train attack is painfully believable.
Drake Byrne, whose face was horribly disfigured from the fire that ultimately destroyed the wagon train, rode into town following another lead that his wife might have come to Dillmore Valley. His reception was not pleasant, and Hebler did a superb job of elucidating that fact. “Night of the Chupacabra” is an action-packed amalgam of the Western, Paranormal and Horror genres. Not unlike most other very good books, it is difficult to put down “Night of the Chupacabra” before you have finished reading it.
Although the description of the actual Chupacabra varied from my own perception of what it should look like, Hebler nevertheless has described a superbly horrendous villain. I strongly recommend “Night of the Chupacabra” by Michael Hebler to anybody who enjoys any of the genres mentioned above. I also anxiously await the release of Book Two of the “Chupacabra Series”, titled “Curse of the Chupacabra”, due out tentatively in September, 2013. I expect that one to be every bit as good as "Night of the Chupacabra" is.
“Night of the Chupacabra” by Michael Hebler is Book One of the “Chupacabra Series”. I have long been fascinated by the legendary Chupacabra, or “goat-sucker”, and have long held my impression of what a Chupacabra looks like. In “Night of the Chupacabra” Hebler has created a new (to me) “monster” that consists of evil spirits called forth by an Indian Shaman seeking revenge for some slight or injury. The evil spirits all combined into a single Evil Spirit, which then usurped the body of the Shaman and morphed into a red-eyed being capable of running on two legs or four, at lightning-like speeds, to suck all the blood from its victims through a hollow tongue.
In this scenario, there exists only a single Chupacabra at any given time. When that being is killed, the evil spirit enters the body of another to usurp control once again. In “Night of the Chupacabra”, the contemporaneous Chupacabra attacked a wagon train bound for San Francisco, killing almost everybody, excepting only a woman and her daughter who ran away into the desert, and a badly burned man who was nursed back to health by a small band of Indians who were hunting the Chupacabra to end its reign of terror.
This man, Drake Byrne, was the spouse and father of the mother and daughter who escaped into the desert. He spent several years following tenuous leads, in an attempt to relocate his wife, Lucy, and daughter, Jessica. The bulk of this story takes place in Dillmore Valley, touted as A Fine Community. It is in Dillmore Valley that Drake’s journey comes to an end. At the same time, Dillmore Valley also comes to an end.
Michael Hebler has created the quintessential Western town of the post-Civil War era, complete with dishonest Sheriff, power-wielding Madam of the house of ill repute, and unrepentant lawbreakers who had the Sheriff’s blessing to do pretty much as they pleased. Hebler’s description of the original wagon train attack is painfully believable.
Drake Byrne, whose face was horribly disfigured from the fire that ultimately destroyed the wagon train, rode into town following another lead that his wife might have come to Dillmore Valley. His reception was not pleasant, and Hebler did a superb job of elucidating that fact. “Night of the Chupacabra” is an action-packed amalgam of the Western, Paranormal and Horror genres. Not unlike most other very good books, it is difficult to put down “Night of the Chupacabra” before you have finished reading it.
Although the description of the actual Chupacabra varied from my own perception of what it should look like, Hebler nevertheless has described a superbly horrendous villain. I strongly recommend “Night of the Chupacabra” by Michael Hebler to anybody who enjoys any of the genres mentioned above. I also anxiously await the release of Book Two of the “Chupacabra Series”, titled “Curse of the Chupacabra”, due out tentatively in September, 2013. I expect that one to be every bit as good as "Night of the Chupacabra" is.
July 11, 2014
Isn’t it true that you like stories of the Wild West?
I don’t think there are many who would say no. And I'm not referring to the cowboy that only handles the cattle herds, but to the lone and taciturn gun slinger like the one played by Clint Eastwood. Those tough guys with the hand on the gun and with itchy finger who are always looking for justice or to save the damsel in distress. Does it sound familiar to you? Sure, it's an old story, told and retold many times. Only the background changed, depending on the historical period. Just think how many stories are with and about the medieval wanderer knight. The theme of western stories is the same, only our hero is changing his lance with the Winchester rifle and the sword with the Colt revolver. The rest ... comes naturally.
