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Curse of the Eagle by Michael Nathanson

Fresh off the heels of Cries of the Eagle, Michael E. Nathanson’s sequel Curse of the Eagle stuns with exhilarating tension and dizzyingly high stakes. Fresh from their last hair-raising episode, the characters are drawn into a complex case after several high-ranking U.S. government officials are assassinated almost out of thin air. With the help of a new member, this top FBI team begin to unravel the skeins of an intricate plot to terrorize and murder millions of “infidels” under the aegis of a diabolical and shadowy organization: The Council of the Practitioners of Jihad.

Here to discuss the second book in this projected trilogy is Nathanson himself. Here he discuss what it takes to write a compelling sequel in the world of crime thrillers: researching FBI technology, crafting compelling villains and choosing to transform an overused and harmful trope in political thrillers at this current time.

Q: What inspired you to write Curse of the Eagle and continue the narrative of its predecessor, Cries of the Eagle?

A: I initially developed an interest in the religion, culture and people of Islam during a long business trip to the Middle East in the early 1980s. I worked with young Muslim engineers that became my friends during my stay. They were normal guys (not radical), great people, with a job, married, and children, the same as me. I spent down-time with all of them. We enjoyed more commonality than differences. Though normal, good-willed people, they lived carefully, in a highly regulated Muslim culture within the country. Later, I became interested in the jihadist aspect of Islam, its origins and growth. Shortly after 9/11, I became more interested in the subject of terrorism, and the germ of an idea developed, which much later turned into Cries of the Eagle. I originally saw it as a trilogy, but thus far it is just the original and sequel, Curse of the Eagle.

Q: FBI investigations into terrorism are, of course, a plotline that is all-too-relevant to our own reality. Was there a real-life inquiry that influenced your work? Or was it more of a jumping-off point for you to craft your own narrative based on the idea?

A: It was really more of a jumping off point rather than based upon a specific real-life inquiry. I do know, and I would say have been influenced by people that have been professionally involved with this type of investigative work.

Q: The character of Aziz Malawi is a deviation from the overused trope of the “bad Muslims” often seen in today’s thriller market. Talk us through your reasoning of including him as a character in this story.

A: Aziz was deliberately developed as my American Muslim hero-protagonist for the novel. He was supposed to be a strong counter to the typical thriller depiction of “bad Muslims.” In some ways I suppose he is an amalgamation of aspects of people I have  known or met. I think that might be true of many novelists’ characters. There is always an extraction from life somewhere in the writing of a novel, pieces of yourself or others.

Q: Technology plays a major role in the story, utilized both by the FBI and the terrorist network they’re working to defeat. Did you have to do research in order to depict this kind of top-of-the-line tech?

A: I did have to do quite a bit of research for the story on a variety of subjects. My wife used to kid me that one day a black SUV was going to show up at our door with folks inquiring as to Michael’s whereabouts. I am pleased to report this has not happened thus far!

Q: What was the process of crafting the villain of this story, Hubal? How did you develop the shortcomings that motivate his behavior throughout the novel?

A: Hubal is indeed a complex character. His life needed to carry many traumas, wounds and scars, from childhood to adult. He had physical, emotional, and mental-character issues that I hoped would develop him into an interesting villain. Living in Hubal’s head was a challenge at times, as it was a scary place.

Q: What’s next for the characters of Curse of the Eagle?

A: I have the developed the framework for one last story with this cast of characters, but have yet to dive into it. I think I need a short break from the topic. There is another, completely different novel that I would like to write — a political story idea that has haunted me for some time. I’m thinking that may come next.

 

About Michael E. Nathanson:

Coming from a family of writers, Michael E. Nathanson held a lifelong dream of one day weaving a good story that also points to hope and light in a darkened world. He lives in Texas with his wife, Jan, and they joyfully serve together in the marriage ministry at their church.

 

 

 

 

Curse of the Eagle by Michael Nathanson
Publish Date: 01/07/2022
Author: Michael Nathanson
Page Count: 392 pages
Publisher: Michael Nathanson
ISBN: 9798985496109
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