FREEDOM–JUST ANOTHER WORD...

This first installment of a series offers a coming-of-age tale set in the Alaska wilderness.

Scott’s novel presents a young man named Jake Barnes, who travels to Alaska after graduating from high school. Over some eight years, he learns skills ranging from carpentry to winter survival. Now, he puts those talents to the test as he builds a cabin in a remote area on the Kachemak Bay for his friend Kevin Topher. It can be tough, dangerous work yet the upshot for Jake is that he can do what he wants as long as progress on the project is being made. But this freedom comes to an end when Jake’s girlfriend, Kat, becomes pregnant. Kat insists that when the baby arrives, Jake will need to find a regular job. Still, Jake has some time in the woods to get himself sorted out. In the process, he befriends a hardy World War II veteran named Dave Reagan. Dave lives near Jake’s construction site in his own cabin that he built with his wife, Ann. Dave not only knows the Alaskan wilderness like the back of his hand, he also has quite a lot to teach. The question is if Jake is ready for all the lessons both Dave and the world have in store for him. Wolves, bears, and buckshot fill the story with plenty of action. These vibrant scenes keep things moving, yet the dialogue can be rough in places. Jake’s nephew joins him in Alaska at one point. He eventually proclaims: “This has been the best summer of my life!” While this may not be the most insightful comment, work and brushes with wildlife keep the momentum going as the story delves into dreams and a “Shadow World.”In the end, Jake finds himself in quite a predicament, and many readers will wish to see if he can get himself out of it.

An Alaska adventure that bustles with activity, both earthly and otherworldly, throughout.