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Afflicted With Vengeance
Alaska Bloodlust plunges a private investigator into a fight for survival as he faces a deadly cult tied to Inuit mythology, navigating a web of danger that stretches from Memphis to Alaska’s wilderness. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I lived in Alaska a full year and inspiration came from a meeting with a backwoodsman who worked as a guide and wildlife photographer. He had 100s of pictures and after looking through his entire collection, the image of an arctic wolf stood out and I bought it on the spot. There was something about the wolf I couldn’t explain and for a long time I couldn’t get it out of my mind but later it became the basis for my novels. The picture hangs on my office wall and is also on the cover of Alaska Deadly.
Race Warren is a deeply layered character. How do you approach developing his personal struggles alongside the action?
Warren often relies on instinct when he’s in a pinch and the unexpected happens but at other times when quick action is not required, he still prefers a proactive response. He tries to be prepared for any contingency but if caught off guard he relies on an inner sense to direct him. He never lets an adversary gain control of a situation if he can help it and a main rule is to never wait on an opponent to make the next move. But his biggest fear is that he might let down those he loves and these inner struggles beset him throughout the story.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The principal theme is revenge, which is the driving motivation for the villain Kallick Smith but as the narrative unfolds and Warren sees the great evil wreaked by Smith, the young private eye becomes almost single-minded in his determination to set things right. This near obsession with Smith may lead the reader to suspect Warren himself is afflicted with vengeance. The theme of love appears early in a casual way but becomes more central as the book progresses and Warren tries to balance destroying evil with saving those he loves.
What research went into depicting the cult and shamanic elements of the story authentically?
I read several books on werewolf mythology and shapeshifting which looms large as an underlying influence in the native cult although it is never instantiated in the story. These elements form the basis for the sect’s religion which was delved into more deeply in the previous book but in Alaska Bloodlust these themes appear as undercurrents and any suggestion of the supernatural is left unfulfilled. But all of these motifs both shade and shape the shaman’s (Smith) primary motivation which is revenge. Smith appears as a principal figure, fleshed out and revealed as an arch-villain bent on destroying Race Warren as well as other main characters.
Alaska Bloodlust
Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew is a high-stakes thriller that bridges the tension-filled streets of Memphis and the unforgiving wilderness of Alaska. This gripping sequel to Alaska Deadly thrusts private investigator Race Warren into a whirlwind of danger, deceit, and survival as he battles enemies determined to destroy everything he holds dear.
The story begins in Tennessee, where Warren returns from his harrowing experiences in Alaska, only to find himself caught in another deadly web. Ron Billings, the ex-cop he previously saved, lies comatose in a Memphis hospital, the target of a shadowy conspiracy. This setup propels the narrative into a thrilling journey, connecting urban suspense with Alaska’s treacherous landscapes. The alternating settings are vividly drawn, immersing readers in the stark contrasts between Memphis’s tense streets and Alaska’s untamed beauty.
Askew escalates the stakes with the introduction of anthropologist Kate Hartley, Memphis detective J.T. Duncan, and Warren’s girlfriend, Renae Allen. Each character adds layers to the story, making their interactions feel authentic and deeply engaging. Renae’s abduction becomes a heart-pounding turning point, forcing Warren to return to Alaska to confront a dangerous cult with ties to Inuit mythology. This chilling antagonist, a shaman pulling the strings of a deadly conspiracy, grounds the plot in a unique and terrifying cultural dimension.
The novel’s pacing is relentless, blending intricate character development with explosive action. Warren’s resourcefulness shines as he navigates life-and-death scenarios, but Askew also humanizes him by exploring his inner struggles and past mistakes. Readers familiar with Alaska Deadly will appreciate the nuanced nods to Warren’s growth, while newcomers can easily dive into the narrative thanks to Askew’s careful exposition.
The suspense is amplified by expertly crafted twists, particularly as Warren uncovers the cult’s motivations and its connection to his past. The plot’s complexity is balanced by vividly described settings, from the chilly Memphis morgue to Alaska’s icy expanses, creating a cinematic experience.
Alaska Bloodlust, J.L. Askew delivers a pulse-pounding thriller that challenges its hero to face the limits of his endurance and morality. With its richly detailed settings, compelling characters, and unyielding tension, the novel is a standout addition to the series and a must-read for fans of action-packed suspense.
LITERARY TITAN 