Jens, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in 2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.” Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike. Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity. Visit Jens’ website at https://jensboele.com/.
Can you tell us how your book got its name?
Well, considering the book revolves around Urban Explorers, often shortened to Urbexers, it felt natural to incorporate that term into the title. The inclusion of the 'X' at the end lends it a somewhat scientific vibe. Building on that, I decided to add the word 'Predator' to the mix. Interestingly, there's a Latin term for the predator, which sits atop the food chain, known as the Apex Predator. The similarity struck me. Within the narrative, the abandoned barracks are teeming with various predators. It raises the intriguing question: who truly holds the mantle of predator, and who becomes the prey?
What is your favorite part of Urbex Predator?
My favorite part of Urbex Predator is definitely the final segment, where chaos and violence converge in an ultimate showdown. It’s an intense climax where Nela and Yelka face off against the gang of thugs hunting them down in the eerie, abandoned hallways of the old military hospital. But there’s a twist—an unseen hunter lurking in the shadows, preying on either our final girls or the hoodlums. Want to find out who he is? Well, that’s another one of my favorite parts. It’s not just about the good and the bad; you’ll also witness the emergence of a truly ugly and wicked character. I can tell you, this character is nasty and twisted. Let me know what you think of him!
Can you give me a brief description of your characters?
Absolutely, that’s a fantastic inquiry, delving into a crucial aspect of the book. Some readers have mentioned concerns about the number of characters, so I created a comprehensive character cheat sheet available for download on my website. However, I respectfully disagree with the notion of an excessive character count. In a horror novel with a high body count, each character serves a purpose, contributing to the intricate tapestry of the narrative.
Let’s zero in on the key players: Nela and Tess are inseparable friends on a mission to document the abandoned barracks for Nela’s photography thesis. Nela is focused and determined, while Tess dreams of a glamorous modeling career. Their dynamic is like yin and yang, revolving around their differing perspectives on the significance of photography.
Then there’s Yelka and Zander, childhood companions drawn to urban exploration for the sheer thrill of discovery. Yelka radiates warmth and curiosity, reveling in the exploration of abandoned sites, while Zander harbors unspoken affections for her and channels his expertise in urban exploration to fuel her passion. Accompanying them are Vivien, Yelka’s sister and an emerging social media influencer, and her manager Damon, who is solely focused on boosting Vivien’s online presence.
When faced with the menacing gang of hoodlums, our protagonists find themselves navigating a perilous struggle for survival, prompting reflection on who will survive and, as a famous quote suggests, what will be left of them. Prepare for a riveting exploration of friendship, survival, and the shadows that lurk within the abandoned corridors of the human psyche.
Will there be a sequel?
What an intriguing question, one that has been swirling in my mind as I penned the final pages of Urbex Predator. While I'm careful not to unveil too many secrets just yet, I'm thrilled to share this glimpse into what lies ahead: the potential for revisiting certain characters in new and thrilling escapades. But here's the twist—it’s not just our heroes who may make a return. Every character, from the protagonists to the villains, has captured my imagination.
In fact, I’ve already begun to sketch out ideas for potential sequels or perhaps even an entire series. Imagine it: new abandoned sites, deeper rivalries, and a shadowy cult lurking in the periphery. Yet, the fate of these future tales ultimately rests in the hands of you, the readers. Your embrace of the characters and their world will determine the course of the narrative yet to unfold.
But amidst the allure of sequels, I’m also brimming with fresh concepts for entirely new literary journeys. Time, as they say, is a precious commodity. So, dear readers, if the thought of further Urbex Predator adventures ignites your imagination, I’m all ears. Your voices may very well shape the destiny of what’s to come.
Do you have to have music or the TV on when you write?
No, I never have music or TV on when I write. I’m a purist in that regard—it's either writing or listening, never both at the same time. When I'm writing, I strive to truly dig down and become one with the story. I immerse myself in the narrative, letting the characters and their world take center stage.
I’m one of those people who can bear and even thrive in silence. I don’t need voices or background noise to keep me company. In fact, I find that silence helps me focus and connect more deeply with the story I’m creating. It’s in the quiet moments that the best ideas often come to life, allowing me to craft the intricate details and atmosphere that make a story truly compelling.
What is the snack and or beverage you need when you write?
Ha ha, that’s a fantastic question! Up until last year, my go-to answer would have been Diet Cherry Pepsi without a doubt. It was my writing fuel, keeping me refreshed and energized. However, I decided to make a change at the beginning of this year, stepping away from flavored soft drinks and especially diet beverages. Now, I stick to sparkling water—it’s hydrating and keeps me focused without the sugar rush.
But let’s be honest, writing isn’t always a strictly disciplined activity. There’s a famous quote attributed to Hemingway, though he probably never said it: “Write drunk, edit sober.” While I don’t make a habit of this, there are moments when the mood strikes, and I indulge in a good Japanese whisky or gin. There’s something about the smooth complexity of a fine whisky or the crisp botanicals of a well-crafted gin that can make a writing session feel a bit more special and relaxed.
As for snacks, I usually keep it simple. A handful of almonds or walnuts can be perfect—something that’s easy to munch on without being too distracting. These little treats help keep my energy up and my mind sharp, allowing me to stay immersed in the world I’m creating.
Out of all the books you have written, which one would you like to be remembered most for?
Well, probably the next one I write, although I don't know what it will be about yet! Joking aside, there’s a kernel of truth in that sentiment. As an author, I always aim high and only start writing when I’m completely passionate about the story. Each new project becomes my favorite, as it embodies the latest culmination of my creativity and dedication.
Currently, I'm most in love with "Urbex Predator." It has been my most successful book to date, garnering significant attention and positive feedback from readers. The thrilling narrative and intense character dynamics have really resonated with people, and that’s incredibly rewarding.
However, in the grand scheme of things, I'd like to be remembered for my complete body of work. Each book I’ve written, from "Sunshine" to "Son of a Bitch" and now "Urbex Predator," reflects different facets of my interests and storytelling abilities. My hope is that readers will appreciate the diversity and depth of my writing as a whole.
Ultimately, it’s the journey of writing and the connection with readers that matters most. Whether they remember me for a single book or the entirety of my work, I hope my stories leave a lasting impression and offer a thrilling escape into the worlds I’ve created.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book after they've finished reading it?
I hope they had a thrill ride through the horrors of abandoned places and the world of Urbexing. Beyond the adrenaline and suspense, I hope the topic of Urban Exploration sparked a newfound interest in them. There’s an undeniable beauty in decay and a unique magic in abandoned places that I strive to capture in my stories. If you want to experience this captivating world further, please take a look at my Instagram at broken_window_shots.
Thank you so much for your interest and for taking the time to read my book. Your support means the world to me. Happy exploring, and stay tuned for more adventures!
A relic from the Cold War, the old barracks beckon photographers, influencers, and adventurers, shrouded in secrets and peril. Nela and Tess dare the eerie ruins for their photography thesis, while Zander, Yelka, Vivien, and Damon embark on a simultaneous shoot. Amid the abandoned shadows, Yelka’s group runs into Steven and his ruthless gang, initially outsmarting them. Yet, Nela and Tess fall victim to a nightfall ambush, escaping but torn apart. As adrenaline courses through the gang, they stalk Yelka and her friends, unleashing a relentless manhunt. Vivien becomes their captive, setting off a chain reaction. Tess encounters Damon and Yelka, while Nela, guided by Ben, the barracks’ security manager, races to find Tess. Yelka strives to rescue Vivien, trapped in an abandoned outdoor pool. On his lone pursuit, Zander witnesses the gang’s brutality, delving into a darker realm within himself, spurred by the horrifying thrill of Steven’s actions. The scene propels Yelka, Damon, and Tess into a frenzy, unleashing chaos to liberate Vivien. Nela and Ben, attempting to overpower the gang, witness Yelka and Vivien’s escape as the gang closes in. With the arrival of Steven’s older brother, Henry, the stakes are set; the old military hospital transforms into a battleground. No one is to leave alive, and a matter of life and death ensues. In the ruthless clash, Nela and Yelka emerge as the lone defenders, while Zander pursues a mission for his own catharsis. In Henry’s basement, dubbed his Hades, the teams converge for a pulse-pounding final duel, where survival is the ultimate prize. You can pick up your copy at Amazon.
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