Jake Muller Adventures: Blood
Summary
Blood is the second of Jake Muller Adventures audiodramas written and produced by Darby Kern. In this story, former soldier and bodyguard Jake Muller confronts supernatural enemies, blood-drinking humans, and his own past as he tries to protect those he loves from a coven of vampires.
Assessment
In terms of production quality, Blood follows the excellent standards set by its predecessor, Unidentified. From the voice acting to the sound production and musical score, this audiodrama sits well above the rest, providing an engaging and, at times, downright spooky supernatural thriller.
Theologically tone of this one shifts more solidly into spiritual warfare territory than the previous one, with more in-the-audience’s-face spiritual elements. The overarching theme is balanced between the blood-sucking depravity of the local vampire coven and the spiritual power of Jesus’ sacrifice (i.e., His blood). The theology is a little heavy-handed, but well executed in a way that makes sense for the story.
Light-o-Meter
Voice Acting: 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Plot: 5 out of 7 Little Lights
Worldbuilding: 5 out of 7 Little Lights
Characters: 5 out of 7 Little Lights
Cleanliness: 4 out of 7 Little Lights (lots of references to blood and violence, also someone losing their lunch repeatedly)
Theological Message: 6 out of 7 Little Lights
Overall: 5 out of 7 Little Lights
Talk
Not only was I hyped up from the previous episode of the Jake Muller Adventures (the UFO-themed Unidentified), but when I read that Blood was going to be vampire-themed, I got even more excited. I kind of enjoy vampire-themed stories when I can find ones that aren’t too creepy or romantic. I am happy to say that Blood did not disappoint in the slightest! It was exactly what I was hoping for with all its vampire-fighting aesthetic, dramatic cults, undeniable evil, and good-hearted heroes.
I will say, was not quite as impressed with the plot for this one as I was with Unidentified. Blood seemed a little more cyclical and the theology was a little more heavy-handed than the previous episode (additionally, Ari was driving me up a wall with her girlboss attitude). That said, the story was super enjoyable and I still highly recommend it. I feel like the Jake Muller Adventures are starting to establish its own particular tropes and cliches in a good way that will carry the series through its entire run. I love the internal tropes it is using and am really excited about the next one (which, if I recall, is zombie-themed!).
I do want to mention that Blood struck me as a little gorier and more violent than Unidentified, so I would recommend it for a slightly older audience (+15) or one that isn’t terribly sensitive. There are references all throughout about vampires — most of which amount to blood-drinking, demon-worshipping humans rather than actual vampires — and demons. It also ups the ante in the supernatural/horror side of things, making it pretty intense. If you are craving an action-heavy Christian story about good fighting evil, this exactly where you need to be looking!
Wrap-up
Blood is the second episode of the Jake Muller Adventures. It sees Jake, Ari, and other familiar characters as they struggle against spiritual evil. Taking on a vampire coven head-on, Jake must wrestle with the larger, spiritual forces at work in his life, including his own anger and unresolved trauma, if he hopes to protect those that he loves.
Where to Enjoy
Jake Muller Adventures Website: 2: Blood | The Jake Muller Adventures
Amazon: Amazon.com: The Jake Muller Adventures: Blood (Audible Audio Edition): Darby Kern
Audible: The Jake Muller Adventures: Blood Audiobook
Barns & Noble: The Jake Muller Adventures: Blood: An Original, Action-Packed Audio Drama Series by Darby Kern
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