Inspirations - JAWS

I'm sharing some of the books, films, and TV shows that inspired Rule of Extinction, both to provide  recommendations and to give readers a sense of what to expect.

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Another inspiration for my new book Rule of Extinction is the movie Jaws, which turns 50 in 2025.

Last summer, I visited the filming locations for Jaws during the 50th anniversary of the production.

I visited the Jaws bridge, which the shark swam under to reach "the pond." I might have even jumped off it, despite the signs telling me not to...

I swam at the beach where Alex Kintner rafted, and replicated his final moments in the exact same spot where they occured in the film.

I visited the benches where the billboard was vandalized.

I stopped off at the location of Quint's shack, which was torn down immediately after the production.​

I visited Amity National Bank, the ferry, the police department, and Vaughn Realty

At the Amity Town Hall, I walked down the Amity Town Hall hall to sit at the curved desk and ponder closing the beaches.​

I have watched Jaws on the big screen every few years and the experience is so wonderful that I no longer bother watching at home.

​It’s absolutely thrilling in a crowded auditorium with the Atlantic Ocean filling your field of view and John Williams’ score enveloping you.

Although they are quite different in terms of scope, tone, and plot, Rule of Extinction and Jaws share three common elements:

1. A rousing sense of adventure.

2. A cast of memorable characters from a variety of backgrounds.

3.  ​And most of all, they both tap into the primal fear of being eaten alive.

Happy 50th Anniversary to JAWS!

Watch your cinema listings for revival screenings this summer. You’ll have a blast.

Finally, if you’re looking for a mix of adventure and monster horror to read in the meantime, check out Rule of Extinction.

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