And so, we turn to Michael Hebler’s story, Night Of The Chupacabra. But the author introduces a small element that will throw off the pattern observed in the lines above. A small element that will give to the story a fantasy, science fiction, or even horror atmosphere. Yes, horror, because next to the vigilante hero and villains, a new character will appear. And it’s not just any character, but a bloodthirsty monster. The newcomer will suddenly change the coordinates of the story and we will not get the final duel in front of the saloon. Of course, even now, the bullets will fly in all directions, the horses will be ridden to exhaustion and the traditional saloon hall will be hewing to pieces. It will be a night of terror and full of surprises for all because the book’s action takes place in one night, but what a night! A terrible fear will seize all those who are fighting in this memorable night. Ruthless claws and the specter of a terrifying death will bring everybody to the madness. We have three participating sides, but this will not be a Mexican standoff, but a race against time. The hero to save his family, villains to gruel him and slay the monster, and the monster ... what do you think the monster’s wishes are? You'll find for yourself, by reading the book.
Night of the Chupacabra is a western described in a grim and anguishing frame that will make you read the book in one breath. A frightening tale filled with adrenaline and tension where the author will avariciously reveal the reasons for which you’ll yearn throughout the novel. A terrible mystery will haunt the book’s pages from the beginning to the end, and you will witness a spectacular adventure told in an exciting and special way. A new horror story in an unique style that will make you want one thing only: a sequel!
A book that you will surely love and not regret the time spent in its company.
Happy reading!
GZM
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2013...
I don’t think there are many who would say no. And I'm not referring to the cowboy that only handles the cattle herds, but to the lone and taciturn gun slinger like the one played by Clint Eastwood. Those tough guys with the hand on the gun and with itchy finger who are always looking for justice or to save the damsel in distress. Does it sound familiar to you? Sure, it's an old story, told and retold many times. Only the background changed, depending on the historical period. Just think how many stories are with and about the medieval wanderer knight. The theme of western stories is the same, only our hero is changing his lance with the Winchester rifle and the sword with the Colt revolver. The rest ... comes naturally.
And so, we turn to Michael Hebler’s story, Night Of The Chupacabra. But the author introduces a small element that will throw off the pattern observed in the lines above. A small element that will give to the story a fantasy, science fiction, or even horror atmosphere. Yes, horror, because next to the vigilante hero and villains, a new character will appear. And it’s not just any character, but a bloodthirsty monster. The newcomer will suddenly change the coordinates of the story and we will not get the final duel in front of the saloon. Of course, even now, the bullets will fly in all directions, the horses will be ridden to exhaustion and the traditional saloon hall will be hewing to pieces. It will be a night of terror and full of surprises for all because the book’s action takes place in one night, but what a night! A terrible fear will seize all those who are fighting in this memorable night. Ruthless claws and the specter of a terrifying death will bring everybody to the madness. We have three participating sides, but this will not be a Mexican standoff, but a race against time. The hero to save his family, villains to gruel him and slay the monster, and the monster ... what do you think the monster’s wishes are? You'll find for yourself, by reading the book.
Night of the Chupacabra is a western described in a grim and anguishing frame that will make you read the book in one breath. A frightening tale filled with adrenaline and tension where the author will avariciously reveal the reasons for which you’ll yearn throughout the novel. A terrible mystery will haunt the book’s pages from the beginning to the end, and you will witness a spectacular adventure told in an exciting and special way. A new horror story in an unique style that will make you want one thing only: a sequel!
A book that you will surely love and not regret the time spent in its company.
Happy reading!
GZM
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2013...
September 21, 2014
Drake has had his family brutally ripped away from him, all due to a mythical creature with an insatiable appetite. Arriving in a very unwelcoming town, it soon becomes apparent Drake’s search for his missing wife is almost over.
(I received this book for my honest review. Many thanks to Michael Hebler! Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers before reading further.)
This was something quite new for me; the western style featuring the legendary chupacabra in all its blood sucking glory. I was instantly drawn into the story full of unique and interesting characters, all of whom had their fair share of imperfections and if it’s one thing I love, it’s flawed, believable individuals (that don’t irritate me to the point I no longer want to continue reading) within a book. There were many exciting moments of thrilling action and oftentimes I imagined I was watching a movie. Yes, this would make a good film. Maybe someday, right?
I favoured the whole uncertainty and not knowing who would survive and who would perish. Everyone was in danger and it was riveting to be kept guessing throughout. Suspense at its finest and something I really appreciated. The dialogue was also fantastic and it added to the immersion, as it was written exactly how they pronounced their speech. I’m glad the author decided to go in that direction, as it’s somewhat of a risk. Some readers can be put off by creativity regarding dialogue, but this was neither complicated to understand or distasteful.
Drake was such a determined man and it was a blessing as well as a curse. His life was a tragedy, but he was a beacon of strength and quite inspiring, as he didn't let his appearance hinder him. He, in fact, used his disfigurement to his advantage. I really wanted everything to work out for him, but I knew that getting my hopes up would only be setting myself up for disappointment. His daughter, Jessie, I wasn't particularly fond of as children tend to annoy me in general. Yes, I know how that sounds, and Jessie did possess the same strength as her father, but it’s simply a personal thing.
