Rare Earth

Jun 26, 2012 Lynn :O) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This second book takes Marc on another high stakes adventure. It is a difficult book to review as I'm not sure which aspect of the book to cover. There are so many layers to this book and each of them has me desiring to change and become more.
The basics of a good book are all there; great story telling, interesting plot, deep characters and all the action a person could need. But on top of all that there was a "feel" to this book. I found myself wanting to take notes, underline and re-read some...more

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May 10, 2013 Anne Baxter Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Davis Bunn has produced another great Marc Royce thriller, this one set in Nairobi. Marc arrives there as Mount Elgon volcano is spewing smoke, ash, and lava, making breathing difficult and truck travel a crawl. Refugees flow faster than the lava, and there seems to be no end to the river of humans.

Marc has been sent to Nairobi to find two people, a sister and a brother, and uncover a secret so deadly it threatens to kill not only the land but also the people near mysterious farm plots set up by...more

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Sep 16, 2012 Nona King rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love strong men of action who are not ashamed of the tender sides of their nature. In Marc Royce, the hero of Rare Earth, I found the best of both worlds. In fact, he reminded me of my husband of six years (fellow writer, 82nd airborne infantry, navy cryptographer, regional safety manager).

Marc Royce is a tantalizing balance of action, courage, tenderness, faith, and honor. While the story of Rare Earth had me by the scruff and dragged me along in its wake, I relished the character development...more

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Sep 04, 2012 Catherine Richmond added it

I have mixed feelings about this book. Dialogue is a strength. The reader can identify the speaker and his nationality from a sentence or two of dialogue. The setting is interesting - the refugee camps of Kenya. The premise is different, but plausible: the Kenyan government, in cahoots with the Chinese government, is relocating villages to mine rare minerals.

The story is told mostly from the hero's point of view, but rarely deep enough. Weather, smells, and fatigue are noted often without physi...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

In Rare Earth, readers meet back up with Marc Royce. After being stuck doing paperwork after his last adventure (Lion of Babylon), he is eager to get back out into the field. Little does he know that not only will he be facing danger from all around him, but he will also need to face some things from his past to be able to move forward with his life. He is drawn toward Kitra, the relief worker that he’s been sent to help and observe, but the mission must come first.

Rare Earth has lots of action...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Leigh rated it 4 of 5 stars

n the character of Marc Royce, Davis Bunn has created a true hero. Royce is a kind of Christian Jack Ryan--intensely loyal, an excellent analyst who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty, and carrying an absolute commitment to doing the right thing.

After his successful mission in Iraq (see Lion of Babylon), Marc is sent to the Horn of Africa. Ostensibly his mission is to unravel the logistical breakdown of a Kenya refugee camp. His real mission, though, is to uncover the fate of a missing aid wor...more

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Aug 14, 2012 Robyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Just by looking at the cover of Davis Bunn's newest title, Rare Earth, I just knew this book was no girly romance.

And the first one or two sentences in the story confirmed my hunch. Nope, not a girly love story. Finally!

Not only does the plot take us from Washington DC to Kenya, Israel, and back again in the pursuit for truth and justice, but protagonist Marc Royce (AKA The Accountant) certainly captivates the imagination and inspires the senses for 300 pages or so.

He's everything a hero needs t...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Joyce Elferdink rated it 5 of 5 stars

1. Bunn’s impression of Kenya, its culture, challenges, and natural features

Here are a few examples from the book:
a. the African limp handshake of warriors trained to show no aggression;
b. the African rhythm, where the passage of time is measured in the sweep of stars, the rising of crops, the carving of cliffs by wind and rain;
c. the elders’ circle where tribal leaders meet to discuss local issues

2. Davis’ protagonist, Marc Royce, who characterizes a man with the standards, strengths, and physi...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: RARE EARTH
Author: Davis Bunn
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
July 2012
ISBN 978-0-7642-0906-2
Genre: Fiction / Suspense

Set on the rich canvas of an incredibly complex African continent, this latest novel by Davis Bunn reveals the incredible tension that exists between the past and the future of this third-world country, between the old legacies and the new desires for more . . . more power, more wealth, more influence. And RARE EARTH highlights the extents to which some will go in order t...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars

