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Cursed Convent: A Secret Hunters Horde Story
Ready to start a new life in London, Abraham Van Helsing was travelling on the luxury Milchmann-Crow Locomotive from Constantinople to Paris.
The train becomes riddled with food poisoning and is forced to make an unscheduled stop for those sick to receive treatment at a nearby convent in a strange place called Transylvania.
The train becomes riddled with food poisoning and is forced to make an unscheduled stop for those sick to receive treatment at a nearby convent in a strange place called Transylvania.
163 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2023
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 12, 2025
As someone who grew up on old hammer horror and B monster movies. I enjoyed this story due to the way Dan presented his story. From a diary entry from the point of view of Van Helsing to the train journey itself, I could tell by the dialect used and the descriptions provided that the author did his homework. As the train journey had the same level of mystic and atmosphere, to be expected of the old folk horrors.
Bringing into names from the time frame such as Dr Jekyl and Dr Griffin. This makes for an interesting story, which gravitates towards the same time frame so you can see the extensive research that Dan did for this book.
It also opens up the idea that Van Helsing himself wasn't just a hunter of monsters. But the first Profiler, which is a fascinating take in my opinion. It means that he also delveled into the mind of the creatures he was hunting. Which can only take a toll on Abraham, adding another level of depth to his character.
Also the references to hammer horror legend Peter Cushin, was a nice easter egg for fans. Strangely after his meeting with Mr Cushin he and the rest of the train encounter a severe case of food poisoning. I mean, the main dish is fish so that has been sceptical anyway. Nearest hospital back then was probably miles away unlike now. So the nearest help for such a debilitating condition? Surprise, surprise a Convent in Transylvania so now London seems worlds away.
I love the variation in characters but out of all the nuns that reside at the Convent. I have to admit that Sister Rosa, she is sassy. But Sister Abigail is definitely an intense present. Just like Valak in the Nun films, her image and essence perverts faith. Instead of being a symbol of peace and known as god's servants, in this story they invoke fear and danger. Bringing Van Helsing and Cushing together as they investigate the now dwindling number of patients. Unbeknownst to them, a darker plan was due to unfold and the nuns were merely pawns of a greater power. Which is outlined in intricate detail under Chapter 13 which adds more detail for the reader. Whilst also adding another layer to the story as a whole. Reimagining popular stories, such as the backstories we all know and love from the dark universe. The story grips at you, pulls you into the void until it's staring back at you.
Making for an addictive series.
Bringing into names from the time frame such as Dr Jekyl and Dr Griffin. This makes for an interesting story, which gravitates towards the same time frame so you can see the extensive research that Dan did for this book.
It also opens up the idea that Van Helsing himself wasn't just a hunter of monsters. But the first Profiler, which is a fascinating take in my opinion. It means that he also delveled into the mind of the creatures he was hunting. Which can only take a toll on Abraham, adding another level of depth to his character.
Also the references to hammer horror legend Peter Cushin, was a nice easter egg for fans. Strangely after his meeting with Mr Cushin he and the rest of the train encounter a severe case of food poisoning. I mean, the main dish is fish so that has been sceptical anyway. Nearest hospital back then was probably miles away unlike now. So the nearest help for such a debilitating condition? Surprise, surprise a Convent in Transylvania so now London seems worlds away.
I love the variation in characters but out of all the nuns that reside at the Convent. I have to admit that Sister Rosa, she is sassy. But Sister Abigail is definitely an intense present. Just like Valak in the Nun films, her image and essence perverts faith. Instead of being a symbol of peace and known as god's servants, in this story they invoke fear and danger. Bringing Van Helsing and Cushing together as they investigate the now dwindling number of patients. Unbeknownst to them, a darker plan was due to unfold and the nuns were merely pawns of a greater power. Which is outlined in intricate detail under Chapter 13 which adds more detail for the reader. Whilst also adding another layer to the story as a whole. Reimagining popular stories, such as the backstories we all know and love from the dark universe. The story grips at you, pulls you into the void until it's staring back at you.
Making for an addictive series.
November 18, 2023
Enter the convent if you dare!
What an amazing first adventure for Abraham Van Helsing! Want to find out what monster Van Helsing first encountered? Then you must read the creepily, action packed Cursed Convent!
What an amazing first adventure for Abraham Van Helsing! Want to find out what monster Van Helsing first encountered? Then you must read the creepily, action packed Cursed Convent!
October 24, 2024
The book flowed nicely and gripped you and left me wanting to continue to read on. it was a Great read with intense and detailed writing throughout. I have really enjoyed Dan’s Secret Hunters Horde stories and can’t wait to delve into the next one!
December 17, 2023
A great novella giving an insight into how the hunters horde and van helsings involvement started.
Action packed, tense as always with dans books so easy to get lost in.
Definitely worth a read.
Action packed, tense as always with dans books so easy to get lost in.
Definitely worth a read.
January 2, 2025
Fantastic book, it’s great to see how the SHH was formed and can’t wait to see future stories about them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
Cursed Convent. Secret Hunters Hoard story..
On route from Constantinople to Paris. Abraham Van Helsing Is starting a new life in London. Travelling in luxury on the Milchmann-Crow locomotive,dinner is served as the ominous dark mountains of Transylvania loom on the landscape. During the night several passengers are affected by a chronic bout of food poisoning, including Van Helsing. With the hospital days away, and the situation dire, the train has to make an unscheduled stop. The thirteen sick, taken to the local convent to be nursed by The sister's of the loyal Carpathianns.
With strong writing and wonderful imagery this is a must read horror. As someone who grew up on the classic Hammer House of horror films, the wonderful Peter Cushing playing the part of Van Helsing and Christopher Lee playing Dracula, this was a joy of a read for me. The author capturing the essence of the great Van Helsing perfectly.
On route from Constantinople to Paris. Abraham Van Helsing Is starting a new life in London. Travelling in luxury on the Milchmann-Crow locomotive,dinner is served as the ominous dark mountains of Transylvania loom on the landscape. During the night several passengers are affected by a chronic bout of food poisoning, including Van Helsing. With the hospital days away, and the situation dire, the train has to make an unscheduled stop. The thirteen sick, taken to the local convent to be nursed by The sister's of the loyal Carpathianns.
With strong writing and wonderful imagery this is a must read horror. As someone who grew up on the classic Hammer House of horror films, the wonderful Peter Cushing playing the part of Van Helsing and Christopher Lee playing Dracula, this was a joy of a read for me. The author capturing the essence of the great Van Helsing perfectly.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews