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The Tales of Tupuqa #2
The Cursed Creatures
The second busiest port in the world is a battlefield. National guardsman, Billy Swift and his squad are caught between evil creature’s killing all before them, and a black ops team who will try and cover the whole thing up at all costs. Dr Laura Rollins survived the crash, but can she assemble a group capable of destroying the species that she had longed to research?
The journey back to finish things at the caves of Tupuqa will be hell.
A dejected military man seeks retribution.
A scientist seeks redemption.
The caves have the answers.
The caves call to them.
The journey back to finish things at the caves of Tupuqa will be hell.
A dejected military man seeks retribution.
A scientist seeks redemption.
The caves have the answers.
The caves call to them.
176 pages, Paperback
Published December 20, 2021
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 22, 2022
The second part of Adam Hulse’s Tales of Tupuga trilogy continues from the moment we left the story on the last page of the first book. This reads more as if Hulse decided to write an ongoing book and then split that book into three parts, which means he spends no time on recap, no reminder of the story, the reader is expected to know all of the events that happened previously, the lore, the tragedy of what befell the MC’s – it’s straight into the action from page 1.
Personally, that’s exactly as I wanted it – recap and recall tend to annoy me, I think anyone that reads the second book was caught up in the madness and mayhem left at the end of the first book – we haven’t got time to re-read what we already know, and Hulse doesn’t either – for me, the right call.
The opening sequence is simply the coming together of all of the disparate elements from the last book in a frenzied fight for survival before the book then comes about tail and showcases what had happened in the place of origin, back on Tupuga. As in the first book, Hulse shows no favoritism when it comes to his characters, they die where they do – it’s down to luck more than anything who gets to survive the various encounters. That random callousness worked for me – it brings the element of shock into play – a bad decision in the heat of the moment can literally end your life, and there are plenty of bad decisions and dumb stupid luck in evidence here.
The novella comes full circle as the “heroes” return to the island, comfortable that the menace has been destroyed on the mainland through a third party – that’s a loophole which for me left a nagging doubt.
Upon reaching the island, the MC’S discover it overrun by the creatures, that have (apart from a couple of errant creatures) for some reason all gone back to the caves from where they originated. After a fight at the local police station, a “final showdown” ensues and after the battle, the caves are sealed and a hint is given that one creature is possibly taken away by a force unknown. To be continued.
Let’s look at how it reads – as quick and entertaining as the first book. That’s no surprise, for me, I think it is clear that Adam wrote this as one long story and split it up, this is a continuation of the writing from the first novella – and reads as addictively as that novella. It’s fast-paced, the characters are likable, and it’s a thriller -adrenalin-powered creature feature. It takes no survivors, it blasts through unapologetically and is pure popcorn entertainment.
This was a 4 ⭐‘s review for me bordering on five stars, depending on elements being resolved in the third book, I will come back and amend this to 5.
Adam, I had a blast, this was a lot of fun watching creatures explode, get stabbed, heads blown off, burnt, etc. It was a film made solid in a book and read at 150 kph.
The Cursed creatures is a riot of creature mayhem, a gorefest of the best kind, and a thrilling breakneck speed ride. I think Adam must have had a blast writing it, and I can’t wait for the third book in the series, coming up, for me, in August.
Personally, that’s exactly as I wanted it – recap and recall tend to annoy me, I think anyone that reads the second book was caught up in the madness and mayhem left at the end of the first book – we haven’t got time to re-read what we already know, and Hulse doesn’t either – for me, the right call.
The opening sequence is simply the coming together of all of the disparate elements from the last book in a frenzied fight for survival before the book then comes about tail and showcases what had happened in the place of origin, back on Tupuga. As in the first book, Hulse shows no favoritism when it comes to his characters, they die where they do – it’s down to luck more than anything who gets to survive the various encounters. That random callousness worked for me – it brings the element of shock into play – a bad decision in the heat of the moment can literally end your life, and there are plenty of bad decisions and dumb stupid luck in evidence here.
The novella comes full circle as the “heroes” return to the island, comfortable that the menace has been destroyed on the mainland through a third party – that’s a loophole which for me left a nagging doubt.
Upon reaching the island, the MC’S discover it overrun by the creatures, that have (apart from a couple of errant creatures) for some reason all gone back to the caves from where they originated. After a fight at the local police station, a “final showdown” ensues and after the battle, the caves are sealed and a hint is given that one creature is possibly taken away by a force unknown. To be continued.