1 Corinthians 9:25-27
King James Version (KJV)
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

This blog post will be a fun departure from the norm for me. As most of you kn...more

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Jul 20, 2012 Lisa Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: Rare Earth
Author: Davis Bunn
Pages: 368
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany House
Note: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Follow my other reviews at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... and on twitter @lcjohnson1988
The beauty of a masterpiece is that you can look intently and see the many facets necessary to put together the finished product and appreciate the skill it took to create it. Rare Earth is like that masterpiece. The author took many facets of the st...more Title: Rare Earth
Author: Davis Bunn
Pages: 368
Year: 2012
Publisher: Bethany House
Note: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Follow my other reviews at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... and on twitter @lcjohnson1988
The beauty of a masterpiece is that you can look intently and see the many facets necessary to put together the finished product and appreciate the skill it took to create it. Rare Earth is like that masterpiece. The author took many facets of the story, put them together, and came out with a wonderful novel for all to read. The story covers three continents at least, as well as many types of people bonded together by their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Kenyans, Israelis, Americans, and many tribes are brought together through various events to help conquer the evil that looms larger now than when at first glance it appeared insignificant.
American operative, Marc Royce, is at first sent to bring order to the supplying of various refugee camps in Africa. He is known as an accountant for a major company, but what else does this man know? Is there more to Marc Royce’s story and history that will affect not only his future, but others’ futures as well?
Charles is a native African and pastor, who loves his nation and people. All who know him are aware of this and love him deeply. Philip, while the youngest of tribal leaders, is the chief among the men. Why? Deb is sent to help Marc with his mission only to find herself in a new position talking with a powerful man named Walton, Marc’s boss. All this action and adventure are brought to the forefront in the novel by a volcano erupting and the subsequent need of the refugees for the basics to live. They need food, water, shelter, and medical treatment. Kitra is there to work as a medical aide, but there has to be more to her story, especially when her brother comes up missing.
Now, to top it all off, the UN is sending in people. Are they really there to serve the nationals best interests? Who can be trusted and who is an enemy? The villages are taken from those who have owned them for generations, and “yellow men” have come to take some of the dirt for samples. Before the village elders know what is happening, they are forced to leave their homes and land with promises that soon they will get other land. Who is really pulling the strings to steal land and why? Why are Kitra and so many others in danger for their lives, hurt or even killed to keep someone or some secret safe? What is so important to cover up at such an expense of lives?
Marc is told he is there to do more than he realizes because the chief of elders has had a vision about him. Kitra is afraid to allow herself to acknowledge what she feels about Marc. Marc is concerned for her and willing to fight to protect her. What role do the Holy Land and completed Jews play in the routing of those who seek to destroy Africa and her people? The land known as the rift extends far, but does it join two continents and her peoples together?
With page upon page of mystery, intrigue, love, action, and adventure you will certainly find it hard to put this novel down. Davis Bunn has been given a wonderful story to tell to those who take the time to read it, as I hope you do. I hardly told you much about all this novel contains. Are you ready to unearth the treasure?
My rating for this book is 5 stars.

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Jul 19, 2012 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Combine action, mystery, state secrets, an accountant who fights like a ninja, and a bit of romance and what do you get? You get an awesome story by Davis Bunn, titled Rare Earth. It has been a long time since I read any books from Davis Bunn and I have to say this one was excellent.

Marc Royce, a young widower, has experienced danger. And his skills show easily that he knows how to handle himself, but now he is in the middle of something that is testing every skill he has. Sent to Africa, u...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Christian Fiction Addiction rated it 5 of 5 stars

Bunn has a special gift to combine pulse-accelerating action with beautifully crafted prose, and Rare Earth finds the author at his finest. It is an enticing read, one with descriptions so vivid that I could taste the grit of volcanic ash in my teeth. Marc Royce continues to be a fantastic character, a man of integrity who puts feet to his faith, a hero that our generation can embrace. His combat scenes are simply awesome, and they seemed so real they played like a movie across my mind! Marc's a...more

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Jul 13, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-action-adventure, christian-fiction, christian-suspense-fiction, contemporary-fiction, supense-thriller-fiction

Marc Royce has been hired as the new supply officer employed by Lodestone, a US company contracted to bring in emergency supplies and do so for a profit in Africa for the UN. A volcano near the border between Kenya and Uganda, that has been dormant for centuries has erupted at the base of Mount Elgon and the destination for aid is in the city of Kitale.

Lodestone had recently become one of the largest suppliers of humanitarian equipment in Africa. Theirs was a specialty service. Their clients inc...more Marc Royce has been hired as the new supply officer employed by Lodestone, a US company contracted to bring in emergency supplies and do so for a profit in Africa for the UN. A volcano near the border between Kenya and Uganda, that has been dormant for centuries has erupted at the base of Mount Elgon and the destination for aid is in the city of Kitale.

Lodestone had recently become one of the largest suppliers of humanitarian equipment in Africa. Theirs was a specialty service. Their clients included every major aid agency, along with the United Nations. Whenever and wherever a crisis erupted, the agencies turned to firms like Marc's to deliver emergency supplies, and do so fast.

But there was a problem. One so large it had rung alarm bells eight thousand miles away. Which was why Marc had been brought in. An outsider who some thought had no chance of success and even less of survival. Before departing for Nairobi, Marc had been repeatedly warned of unseen foes who would make it there business to assure he never made it back alive. Marc had responded that he would have had it no other way. Marc wondered at his habit of landing in impossible situations.

He learns from Kitra Korban, a nurse rendering aid, that her brother, Serge, a medical technician is believed to have been abducted and believes that Lodestone might be a possible connection in his disappearance. They both begin to believe that whatever Lodestone is hiding, they value it far more than human life. But one of the tribal elders, Phillip believes that Marc Royce is the answer to a long awaited dream he has of saving this land and the people in it.

Davis Bunn once again brings his readers in for a heart-stopping, action-packed suspense novel, Rare Earth, where they are reunited with Marc Royce, who is working undercover from the State Department to discover what it is the Lodestone is hiding and he soon realizes, that this might be a mission he might not make it back from. It appears he is not the only one, who believes this may in fact, be his last mission and some with stop at nothing to make sure that's exactly what happens.

I received Rare Earth compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. Having read a Lion of Babylon, the first book in the series of Davis Bunn's novel's featuring the character of Marc Royce, readers will not be disappointed. You can pick this one up as a stand alone, but once you read this one, you'll want the rest! I rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars and love how well Davis puts his character in the heart of the action and truly makes him believable. He's not invincible, and is flawed and that is one of the reasons this book works so well for me. I can't wait to see more of Davis Bunn's novels in the future. (less)

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Jul 12, 2012 Charity rated it 5 of 5 stars

Up today is a blog tour for a really great book. Rare Earth by Davis Bunn is the second book in the Marc Royce series but can be read as a stand-alone novel. And boy is it good!

I have been a fan of Davis Bunn's for a while. I started by reading his historical books, written with his wife, and then progressed to his mystery/suspense books when they came out. That is what category this new book, Rare Earth, falls into. It is the second in the series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. I d...more Up today is a blog tour for a really great book. Rare Earth by Davis Bunn is the second book in the Marc Royce series but can be read as a stand-alone novel. And boy is it good!

I have been a fan of Davis Bunn's for a while. I started by reading his historical books, written with his wife, and then progressed to his mystery/suspense books when they came out. That is what category this new book, Rare Earth, falls into. It is the second in the series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. I didn't remember much from the first book but it didn't really matter as I swiftly plunged into this one for a great ride!

The book has a lot of mystery to it and a great plot. I had never heard of this rare earth thing before so it was also educational and I found out some things I had never learned before. But believe me, the action in this was the best part! Davis Bunn knows how to write an action scene and I felt like I was watching a movie. I could see how things went, who threw a punch, what direction the guys feet went, etc:) It was really kind of fun. But the suspense was good too. You are kind of thrown right into the adventure from the first page and you have to figure out what is going on.

