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A Perilous, Twisty Road Trip
Outlaw follows an ex-con who, when released from prison, joins forces with his former captain to take down a ruthless tycoon responsible for the devastating fires across California. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I spoke with a number of real-life ex-cons about their journey from incarceration and back into society. Their challenges, their setbacks, and how it felt. I delved into where Mason was emotionally at the end of Book 1, Fireline, and built on the characters and conflicts of Fireline to craft the most authentic and thrilling continuation possible.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
In Outlaw, Mason is a man obsessed with finding a way to do something so undeniably good that it will “clean the slate” and free him from his past—even if it kills him. He is goaded along this path by former CalFire captain Mark Hallenbeck, who suffers from a disability for which Mason is responsible. Taking the role of the angel on his shoulder is Mason’s estranged mother, who seeks to make up for neglecting Mason because of her meth addiction.
Each main character in the book is reckoning with guilt (a healthy emotion) and/or shame (an unhealthy one) in some way—and each has something to learn from one another. All while trying to survive a perilous, twisty road trip.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you! I try to make sure that every beat in an action scene has stakes—something or someone that can be gained or lost—and that what’s happening is clear. It’s easy to get carried away if you love action, which I do, so I always try to come back to those goals.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I’m still figuring that out, actually. I think the next book will combine elements from Mason’s journey so far, like hazardous first responder situations and the bad actors who take advantage of these situations, while also exploring something new and different. It will continue Mason’s journey of figuring out how to live with himself—and how to just live. He’s come a long way from the guy who went along with his brother’s criminal ways, and he still has a lot of room to grow.
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Resourceful ex-con Mason “Mace” Jones will be damned if he lets Marshall get away with it.
Blacklisted from wildland firefighting, Mace’s last shot at redemption lies in finding a murderous fugitive who can expose Marshall’s deadly conspiracy.
But when he embarks on this perilous journey into California’s backcountry, Mace becomes a fugitive himself and must face assassins, renegade cops, and shadows from the past.
Can Mace survive this treacherous path, or will the flames of his past consume him?
A heart-pounding thriller, Outlaw will leave you breathless. With fierce action and searing depth of feeling, there’s never been a more riveting exploration of reckoning and forgiveness.
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Outlaw
Outlaw, the second installment in Anthony DeCapite’s Mason Jones thriller series, weaves a gripping tale of redemption, danger, and the enduring scars of one’s past. Eight months after his release from prison, Mason Jones is determined to rebuild his life, but his mission is far from straightforward. Haunted by choices made while serving on a prison fire crew—particularly his impersonation of a professional firefighter to avenge his brother’s death—Mason finds himself grappling with the consequences of his actions. To atone, he reluctantly joins forces with the former captain of the prison fire crew, targeting Erik Marshall, a ruthless tycoon responsible for devastating fires across California. As Marshall’s corrupt influence extends even into law enforcement, Mason’s quest for redemption becomes a perilous journey fraught with betrayal, danger, and the constant risk of losing everything he holds dear.
DeCapite masterfully balances high-octane entertainment with thoughtful exploration of complex themes. The novel delves into the nuances of redemption, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths while rooting for Mason’s redemption arc. The narrative launches straight into action, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid pictures of both the harrowing action sequences and the quieter, introspective moments. DeCapite’s descriptions of the adrenaline-fueled confrontations immerse readers without overwhelming them, making every scene pulse with energy and tension. One of the novel’s standout qualities is its climactic payoff. While many thrillers stumble with lackluster endings, Outlaw delivers a finale brimming with suspense, emotion, and cinematic intensity—worthy of comparison to the best in the genre. The well-executed plot twists add a jolt of surprise and elevate the story’s entertainment value, ensuring readers remain engaged and on edge.
Outlaw is a riveting blend of action and reflection, offering not only an exhilarating read but also a meaningful look at the complexities of redemption. A must-read for thriller enthusiasts and anyone seeking a compelling, thought-provoking escape.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0DMKY37B3
A Compelling Contrast
Fireline follows a resourceful convict who joins a prison firefighting crew to seek out vengeance on the man who got away with murdering his brother. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The real world! Some time ago, I learned that about 30% of the personnel who take on wildfires in California are inmates in a special correctional program. It struck me as a compelling contrast: convicted criminals doing a task we associate with heroes. With this theme at the heart of it, I built a story about brotherhood, revenge, and the possibility of redemption.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing Mark Hallenbeck, Mason’s CalFire captain, because he was inspired by Marines I knew during and after my time in the service. Even though he’s got a gruff exterior, he’s goodhearted and takes care of his people. Josh Ortiz, Mason’s partner in crime, was also a lot of fun to write. He’s a jokester with hidden intellectual and emotional depths. By far the most challenging character to write for was Mason, the protagonist. To create a convict on a revenge kick who was not only sympathetic but also had a strong arc required going deeper than I ever had as a writer.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you! I appreciate that. Action scenes are tough to get right, and I think the key is realizing less is more. I owe much of the success of these scenes to my developmental editor, Carly Hayward of Book Light Editorial, who was a huge help in whittling them down.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
This is the first in the series, and the sequel, Outlaw, will be released Fall 2024. I’m excited to share it with readers! Outlaw will continue Mason Jones’s journey with a suspenseful exploration of reckoning and forgiveness, and it’ll do it in a way that I think readers of Fireline won’t expect but will definitely enjoy.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Shattered by his brother’s brutal murder, resourceful California convict Mason “Mace” Jones joins an inmate firefighting crew to exact revenge on the man who got away with it. Mace will make him pay, even if it costs his own life.
Danger mounts as he takes on monstrous blazes, crooked correctional officers, and hired killers. But when Mace meets a daring female firefighter, he can’t help but dream of a life beyond his plan.
As he fights to protect a town threatened by a deadly wildfire, he is forced to confront the equally destructive flames that burn within. Can Mace survive the crucible of the fireline?
Anthony DeCapite’s riveting debut packs a serious punch, plunging the reader into an action-packed world where prisoners work alongside heroes. This gripping story combines suspense, romance, and gritty realism in a thriller that breathlessly explores the cost of vengeance and the depths of brotherhood.
Fireline
In Fireline, Anthony DeCapite delves into the gritty world of prison life and vengeance, weaving a narrative that grips the reader from the start. The story revolves around Mason and Caleb Jones, brothers and fellow inmates at LAC, who are entangled in a perilous conflict with Graham, a fellow inmate controlling the prison’s contraband operations. This clash, facilitated by a corrupt guard, tragically ends in Caleb’s death and Mason’s hospitalization. Motivated by the loss of his brother, Mason embarks on a relentless quest for revenge. His already challenging mission is further complicated when he learns that his target, Graham, has been transferred hundreds of miles away and assigned to a prestigious inmate firefighting crew. Unfazed, Mason devises an intricate plan to reach Graham, involving a dangerous alliance with a prison gang, a disguise, and a scheme centered around fire.
DeCapite’s Fireline is an exploration of revenge and the dark realities of the prison system, characterized by violence, corruption, and intricate plots. The novel thrusts readers into the action from the outset, delivering on its promise of fast-paced action and unexpected twists. The author’s skillful use of clear and vivid descriptions offers an immersive experience, effectively grounding the reader in the story’s setting. The author’s writing is sharp, and the plot progresses at an ideal pace, which ensures the readers are engaged without feeling like they’re rushing through the narrative.
One thing I particularly enjoyed in this book is the detailed portrayal of wildfires which offers insights into firefighting within the context of a penal institution. Readers may find themselves inadvertently learning about the nuances of battling blazes. DeCapite excels in character development as well, particularly in how he presents the key figures in the story. While initially, they might appear as stereotypical criminals, the narrative gradually reveals their complexity.
Fireline is a compelling read that offers a deep dive into themes of vengeance, the harshness of prison life, and the human capacity for resilience and strategy under extreme circumstances. This is a gritty and riveting thriller that I highly recommend.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B088YGCRHD
LITERARY TITAN 