Let’s look at how it reads – as quick and entertaining as the first book. That’s no surprise, for me, I think it is clear that Adam wrote this as one long story and split it up, this is a continuation of the writing from the first novella – and reads as addictively as that novella. It’s fast-paced, the characters are likable, and it’s a thriller -adrenalin-powered creature feature. It takes no survivors, it blasts through unapologetically and is pure popcorn entertainment.
This was a 4 ⭐‘s review for me bordering on five stars, depending on elements being resolved in the third book, I will come back and amend this to 5.
Adam, I had a blast, this was a lot of fun watching creatures explode, get stabbed, heads blown off, burnt, etc. It was a film made solid in a book and read at 150 kph.
The Cursed creatures is a riot of creature mayhem, a gorefest of the best kind, and a thrilling breakneck speed ride. I think Adam must have had a blast writing it, and I can’t wait for the third book in the series, coming up, for me, in August.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
Dr. Laura Rollins is back. She survived the ordeal in The Cursed Caves. Didn't she start all this? She admits that, but now she's determined to stop the creatures she released. Rollins is such a great character. I love this bit of dialogue:
Devontae says: "You sound a little crazy, lady."
Our good Dr. Rollins replies: "Oh, much more than a little, mate!"
As with book one, you're down in the action right from the start. The creatures are proliferating, creating blood servants out of those they do not kill, and several forces are converging to either end them or utilize them. The race is on to get out of the US and back to the Pacific.
Vivid characters, excellent dialogue that's crisp and vigorous, plenty of violence and gore, action, suspense, and touches of subtle horror (the description of the creatures having the underbelly of a grotesquely large flea got under my skin).
No lag at all in this second entry of the trilogy. Ready to follow it to the finish with book three!
Devontae says: "You sound a little crazy, lady."
Our good Dr. Rollins replies: "Oh, much more than a little, mate!"
As with book one, you're down in the action right from the start. The creatures are proliferating, creating blood servants out of those they do not kill, and several forces are converging to either end them or utilize them. The race is on to get out of the US and back to the Pacific.
Vivid characters, excellent dialogue that's crisp and vigorous, plenty of violence and gore, action, suspense, and touches of subtle horror (the description of the creatures having the underbelly of a grotesquely large flea got under my skin).
No lag at all in this second entry of the trilogy. Ready to follow it to the finish with book three!
April 24, 2022
Did I mention The Relic in my review for Hulse’s Cursed Caves? I doughnut remember. If I didn’t, I should have. The point being the sequel to The Relic really bummed me out. It was weird walk and talk simulator without any monsters for the majority. This sequel to Cursed Caves is the sequel I dreamed of for The Relic. The mythos being laid down really nicely by Adam Hulse in the previous novel, we don’t need any walk and talk recap here. Hulse doesn’t give it to us either (🙌) This book is a straight up 500 miles an hour creature feature from the opening page. Reading this felt like playing The coolest video game never made. Hulse didn’t just write a whole bunch of action here either. There’s some great development between the characters, especially Laura Rollins who returns to fix the microwave she broke in the first place. That’s a really bad metaphor for a fantastic read. If you like creature features pick up The Cursed Caves and it’s follow up! K thx!
May 19, 2022
Cursed creatures is a fantastic sequel to the first installment of this trilogy. I didn't think it would be able to keep up with the first book, I'm happy I was wrong. The Cursed creatures is fast paced, full of action and packed with blood and gore. The creatures are terrifying and relentless. A great book from a talented writer. Can't wait for the next one.
February 3, 2023
Wow, there are a lot of those little buggers out there. Scientists, cops, and regular people fighting them, and still getting killed. Loads of action and fun. No telling where this will go. Exciting read.
February 21, 2022
Non Stop!!
Hulse keeps the story going from cover to cover! The action is captivating, and the characters drag you along with them through every frightening twist. Just when you think you have a handle on it-well, he’s a brilliant writer so you’ll just have to see for yourself.
Anxiously awaiting the release of book 3
Hulse keeps the story going from cover to cover! The action is captivating, and the characters drag you along with them through every frightening twist. Just when you think you have a handle on it-well, he’s a brilliant writer so you’ll just have to see for yourself.