I really liked Marc and felt he was realistic. With his background and baggage he is carrying around, he just seems very real. I liked how he thought, acted and was so humble. Kitra was an enjoyable heroine. She is so trying to win her fathers approval it almost hurt. And she feels so guilty about her brother. The other characters are all very good. There are none that are minor characters, they all play big parts! I loved them all:)

Overall a great book! Nothing I found that I didn't like. Great plot and am seriously crossing my fingers hoping for a third book in the Marc Royce series:) Please!! This is definitely a 5 star book that I would give more if I could!

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. (less)

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Jul 11, 2012 Peter rated it 5 of 5 stars

Many stories crush the life out of heroes, making them either larger than life or flat and one-dimensional. Even worse, many storied heroes never rise above themselves or their problems, allowing others to effect change around them, and then take the credit.

Davis Bunn’s new novel, Rare Earth, offers a refreshing hero that satisfies completely.

Marc Royce is reluctant. Involved in relief operations in Kenya, he loves his job, thrives on the action. But strange men evicting tribes from their land s...more

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Feb 19, 2013 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is was an amazing story. We meet our protagonist Marc Royce as he enters Africa under the guise as an accountant who is bringing much needed supplies to an area that has just been ravaged by a volcanic eruption. But there is more to Marc Royce than what meets the eye. He is there for another reason all together. He has been trained by several elite forces and is highly capable to go into any given situation and take charge of the operation and succeed. When He arrives at the camp he sees th...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Beckie rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Rare Earth" by Davis Bunn was given to me in exchange for an honest review by Bethany House. "Rare Earth" is the second book in the Mark Royce series. You do not need to have read the first at all to follow the second. I really like his new series. I have tried to read a few of Bunn's romances that he co-wrote but none of them held my interest. This series is totally different from that. It is about a man, Mark Royce, who is an accountant and widower. He somehow gets tied into the White House a...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction

The novel Rare Earth played out in my head like an action-packed blockbuster. The volcano-scarred Kenyan earth, harsh Nairobi slums, kibbutz in Israel—each location came alive. And the people of those exotic locales—the crowds of desperate villagers, cold-eyed mercenaries, exhausted relief workers, corrupt officials—filled my imagination.

The story centers around quick-thinking, adventure-loving Marc Royce, a man who seems equally as comfortable with a clipboard or a pearl-handled pistol in his...more The novel Rare Earth played out in my head like an action-packed blockbuster. The volcano-scarred Kenyan earth, harsh Nairobi slums, kibbutz in Israel—each location came alive. And the people of those exotic locales—the crowds of desperate villagers, cold-eyed mercenaries, exhausted relief workers, corrupt officials—filled my imagination.

The story centers around quick-thinking, adventure-loving Marc Royce, a man who seems equally as comfortable with a clipboard or a pearl-handled pistol in his hands. In the words of author Davis Bunn, Mark “carries his faith into a world that likes to think Jesus no longer plays a role. He sees himself as the ultimate outsider, wounded by the loss of his wife, searching for a place he can call home, and an ideal worth living for—or giving his life for.”

Two characters greatly impact Mark’s world. First, Kitra , the beautiful Israeli nurse, lights a flame in his grieving heart and shows him that he can love again. Then the noble chief Philip hears from God in a dream that Mark is the shujaa [warrior] who will help his tribe find their true home. Together they set Mark on a path that will lead to great fulfillment—if he can survive it.

One aspect of this story I especially loved was how Christians from various cultures join together to find a way to thrive, build the church, and impact events on the world stage. That establishing a cross-cultural venture involves danger, excitement, and romance makes it all the more fun!

Davis Bunn says, “All my books hold to one key aim—to create a story that carries a moral, and together result in an impact or challenge or inspiration or comforting assurance that remains long after the book is set down. That, to me, defines a worthy effort.”

Rare Earth reminded me that God is working internationally to help His church meet today’s challenges. And I found that greatly encouraging. So is this story a worthy effort? You bet! Score for Davis Bunn!

The publisher is allowing me to give away one copy of the book. Follow this link to my blog Doorkeeper to enter!

****Thanks to Bethany House for providing my review copy.(less)

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Aug 11, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Davis Bunn in his new book, “Rare Earth” Book Two in the Marc Royce series published by Bethany House takes us to Kenya.

From the back cover: Marc Royce stares out of the helicopter, a sense of foreboding rising with the volcanic cloud. Below, the Rift Valley slashes across Africa like a scar. Decades of conflicts, droughts, and natural disasters have left their mark.

Dispatched to audit a relief organization, Royce is thrust into the squalor and chaos of Kenyan refugee camps. But his true mission...more Davis Bunn in his new book, “Rare Earth” Book Two in the Marc Royce series published by Bethany House takes us to Kenya.

From the back cover: Marc Royce stares out of the helicopter, a sense of foreboding rising with the volcanic cloud. Below, the Rift Valley slashes across Africa like a scar. Decades of conflicts, droughts, and natural disasters have left their mark.

Dispatched to audit a relief organization, Royce is thrust into the squalor and chaos of Kenyan refugee camps. But his true mission focuses on the area’s reserves of once-obscure minerals now indispensable to high-tech industries. These strategic elements–called rare earth–have inflamed tensions on the world’s stage and stoked tribal rivalries. As Royce prepares to report back to Washington, he seizes on a bold and risky venture for restoring justice to this troubled land.

But this time, Royce may have gone too far.

Marc Royce is back! If you enjoyed the first book in this series, “Lion of Babylon”, then you are going to enjoy this one also. Here is a question: does God like certain parts of Earth more than He likes other parts? The answer is no. Humans divided up the planet with their lines on map making countries, cities and towns. God looks at the Earth and says all the Earth is mine. So to God Kenya is no less valuable than, let’s say, Switzerland. Get ready for an exciting suspense ride as ”Rare Earth” is a thriller, which simply means that everyone’s lives are in danger from practically page one. The title comes from indispensable minerals to high-tech industries. Marc Royce is sent to the Kenya to investigate conflicting reports about missing people and whole villages. Along the way he sees the truth about the Kenyan refuge camps. During the course of this investigation Marc will encounter villains, treachery and life-threatening situations that will keep you flipping the pages as fast as you can read. The theme of “Rare Earth” is all human life has value. The lead characters are terrific and we root for them as we live through their various heart-throbbing encounters. Davis Bunn does a truly remarkable job in this book while exciting us with this story that everyone will enjoy.

If you missed the interview for “Lion of Babylon” and would like to listen to it and/or interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Jul 14, 2012 Janice rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rare Earth starts out kind of rough but by chapter 4, Davis Bunn gets his writing groove flowing. Bunn threads the story line with history, mystery, suspense, and even a love story. This is the second book of a series and I didn't read the first one so that might have something to do with the fact that I found the front of the book to be a bit bumpy.

Marc Royce is recruited by UN Internal Security for a mission in Kenya. He works for Lodestone (as a front), which is a major provider of armed sec...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Vera Godley rated it 5 of 5 stars

My thoughts: For some strange reason Marc Royce, accountant, is being flown by helicopter into Kenya where the area is torn violently by the eruption of a volcano and the refugee camps filled with people who have been evicted from their traditional lands. One wonders why an accountant would be positioned in such an eruptive political situation.

We soon discover that Marc Royce is not a meek accountant but is in reality an undercover agent. His assignment is to rout out what is really going on wit...more My thoughts: For some strange reason Marc Royce, accountant, is being flown by helicopter into Kenya where the area is torn violently by the eruption of a volcano and the refugee camps filled with people who have been evicted from their traditional lands. One wonders why an accountant would be positioned in such an eruptive political situation.

We soon discover that Marc Royce is not a meek accountant but is in reality an undercover agent. His assignment is to rout out what is really going on with the displacement of so many tribal Africans. And, too, the kidnapping of a key international individual.

Author Davis Bunn has traveled extensively and his travels and gift for description enable him to draw vivid word pictures of sun rise and set, of dry parched land, and of hungry displaced refuges. Vivid descriptions of a volcano spewing forth ash and fire are set forth on the pages of Rare Earth. Not only has Bunn painted glorious word pictures of the scenes, he has drafted a multi-talented character in Marc Royce. A man of a quiet spirit and yet he can erupt with the fierceness of a volcano to fight mightily against wrong. He is a man of many strengths. He becomes the warrior the refugees need and he is the man that has a gentle soft side that appeals to the "leading lady."

Rare Earth is intensely written and filled with action packed scenes that will appeal immensely to the male reader. Marc Royce's strength and agility and degree of focus are not that of a "normal" man but that of a trained warrior. The story is one of international intrigue, and you won't know until near the very end just who the rogue players are.

For fun I recommend you research "rare earths" on the internet and see just what Bunn is writing about in his book. It is truly a front page story.

Read an Excerpt

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of writing an honest review of my opinion of Rare Earth. No compensation was provided and all opinions expressed are my own.(less)

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Jul 18, 2012 Jason Joyner rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for a book to really catch my attention lately.

Author Davis Bunn has done that with his latest book, Rare Earth.

Marc Royce is a fixer. A former intelligence agent who works for the government in scenarios that need subtlety and finesse, he is a man who fights the good fight to help others and to quell his own pain.

He is sent on assignment to Kenya, an east African country that had slid into crisis in recent years. A refugee camp is overwhelmed with people displaced due to a l...more I have been waiting for a book to really catch my attention lately.

Author Davis Bunn has done that with his latest book, Rare Earth.

Marc Royce is a fixer. A former intelligence agent who works for the government in scenarios that need subtlety and finesse, he is a man who fights the good fight to help others and to quell his own pain.

He is sent on assignment to Kenya, an east African country that had slid into crisis in recent years. A refugee camp is overwhelmed with people displaced due to a local volcanic eruption. The situation is volatile - there is little oversight, goods being withheld, and a population growing desperate by the hour.

As Marc lands and begins to grapple with the immediate problem, he is drawn to Kitra, a beautiful Israeli nurse who holds a secret and a grudge toward his cover company. The camp pastor Charles is Marc's only ally as he navigates tribal chiefs, political intrigue, and power brokers. When more villagers are displaced by government order, the region is primed to explode over something called "rare earth."

Marc has steep challenges before him: find the mystery of rare earth and Kitra's missing brother before he is the next victim.

----

I didn't realize when I ordered the book that I had read one of Bunn's earliest novels in the 1990s (so long ago now...). I was excited to read some of his newer work, and I was not disappointed.

Rare Earth is a suspense/action book with heart. Marc Royce is one of those heroes who is well-trained and knows how to respond in every situation. Even though he is special, he doesn't come across as a cardboard character. I felt Marc's doubts and hurts, and it provided real depth. Still, I enjoyed how he tackled situations and did what was necessary, including kicking some butt at times.

The plot is very current and deals with real world situations regarding rare earth and the phenomena of people being displaced for their land or resources. There was one too many meetings between power brokers (tribal chiefs, other councils) that got a little repetitive, but I always wanted to keep turning the page and reading more.

The faith element of the book is very well-handled and organic to the story. There is no preachiness, but spiritual life is realistically depicted, and this is a book anyone could enjoy.

The CBA market is developing more writers and books outside of the Amish/historical/romance genres over time. Davis Bunn has actually been around for a while, and even though I lost track of his works for a while, I will be eagerly watching for his new material after enjoying Rare Earth. Fans of action and suspense should definitely check him out.(less)

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Jul 19, 2012 Debbie Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: All Christians, older teen and up

Wow! What a book. This book was excellent. I wish I had the money to get all my friends a copy. I just loved it. It has: Characters that I can relate to. Suspense. Building tension. Interesting subject matter...rare earth metals. Relevance to real problems in today's world. The U.N. and international trouble. Action. A definite Christian emphasis. Hand to hand combat. Spies. Good guys. Bad guys. Intrigue in finding out who the good guys are and who the real bad guys are.

I love the Christian/spir...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Linda Hunt rated it 5 of 5 stars

Fabulous book! I finished Bunn's other Marc Royce book, Lion of Babylon, and was anxious to move right into Rare Earth. For me, these books were both hard to put down, even though my free time for reading is very scarce, and I just wanted a few spare hours to curl up and read, read, read! I like how Bunn brings his characters' emotions and faith strongly into his novels, and how his heroes are strong and capable and wise without being crass and immoral and foul-mouthed. His story lines are catch...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Wilma rated it 5 of 5 stars

Davis Bunn has given us another really good book.
His descriptions of Africa made me feel like I had been picked up from my home and set down in the middle of a very real conflict.

Davis takes our hero from the first book Lion of Babylon, and steps him up another step in his spiritual growth and shows us what it truly means to not only hear but to answer God’s call.
This story seems so real at times it made me uncomfortable to think there are real people going through things similar to this in oth...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Barbara rated it 5 of 5 stars

A former operative for State department, Marc Royce drops into the middle of a crisis in Africa under cover as the employee of Lodestone, a for-profit U. S. company contracted to bring in emergency supplies. A volcano near the border between Kenya and Uganda has erupted onto land “already devastated by drought, famine, and civil war.”

It’s just a bit confusing at first because as readers we don’t know what Marc’s real mission is, why people react negatively to him at first, and what the reasons a...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Bryan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, history-military, leadership, thriller-political, politics

For those who are big fans of Marc Royce's story, this will be a welcomed addition but not as great as his exploits in Iraq. The idea of a UN/Halliburton based conspiracy is great and interesting but tends to fall apart at times. The uplifting elements come from the relationships developed between Royce, Kitra, Charles, and the local elders. The digital edition from amazon was nice but some noticeable copy/edit issues started showing up in the second half of the the book.

(view spoiler)...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Sid Frost rated it 5 of 5 stars

Marc Royce, a former CIA agent who is unofficially reactivated, takes a job with Lodestone, a civilian government contractor, and is stationed in Kenya. Something suspicious is happening there and the U.S. government is not sure what or who is responsible. Royce is sent to find out. After training in Nairobi where the Kenyan Lodestone headquarters is located, Royce is sent to a French aid station which is being overrun with displaced people due to the eruption of a volcano on Mount Elgon between...more Marc Royce, a former CIA agent who is unofficially reactivated, takes a job with Lodestone, a civilian government contractor, and is stationed in Kenya. Something suspicious is happening there and the U.S. government is not sure what or who is responsible. Royce is sent to find out. After training in Nairobi where the Kenyan Lodestone headquarters is located, Royce is sent to a French aid station which is being overrun with displaced people due to the eruption of a volcano on Mount Elgon between Kenya and Uganda.

When Royce arrives with food and medical supplies he learns the camp leaders were hoping for soldiers to help keep order. However, as soon as Royce learns more about the situation he is able to restore peace by working through the displaced tribe elders.

He meets Kitra at the medical station in the camp. She lets him know right away that she doesn't like him because he works for Lodestone and she suspects the company was involved in the kidnapping of her brother. Serge, a medical technician at the camp, had been missing for eight days. What Kitra doesn't know and Royce can't tell her, is that her missing brother is part of the reason he was sent to Kenya. Royce, a widower, is instantly attracted to Kitra and is thankful to have such feelings again.

Royce is so effective in managing the camp that the UN district administrator, Frederick Uhura, takes an interest in him and provides more contracts for Lodestone. This makes Royce look better to his bosses. However, Royce was also there to investigate Lodestone personnel and he doesn't know who he can trust.

This is one of those stories where the reviewer needs to be careful not to say too much. However, I will tell you the suspense is powerful and the momentum of the story grows from start to finish. The characters are vivid as well as the descriptions, especially the African locations. The volcano adds a since of urgency and is used to help Royce at one point in the story. There is a trip to Israel where Royce meets Kitra's parents. Then there is the love story between Royce and Kitra and the hope of how it might end.

I first met Marc Royce in Davis Bunn's Lion of Babylon. Rare Earth stands alone, however, and you can read the two books in any order. I loved them both.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255. The book was then donated to a church library.(less)

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Aug 23, 2012 Kelli rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: present-day-fiction

Bethany House kindly sent me this story to review. The synopsis sounds great, given the backdrop is in Africa.
This is very classically a male story. In the opening chapters, the male lead is almost misogynistic. He comes, takes control, doesn't listen to others, including other women who are aid workers. Its kind of emotionless and bland that way.
However, I like the setting. I like the volcano as the back drop and that it is set in Africa. I like the secret, covert type stuff! I think that Dav...more

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12970296-rare-earth?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348964374l/12970296.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12970296-rare-earth?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Rare Earth by Davis Bunn[/url]

Rare Earth (Marc Royce #2)

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