Davis Bunn's Blog, page 16

No Christian Wimp

In these new reader reviews of Strait of Hormuz, the reviewers reflect on Marc Royce’s faith.

   

Tested Loyalty. Tested Courage. Tested Faith.

By Mary Kay Moody, Jottings From the Journeys blog

With an economy of words and profusion of images, Strait of Hormuz is a story seemingly ripped from today’s news.

American Marc Royce has been sent on a clandestine intelligence operation that takes him to Switzerland, then across Europe into the Middle East, without backup or even a gun. He must penetrate the veil of secrecy around art thieves, smugglers, and terrorists to determine who he can trust as he uncovers which threats to himself and peace in the Mid-East are real and how they can be thwarted.

As Royce pursues the truth, each connection he has with the US intelligence community gets ripped away, and the operation grows increasingly perilous. This suspenseful journey tests his endurance, insight, and wisdom. But it is also a personal saga of tested limits, love, and faith. Will he rely on himself or on God?

Bunn populates this tale with a few familiar characters from earlier in the series—Ambassador Walton, pilot Carter Dawes, and the smart and lovely Israeli, Kitra Korban—joining a new cast of realistic, intriguing, and flawed characters struggling to find their way and purpose in an ever more dangerous world.

As Royce pursues information and then solutions, the operation grows increasingly perilous as each link with the US intelligence community gets ripped away from him. When it seems the challenges can’t get worse—more adversaries materialize. When all appears lost—an ally emerges from an unlikely direction.

Bunn weaves an intricate story, packing danger and suspense into every mile of the journey. Strait of Hormuz captured my interest on page one and carried me away as surely as a roaring mountain river. The settings springs off the page. The characters engage. The plot intrigues.

Davis Bunn’s skill as a writer continues to astound me. In Strait of Hormuz, Marc Royce begins his quest with only vague information and nebulous goals. But as each turn of events raises the stakes, Royce’s focus compresses until he locks on his target and becomes a human laser-guided missile. Truly, a worthy hero. And though I know of no plans for making this book into a movie—there should be.

Extra — My husband Ed believes this tale is a perfect illustration of God’s sovereignty and the thirty-third verse of Matthew 6: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” He also says Strait of Hormuz is his favorite of Bunn’s Marc Royce adventures.

That makes this a 4 thumbs-up, 10 star review!

Alone and Unaided

By Gail Welborn, Examiner.com

Davis Bunn, four-time Christy Award winner releases Strait of Hormuz Tuesday, November 5th, to complete his Marc Royce Adventure trilogy. It’s a fast-paced narrative of international intrigue, clandestine action and escalating global tensions that began with Lion of Babylon continued in Rare Earth and ends in Strait of Hormuz.

In this book readers find Marc in Switzerland without his customary intelligence resources and protocols in place, not even a gun because he’s been fired. Or that’s what everyone is led to believe due to a U.S. intelligence security leak.

Kitra Korban, Marc’s former “long-distance” love interest has mixed feelings of anticipation and dread as she enters Geneva’s most exclusive art gallery to save “…the very same man she had recently told she never wanted to speak with again…” Marc Royce.

The same gallery where only moments before Marc had found the corpse of gallery owner, art connoisseur, Sylvan Gollett adjacent to the famous bronze ballerina sculpture by Rodin. When he moved to take a picture of the body he heard the “most beautiful voice in the world call out to him” from the door.

Kitra’s greeting coincided with a sound he hoped to never hear again that told the agent he’d stepped into the “laser light” trigger of a bomb… there were only seconds to decide his next move. Add money-laundering, nuclear capabilities, cultural and religious issues and readers have what Hy Smith, Sr. Vice President of United International Pictures says is a “thinking person’s Indiana Jones” adventure.

Where Marc Royce, “alone and unaided” except for a selected few, must divide truth from deception, innuendo and rumor that cause him to question those he thought he could trust. Whether Mossad agents, girlfriend or fellow U.S. intelligence agents. The realistic threat, if acted upon, would have deadly results for Israel, the United States and the world that would leave the world forever changed.

The addition of Kitra’s and Marc’s off kilter romance only adds to Bunn’s delightful tale of suspense, danger and intrigue captures readers and keeps the pages turning. Although part of a trilogy, Strait of Hormuz can be read as a standalone title.

Marc Royce: He’s no Christian Wimp

By Edward Arrington, Amazon

I read my first Davis Bunn book in 2000. I was hooked. As I read Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth, the first two books in the Marc Royce series, I found it difficult to wait for the next book to be released. Although Strait of Hormuz is billed as the final book in this series, I would welcome additional installments of exciting adventure with Marc Royce and Kitra Korban.

