Curse of the Chupacabra: Chupacabra Series #2

Chupacabra #2

by Michael Hebler

They Never Thought Their Luck Would Be Their Curse.

In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

"Curse of the Chupacabra" stretches beyond the claustrophobic world of "Night of the Chupacabra"'s single town setting as the creature’s victims inadvertently lure the beast across the western states; not only becoming a road story soaked with blood and treachery, but a powerful chronicle of passage that exposes the consequences of not following the path of one’s own heart. “Curse of the Chupacabra” is a relentless feast of tragedy that examines the dangers awaiting those who might be kin to the most infamous abomination to walk this earth.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Chupacabra, Fantasy, Westerns

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2013

About the author

Michael 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

Reviews

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can read this review and more on my blog:

My Review
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.
I liked it even more than the first in the series. Suzanne and Jessie are trying to figure out what they are going to do now that the chupacabra is presumed to be dead; however since this is a trilogy it is safe to assume that the creature is not through with them yet.

The first part of the novel deals with Suzanne struggling with the thought of raising Jessie as her own daughter. They only have a 9 year age difference, and Jessie would be a handful for anyone to raise. Suzanne has also led a very difficult life filled with abuse and prostitution so it’s not hard to understand why she is apprehensive about raising a little girl. While delivering Jessie to what she hopes will be a loving home, Suzanne runs into an acting troupe that is led by the handsome and heroic James.
This book had more romantic elements than the first, and the author did a decent job. It was your average old West romance between a man with a sordid past and an ex hooker with a heart of gold. It was sweet and endearing, but nothing special.

 

The relationship between Suzanne and Jessie is what I really enjoyed. In the first book they didn’t like each other at all. But that animosity has all but disappeared, and it was easy to tell how much they have grown to care about each other.

The chupacabra is still a menacing and interesting creature. I love the way the author is developing it as a character instead of just a mindless monster. It is driven by blood lust, but there is more to it than that. I am learning more about where it comes from, and what it is capable of.

This book was filled with action almost from beginning to end, and if you are in the mood for a pulse pounding western with horror elements then you found the perfect series. I can easily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a scary adventure with likable characters.

 

P.S.
I am literally rushing through writing this review so I can get to the third and final installment in the series. If that doesn’t tell you how much fun I am having reading these books, nothing will.

Because of language violence and sexual content, I would recommend this book for ages 17 and up. There were no sex scenes.

This review was originally posted on Kookie Krysp Reads

[Jola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review also on www.jolasbookshelf.wordpress.com

I think I enjoyed this book far more than the first one in the series. Reading about Jessie and Suzanne's adventures kept me entertained and I liked that chupacabra was somewhere lurking in the background. The times when it finally appeared were truly horrifying! I can't wait to find out what will happen in book 3.

Thanks to Michael Hebler for sending me an ebook to read and review!

[Laura Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can run but you cannot hide!

Not many survived the last faceoff with the Chupacabra.

Suzanne was one of the lucky few.

Now she’s running, with a young girl in tow, trying to stay as far ahead of the beast as she can. Suzanne should’ve known Jessie wouldn’t stay with the older couple that took her in. She’s resourceful and cunning and wants to be with Suzanne.

But Suzanne, once a prostitute, can barely take care of herself and thinks Jessie would be better off with someone else.

The decision is taken out of their hands when the chupacabra finds Jessie and she barely escapes it bloody clutches.

Again, they run and there’s nowhere to hide.

The chupacabra is back!

Sadly, most of the characters from Night of the Chupacabra, the first book, aren’t. They didn’t survive.

Suzanne did and I’m glad. She may have had to resort to the oldest profession in order to get by, there weren’t many opportunities for women in the old west, but she’s kind of heart, astute, and charmingly vulnerable.

Another survivor is Jessie. She’s young and bold, a real scrapper too. She’s been trying to manipulate Suzanne into letting her stay, and she does something really crazy that puts Suzanne in a vulnerable situation.

It turns out good though, as Suzanne’s rescuer is a tall drink of water named James. He’s an actor traveling with a theatre group and he saved her from a brutal assault by a scoundrel.

James is quite the gentlemen and he’s charmed by Suzannes beauty. Wanting to keep her near, he invites the two ladies to travel with the troupe.

What they don’t know is, they are about to have an uninvited guest. A really angry one.

Something I’ve always loved is character driven novels. I’m a people person and have to have someone to care about, someone to laugh with, and someone to loathe.

I have all of those in Curse of the Chupacabra and that’s not including the chupacabra.

He is back and scarier than ever. Boy is he ever.

The author has a different take on the legend of the chupacabra which makes for confusing feelings towards it. It adds to the suspense, for sure.

Lots of laughs, some tender moments, and scares galore. I had so much fun continuing with this series.

I was gifted this ARC for my honest review but would have happily bought it. I've read the first book and am so hooked on this series.

On to book three!

[Elke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment in the Chupacabra series left me with a kind of dilemma: reading the first half of the book, I wondered if the author had secretly switched genres with this one. The first half reads somewhat like a women's western adventure, while the chupacabra stays behind, lurking in the shadows but never really showing its ugly face. This may throw off readers that expect the story to start with the same fast-paced action as the first book. However, I enjoyed reading about Suzanne and Jessie's travelling experiences and encounters, but in the back of my mind I kept wondering when the beast would finally present itself.

Then, with their arrival in a ghostly mining town, the atmosphere suddenly drops several degrees and the anticipated horror jumps out on you like an evil jack-in-the-box. And here we - no, the chupacabra - goes again! It's like a mean roller coaster, which rises ever so slowly, and while you always know what inevitably awaits around the corner, you are never really prepared for the moment the whole thing tips over and the thrill ride truly begins.

The story ends with a nice cliffhanger, which shifts the focus to Danny and Norman, which I almost forgot about during this book - almost, because we still remember Norman's fatal encounter with the creature, right?

I can't wait for the third part to be published to find out about the boy's fate and the next chupacabra.

(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/11/book-review-curse-of-chupacabra.html

Curse of the Chupacabra is the sequel to Hebler's Night of the Chupacabra. This book takes place after the first book and now we are following Jessie and Suzanne. They are on the run and are trying to start a new life. They think they can beat the chupacabra, but the nightmares are telling them otherwise. They know something is coming. Suzanne has left behind her life as a prostitute and a thief and wants Jessie to stop her thieving as well. But the transition is much harder for Jessie. Suzanne plans to leave her to a better family, but Jessie just feels like she being abandoned. On top of them trying to start a new, Jessie knows the beast is still after them. She has a feeling that it has taken over her father and her father wants her back.

Hebler has done it again. I was so excited for the sequel and boy, did it deliver. I love that we follow Suzanne and Jessie this time around. Jessie is a twelve-year-old smartass and I loved her. She knows how to pull one over on people. If she doesn't want to do anything, she won't or she will find a way not to. There is a thief on the train they are traveling on no one would suspect the cute little girl with the pigtails and she knows it. Jessie, however, doesn't think that Suzanne has changed. She thinks that Suzanne acting like a proper lady is all a ruse.

I loved the relationship between Suzanne and Jessie. They were more alike then they would care to admit. They may seem like sisters due to their ages (Jessie is only 12 and Suzanne is 21), but they were like mother and daughter. They fought so hard not to see it though. Jessie feels as though everyone will abandoned her and Suzanne will be no different. Suzanne was nothing but a prostitute and a thief. She knows that is not good mother material. She knows Jessie deserves better.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat from page one. Jessie and Suzanne find a lot of trouble on their journey, both from the chupacabra and people in general. They find that they can't trust anyone, not even each other at times. Suzanne is planning to leave Jessie with a new family and Jessie will not take that sitting down. Jessie is a very smart little girl and leaves a trail of breadcrumbs so Suzanne can find her. But things take a turn and the ladies find each other and start traveling with an eccentric group of actors. This was quite an interesting group. I really enjoyed James and Dale. Evelyn was the freaking devil. From the get go, I knew she would be a problem and she definitely was. But Suzanne isn't worried about her, she is worried about Jessie health and how the chupacabra always shows up when Jessie is in some kind of trouble. Suzanne doesn't want to believe that what Jessie said was true. But could it be possible the chupacabra is Jessie's father?

I loved the action in the book. The last few chapters were intense and terrifying. This book was such a blast. Hebler does such a great job making you smile one second and scaring the living crap out of you the next. I love the mix of Horror, Suspense, and Western. Hebler does such a great job with combining them. He knows how to create a very captivating story full of even more captivating characters. I love where the series is going. The ending took me by surprise. I loved it even though it was sad. I highly recommend you read this and make sure you read Night of the Chupacabra first. You will not be sorry.

[Rich D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Curse of the Chupacabra is the follow-up to Hebler's debut novel, Night of the Chupacabra, and picks up shortly after the devastating events in Dillmore Valley. This time around Hebler focuses on the journey of Suzanne and Jessie, two of the few survivors of that fateful night. In Night of the Chupacabra, Suzanne makes a promise to take Jessie and brothers Danny and Norman to San Francisco in order to start a new life and attempt to put the horrific memories of the chupacabra behind them. However, Suzanne is seized with doubt and thinks that she is unfit to raise the three children by herself due to her past as a prostitute and thief. Danny and Norman have already been sent to live with a new family in New York, and now Suzanne and Jessie are on their way to meet a family in Virginia City.

Suzanne is also traumatized by nightmares as a result of her previous encounter with the infamous chupacabra. Jessie is handed over to the Hutchinson's, but any sense of normalcy is quickly shattered as the chupacabra appears in Virginia City and attacks Jessie's new family. Meanwhile, Suzanne is introduced to a man named James Carter, an actor in the company Evelyn Diamond and the Rowdy Players. James has a mysterious past, and Suzanne must quickly decide whether she can trust this man after some terrifying incidents early in the novel. Jessie is able to escape the Hutchinson's with her life and reunite with Suzanne, who then head off to San Francisco with the Rowdy Players, eager to put as much distance between themselves and the beast as possible. The trip west is filled with dangers as the group faces illness and the chupacabra manages to track them down, resulting in a startling conclusion.

While I really enjoyed continuing the mystery of the mystery of the mythical cryptid in Curse of the Chupacabra, its first half didn't quite capture my attention as quickly as the Night of the Chupacabra did. The first half leans more toward the traditional Western genre and focuses mainly on Suzanne and Jessie with only brief mentions of the chupacabra. There are still elements of danger that play out through these early chapters, but it seemed to lack the same energy of the first novel. This also could be because the passengers on the train - the first setting in the book - don't have the same strong personalities as the residents of Dillmore Valley. That being said, the second half of the novel where the chupacabra returns in full force is excellent and also re-introduces some familiar faces from the first book in the series.

I also want to take a moment and say that Jessie continues to be far and away my favorite character of the series thus far. She is a fiery character who displays toughness and ingenuity and has the most personality of any of the characters in my opinion. Despite being only 12-years old, I feel like she is the one most equipped to deal with the dangers posed by the chupacabra and life on the run. She is totally self-reliant and gets her and Suzanne out of plenty of jams based on her pickpocketing skills.

Curse of the Chupacabra is another entertaining installment in Hebler's series on the monster and ends with an interesting twist that promises more exciting novels ahead. If you have not already read any of Hebler's books, I recommend checking out the series and giving it a try starting with Night of the Chupacabra. If you have an interest in the Western/horror genre and cryptids, this is a series worth checking out. The third book, Legend of the Chupacabra, was recently released at the end of July.

Rating: 3.5/5

[audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the chupacabra leaves the town decimated, Suzanne eagerly takes advantage of the chance to start a wholesome new life. She finds families to take in children orphaned by the event but one willful girl refuses to leave her side. Through their travels, Suzanne soon realizes her past is difficult to leave behind and that the creature is still stalking them. This is the second book in the Chupacabra series.

Curse of the Chupacabra is a western story with great world building and character development that ends with a thrilling conclusion. This was a definitely a different reading experience than the previous book. There are less characters so the omniscient narration was easier to adapt to. World building and character development were given more emphasis allowing the story to feel more western. It elaborated on the complexity of killing the chupacabra as well as how it chose it victims.

The story has less action in the first half of the story and the threat of the chupacabra is pushed into the background. It causes Suzanne more psychological distress rather than direct confrontation. In the first book, I was more empathetic to the plight of Drake and the chupacabra as a result I never felt that the main characters were actually in danger from the chupacabra in the first half of this story.

Even with the threat of the chupacabra lessened I still found it to be an engaging and well written western story. Suzanne previously worked as a prostitute and ran scams for the harsh madam in a town devastated by the chupacabra. She embraces her second chance at life with blind faith and naivete that leads to situations were her newly formed morals and perceptions are continually tested. These situations created dynamic character conflict that overshadowed the threat of the chupacabra in my mind.

I liked that her young charge was rebellious and in direct confrontation with her goals to leave her past behind. Their chaperon relationship had a lot of conflict but I liked that they began to care and trust each other more as the story progressed. I initially didn't care much for the main characters but they slowly grew on me to the point of where I became emotionally invested in their welfare.

New characters were introduced and I enjoyed reading the parts with the traveling theater troupe the most. Raul/Yuma was developed a bit more as a character making me feel more at ease with his presence as something more than just a token character. The journey component of the story added a sense of adventure and gave it an episodic quality. The world building was developed and showcased more. It gave a better sense of the era, culture, language, weaponry and the different locations were wonderfully described.

Around the 70% mark of the story, a defining moment altered my perception of the chupacabra. I finally realized that none of the characters were safe from the chupacabra. The rest of the story was fast paced, action packed, and established itself as a horror story firmly in my mind. The story ends with compelling cliffhanger that promises the curse of the chupacabra is not completely at an end.

[Grampy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.

“Curse of the Chupacabra” by Michael Hebler is book #2 in a series of at least 3 volumes. It follows “Night of the Chupacabra”, and will be followed in 2014 by “Legend of the Chupacabra”. Although these books can be read as stand-alone tales, they make much more sense if read sequentially. In “Curse of the Chupacabra”, we pick up pretty close to where “Night of the Chupacabra” ended.

Once again, we find a pair of young women trying hard to get their lives back to some semblance of normalcy, while eluding the heinously deadly Chupacabra. However, this time young Jessie is convinced it is her own father, Drake, who is now possessed by the evil spirit that is the Chupacabra. Right or wrong, she is convinced the Chupacabra will never harm her, because her father would not allow it to do so.

By train, coach, Conestoga wagon, horseback, and on foot, Suzanne and Jessie continue their attempt to reach San Francisco, pursuing the life of ease they imagine awaits them there. Along the entire way, the Chupacabra keeps popping up to divert their attention from their quest.

Michael Hebler has once again used his genius to fabricate an exciting tale of monsters in the Old West. Combining – with great success – the genres of Horror, Paranormal, Suspense, and Westerns, Michael has created another fine tale to hook fans of any of the genres mentioned above. Just like the Chupacabra himself, Michael’s stories grab hold of you and don’t let go.

I feel compelled to recommend that you read “Night of the Chupacabra”, followed by “Curse of the Chupacabra”. I also suggest you keep your eyes open for “Legend of the Chupacabra”, due out in 2014; it, too, is bound to be a winner.

[Kandy Scaramuzzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who needs a zombie apocalypse when you have a chupacabra? I was provided an arc copy of this book in return for an honest review This book is a fast paced horror fest. The creature is similar to the one in Jeepers Creepers but with a western flair. You can get away from zombies, but you stand no chance with the chupacabra As if that is not bad enough, the poor people in the book are related to the creature. Talk about skeletons in the closet.
This is the second in a series of books about the chupacabra. It falls right in line with the first book and picks up where it left off. It is pretty nonstop in the adventure part. I don’t’ want to spoil the story for anyone, but in this book, it does not pay to be a nice guy. The family continues to travel west where they encounter serious confrontations with the chupacabra. Some of the encounters are terrifying and others are just down right confusing. There is no reading this creature. The only thing for sure is that it will have you watching the shadows for glowing red eyes.
Michael Hebler has a very didactic and descriptive writing style similar to Dean Koontz in his earlier days. He transports the reader to the scene of the story and basically walks them through the entire adventure never giving the reader a chance to disembark from this gruesome tale. This book was gifted to me for an honest review. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

[Minerva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank the author for gifting me this book for a honest review.

This is the second installment in the Chupacabra series and it did not disappoint. This one continues on with Suzanne and Jessie barley escaping the Chupacabra, both wondering who is the Chupacabra now if its Jessie's father or uncle. Suzanne decides that she can not raise Jessie and hands her over to another family to raise her. Of course Jessie doesn't want this and is upset with Suzanne.

I really enjoyed reading about these two characters in this book. Both have sufferd greatly being on their own. Things do not seem to be getting any better for them apart or together. We get introduced to a new group of characters some good and some not. I really liked James and Dale, I was hoping more of James and Suzanne. The romantic in me wants some more romance in a Western Horror book. I cant help it, Suzanne deserves her happy ending. We start this see this motherly side to Suzanne and she will probably end up taking on the job of raising Jessie.

We get some good interaction with the Chupacabra, not as much as in the first book, he seemed different in this book for some reason. We do discover some new interesting news on the Chupacabra. The ending was sad again for me in this book. But thanks again. Still reading the third installment and will be posting my review on that one too. Cant wait to find out how it all ends :)

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curse of the Chupacabra starts where Book I, Night of the Chupacabra left off and I was immediately engrossed by the opening pages. I was engulfed in Suzanne’s nightmare.

Jesse has a plan, though Suzanne would not approve, if she knew about it. Jessie is a grifter that uses all the tricks at her disposal. Even being a child she has learned well. She is pig headed, stubborn, independent. I love this character.

Suzanne is trying to do right by the kids. She is caring, giving, everything the kids were missing and I am fearful of her future. She feels responsible, though they are not her own.

I am in suspense, waitiing…waiting…waiting…for HIM to pop up. I know he will make an appearance, just when and where is the question.

I love the addition of western myths and legends, Indian shamanism, animal spirits, among the paranormal and supernatural horror. Curse of the Chupacabra has everything needed for a screamfest.

Be careful who you get involved with. Michael Hebler is not afraid to kill off his characters, so your favorite may not make it to the end.

OMG. Curse of the Chupacabra pissed me off so much…I am afraid to see what is to coming, but I am rubbing my hands together in wicked glee as I click that button to begin Book III, Legend of the Chupacabra.

See more at fundinmental

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suzanne, Jessie, Danny, and Norman are traveling to their new homes. Danny & Norman to a family in New York, Jessie to a couple in Virginia City, and Suzanne will just make her way as best she can. She feels she’s not cut out to be a mother, especially considering her past. What they don’t realize at first is they are being followed by the chupacabra they thought was long gone. Suzanne and Jessie meet up with James Carter and the traveling troupe of actors he runs with, but even in numbers they may not be safe. ‘Curse of the Chupacabra’ is the second book in the Chupacabra series and captivated my interest quickly. I loved the new characters the author introduced and the chilling humanity in the monster will keep you on the edge. An excellent follow-up to the first book and I am very interested to see what happens with Suzanne and Jessie 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)

[iamjenai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay, the author did a wonderful follow-up on the Night of the Chupacabra! After the first book, I've been wondering about what happened with Drake, Suzanne, Jessie, Danny and Norman. Book #1 had a sad ending, especially for Drake. I was truly sad for the father who lost his family and when he finally found his missing daughter, he 'died'.

Book #2 immediately starts right after the ending of book #1. Even after Drake became something evil, like Jessie, I felt fear when he's around and at the same time happy to have him again. Suzanne met some new people, I initially found them boring, though James and Evelyn became completely interesting characters just past half of the story. It went wild past the third quarter! I couldn't stop reading, it's like I was addicted to the chupacabra *LOL*. This is definitely worth 5-stars! I want more!

[Seth Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weaving a horror tale out of the Old West, Michael Hebler brings an interesting voice to the genre. Following a former prostitute and the child she has sworn to find a home, we get to see a very fractured duo who are being chased by their own horrendous memories (most likely from the first book, which I have not read, but plan on now). Realizing the monster they thought dead is still alive, it becomes a frantic search for help and answers. Stranded at a mining outpost, the two women must confront the monster and hope that they can finally leave the horror behind them. A really great story with good characters.

[Bobby Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cross between Larry McMurtry and Stephen King. Scary with a hint of sagebrush. An easy read. Good story. Good characterization. What more do you need?

[Ziggy Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had been so quiet; like the night itself had deceased.

Another day, another adventure being hunted by - and hunting - the conjured and horrific legend that is the chupacabra! The second book of Michael Hebler's "Chupacabra Series", namely, "Curse of the Chupacabra" reads just as lickety-split as the first instalment, as we travel by train to Virginia City then head back out west by wagon! However, this is a very different book compared to "Night of the Chupacabra", as we leave the gritty wild west essentially behind and focus instead on the on-going adventures of Suzanne and her "charges": Jessie (or Jessica), Norman, and Danny. Needless to say, life for an ex-prostitute and 3 orphans in the post-Civil War United States is no easy matter.

He ain’t been followin’ me to do me harm. He’s been watchin’ out fer me.

I will say though that despite my own preferences - give me that Zane Grey poetic prose (I used Louis L'Amour as my last example) about the wide open plains and majestic purple mountains, as well as a lot of 6-shooter and Winchester rifle gunfire - this is a much better written book than the first effort. Hebler takes the time in this chapter to really expand the personalities of his characters both from the previous story as well as the new folks we meet. It changes the pacing as well - again, the story moves fast but really the first half has very little to do with the monster in question despite its constant threat hanging over everyone. But there's other 'events' let's call them that keep the reader glued to the pages wondering just how certain challenges will be overcome, be they because of the hauntings of the past or dangers of the present and future.

This would not be their last meeting. He would find her again.

We are also treated then to several different 'settings' if you will compared to the final days we spent in the township of Dillmore Valley. But you really get a good feeling for the time period in question, not only from the cityscape(s) but also the struggles as the sudden surge of new Americans tried their best to find their fortunes throughout a still growing nation. Naturally, of course, the appearances (plural!) of the chupacabra only exacerbates things, especially when said citizens find themselves isolated far from the madding crowds. Sure, it would have been interesting to see the beast set loose in the mining hub of Virginia City, but perhaps more difficult to tie into the actual historical accuracy the author seems desperate to hold on to!

Their blaring shrieks of distress and misery carried like a rushing wave.

The ending scenes then are absolutely stunning, filled with tragedy, triumph, and a humongous dollop of terror. Sure, it's never easy to let go of a new favorite character - and perhaps solution to at very least Suzanne' and Jessie's future needs - but damn, that last ride is one for the record books. I haven't felt such visceral fear about a ride on a train since Nicholas Sansbury Smith finished his "New Frontier" books (the second half of his immortal "Trackers" set)! But it works so very, very well! It also does what a good monster tale should sometimes do, and leaves us with more questions than answers.

No amount of cries and screams could disguise the hideous sucking as the monster consumed their syrupy insides.

This all, of course, is compounded by our quick flash to New York City - Yuma told Suzanne to keep the children with her at all times - and the evil event that goes down there! We were told that the spirit of the chupacabra could not die, and now, we're learning oh-too-well what that implies! Needless to say, I'm looking forward to what's coming up, especially after reading the 'teaser' for Book 3 provided at the end! Good stuff gang, take a gander! Happy trails, too… if you dare!

[CCAM&GZM]

Tough ... I find a bit difficult to write a review for a book that is part of a series where the subject goes from a volume to another. I had to do a review to a similar series, but luckily for me I got all the volumes and I could do a general review. I still refuse to give spoilers, to start talking about what a character or another or about what happens. That is not how I see a review, but to clearly tell you if, from my point of view, a book or series deserves to be read or not.

This is also the situation with the Curse of the Chupacabra. It’s the second book in the series, but not the beginning and not the conclusion of the occurrences in this story that continues the adventures of the characters that survive to that night of terror in Night of the Chupacabra. The beast that has wiped out a town from Wild West persistently pursues its victims to ... have you read the first volume? You should definitely read it. There's no fun to grasp directly for the second volume because the story would be incomplete.

Furthermore, this volume brings: thrill, action, twists. There will be new characters that, willingly or not, will put a spoke in our heroines’ wheel (OK, now I have given to you a hint), others that will help them and sacrifice for them. Anyway, the girls will left behind them only rack and ruin. The situations in which they find themselves will be increasingly become odder and more unusual. Guns will not blaze as in the first book, but rest assured, there are no western where they rest in their holsters. Here, the most important weapon will be the cleverness. Everyone has the instinct of survival, but if you don’t know what to do with it ... Again, everything will hang on a thread and the hope to escape the terror seems increasingly aloof. The dread of falling into the monster’s claws in any moment and living always looking over your shoulder will be the everyday’s constant. Can they escape from this hell? That you’ll find yourselves. Once again, you will have part of a new adventure full of hazards.

Now, before I tell you Happy Reading, I recommend you once again to read the first volume of the series to have the complete picture of the whole story.

GZM
http://mythicalbooks.blogspot.ro/2013...