Review of Alaska Deadly
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Akuvi Kafui Akpawu
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- Latest Review: Alaska Deadly by J.L. Askew
Review of Alaska Deadly
[Following is a volunteer review of "Alaska Deadly" by J.L. Askew.]
Author: The author is J. L. Askew. He had a technical degree and a degree in psychology. He worked as a social worker, a field engineer and a teacher before writing this book. 'Alaska Deadly' is considered his first novel.
Title: Alaska Deadly.
The genre of this book, Alaska Deadly, is C/T/M/H. The main character of this book is Race Warren. He works as a private detective. Claire Billings hires Warren, to look for her husband. She wants to save her marriage and has unanswered questions. She wants to be sure that he's not missing or, planned a separation. Thus, Warren goes to Alaska hoping to find the husband in Ataqsut. He then meets Larsen for a short while. Previously, he already heard about a girl that was killed, by what the detective thought was: by animal attack, a wolf it seems. Next thing he knew, Medford Larsen was found dead. He witnessed his injuries, when detective Roberts showed him his corpse. Larsen was declared dead by animal attack as well, most likely a wolf. Warren, then concluded that both deaths were related. At first, I thought that Larsen was Claire's husband and that Warren had found him. But after reading the official review, I had to re-read again the beginning and indeed, Larsen was not the husband. So who is Claire's husband? What is taking so long to find him? Is he alive? Or already killed like the previous victims? Shortly, we find out the Warren's life is also in danger? Why? Who is trying to kill him?
We then have Professor Mark Dunbar (in biological sciences) and other scientists that have particular interest in the native culture. Professor Johnattan Hartley was fortunate to meet Jim Morphis, who happens to speak the native language. Professor Hartley was able to observe some of the native rituals, consequently, he interpreted that there was some kind of wolf deity and worship in their culture. The idea that man can turn into a wolf. He as well, seems to be in danger, as if his curiosity was not approved. Why? Do the natives have something to hide? Are they the one creating the troubles? Why does it become dangerous? Is there a man/wolf killer around? Find out by reading, Alaska Deadly.
Some of the positive aspects that I found in Alaska Deadly, was that, although the narrative was slow in the beginning with a lot of description, it gets more interesting, with a faster pace as you continue reading. Also, it was quite original to talk about the natives. At first, I thought the story would resemble 'Twilight saga', but without the vampires and love story. I thought it would be like 'Twilight' but only with the werewolves...It wasn't the case, but there is the theme of wolves.
What I liked less about the book, was some of the complexity of the narrative. It seems this book would appeal to more experienced readers. I found a lot of new vocabulary in the beginning. Also, I had to re-read the first chapters to understand that Larsen wasn't the husband of Claire. It was a bit odd, as well to not find a lot of description of the cold, the snow or snow related activities but description of other things. It would have been nice to have a glossary at the end of the book or some pictures.
Overall, I would give a very good rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I think this book is decent enough for 12 and above, but because of its complexity, I think it would appeal more for 16 and above. I would recommend this book, for those who are already experienced readers and want to compare different styles of writing. I think Alaska Deadly, is really not bad for a first novel. And those interested in the native culture would enjoy this book.
******
Alaska Deadly
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Author: The author is J. L. Askew. He had a technical degree and a degree in psychology. He worked as a social worker, a field engineer and a teacher before writing this book. 'Alaska Deadly' is considered his first novel.
Title: Alaska Deadly.
The genre of this book, Alaska Deadly, is C/T/M/H. The main character of this book is Race Warren. He works as a private detective. Claire Billings hires Warren, to look for her husband. She wants to save her marriage and has unanswered questions. She wants to be sure that he's not missing or, planned a separation. Thus, Warren goes to Alaska hoping to find the husband in Ataqsut. He then meets Larsen for a short while. Previously, he already heard about a girl that was killed, by what the detective thought was: by animal attack, a wolf it seems. Next thing he knew, Medford Larsen was found dead. He witnessed his injuries, when detective Roberts showed him his corpse. Larsen was declared dead by animal attack as well, most likely a wolf. Warren, then concluded that both deaths were related. At first, I thought that Larsen was Claire's husband and that Warren had found him. But after reading the official review, I had to re-read again the beginning and indeed, Larsen was not the husband. So who is Claire's husband? What is taking so long to find him? Is he alive? Or already killed like the previous victims? Shortly, we find out the Warren's life is also in danger? Why? Who is trying to kill him?
We then have Professor Mark Dunbar (in biological sciences) and other scientists that have particular interest in the native culture. Professor Johnattan Hartley was fortunate to meet Jim Morphis, who happens to speak the native language. Professor Hartley was able to observe some of the native rituals, consequently, he interpreted that there was some kind of wolf deity and worship in their culture. The idea that man can turn into a wolf. He as well, seems to be in danger, as if his curiosity was not approved. Why? Do the natives have something to hide? Are they the one creating the troubles? Why does it become dangerous? Is there a man/wolf killer around? Find out by reading, Alaska Deadly.
Some of the positive aspects that I found in Alaska Deadly, was that, although the narrative was slow in the beginning with a lot of description, it gets more interesting, with a faster pace as you continue reading. Also, it was quite original to talk about the natives. At first, I thought the story would resemble 'Twilight saga', but without the vampires and love story. I thought it would be like 'Twilight' but only with the werewolves...It wasn't the case, but there is the theme of wolves.
What I liked less about the book, was some of the complexity of the narrative. It seems this book would appeal to more experienced readers. I found a lot of new vocabulary in the beginning. Also, I had to re-read the first chapters to understand that Larsen wasn't the husband of Claire. It was a bit odd, as well to not find a lot of description of the cold, the snow or snow related activities but description of other things. It would have been nice to have a glossary at the end of the book or some pictures.
Overall, I would give a very good rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I think this book is decent enough for 12 and above, but because of its complexity, I think it would appeal more for 16 and above. I would recommend this book, for those who are already experienced readers and want to compare different styles of writing. I think Alaska Deadly, is really not bad for a first novel. And those interested in the native culture would enjoy this book.
******
Alaska Deadly
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Alaska Deadly by J.L. Askew