Davis Bunn has an awesome knack for painting word pictures. As the action unfolds in each of his books, he makes it so easy to visualize what is taking place. It is easy to see that he has spent a lot of time researching the details. Strait of Hormuz is chocked full of suspense, international intrigue, strategy, extremely high stakes, and a faith that won’t give up.

I love the way Davis Bunn brings Christian faith into the interaction of individuals of various nationalities as they come together in worship and prayer. Faith plays a very vital role for Marc and Kitra throughout the course of events. It is an integral part of who he is, not just a safety net when trouble rears its ugly head. Combined with his training, skills, knowledge, and experience, Marc’s faith helps him keep his perspective and sort out the real issues.

Christians are often displayed as wimps but that’s not who Marc is. He is very much a man of action. The book has lots of action and keeps the reader on edge just waiting to see what will happen next: explosions, car chases, attacks, fights, numerous threats, and romance. I highly recommend this book.

Interviews and More Interviews

I’ve been honored to participate in three interviews lately.

Ann Byle did a Q&A with me about Strait of Hormuz on Novel Crossing.

Susie Larson, host of the Live the Promise show on Faith Radio, interviewed me during her Novel Talk segment.

We discussed the themes of suspense, wisdom, and redemption in my novel, Unlimited. Click here to listen to the show.

Southern Writers Radio Show interviewed me about Strait of Hormuz on their November 2013 show.

Click here to listen to the show.

 

 

Reviewers Write About Unlimited Power, Unlimited Potential, Unlimited Grace

Here are some excerpts from new reader reviews of Unlimited, which released September 1, 2013.

Please click the link next to each reviewer’s name to read their full review.

“The center of the story revolves around a device that creates, or rather salvages, unlimited energy ~ energy that is wasted from power plants and other sources. It is a device sorely needed in this desperately poor area and making it work comes with great personal cost. Simon will learn that it isn’t just book knowledge that makes you a success in life, it is also what you do with the gifts you have been given. He is a brilliant young man but until he turns to the true source of power, he will not understand his own unlimited potential.”

-Rozanne Janacek, Amazon

“The search may have been for unlimited power, but the discovery seems to have been unlimited grace for those with overwhelming shame, those struggling to trust and forgive, and those simply seeking to serve.

Once again Davis Bunn has provided an exhilarating story that invites the reader to think big: big about the world we live in and big about God.”

-Tina Hunt, Pot of Manna blog

“At a time when I, like Simon, doubted my potential and the gift God has planted within me, Unlimited glimmered into my reading life with a challenge – “be more.” Channel that wasted energy and potential. Believe in the dreams that God has buried in your very soul. Believe in His ability to make the impossible possible. Believe that you are destined to light up the dark.”

-Amanda Brogan, Walking The Narrow Way blog

Amanda Brogan works as a photographer in Omaha, Nebraska. She plans on pursuing her dreams to become an author of inspiring, Christian books. Catch more of her writing at Faithwriters.com or at her blog walkingthenarrowway.blogspot.com .

“Think about the last time you failed someone-what would it have been like if you weren’t able to make amends to them because they had mysteriously died? And what if you were on your way to them when events were happening to keep you from arriving? This is where we find Simon as Unlimited begins.”

-Kim Campbell, Amazon

“If Unlimited is your first exposure to Davis Bunn, you will never regret checking out all the books this talented author has produced. They are as diverse as is his imagination, and each one carries a distinct, yet vital message for today.”

-Erin Elise, Amazon

 

Reader Writes: ‘Prayers of a Stranger’ Brings Healing to Personal Sorrow

Karen writes: 

Recently I pulled out Prayers of a Stranger  and began reading. It happened to be a slow morning at the store where I work and didn’t have too many customers. I couldn’t put it down,

Well, I did put it down, though, because the customers wanted to pay for their wares–how dare they interrupt me!

Anywho (a made up word, I know) the book touched my heart and brought back memories to my mind. You see, I lost three babies to miscarriages and had some of the same things said to me about getting over the loss. The loss is always there — I know how old those children would be if I had been able to carry them to term and I know what their birthdays would have been.

You so eloquently put into writing the sorrow and healing and I like that you didn’t have it happen overnight. It takes time and I felt that time in your book. How wonderful that you took it and interspersed it with Christmas and birth of our Lord.

Your book brought back so many memories that I can remember without feeling the full pang of what we went through with each loss of our heart. Ahhh, such are the things I think about as I read. Thank you for writing this book. You touched my heart!

Dear Karen,

I am so very sorry to learn of the hardship you and your family have experienced, and yet I am indeed so very, very pleased to know that my story resonated with your heart and your walk. I wish you and yours every blessing, and thank you for writing such a beautiful note.

‘Unlimited’ Readers Discuss the Real Harold Finch

Here are some excerpts from new reader reviews of Unlimited, which released September 1, 2013.

Please click the link next to each reviewer’s name to read their full review.

“A story of suspense, redemption, and ultimately hope, Davis Bunn’s new thriller grabs readers and carries them through a labyrinth of danger where things are not as they seem… I was fascinated to learn that Harold’s character is based on a real Harold Finch who sold his consulting business to H&R Block for over 100 million back in the seventies. He then devoted his life to helping underprivileged children reach their potential.”

-Lori Boles, Amazon

“…Although this is Christian fiction, it does not preach to you. It is an honest rendering of faith-filled people living their lives in this world with all of its difficulties (and probably a few extra problems that most of us will never have to deal with).

-Mary Dushel, GoodReads

“A story of suspense, courage, secrets, and some romance. Something here for everybody.”

-Wilma Metcalf, Amazon

“…Harold Finch is the orphanage proprietor and a real live person who inspired the story. Finch was the founder and CEO of a successful management-leadership consulting group, which he later sold for over a hundred million dollars.

A man of true faith, Dr. Finch traveled the world, teaching his concepts and helping underprivileged children learn that they have tremendous potential and purpose in God’s eyes. This inventor and educator devoted his resources to fund missionary projects and orphanages. In the story, he tells Simon, ‘The world is full of motivated people going nowhere.’”

-Samuel Hall’s blog

“The action takes place in only a few days, and it is relentless all the way to the surprise ending! An excellent read for anyone who enjoys high-stakes adventure.”

-Marjorie Vawter, The Writer’s Tool blog

“Unlimited inspires readers to confront their personal challenges, and hints that there is a greater purpose in life than mere survival.”

-Sarah Gunning Moser, Family Education Services blog

Free ebook: ‘The Meeting Place’

The ebook version of The Meeting Place, which I co-wrote with Janette Oke, is free through December 31, 2013.

Here are the links so you can download it:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1amuu4F
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1aaNODO
Christianbook: http://bit.ly/1dpdlKK

If you’re interested in reading the entire Song of Acadia series, here are the links to the Kindle Edition:

Book 1: The Meeting Place

Book 2: The Sacred Shore

Book 3: The Birthright

Book 4: The Distant Beacon

Book 5: The Beloved Land

There’s a related series called Heirs of Acadia. Here are links to all the books in that series:

Book 1: The Solitary Envoy

Book 2: The Innocent Libertine

Book 3: The Noble Fugitive

Book 4: The Night Angel

Book 5: Falconer’s Quest

More blog articles about the Heirs of Acadia series

Readers ask about Heirs of Acadia series
Reader calls Heirs of Acadia series ‘Wonderfully Crafted”
Clarification on Falconer’s Quest and Florian’s Gate
Reader question about Falconer’s Quest

‘Strait of Hormuz’ Sweepstakes Starts Today. Great Prizes!

Strait of Hormuz, the series finale in my Marc Royce Adventures, released TODAY!

Sweepstakes!

To celebrate the launch, I’m hosting a big giveaway contest on my Facebook page.

Grand Prize is his and hers luxury watches ($845 MSRP)
First Prize is a $150 Amazon gift card (just in time for your holiday shopping).

Entering is easy. Either click this link http://woobox.com/ipi8wk to go directly to the app and input your name and email address. Or go to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/davisbunnauthor and you’ll see signs and arrows that point to the app.

Increase your chances of winning by entering once per e-mail address per day through November 29 at 6 p.m. Pacific Time. Get bonus entries by sharing the contest with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers (just follow the prompts on your screen after entering).

Preview Strait of Hormuz

While you’re at my Facebook page, read the first three chapters of Strait of Hormuz instantly (‘like’ the page to open the chapters): http://statictab.com/j4s7yd8

If you want to get caught up by reading the first two books in the series, my publisher is offering special deals on ebooks.

Free Download

Lion of Babylon, book 1, is free through the end of November. (Lion of Babylon was named a “Best Book of 2011″ by Library Journal)

Amazon Kindle – http://amzn.to/17uV4Ep
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book – http://bit.ly/1cvttHH
ChristianBook – http://bit.ly/16gX7vu

Rare Earth, book 2, is on sale for $6.99 during November.  (Rare Earth won the 2013 Christy Award for Best Suspense Fiction)

Amazon Kindle – http://amzn.to/18nxFse
Barnes & Noble NOOK Book – http://bit.ly/1fEdNWu
ChristianBook – http://bit.ly/19RPW1b

Marc Royce: A Man of Action, A Man of Faith

Reader reviews for my new novel, Strait of Hormuz, are streaming in. They are simply amazing and are an immense gift! I’d like to share a sampling with you:

Marc Can’t Catch a Break

By Lynn Riddick, Goodreads

Marc Royce is at it again. Poor guy doesn’t catch a break. After recovering from his last two excursions (Lion of Babylon & Rare Earth) he is now on his way to Switzerland… From the beginning of the book until the last page we are thrown into turmoil, trying to decide who to trust, where to turn, how to accomplish the task.

I must admit I fell in love a little with Marc Royce during Rare Earth. I loved his calm assurance and strong determination. But we see a different aspect of Marc Royce in this book. He seems a little more vulnerable and it makes him even more appealing.

While dealing with political suspicions, multinational personnel and opposition from his own government, Marc and his team lean strongly on the power of prayer and support from underground believers. His strength and courage comes from knowing where his faith lies.

I love the contrast of political unrest against absolute faith. I love the beauty of seeing God’s people worshiping as one. Davis Bunn gives depth to his characters by the descriptions he provides. My favourite thing throughout the entire book is Marc’s absolute honesty and integrity. Yet he is not afraid to fight, knows how to use a gun and can come up with a plan of attack when no one else can.

This is an action packed book with little time to rest and yet it is so full of personality and relational dynamics it is appealing to all readers. Oh, and let’s not forget the romance!

A Ride in the Fast Lane

By Nicole Sager, Amazon

Each book in this series had an element that made it different. Lion of Babylon bears the excitement of the “unknown” because a grieving Marc has just been thrown into a crazy and dangerous situation in a foreign land.

In Rare Earth, Marc has more emotional control, and so the book comes from a different angle: the federal agent superhero instead of the uncertain but physically capable combatant.

In Strait of Hormuz we find Marc in a battle to maintain his new stability even as he’s thrown into a perilous situation with the woman he cannot love.

Strait of Hormuz was an exciting read, starting with the very first chapter and entertaining all the way to a marvelous close. I felt the urge to hold on tight as Marc and his friends whirled their way through explosions, gun fights, deceptions, opposition, and a high-speed chase in a red Ferrari! The intricate plot and a strong emphasis on faith intertwine to make this story a moving tapestry, more than worthy to take a stand in the gallery of exceptional literature. Outstanding!

Marc Royce: Flawed, Yet Heroic

By Nona King, Word Obsession blog

Marc Royce is my favorite book character. He is well-rounded, flawed and heroic, a struggling Christian, and a patriot. Davis Bunn never ceases to amaze me how he can write such a wonderfully engaging hero. He does not come across the page as fake, and neither does the conflict or struggles (both romantic and political).

In Strait of Hormuz, the action and suspense kept a strong hold, not letting me go until the end of that last, breath-catching chapter. In fact, when I began reading the clean-up/wrap-up chapter, I could hardly believe the smooth transition from the thick of battle to the conflict resolution. Everything seemed to fit so wonderfully that I wasn’t left with the feeling of “it’s over already?”

But, more than that, as in the other Davis Bunn books, I came away feeling as if I learned something, always an unexpected bonus.

With all of the other Davis Bunn books, I came away with the impression that I learned more about what is going on in the world–and I loved that about the book and the way the details were woven into the story. Davis has a fantastic way of not simply telling a story, but weaving it in such a way as to never be anything but interesting.

In Strait of Hormuz, I learned about something more than the ever-present conflicts in the Middle East and America. I came away with a new idea on how to view conflicts and choices when it comes to being a Christian: all choices don’t necessarily consist of right and wrong. I blinked at that revelation, and it shuddered through my entire spirit–not only as a reader but as a writer.

I thank Davis Bunn and Marc Royce for that most of all.

OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 5 stars

WOULD YOU READ IT AGAIN? Are you kidding? It’s a Marc Royce book, of course I will!

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS? Most definitely yes! Go out and buy this, and the other Marc Royce books, right now! You won’t regret the purchase.

Readers Discuss Simon Orwell in ‘Unlimited’

Every Thursday during October, I’m sharing excerpts from reader reviews of Unlimited, which released September 1, 2013. The major motion picture of the same title was released in U.S. cinemas October 16, 2013.

Please click the link next to each reviewer’s name to read their full review.

“With his masterful style fully displayed, and his ability to apply a lesson on several levels, Davis Bunn once again invites you – no, drags you – into another life-altering saga.

The world has always been searching for the unlimited – unlimited wealth, unlimited power, unlimited passion, unlimited health.  But they’ve been looking for the unlimited in all the wrong places. While struggling to provide unlimited electricity to an orphanage in Mexico, Simon discovers the Source of the unlimited life.”

-Steve Hilton, Doc’s Doin’s blog

“Unlimited is an age-old story told in a modern day setting. Everything is in a mess, harder to untangle than a wad of yarn. The country is in a mess, the town is in a mess, the orphanage is in a mess, and the one person who seems to chosen to fix everything is a mess…”

-Gary Gilmore, Gary’s Thoughts blog

“…At Unlimited’s center is a broken man. Simon has been disappointed and he has disappointed those close to him; forgiving himself and opening up again are daily challenges.

Add an orphanage bursting with children and believers who surround him with love and compassion, and slowly, gradually, Simon’s unlimited potential is coaxed to the surface.”

-Laura Lee Groves, Outnumbered Mom blog

“The device ‘anchored him [Simon] to a million broken dreams.’ (pg 14) Boy can I relate to that. I am sure there are others out there who feel the same. Will God give us another chance, or have we blown it to many times?? God gives unlimited grace to us. I am so thankful for that.”

-Debbie Phillips, Debbie’s Digest blog

“This book challenged me as a believer. Do I really believe that nothing is impossible with God, that God’s power working in me can achieve what I couldn’t even dream up on my own? Simon’s journey seems to ask the question, just how big is your God. Is He big enough to take your past failures and redeem them, to take our puny efforts and transform them to something amazing? If He’s not, you might just need to have your notions about who God is shattered, just like Simon did.”

 -Mary Ann Esque, Reflections of Radiance blog

“Simon is a complex character and this book is about his journey, his growing and learning about life and there is a good bit of adventure along the way. The rest of the cast of characters provides great countering and support and I’m intrigued to wonder what the actors will pull off in the film as to what I’ve seen in my imagination.”

-Margaret Chind, Creative Madness Mama blog

“Simon Orwell, the main character, starts out as the kind of guy that you really want to dislike yet find yourself strangely identifying with.”

-Kattarin Kirk, A Gracious Stumble blog

“The mystery and intrigue of Simon Orwell’s trip to Mexico made me want to read more, and I look forward to reading Bunn’s other books – this was my first but not my last.”

-Joanne Mueller, Amazon

Joanne lives with her husband in Oregon where she enjoys writing and homeschooling their two children.

Reader Letter: ‘I’m 54 years old and want to become a full-time writer’

Shannon (who has been listening to the recording of a fiction writing course I taught) writes:

Listening [to your course] makes me sad, excited and scared.

Sad because I recognize how much better my manuscript can become given a lacing through of problem/resolution ties, inciting to cliffhanger incidents in each chapter, three-dimensional character development, and a drawing out of subtle backstory influences.

The task feels daunting – I see myself starting to lace and in the process, discovering rich veins of drama and emotional tension I otherwise would not have found unless these constructs were attempted.

Excited because I hear your voice telling me how long it took you to find your stride from your point of decision at 28. That’s encouraging as I realize it will take time.

Scared because I’m 54. I don’t have that much time. I would love to become a full time writer. I would love to make a living at it. And if I did, I would love to remain humble, approachable, and brilliantly helpful to other people as you are. Your thoughtfulness and analytical prowess in dissecting what is a very nuanced craft demonstrates your love for writing and your heart to serve God in guiding new writers.

So, I am talking myself off the hurry-up ledge and reconsidering my timeframe for the book proposal. Because of your influence, I have completely restructured the book, the tone, the balance between showing and telling, and the pace.

Thank you so much for making yourself available to aspiring Christian writers. I think your teaching is and will remain a foundational component to my newly developing awareness of writing constructs and how to engage readers in a highly entertaining and hopefully thought provoking experience.

Dear Shannon,

If I might offer one additional bit of advice at this point in time, it would be to start another book now.

Too often we writers see the current work in the same light as our profession. But most real progress only comes through first drafts. In other words, to really tackle the issues that need growth and change, you must confront the empty page. Again and again. Redrafting can only take you so far, especially when you are so deeply attached to your current work.

Start the next story. Today.