Anxiously awaiting the release of book 3
September 23, 2022
You know how sometimes with a trilogy the first book does all the story telling and the rest are just filler. Yeah not here. Adam kicks up the action with part 2. From start to finish this is 0 to 100 in 10 seconds flat non stop good reading. So kick back relax and prepare for a helluva good time.
February 19, 2022
As I mentioned in my review of, The Cursed Caves (The Tales of Tupuqa), I was attracted to this series as it’s built on the ensuing mayhem that follows the recovery of hibernating specimens – belonging to an unknown species of animal – from a cave on an out-of-the-way Polynesian island. Not realizing what they’ve uncovered, those scientists pack their find away on a ship and make for the USA. . . only to discover to their cost those specimens aren’t as dormant as they think. By the time they make landfall, all hell as broken lose, as the blurb to this follow-up story, The Cursed Creatures reveals:
*******
The second busiest port in the world is a battlefield. National guardsman, Billy Swift and his squad are caught between evil creature’s killing all before them, and a black ops team who will try and cover the whole thing up at all costs. Dr Laura Rollins survived the crash, but can she assemble a group capable of destroying the species that she had longed to research?
The journey back to finish things at the caves of Tupuqa will be hell.
A dejected military man seeks retribution.
A scientist seeks redemption.
The caves have the answers.
The caves call to them.
*******
So, what happens this time out?
A similar blend of fast paced chaos and head spinning, think on your feet, Hail Mary maneuvers that see our ever dwindling band of survivors deciding anywhere would be safer than Long Beach Port and its environs. That’s what!
Along the way, we meet new characters – Some friendly, some downright sinister and obviously working to a secret agenda – Say goodbye to most of them fairly quickly. (This IS a gorefest after all). And follow along as the luckiest members of our shrinking cast make it to a seaworthy pleasure cruiser. Their intention? To end this disaster movie in the making once and for all.
But to do that, they’ll have to make their way to where our story began. And who knows what terrors still lurk within the caves?
What could possibly go wrong?
You’ll find out, in a line-em-up and shoot-em-down extravaganza that is as fun to read as it is oh so refreshingly in-your-face. As the title says, we are dealing with cursed creatures after all.
*******
The second busiest port in the world is a battlefield. National guardsman, Billy Swift and his squad are caught between evil creature’s killing all before them, and a black ops team who will try and cover the whole thing up at all costs. Dr Laura Rollins survived the crash, but can she assemble a group capable of destroying the species that she had longed to research?
The journey back to finish things at the caves of Tupuqa will be hell.
A dejected military man seeks retribution.
A scientist seeks redemption.
The caves have the answers.
The caves call to them.
*******
So, what happens this time out?
A similar blend of fast paced chaos and head spinning, think on your feet, Hail Mary maneuvers that see our ever dwindling band of survivors deciding anywhere would be safer than Long Beach Port and its environs. That’s what!
Along the way, we meet new characters – Some friendly, some downright sinister and obviously working to a secret agenda – Say goodbye to most of them fairly quickly. (This IS a gorefest after all). And follow along as the luckiest members of our shrinking cast make it to a seaworthy pleasure cruiser. Their intention? To end this disaster movie in the making once and for all.
But to do that, they’ll have to make their way to where our story began. And who knows what terrors still lurk within the caves?
What could possibly go wrong?
You’ll find out, in a line-em-up and shoot-em-down extravaganza that is as fun to read as it is oh so refreshingly in-your-face. As the title says, we are dealing with cursed creatures after all.
May 20, 2022
I'm not sure how I haven't already written a review for this!
Adam hits so many different emotions in the span of this book, carrying the torch from the first action-packed portion of the series. My blood pressure was just as high, wondering who would make it out and who wouldn't! I love the post-apocalyptic feel created in some sections, and felt like I was struggling right along with the characters as they battle the unique monsters we met in book 1. Give it a read!!
Adam hits so many different emotions in the span of this book, carrying the torch from the first action-packed portion of the series. My blood pressure was just as high, wondering who would make it out and who wouldn't! I love the post-apocalyptic feel created in some sections, and felt like I was struggling right along with the characters as they battle the unique monsters we met in book 1. Give it a read!!
November 2, 2022
If you’ve read the first book then you know what you’re getting (and if you haven’t then make sure you do). Lots of gore, thrills and chills. The pace of the storey is excellent and fast paced. Straight onto the third book for me!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews