Alaska Deadly by J.L. Askew offers a rich, immersive journey into the Alaskan wilderness. The descriptions make the reader feel that they are right there, walking among the icy landscapes and rugged terrain. The author’s ability to transport the reader to Alaska is one of the book’s greatest assets. I often pictured the stark beauty, from the dense forests to the isolated villages. It’s a setting that not only adds to the atmosphere but also becomes a character in its own right. This vital environmental element also enhances the tension and mystery of the plot.
J.L. Askew’s talent for detail and dialogue also stands out. The clarity of the conversations, especially between Race Warren and the characters he encounters, brings the story to life. Each line feels deliberate. The dialogue shows layers of the characters while moving the plot forward. It’s in these moments that the novel feels most grounded, despite its many twists and supernatural elements.
However, while I appreciated many of the characters, there are too many of them. The number of characters offsets the depth that could have been allotted to each. Many of the characters felt flat. They lacked the emotional complexity that would have made their motivations resonate more. With fewer characters, there could have been more room to explore their backstories. This would have helped the reader care more about their fates.