I’d just completed the second book, Porugl - The Atrocity of Kerwanba, when I came across the First Nations Writers Festival which was accepting short stories and book manuscripts from the Greater Pacific area.

I submitted my second Porugl and was pleasantly surprised to be informed that I’d won the Book Manuscript Award for 2023.

The judges said the book enlivened the ancient myths, fantasy and sorcery of the Greater Pacific to transcend tribal boundaries.

These foundations of tradition, culture and belief systems were similar to those created by First Nations peoples around the world.

The judges said they were “enchanted and horrified in turn as the memories of youth were re-imagined in these ancient ethereal characters.

“Porugl - The Atrocity of Kerwanba evokes ancient myths and sorcery of the type found in the acclaimed and award winning Indigenous Australian Cleverman television fantasy series and also in the recent multi-award winner Prey replete with Comanche Native American customs and culture.”

John Kuri was born to Simbu parents, he now works and lives in Port Moresby.

He was educated in Simbu Province and the Eastern Highlands and studied Science at the University of Papua New Guinea.

In this second book in the Porugl trilogy, Porugl has returned to Gandia from the Underworld.

This is an unheard of happening and his return sparks joy amongst the people. But Porugl learns that his father has been murdered in his absence.

Despite this, he wishes to start a normal life in Gandia with Maie, a beautiful young woman.

Porugl assimilates back into village life and passes his initiation, along the way meeting Waine, who crafts an everlasting bow for him.

But the Underworld is not done with Porugl. Kerwanba’s pride has been shattered and she will do anything to end his life.

She sends her minions to see if there is any man in Kondaland brave enough to carry out her wishes.

There is no man, just a certain young woman. Everything begins to work out for Kerwanba and the whole of Gandia village is destroyed as Kerwanba releases her most secret weapon yet.

Porugl - The Atrocity of Kerwanba is now uploaded on various platforms:

Australia  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201973417-porugl

Worldwide (Amazon)  https://www.amazon.com.au/Porugl-Atrocity.../dp/0645932213

USA (Walmart worldwide)  https://www.walmart.com/.../porugl-The.../5189671822

USA  https://www.magersandquinn.com/product/porugl/26129494

USA (including 600 Barnes & Noble bookstores)  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../porugl.../1144355719