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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.
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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 