The population of Dillmore Valley really did make an impression, from the very questionable sheriff, to the selfish madam. I liked how it was described and written, also the feeling of isolation. There was definite talent at building up the hopeless atmosphere.
A good read and one to remember.
© Red Lace 2013
(I received this book for my honest review. Many thanks to Michael Hebler! Please be aware that this review may contain spoilers before reading further.)
This was something quite new for me; the western style featuring the legendary chupacabra in all its blood sucking glory. I was instantly drawn into the story full of unique and interesting characters, all of whom had their fair share of imperfections and if it’s one thing I love, it’s flawed, believable individuals (that don’t irritate me to the point I no longer want to continue reading) within a book. There were many exciting moments of thrilling action and oftentimes I imagined I was watching a movie. Yes, this would make a good film. Maybe someday, right?
I favoured the whole uncertainty and not knowing who would survive and who would perish. Everyone was in danger and it was riveting to be kept guessing throughout. Suspense at its finest and something I really appreciated. The dialogue was also fantastic and it added to the immersion, as it was written exactly how they pronounced their speech. I’m glad the author decided to go in that direction, as it’s somewhat of a risk. Some readers can be put off by creativity regarding dialogue, but this was neither complicated to understand or distasteful.
Drake was such a determined man and it was a blessing as well as a curse. His life was a tragedy, but he was a beacon of strength and quite inspiring, as he didn't let his appearance hinder him. He, in fact, used his disfigurement to his advantage. I really wanted everything to work out for him, but I knew that getting my hopes up would only be setting myself up for disappointment. His daughter, Jessie, I wasn't particularly fond of as children tend to annoy me in general. Yes, I know how that sounds, and Jessie did possess the same strength as her father, but it’s simply a personal thing.
The population of Dillmore Valley really did make an impression, from the very questionable sheriff, to the selfish madam. I liked how it was described and written, also the feeling of isolation. There was definite talent at building up the hopeless atmosphere.
A good read and one to remember.
© Red Lace 2013
December 30, 2014
Years have passed since Drake and his family were attacked by a mysterious creature that left him horribly scarred and his once happy life in shambles. Drake arrives at a small town in hopes of reuniting with his wife but the town keeps its secrets close and the creature is still hunting him. This is the first book in the Chupacabra series.
Night of the Chupacabra is a fun and suspenseful western story. It took me a few chapters to adjust to the omniscient narration. The story has elements of horror but the violence is more action oriented rather than descriptively gory. It shows a different rendition of the chupacabra that has a more mystical origin without a specific preference for its blood source.
The story was an interesting and different reading experience for me. All the characters were flawed but their deception and hostility towards the main character creates a story where he desires retribution. At times the presence of the chupacabra is eclipsed by the other characters' animosity. I liked that the main character had to be wary of not only his connection with the chupacabra but also the remaining townspeople. A lot of characters die in suspenseful action scenes devoid of excessive gore and dark undertones. It was somewhat reminiscent of films where the slasher villain becomes the antihero and I had fun reading the story for this reason.
Due to my ethnicity, I'm always apprehensive of any type of media that portrays Native Americans. Though I question the need for one character to represent two different ethnic groups, the presented chupacabra origin mythos narrowly avoids being offensive by being vaguely simplistic and bound within western stereotypes. I did roll my eyes but I'll admit the chupacabra's connection with its hunter made for interesting drama and I liked the complexity connected to killing it.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Night of the Chupacabra it was an engaging and suspenseful western story where both the creature and the people were at times equally monstrous.
Night of the Chupacabra is a fun and suspenseful western story. It took me a few chapters to adjust to the omniscient narration. The story has elements of horror but the violence is more action oriented rather than descriptively gory. It shows a different rendition of the chupacabra that has a more mystical origin without a specific preference for its blood source.
The story was an interesting and different reading experience for me. All the characters were flawed but their deception and hostility towards the main character creates a story where he desires retribution. At times the presence of the chupacabra is eclipsed by the other characters' animosity. I liked that the main character had to be wary of not only his connection with the chupacabra but also the remaining townspeople. A lot of characters die in suspenseful action scenes devoid of excessive gore and dark undertones. It was somewhat reminiscent of films where the slasher villain becomes the antihero and I had fun reading the story for this reason.
Due to my ethnicity, I'm always apprehensive of any type of media that portrays Native Americans. Though I question the need for one character to represent two different ethnic groups, the presented chupacabra origin mythos narrowly avoids being offensive by being vaguely simplistic and bound within western stereotypes. I did roll my eyes but I'll admit the chupacabra's connection with its hunter made for interesting drama and I liked the complexity connected to killing it.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Night of the Chupacabra it was an engaging and suspenseful western story where both the creature and the people were at times equally monstrous.
March 25, 2014
Night of the Chupacabra is a western horror mash-up about a man sized beast that haunts the deserts of the West. Michael Hebler is an excellent western writer, I love the feel he adds to the story, and to me it feels like a classic western. The story features everything a western should, wagon circles, rifles, saloons, sheriffs, whores and poker…the list is endless but essential for a classic western feel.
The story has some great characters. Drake is my personal favourite, a man of mystery, loyalty and is involved in most of the action. The depth of Drake is built throughout the story and I liked this as it reflects the mystery surrounding him. Michael Hebler also creates some fantastic location names, my favourite is a store named, “First hand guns and books”, maybe the greatest store ever?!
The horror side of the story comes with Chupacabra. A beast with true a predators hunger for flesh. However, I did not personally find the story scary but it was entertaining. The story contains a lot of mystery and revelations which feed well into its western/horror/thriller mash up.
I gave this story three stars. I did generally enjoy this book, the story was good and the authors writing style was enjoyable. However, there were some issues that distracted me at times like the over use of …
…and - - were used quite frequently. I think some of - - could have been commas but they did work to the same effect. Another issue was a personal one for me and I know many people may not agree but it is starting sentences with the word and. I do not mind the odd one but to many and it grinds on me, but this is a personal preference I am not a huge supporter of sticking to old writing rules.
Overall I would recommend this book to fans of westerns and anyone looking for a story that is a genre hopper.
The story has some great characters. Drake is my personal favourite, a man of mystery, loyalty and is involved in most of the action. The depth of Drake is built throughout the story and I liked this as it reflects the mystery surrounding him. Michael Hebler also creates some fantastic location names, my favourite is a store named, “First hand guns and books”, maybe the greatest store ever?!
The horror side of the story comes with Chupacabra. A beast with true a predators hunger for flesh. However, I did not personally find the story scary but it was entertaining. The story contains a lot of mystery and revelations which feed well into its western/horror/thriller mash up.
I gave this story three stars. I did generally enjoy this book, the story was good and the authors writing style was enjoyable. However, there were some issues that distracted me at times like the over use of …
…and - - were used quite frequently. I think some of - - could have been commas but they did work to the same effect. Another issue was a personal one for me and I know many people may not agree but it is starting sentences with the word and. I do not mind the odd one but to many and it grinds on me, but this is a personal preference I am not a huge supporter of sticking to old writing rules.
Overall I would recommend this book to fans of westerns and anyone looking for a story that is a genre hopper.
December 29, 2012
I thought the story is great and I was hooked from the very first until the last page of the book. I first heard stories of the Chupacabra from my grandmother and this brought back childhood memories. Night of the Chupacabra is a western horror novel that tells the story of one family wanting to start a new life in a new place. While in one of their travels, they encountered a chupacabra and only one man survived, Drake.
Drake, the main character of the story, is very much likeable. One would instantly love this character, a strong and tough guy on the outside but softy on the inside. His love and dedication to his family including his dear brother, Gavin, is what I remember the most.
The pacing of the story moves forward smoothly. Considering I was out attending parties the week I'm reading this, I never had a problem remembering the story and the characters. The story flows just right and the tension stays with me every time I pick up the book. As for the dialogue, usually I despise books written in strange language or dialect, or anything written not in plain English. I am still wondering why despite the author's use of "western dialogue", it didn't affect the level of my enjoyment of the story. Maybe he was just really good in weaving the whole story that I was never bothered by the strange dialogue. I loved the twists, especially the revelation on the legend of the first chupacabra, that I believe wouldn't bore readers. All in all, loved the book one and I look forward to reading more from the author, Michael Hebler.
Drake, the main character of the story, is very much likeable. One would instantly love this character, a strong and tough guy on the outside but softy on the inside. His love and dedication to his family including his dear brother, Gavin, is what I remember the most.
The pacing of the story moves forward smoothly. Considering I was out attending parties the week I'm reading this, I never had a problem remembering the story and the characters. The story flows just right and the tension stays with me every time I pick up the book. As for the dialogue, usually I despise books written in strange language or dialect, or anything written not in plain English. I am still wondering why despite the author's use of "western dialogue", it didn't affect the level of my enjoyment of the story. Maybe he was just really good in weaving the whole story that I was never bothered by the strange dialogue. I loved the twists, especially the revelation on the legend of the first chupacabra, that I believe wouldn't bore readers. All in all, loved the book one and I look forward to reading more from the author, Michael Hebler.
March 7, 2014
I have to say I really enjoyed this story. It’s been a years since I’ve read a western (I’m a long time Louis L’Amour fan) and I couldn’t resist a new western with a twist of horror added to it. The beginning is a little rough and I struggled to figure out what was going on with the main character Drake and his family. It opens at night, the men sitting around the campfire with kids in the wagon, supposedly sleeping. They are attacked by the chupacabra. It is a life changer of the worst kind for our main character Drake. He is horribly burned during the attack and his daughter ends up missing.
Once Drake is healed enough to travel he begins the search for his missing daughter. I struggled some after the initial attack by the chupacabra to figure out what Drake was doing. There is a big gap of time missing that I think needed to be added back in. I actually came very close to putting the book down though I’m glad I struggled through because the rest of the story was awesome. Nonstop action and a couple of places that even managed to take this reader by surprise. The second I finished this first novel by Michael Hebler I immediately went out and bought the second. I can’t give a writer better praise than that. I’ll hope the second one has a smoother beginning, but other than that I’m hooked. I really wanted to give this story five stars but I had to drop it down because of the confusing first quarter. For those who may feel the same way I did, I encourage you to read through. It’ll be worth it.
Once Drake is healed enough to travel he begins the search for his missing daughter. I struggled some after the initial attack by the chupacabra to figure out what Drake was doing. There is a big gap of time missing that I think needed to be added back in. I actually came very close to putting the book down though I’m glad I struggled through because the rest of the story was awesome. Nonstop action and a couple of places that even managed to take this reader by surprise. The second I finished this first novel by Michael Hebler I immediately went out and bought the second. I can’t give a writer better praise than that. I’ll hope the second one has a smoother beginning, but other than that I’m hooked. I really wanted to give this story five stars but I had to drop it down because of the confusing first quarter. For those who may feel the same way I did, I encourage you to read through. It’ll be worth it.
July 3, 2013
Night of the Chupacabra
This is a very interesting story. The wild west was a hard place to live, much less travel, but one family tries to find a new life and start for themselves. Little did they know what lay in store for them. This is a story of loss and heartbreak, followed by hope and loss again. A family is torn asunder just to be reunited in time for tragedy to strike again. This is one story where is does not pay to be a good guy, or even a bad guy. No one stands a chance against the Chupacabra. The amazing thing is the characters in the story manage to soldier on and continue despite the nightmare on their coat tails.
The author did a great job uniting the story of the old west with a tale of horror. It is fast paced and there are just enough clues sprinkled throughout the story, to keep the reader guessing. The characters are well developed and the story is well told. Just when you think you have it figured out, you get caught by yet another surprise. That monster gets around. After reading this story, you will be checking the shadows for those glowing red eyes!
There is another part of this story coming out in the fall. I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone, but it continues the saga with the same fast tract excitement as the Night of the Chupacabra. I was gifted this book for an honest review and I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.
This is a very interesting story. The wild west was a hard place to live, much less travel, but one family tries to find a new life and start for themselves. Little did they know what lay in store for them. This is a story of loss and heartbreak, followed by hope and loss again. A family is torn asunder just to be reunited in time for tragedy to strike again. This is one story where is does not pay to be a good guy, or even a bad guy. No one stands a chance against the Chupacabra. The amazing thing is the characters in the story manage to soldier on and continue despite the nightmare on their coat tails.
The author did a great job uniting the story of the old west with a tale of horror. It is fast paced and there are just enough clues sprinkled throughout the story, to keep the reader guessing. The characters are well developed and the story is well told. Just when you think you have it figured out, you get caught by yet another surprise. That monster gets around. After reading this story, you will be checking the shadows for those glowing red eyes!
There is another part of this story coming out in the fall. I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone, but it continues the saga with the same fast tract excitement as the Night of the Chupacabra. I was gifted this book for an honest review and I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.
December 18, 2012
Drake and his family were excited to move out west and start a new life together. Yet there is an unknown evil lurking in the desert preying on the travelers making their journey out west. It is the Chupacabra and it needs blood to survive and will stop at nothing to get it. When Drake’s camp is attacked, he doesn’t believe his now missing wife is dead and he’ll go to the ends of the earth to get her back. He travels onto a town, but the townspeople are mighty suspicious of the stranger and what Drake doesn’t know is the Chupacabra has followed him there. ‘Night of the Chupacabra’ was terrifying and fast-paced. I really got into the story quickly. Not everyone was as they appeared to be and little by little the truth was revealed to the reader. It was nice to read a story where the main character isn’t super-handsome as Drake was deeply physically scarred by his encounter with the Chupacabra. It gives a new perspective on interpersonal relationships and first impressions, which I loved. There is so much Mr. Hebler brings to the Chupacabra mythos and it will be exciting to see where it goes next.
The Chupacabra Series: Hunt for the Chupacabra (prequel), Night of the Chupacabra (1), Curse of the Chupacabra (2), Legend of the Chupacabra (3), Dawn of the Chupacabra (4)
The Chupacabra Series: Hunt for the Chupacabra (prequel), Night of the Chupacabra (1), Curse of the Chupacabra (2), Legend of the Chupacabra (3), Dawn of the Chupacabra (4)
November 1, 2012
Night of the Chupacabra
By Michael Hebler
Drake along with his wife and daughter has moved out west to begin a new life. They are a happy family he adores his wife and daughter as much as it is physically possible but one night a monster comes into their camp and ruins his life irrevocably, leading Drake on a search for his missing wife after he has been scarred beyond recognition. But soon he finds that the monster is still out there and thirsty for his blood.
I do not think I have come across another book like this one, not only is it a fun western but no other author has brought to life the mythological Chupacabra in such a way. Michael Hebler has definitely stumbled onto a cast of characters and a villain so exceptional that this is a remarkable and fun horror novel. I am not a fan of westerns in any format, I find most of them boring at best, but the way the author blended a good old fashioned western with a monster that has haunted the west for ages is worth the read.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
By Michael Hebler
Drake along with his wife and daughter has moved out west to begin a new life. They are a happy family he adores his wife and daughter as much as it is physically possible but one night a monster comes into their camp and ruins his life irrevocably, leading Drake on a search for his missing wife after he has been scarred beyond recognition. But soon he finds that the monster is still out there and thirsty for his blood.
I do not think I have come across another book like this one, not only is it a fun western but no other author has brought to life the mythological Chupacabra in such a way. Michael Hebler has definitely stumbled onto a cast of characters and a villain so exceptional that this is a remarkable and fun horror novel. I am not a fan of westerns in any format, I find most of them boring at best, but the way the author blended a good old fashioned western with a monster that has haunted the west for ages is worth the read.
For More Reviews be sure to visit my blogs at:
http://reflectionsofabookworm.wordpre...
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
February 21, 2014
This book was not real long as novels go - only 182 pages on my ereader - but those pages were jam packed with about as much excitement as it is possible to squeeze into a book. It has the Old West, Native American legends, good old-fashioned horror, a healthy dose of mystery and enough romance to add some spice to it. A family traveling to San Francisco in the 1880's is attacked by a monster that kills off most of the party, or so it appears. The lone survivor, horribly disfigured during the attack, spends the next five years searching for his wife and here is where the mystery begins, and the horror. Hold onto your hats from this point on.
The ending will make you impatient for the sequel and I can't wait to get my hands on it. If you like good, old fashioned thrillers, then Night of the Chupacabra is for you.
The ending will make you impatient for the sequel and I can't wait to get my hands on it. If you like good, old fashioned thrillers, then Night of the Chupacabra is for you.
March 31, 2015
The book introduces the Chupacabra as a half man/ half wolf creature, who attacks animals and people for their blood. One night, it attacks Drake's family in their camp traveling West. Drake and the monster are left burning alive, one atop the other. Drake's wife leaves him and runs away.
With severe scars on his face and body, Drake travels to a town that has rumors of the creature. The townspeople try to kill the creature but they fail. Drake begins to believe that his brother, Gavin, who had supposedly died at the camp, was inside the monster. Drake is told that the creature might be an evil spirit, without his brother inside. The creature seems to recognize Drake. Drake is only concerned about protecting his daughter Jessie, who he meets in town. He also finds out that his wife had died.
The end of the book has a showdown between the creature and Drake. Who survives? Read the book.
With severe scars on his face and body, Drake travels to a town that has rumors of the creature. The townspeople try to kill the creature but they fail. Drake begins to believe that his brother, Gavin, who had supposedly died at the camp, was inside the monster. Drake is told that the creature might be an evil spirit, without his brother inside. The creature seems to recognize Drake. Drake is only concerned about protecting his daughter Jessie, who he meets in town. He also finds out that his wife had died.
The end of the book has a showdown between the creature and Drake. Who survives? Read the book.
July 14, 2015
5 Deadly Claw & Edge of Your Seat Stars!
This book really took me by surprise in a great way! I love reading horror when it's done right and this book definitely was. I used to hear about the chupacabra when growing up and was always intrigued by the tale of this mysterious monster. This book does justice to the telling and gives a horrifically amazing mental image to the creature. I stayed up late reading this book, completely dismissing sleep, deeply entwined in knowing the fates of each of the characters. This is one of those edge-of-your-seat, biting-your-nails-and-loving-it, kind of books! This was actually my first ever western novel and I must say, Michael Hebler has made me a fan of the genre! I will be picking up and reading book 2 for sure.
This book really took me by surprise in a great way! I love reading horror when it's done right and this book definitely was. I used to hear about the chupacabra when growing up and was always intrigued by the tale of this mysterious monster. This book does justice to the telling and gives a horrifically amazing mental image to the creature. I stayed up late reading this book, completely dismissing sleep, deeply entwined in knowing the fates of each of the characters. This is one of those edge-of-your-seat, biting-your-nails-and-loving-it, kind of books! This was actually my first ever western novel and I must say, Michael Hebler has made me a fan of the genre! I will be picking up and reading book 2 for sure.
August 14, 2024
Time creates the most unrecognizable masks.
Michael Hebler's "Night of the Chupacabra", the first of his "Chupacabra Series" (quelle surprise, non?), is "quick like a shooting star" and makes for entertaining reading for sure! Helped by a heatwave that somehow seems apt for an old western setting, I wound up reading this in one day, all while staying inside with the AC cranked up and drinking plenty of fluids just like any sane sexagenerian should do! And I found that it makes for a worthy addition to both my growing list of cryptid-based reads as well as a sub-genre I enjoy immensely, namely what I call "Weird Westerns". Whereas I might not set it as lofty as C.S.Humble's "The Light Sublime Trilogy" - at least not yet - or especially either Ben Galley's "Scarlet Star" or Rhett C. Bruno' and Jaime Castle's on-going "Black Badge" books, this was still an monstrously delicious tale of horror and redemption. I'll end my reading list read-off by saying it fits more than deservedly alongside such favorites as Rance D. Denton's "His Ragged Company", Jay Requard's "Death and Dust" and David Brian's "Under a Blood Red Sky". Trust me, you really can't go wrong with any of these, so grab 'em all before they get all 'et up by the fe'rsome beasties wit'in!
It was chaos, and it was spreading like wildfire.
I really enjoyed as well how this book set off. Our story starts with a bang - and a few screams, gruesome deaths, and worse - as the legend of the chupacabra is set out for everyone to become terrifyingly acquainted with. As with so many of the aforementioned books, this one also takes place just after the American Civil War with folks doing their darndest to make their way out west for reasons, where this was obviously a journey that left most likely as many graves behind as it did tales of success. But our main player, Drake, goes from realizing just how fortunate he truly is to have such a loving wife and adorable scamp of a daughter to a level of suffering that really belies description. The terror of this first attack really sets the stage for things to come, as we are soon thrown 5 years into the future and the hardships that still linger in those that survived - or maybe didn't technically - that night.
If ya need ta catch a man-eater, you gots ta have bait.
The story then takes place from this point on essentially solely in the same wee town, renamed Dillmore Valley after its less-than-honest Sheriff who assumed power in very suspicious circumstances. There's really no one here with whom we can - or should - have great sympathy. In the words of one Jedi: "you'll never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy." Well, it may not be that bad, but having a junkie for the local doctor and an on-going power battle between the crooked lawman and the local, child-beating Madam, well, again, not the kind of place you'd want to ride from the comforts of home to find. But no worries, because as soon as we meet nearly, well, everyone, it becomes clear that within nearly no time at all, "the entire town (will) become one vast graveyard". Sometimes folks jis don' learn nuttin' until'n it's too damn late!
So, if it’s already dead, how’r we s’pposed to kill it?
There are a number of very exciting scenes intermixed with moments of gut-churning horror. Still, I found myself wishing that the author had given us a little more of what I like to call Louis L'Amour language, meaning those delicious descriptions of the wild west when it was still young and unsullied by the invading settlers from the East! There was a little, sure, and I appreciated it a lot. But I guess to be fair, when a horrendous, arguably mystical storm blocks everything in a typhoon of choking dust, there's not a lot of lovely sunsets from which to choose! But the added dimension of essentially never being able to see clearly is an aspect that starts to feel more than real after a while, as I found myself subconsciously scratching the dust out of my eyes several times!
There can only be one chupacabra until another is called.
I also think Hebler could have pushed things towards a few more gallons of gore and viscera being splattered everywhere. Don't worry, that's just me probably pickin' the wind-blown nits out of my teeth! It's just even though the book is plenty bloody enough as it is, as we get to "know" the goat-sucker (I never caught that before), it just seems like it winds up being a miracle that anyone has a LITERAL leg left to stand on by the end! But overall, as I've said before, this was a hoot and a hollar to boot, and I fully intend to mosey my way into the rest of the trilogy in the coming days! There were some delicious… crumbs? left behind there at the end and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next! Yeehaw ya'll!
Michael Hebler's "Night of the Chupacabra", the first of his "Chupacabra Series" (quelle surprise, non?), is "quick like a shooting star" and makes for entertaining reading for sure! Helped by a heatwave that somehow seems apt for an old western setting, I wound up reading this in one day, all while staying inside with the AC cranked up and drinking plenty of fluids just like any sane sexagenerian should do! And I found that it makes for a worthy addition to both my growing list of cryptid-based reads as well as a sub-genre I enjoy immensely, namely what I call "Weird Westerns". Whereas I might not set it as lofty as C.S.Humble's "The Light Sublime Trilogy" - at least not yet - or especially either Ben Galley's "Scarlet Star" or Rhett C. Bruno' and Jaime Castle's on-going "Black Badge" books, this was still an monstrously delicious tale of horror and redemption. I'll end my reading list read-off by saying it fits more than deservedly alongside such favorites as Rance D. Denton's "His Ragged Company", Jay Requard's "Death and Dust" and David Brian's "Under a Blood Red Sky". Trust me, you really can't go wrong with any of these, so grab 'em all before they get all 'et up by the fe'rsome beasties wit'in!
It was chaos, and it was spreading like wildfire.
I really enjoyed as well how this book set off. Our story starts with a bang - and a few screams, gruesome deaths, and worse - as the legend of the chupacabra is set out for everyone to become terrifyingly acquainted with. As with so many of the aforementioned books, this one also takes place just after the American Civil War with folks doing their darndest to make their way out west for reasons, where this was obviously a journey that left most likely as many graves behind as it did tales of success. But our main player, Drake, goes from realizing just how fortunate he truly is to have such a loving wife and adorable scamp of a daughter to a level of suffering that really belies description. The terror of this first attack really sets the stage for things to come, as we are soon thrown 5 years into the future and the hardships that still linger in those that survived - or maybe didn't technically - that night.
If ya need ta catch a man-eater, you gots ta have bait.
The story then takes place from this point on essentially solely in the same wee town, renamed Dillmore Valley after its less-than-honest Sheriff who assumed power in very suspicious circumstances. There's really no one here with whom we can - or should - have great sympathy. In the words of one Jedi: "you'll never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy." Well, it may not be that bad, but having a junkie for the local doctor and an on-going power battle between the crooked lawman and the local, child-beating Madam, well, again, not the kind of place you'd want to ride from the comforts of home to find. But no worries, because as soon as we meet nearly, well, everyone, it becomes clear that within nearly no time at all, "the entire town (will) become one vast graveyard". Sometimes folks jis don' learn nuttin' until'n it's too damn late!
So, if it’s already dead, how’r we s’pposed to kill it?
There are a number of very exciting scenes intermixed with moments of gut-churning horror. Still, I found myself wishing that the author had given us a little more of what I like to call Louis L'Amour language, meaning those delicious descriptions of the wild west when it was still young and unsullied by the invading settlers from the East! There was a little, sure, and I appreciated it a lot. But I guess to be fair, when a horrendous, arguably mystical storm blocks everything in a typhoon of choking dust, there's not a lot of lovely sunsets from which to choose! But the added dimension of essentially never being able to see clearly is an aspect that starts to feel more than real after a while, as I found myself subconsciously scratching the dust out of my eyes several times!
There can only be one chupacabra until another is called.
I also think Hebler could have pushed things towards a few more gallons of gore and viscera being splattered everywhere. Don't worry, that's just me probably pickin' the wind-blown nits out of my teeth! It's just even though the book is plenty bloody enough as it is, as we get to "know" the goat-sucker (I never caught that before), it just seems like it winds up being a miracle that anyone has a LITERAL leg left to stand on by the end! But overall, as I've said before, this was a hoot and a hollar to boot, and I fully intend to mosey my way into the rest of the trilogy in the coming days! There were some delicious… crumbs? left behind there at the end and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next! Yeehaw ya'll!
October 29, 2021
I love it 👌👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
October 27, 2015
First I want to say this story was action packed. At one point I thought it would start dragging but it quickly picked back up. There are no slow points in this book. I thought it was very well thought out and creative. The monster was easy to visualize as were the fight scenes. I can't say enough good things about this book. Very well done! However, after saying all that, there were problems with words being out of order, extraneous wording, and the use of not quite the right word. But these were few and far between. I don't believe I ran across any misspellings. For a first book, this is excellent and I look forward to reading the other books in this series.
Good job Michael!
Good job Michael!
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