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MALDITA
MALDITA
Spanish, feminine noun, meaning cursed or damned
No matter how far you try to run away, some curses can never be escaped.
Ten years ago when James had an affair with Cecilia, his high school Spanish teacher, he thought he would never see her again after she abruptly left town. But after a random conversation at the bar ignites his curiosity he decides to reach out again through email. Cecilia answers, wanting to meet up again and sets in motion a horrific series of events that will leave them both forever changed.
Tlahuelpuchi, the legendary blood-sucking anthropomorphic witches prominent in Tlaxcala, dark shamanic magic and Mesoamerican gods come into play as an apocalyptic exodus takes place deep in the Mexican desert.
Spanish, feminine noun, meaning cursed or damned
No matter how far you try to run away, some curses can never be escaped.
Ten years ago when James had an affair with Cecilia, his high school Spanish teacher, he thought he would never see her again after she abruptly left town. But after a random conversation at the bar ignites his curiosity he decides to reach out again through email. Cecilia answers, wanting to meet up again and sets in motion a horrific series of events that will leave them both forever changed.
Tlahuelpuchi, the legendary blood-sucking anthropomorphic witches prominent in Tlaxcala, dark shamanic magic and Mesoamerican gods come into play as an apocalyptic exodus takes place deep in the Mexican desert.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2024
About the author
Justin Fulkerson
22 books54 followersAt the tender and susceptible age of twelve, a switch flipped in Justin Fulkerson's mind. The sterile logic of Isaac Asimov's science fiction gave way to the visceral terrors lurking within the pages of Stephen King. This wasn't just a change in reading habits; it was a permanent scarring of his outlook, a "consequence" his mind has suffered—and savored—ever since.
Born five decades ago in the sun-baked dust of Lubbock, Texas, Fulkerson exists in the liminal space between everyday life and the shadows that fuel his narratives. He navigates the working world by day, while the rest of his time is dedicated to channeling the darkness onto the page.
Married to his wife, Mary Ellen, for twenty-five years, they share a life and two "crazy children"—a term that, in the context of his work, takes on a deliciously unsettling double meaning. A native Texan determined to prove that intelligence can thrive even in the most unforgiving landscapes, Fulkerson invites readers to step into the world through his twisted lens—if they dare.
Born five decades ago in the sun-baked dust of Lubbock, Texas, Fulkerson exists in the liminal space between everyday life and the shadows that fuel his narratives. He navigates the working world by day, while the rest of his time is dedicated to channeling the darkness onto the page.
Married to his wife, Mary Ellen, for twenty-five years, they share a life and two "crazy children"—a term that, in the context of his work, takes on a deliciously unsettling double meaning. A native Texan determined to prove that intelligence can thrive even in the most unforgiving landscapes, Fulkerson invites readers to step into the world through his twisted lens—if they dare.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 2, 2026
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read. Everything in this book was so surprising. There were so many different things in this book, but they all mashed perfectly together. This story was really a journey, and I would say it is a definite read.
August 3, 2025
different
This was a good book to read because it was different and easy to read. However it was not scary like i thought it was supposed to be. It seemed to have an original antagonist. However I give it 4 stars because i wanted a bit more scare
This was a good book to read because it was different and easy to read. However it was not scary like i thought it was supposed to be. It seemed to have an original antagonist. However I give it 4 stars because i wanted a bit more scare
October 21, 2025
Dark, eerie, and rooted in Mexican folklore. Maldita had me hooked til the end. Messy affair(damn you James!!) No happy endings.. creepy as hell with blood sucking witches 🥲 if that sounds like your style, then this is a must read!
March 31, 2025
'Maldita' is seriously creepy. It starts with a messy affair, then BAM! Blood-sucking witches from Mexican folklore get involved. Like, actual witches. It's dark, weird, and totally got me hooked. Plus, the cover? Super eerie and fits the whole vibe perfectly. If you're into horror, that's more than just jump scares. This is it. It's the kind of book that sticks with you and makes you want to sleep with the lights on.
December 23, 2024
MALDITA – by Justin Fulkerson
WOW! That. Was. Awesome! My Heart!
If you are a fan of folklore and the darkness that may reside therein, this book is for you.
Highly Recommend!
Thank you, Justin Fulkerson, for providing me with an eBook of MALDITA at the request of an honest review.
WOW! That. Was. Awesome! My Heart!
If you are a fan of folklore and the darkness that may reside therein, this book is for you.
Highly Recommend!
Thank you, Justin Fulkerson, for providing me with an eBook of MALDITA at the request of an honest review.
August 3, 2026
MALDITA completely exceeded my expectations. I went in expecting a supernatural horror novel, but what I got was a dark, unsettling story that blends folklore, psychological tension, and ancient mythology into something that feels both unique and genuinely disturbing.
The story grabbed my attention right from the beginning with James reconnecting with Cecilia after a decade apart. What starts as an innocent attempt to revisit the past quickly spirals into something far more sinister. I liked how the author took a familiar premise, a former student reaching out to an old teacher and transformed it into a terrifying descent into the unknown. There was a constant feeling that something wasn't quite right, and that tension only intensified with each chapter.
James is a believable protagonist because he isn't perfect. He's haunted by choices he made years ago, and his curiosity leads him into situations that become increasingly dangerous. His emotional conflict felt realistic, and I found myself sympathizing with him even when he made questionable decisions. Cecilia was just as fascinating. The more I learned about her past and the mysterious forces surrounding her, the more intriguing her character became. She remains unpredictable throughout much of the novel, which made every scene involving her even more compelling.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its use of Mexican folklore. I had never read a horror novel centered around the Tlahuelpuchi before, and I appreciated how the author incorporated this lesser-known legend into the story. Instead of relying on familiar horror tropes, the mythology gave the novel a fresh identity. The rituals, dark shamanic practices, and references to ancient Mesoamerican gods created an eerie atmosphere that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The setting also deserves praise. The isolated landscapes of the Mexican desert added a sense of hopelessness and isolation that perfectly matched the escalating horror. As the story moved toward its climax, I genuinely felt the growing sense of dread. The atmosphere was intense without relying solely on shock value, and the suspense kept me turning the pages because I needed to know what would happen next.
What impressed me most was how the horror wasn't just about supernatural creatures. The novel also explores guilt, obsession, regret, and the consequences of trying to revisit the past. Those emotional themes made the story feel more meaningful and gave the frightening moments even greater impact.
The ending was unforgettable. Without giving away any spoilers, it delivered the scale and intensity that the story had been building toward while leaving me thinking about its themes long after I finished the final chapter. It was both unsettling and satisfying in a way that fits the tone of the novel perfectly.
Overall, MALDITA is a gripping horror novel that stands out because of its rich folklore, strong atmosphere, and engaging characters. Justin Fulkerson creates a chilling blend of supernatural horror and ancient mythology that feels refreshingly original. If you enjoy horror novels that go beyond ghosts and monsters to explore cultural legends and psychological suspense, this is definitely a book worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to fans of dark folklore, occult horror, and mythological thrillers.
The story grabbed my attention right from the beginning with James reconnecting with Cecilia after a decade apart. What starts as an innocent attempt to revisit the past quickly spirals into something far more sinister. I liked how the author took a familiar premise, a former student reaching out to an old teacher and transformed it into a terrifying descent into the unknown. There was a constant feeling that something wasn't quite right, and that tension only intensified with each chapter.
James is a believable protagonist because he isn't perfect. He's haunted by choices he made years ago, and his curiosity leads him into situations that become increasingly dangerous. His emotional conflict felt realistic, and I found myself sympathizing with him even when he made questionable decisions. Cecilia was just as fascinating. The more I learned about her past and the mysterious forces surrounding her, the more intriguing her character became. She remains unpredictable throughout much of the novel, which made every scene involving her even more compelling.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its use of Mexican folklore. I had never read a horror novel centered around the Tlahuelpuchi before, and I appreciated how the author incorporated this lesser-known legend into the story. Instead of relying on familiar horror tropes, the mythology gave the novel a fresh identity. The rituals, dark shamanic practices, and references to ancient Mesoamerican gods created an eerie atmosphere that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The setting also deserves praise. The isolated landscapes of the Mexican desert added a sense of hopelessness and isolation that perfectly matched the escalating horror. As the story moved toward its climax, I genuinely felt the growing sense of dread. The atmosphere was intense without relying solely on shock value, and the suspense kept me turning the pages because I needed to know what would happen next.
What impressed me most was how the horror wasn't just about supernatural creatures. The novel also explores guilt, obsession, regret, and the consequences of trying to revisit the past. Those emotional themes made the story feel more meaningful and gave the frightening moments even greater impact.
The ending was unforgettable. Without giving away any spoilers, it delivered the scale and intensity that the story had been building toward while leaving me thinking about its themes long after I finished the final chapter. It was both unsettling and satisfying in a way that fits the tone of the novel perfectly.
Overall, MALDITA is a gripping horror novel that stands out because of its rich folklore, strong atmosphere, and engaging characters. Justin Fulkerson creates a chilling blend of supernatural horror and ancient mythology that feels refreshingly original. If you enjoy horror novels that go beyond ghosts and monsters to explore cultural legends and psychological suspense, this is definitely a book worth reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to fans of dark folklore, occult horror, and mythological thrillers.
October 23, 2024
This book opens with a shocking intro. A random knock on a door (doorbell actually). A stranger at the door. A creature that feeds upon something unexpected.
From the first chapter. I knew I was hooked.
Typically, Supernatural beings are too far-fetched for my comfort zone and don't usually hold my interest.
This type of creature had my rapt attention, because it was new, uncharted territory for me.
A tale of a broken family.
A story leaving the readers to decide who is evil? Who is good? A back and forth that gave me whiplash, not knowing who to trust.
A father searching for his daughter, unaware of the dangers he must endure.
The characters were so detailed that my heart (if it existed) broke for many of them.
5 bright and shiny stars
From the first chapter. I knew I was hooked.
Typically, Supernatural beings are too far-fetched for my comfort zone and don't usually hold my interest.
This type of creature had my rapt attention, because it was new, uncharted territory for me.
A tale of a broken family.
A story leaving the readers to decide who is evil? Who is good? A back and forth that gave me whiplash, not knowing who to trust.
A father searching for his daughter, unaware of the dangers he must endure.
The characters were so detailed that my heart (if it existed) broke for many of them.
5 bright and shiny stars
May 27, 2026
If you are looking for some hair raising, chilling, original horror, then this is book is a must read! It immediately starts with a haunting prologue that immediately pulls you in, and never stops. The characters are well written, the pacing of the story keeps you engaged with plenty of twists, and the monsters in this book are truly the stuff of nightmares. This book is a standout in the genre, and is a fresh read for any horror fan.
August 28, 2025
Loved the narration from Laura Blay Pellicier, who brings the scary to your ears.
This book will have you looking over your shoulder, from an affair, witches, supernatural and who is the true evil.
Heads up listen in the day light and not after the lights go out.
Ohh watch out for late night visitors.
This book will have you looking over your shoulder, from an affair, witches, supernatural and who is the true evil.
Heads up listen in the day light and not after the lights go out.
Ohh watch out for late night visitors.
November 2, 2024
Justin skillfully blends spine-tingling horror with heart-racing action, delivering a reading experience that sticks with you. The vivid imagery and nonstop pace make this supernatural thriller hard to set aside. If you love gripping, gory stories that stretch the limits of the genre, MALDITA is a must-read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews