What do you think?
Rate this book
Son of Earp #1
Curse of the Ancients
Listening Length: 6 hours and 52 minutes
1870’s. A peaceful town in Iowa territory. The townspeople dislike their new visitor. An Indian man. But they are about to find out that the color of his skin is the least of their worries.
A young man, James Johnson, illegitimate son of the legendary Wyatt Earp, dreams of adventure and following in his daddy’s footsteps. James and his mentally disabled friend, Carson, are about to come face to face with an evil previously unimaginable in their little town. An evil they invited in.
All hell’s about to break loose.
Supernatural forces are at work and the body count is rising…
Curse of the Ancients is the first novel in the Son of Earp series by Chuck Buda. It is approximately 57,000 words and contains adult language and scenes of horror. Reader discretion is heavily advised.
1870’s. A peaceful town in Iowa territory. The townspeople dislike their new visitor. An Indian man. But they are about to find out that the color of his skin is the least of their worries.
A young man, James Johnson, illegitimate son of the legendary Wyatt Earp, dreams of adventure and following in his daddy’s footsteps. James and his mentally disabled friend, Carson, are about to come face to face with an evil previously unimaginable in their little town. An evil they invited in.
All hell’s about to break loose.
Supernatural forces are at work and the body count is rising…
Curse of the Ancients is the first novel in the Son of Earp series by Chuck Buda. It is approximately 57,000 words and contains adult language and scenes of horror. Reader discretion is heavily advised.
Audible Audio
Published September 19, 2016
23 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 15, 2016
One hell of a ride through the old west...a coming of age tale complete with shape shifters, posses, brothels above the old saloon and enough testosterone to fill a corn silo. If you love westerns and horror, this is the start of a must read series.
June 14, 2018
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This was a good book - I loved the friendship between James and Carson, they were great together.
I wasn't quite expecting a shifter western story, but it was written well and even though it was like there was a mass conglomeration of different genres, the novel just sort of worked well.
The characters were well characterized and likeable.
This was a good book - I loved the friendship between James and Carson, they were great together.
I wasn't quite expecting a shifter western story, but it was written well and even though it was like there was a mass conglomeration of different genres, the novel just sort of worked well.
The characters were well characterized and likeable.
November 11, 2016
Curse of the Ancients : Son of Earp Series By Chuck Buda
Nov 5 2016
1870’s We follow the kindness act of two boys. James 17 the illegitimate child of Wyatt Earp,& Sarah Johnson a prostitute in the Iowa Territory Brothel Owned by Philler, and Carson 12 his slow witted friend due to a childhood illness. Minnie was his mom Minnie who also worked at the Brothel.
The boys read about Wyatt’s escapades in the local news paper and would dream of being heroes and finding adventure. The boys would be sent outside for the night till the parties in the Brothel and bar died down. They were bar keeps during the day cleaning up both the bar and brothel waiting room. George the bouncer at the bar liked to spit his chew on the floor for the boys to clean up, George enjoyed making messes at the expenses of the boys.
The boys saved a lone Indian “Crouching bear” from the town drunk Wilson and a group of roughens. The boys fed Crouching Bear and in return he taught the boys a sure fire way of hunting and they brought back the rabbit they caught to their mother’s. Then told the ladies about their adventures with Crouching bear and how he was cursed by his people for an unfortunate accident.
Crouching Bear had accidentally killed Laughing Crow, the middle son of the chief and a prankster, his last prank cost him his life during a raid on the white man. Due to this incident, Crouching bear was banished from the tribe and was cursed by the spirits and tribe.
Neither the boys or Crouching Bear could have known that their future were intertwined at such depths.
Mr Chuck Buda did a phenomenal job with this book, the story was riveting and the characters were well developed. This was the first of Mr. Buda’s work that I have read. Supernatural Westerns is not my usual read. But I enjoyed it and bought a few of his other books.
Nov 5 2016
1870’s We follow the kindness act of two boys. James 17 the illegitimate child of Wyatt Earp,& Sarah Johnson a prostitute in the Iowa Territory Brothel Owned by Philler, and Carson 12 his slow witted friend due to a childhood illness. Minnie was his mom Minnie who also worked at the Brothel.
The boys read about Wyatt’s escapades in the local news paper and would dream of being heroes and finding adventure. The boys would be sent outside for the night till the parties in the Brothel and bar died down. They were bar keeps during the day cleaning up both the bar and brothel waiting room. George the bouncer at the bar liked to spit his chew on the floor for the boys to clean up, George enjoyed making messes at the expenses of the boys.
The boys saved a lone Indian “Crouching bear” from the town drunk Wilson and a group of roughens. The boys fed Crouching Bear and in return he taught the boys a sure fire way of hunting and they brought back the rabbit they caught to their mother’s. Then told the ladies about their adventures with Crouching bear and how he was cursed by his people for an unfortunate accident.
Crouching Bear had accidentally killed Laughing Crow, the middle son of the chief and a prankster, his last prank cost him his life during a raid on the white man. Due to this incident, Crouching bear was banished from the tribe and was cursed by the spirits and tribe.
Neither the boys or Crouching Bear could have known that their future were intertwined at such depths.
Mr Chuck Buda did a phenomenal job with this book, the story was riveting and the characters were well developed. This was the first of Mr. Buda’s work that I have read. Supernatural Westerns is not my usual read. But I enjoyed it and bought a few of his other books.
November 1, 2016
Audiobook review: When I start a fantasy or paranormal novel I always think: I hope it's not overdone! This is a paranormal shifter story in a historical western setting and I enjoyed it very much. The story is defenitely not overdone as the only supernatural element there is, is an Indian shifting into a bear because of a curse.
During this story I went to several levels of my gamut of emotions, with James, Carson and Chrouching Bear. The characters are developed amazingly and I can't wait to find out what happens to them next. The story also contains several dilemmas and you can see the dilemmas from more than one side. Knowing that James wants to go into his father's footsteps even though he's never met him, I'm sure he'll get there.
Jack Wallen did an exellent narration and was amazing with the voices. I guess that there isn't a voice he can't do. He made the characters come to life in a way that I couldn't put this story down and he was surprisingly dramatic when needed.
I hope this series continues in many books to come!
*This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
During this story I went to several levels of my gamut of emotions, with James, Carson and Chrouching Bear. The characters are developed amazingly and I can't wait to find out what happens to them next. The story also contains several dilemmas and you can see the dilemmas from more than one side. Knowing that James wants to go into his father's footsteps even though he's never met him, I'm sure he'll get there.
Jack Wallen did an exellent narration and was amazing with the voices. I guess that there isn't a voice he can't do. He made the characters come to life in a way that I couldn't put this story down and he was surprisingly dramatic when needed.
I hope this series continues in many books to come!
*This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2019
I heard about this book on the Sample Chapter Podcast. I'd never heard of "weird westerns" before but a western with a paranormal slant sounded very interesting. It starts with a great hook that grabbed my interest before slowing somewhat. However, once the inciting incident takes place to really kick things off things get much more fast paced and I found myself anxious to get back to it when I was forced to stop. Over all I was very impressed. There wasn't a lot of "old west" details yet it still had a great feel to it. The characters were what really sung for me. Each had a unique personality that jumps from the page to be easily seen in my head. I didn't know what to expect from this story but it was different than I'd assumed it to be. But also so much better. I'll certainly be grabbing book 2 soon.
November 23, 2016
Whoa! Curse of the Ancients has a little bit of everything packed into one short novel. Author Chuck Buda does a great job blending elements of supernatural horror with classic western tropes. This coming-of-age story follows James, a youngster with a strong craving for adventure, as he helps his town hunt down a dangerous shapeshifter. The author has built a harrowing world full of intrigue and has created a wide variety of interesting characters, both of which I think most readers will want to come back to. I will definitely check out the sequels.
January 30, 2017
This was an ok read.Jack Wallen Jr is a fine narrator.A young teen,James, and his mentally disabled friend live in a whorehouse with their moms.They befriend an Indian and all hell breaks lose.Crouching bear is cursed.When he gets angry he turns into a bear...and kills people.James,a son of Wyatt Earp,is the only one that is brave enough to face the supernatural evil.I was given this book free by the author,narrator or publisher.
July 14, 2019
This is an awesome read(listen). Chuck Buda takes us back in time and tells the story of a young protagonist who’s trying to find his place in the world.
The characters are well rounded, the story engaging and the descriptions are very easy to visualise. I’ve got to admit, there was a couple of scenes which felt like they were written just for me.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book on the series.
The characters are well rounded, the story engaging and the descriptions are very easy to visualise. I’ve got to admit, there was a couple of scenes which felt like they were written just for me.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book on the series.
August 31, 2017
Curse of the Ancients is probably the first Horror Western I have read and it left me satisfied. This book combines a fun western tale with some gory horror that has a little supernaturalism thrown in. The characters are realistic and are definitely endearing. The author has written the Indian antihero in a realistic and honorable way. I really enjoyed how this character attempted to battle the demon inside him. The young adult characters were very cool and I look forward to watching them grow. The book is short but there is plenty of action and drama within and it is a very quick read. Overall I loved this action packed read and I look forward to future adventures.
October 5, 2016
This book was not quite what I expected. I wasn't expecting a "shifter" book, which I don't usually go for, but that being said, the book was still entertaining. What I enjoyed most was the friendship between the two boys. It was very sweet and its always nice to see a strong friendship where one is able to overlook the other's disabilities. I would probably read other books in this series because I enjoy the supernatural, Western, and thriller genres. I think its just the "shifter" aspect that wasn't my cup of tea. Everything else was good.
I listened to the Audible audio version of this book narrated by Jack Wallen Jr., and I thought he was fine, overall. At times he sounded a little robotic, but I was pleased that he didn't use high, screechy voices for his female characters (which is a big pet peeve of mine, and I find that a lot of male narrators do that for female characters).
I think this would be a perfect book for fans of "shifter" horror/thrillers.
I listened to the Audible audio version of this book narrated by Jack Wallen Jr., and I thought he was fine, overall. At times he sounded a little robotic, but I was pleased that he didn't use high, screechy voices for his female characters (which is a big pet peeve of mine, and I find that a lot of male narrators do that for female characters).
I think this would be a perfect book for fans of "shifter" horror/thrillers.
March 29, 2017
Wow! Now this was an entertaining book with lots of mythical folklore. I cannot wait for book 2. I really enjoyed this and it showed parts of the gritty violent west without sugar coating everything. Amazing story and it does not end in a cliff hanger, and that's nice because it seems most books with part 1 written into them end with the hopes you will buy book 2.
August 21, 2016
Quite an interesting mix of genres and very different from other stories written by this author. I felt as though I knew the characters pretty well since they were developed well. Took me back in time and definitely hard to put down.
June 12, 2017
A rollercoaster of excitement. Never a duel moment. This book kept my attention from beginning to end.
July 20, 2023
James Earp?
James has always been told by his mother that he is Wyatt Earp's son.... illegitimate. Ever since he heard this he read everything he could find on the man. However no one in the town he lives in actually takes that seriously and James is sick of himself not being taken seriously either.
As James daydreams about following in his father's footsteps, a lone native comes to town. When things start to get crazy, James is about to find out if he has what it takes to fill his legendary father's boots.
This was a real fun read. If you like the Weird West this is something you'll enjoy immensely. Highly recommend!!
James has always been told by his mother that he is Wyatt Earp's son.... illegitimate. Ever since he heard this he read everything he could find on the man. However no one in the town he lives in actually takes that seriously and James is sick of himself not being taken seriously either.
As James daydreams about following in his father's footsteps, a lone native comes to town. When things start to get crazy, James is about to find out if he has what it takes to fill his legendary father's boots.
This was a real fun read. If you like the Weird West this is something you'll enjoy immensely. Highly recommend!!
May 21, 2021
Decent story line and all, but main character seemed to act and think more like a 12-year-old than the 17-year-old he was supposed to be. I kept picturing a child, not a young man. Too many sentences started with a main character's first name which made it feel like I was reading a 'Dick & Jane' book. Maybe this was written for a much, much younger reader than I? There was a lot of repetition, ex. an entire fight scene told from two different perspectives. One was enough. I will give the author another try, though, because that's how I roll.
July 13, 2021
Interesting take on a western, I liked the use of shapeshifting in the old west and how the author caused the Indian Crouching Bear to be cursed by his own people. The character development is good in the story with all the different characters that interact with each other.
The friendship between James and Carson is great too and how he accepts Carson even with his problems.
As far as the audio version, I would rather have seen someone like Ray Porter read the story as I think he would have given the story a lot more depth.
The friendship between James and Carson is great too and how he accepts Carson even with his problems.
As far as the audio version, I would rather have seen someone like Ray Porter read the story as I think he would have given the story a lot more depth.
May 30, 2020
A coming of age tale about a boy in the old west. One could think it's a young adult novel with the tone revolving around James, a teenage kid, but growing up in a brothel throws that out the window.
A cursed outsider comes to town by the insistence of James and his friend Carson, but trouble ensues. James has to chose friendship or duty to help save the outsider. One part western, one part supernatural, a smidge of humor, and all fun.
A cursed outsider comes to town by the insistence of James and his friend Carson, but trouble ensues. James has to chose friendship or duty to help save the outsider. One part western, one part supernatural, a smidge of humor, and all fun.
August 10, 2020
Ok read
Really liked James and Carson's characters. However, lots of repetition throughout the book. So... Much... repetition...
The talk of farting and pooping made me chuckle.
Near the end of the book, the writer didn't even bother with using quotation marks when the characters spoke. Seems kind of lazy.
All in all, not a great read, but not necessarily a bad read either.
Really liked James and Carson's characters. However, lots of repetition throughout the book. So... Much... repetition...
The talk of farting and pooping made me chuckle.
Near the end of the book, the writer didn't even bother with using quotation marks when the characters spoke. Seems kind of lazy.
All in all, not a great read, but not necessarily a bad read either.
October 25, 2019
Buda has written a very solid horror western with the first of the series.
Great characters, great plot, and an emotional core that can resonate with any reader.
As one of his first novels, the mistakes are common ones: telling instead of showing and too much repetition. But even those don't take away from the promise that this book provides.
Great characters, great plot, and an emotional core that can resonate with any reader.
As one of his first novels, the mistakes are common ones: telling instead of showing and too much repetition. But even those don't take away from the promise that this book provides.
January 9, 2021
Wasn't sure about this, but......
I really liked this book. The characters were real to me. The author did a great job in making this believable. James is such a refreshing change from the usual characters. Can't wait for the next episode.
I really liked this book. The characters were real to me. The author did a great job in making this believable. James is such a refreshing change from the usual characters. Can't wait for the next episode.
May 27, 2021
Fantastic horror western. Character development is absolutely top notch. Every character feels alive and matters. It’s a tragic and emotional story about friendship and loss. Absolutely brutal at times and beautiful in others. Top recommendations and I can’t wait to continue the series.
May 18, 2020
This was a pretty good start to the series. There were sections of the story that kind of dragged on but it finished alright and I think I will be moving on to the next in the series soon.
May 30, 2020
A coming of age tale about a boy in the 1870's. A cursed outsider comes to town by the insistence of James and his friend Carson, but trouble ensues. James has to chose friendship or duty to help save the outsider. One could think it's a young adult novel with the tone revolving around James, a teenage kid, but growing up in a brothel throws that out the window. Part western, one part supernatural, a dash of humor, and all fun. Check out the first in a great series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews