Davis Bunn's Blog, page 26

Giving Away 3 More Copies of ‘Hidden in Dreams’

The book giveaways just keep on coming! This week, bloggers are hosting three new contests to give away Hidden in Dreams. Be sure to click the link next to each review to enter all three contests — please enter at the reviewers’ blogs, not at my blog.

By Renee Ann Smith, Doorkeeper 

Enter Renee’s giveaway contest through Monday, August 20, 2012 at http://reneeannsmith.com/a/hidden-in-dreams-by-davis-bunn-review-and-giveway/

Once Dr. Elena Burroughs’ life might have seemed like a dream come true. She had a book on the best-sellers list, a position at a prestigious Oxford clinic, and an Italian financier eager to romance her. But one-by-one those dreams fell through. Even her house burned down. Now her life is one long, dreary disappointment.

When corporate biochemist Rachel Lamprey unexpectedly shows up in Elena’s college classroom to beg for help, Elena senses that something is not quite right. Perhaps Rachel’s personal assistant sweeping the room for electronic bugs clues her in. Or maybe it’s that Elena has been specifically warned about Rachel’s casual ruthlessness.

However, Elena ignores her misgivings. She reasons that things couldn’t possibly get any worse.

Boy, is she wrong.

Since Elena is an expert on dream interpretation, she’s not surprised that Rachel wants her to analyze a client’s frightening dream. But two things make the assignment unusually disturbing.

One , it’s not a nightmare about monsters or ghosts that has the man so terrified. It’s an omen of an imminent financial crisis—the worst the world has seen.
And two, people all over the globe are having the exact same dream.

Because of her involvement, Elena’s life changes overnight. She’s unwillingly thrust into a group of international power players, who want in on whatever happens next. Elena is way over her head.

Oh, there are some perks. Two different men become interested in dating her. She makes friends with a young girl who would dearly love a motherly influence in her life. And she has a great idea for a new bestseller. But she’s not sure all that makes up for the close-calls, death threats, and nightmares.

As Elena’s adventure progresses, she learns important lessons about listening for God’s voice when His message seems hidden—and that there is meaning even in His silences. The end of her story was surprising but very satisfying. 

Renee Ann Smith is a writer, teacher, small-town girl, and story-lover. You can find her at http://reneeannsmith.com/.

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By Katherine Scott Jones, Story Matters

Enter Katherine’s giveaway contest through Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at http://katherinescottjones.com/?p=607

In Hidden in Dreams, Bunn has delivered another high quality novel, the kind his legions of fans expect. He’s mastered his page-turning technique. His characters are authentic, not cardboard.

His plotline is engaging, full of interesting twists, and I like the way he weaves real life issues (ADHD, financial collapse, Biblical prophecy) with fiction. I envy the depth and breadth of his imagination. Most fans of Christian fiction will gobble up this book.

My only quibble is that his Christian characters are sometimes too safe. In Elena’s developing romance, for instance, there’s no fear that either she or her beau will misbehave. As a Christian reader, I don’t want a romantic pair to step out of bounds, but I’d like to think they might…to show they’re human, but also to add a layer of tension. Since they didn’t seem even tempted, I couldn’t relate. (It also made me wonder, where’s the passion?)

That said, Hidden in Dreams is a well-crafted novel. If you’re a fan of Davis Bunn or speculative fiction in general, you’ll not be disappointed.

Rating: 4 out of 5–for an intriguing premise and superior plot development.

Katherine Scott Jones is  a published writer, aspiring novelist, story consultant. Wife to one cool engineer, mom to two miraculous kids.

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By Heidi Geis, MBT Ponderers

Enter Heidi’s giveaway contest through Thursday, August 23, 2012 at

http://www.mbtponderers.blogspot.com/2012/08/friday-fiction-q-with-davis-bunn-part-2.html

I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down. The story is captivating, and frighteningly realistic. As a writer, I appreciated the actual writing; Bunn crafted some pretty amazing sentences.

As a reader, I loved that just as I thought I had it figured out I realized I was wrong. That doesn’t happen often, and I loved the twists.

Heidi Geis is a pastor’s wife, homeschool mom of teenage boys, and wannabe Food Network Star. She ponders fiction, both reading it and writing it, from the Pacific Northwest.

The Story Crept Up on Me, Writes Laura Lee Groves

By Laura Lee Groves, Outnumbered Mom

Guest Reviewer

Author Davis Bunn did it again.

He drew me into a story I knew nothing of. The story crept up on me and, before I knew it, I was hooked.



It’s no secret I’m a big Davis Bunn fan. I think I’ve read all of his books. Some of my favorites were his historical fiction, so I’m not a hard reader to hook in that genre.

Rare Earth, however, is set in contemporary times. Although it is Book 2 in the Marc Royce series, it’s a stand-alone novel that can be read with no knowledge of Book 1.

Bunn’s main character, Marc Royce, seems to me a real man’s man. He’s the strong, silent type who always gets the job done. He’s introspective, though, and compassionate; he proves the adage that still waters run deep. He’s together in so many ways, but he’s running, too. All of this makes him a very complex, interesting character.



The settings of Rare Earth are not familiar to me, and I love it when I learn something from fiction. (A given with Davis Bunn’s books.) I was compelled to learn more about believers in Kenya and driven to understand the mystery that is Marc Royce. The stakes were high in this book in several ways; I cared about the characters and the situations. So I couldn’t stop reading.

And when it was over? I was sorry I’d reached the end…and am looking forward to Book 3.

(I also highly recommend Lion of Babylon, Book 1 of the Marc Royce series. I just downloaded it from iTunes for my husband to enjoy while driving. I’d give both books five stars!)

Laura Lee Groves, the author of I’m Outnumbered! One’s Mom’s Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys, spends her time writing, reading, teaching, and learning. She loves to encourage and inspire readers at www.OutnumberedMom.com.

This review was originally printed at Laura’s blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.

Another Book with Janette Oke?

Ellen writes:

I downloaded an e-book that you and Janette Oke wrote. Another Homecoming. I’ve never spoken with her but have read lots of her books. Impressed that I didn’t hear a split-voice in it. Smooth . . . good  job. Blessings!

Dear Ellen,

Another Homecoming was our second work together, and it’s great to know that even in this initial effort you could not find the ‘seams’. When I study our later works, there is a greater sense of smoothness and flow to me and to Janette. It’s nice to know the roots of this were there in our first efforts.

Maggie writes:

I hope you will continue this series – it has really helped me understand what it was like in that area right after Christ was crucified. Your historical insight and information is most, most helpful too. Please come out with the next . . . and keep going. We need good historical novels about Christianity’s history so much.

Dear Maggie,

I am so pleased to hear that you have found such a heartfelt connection to the message behind these books. Unfortunately, due to Janette’s health issues, we are not writing any more books together, at least for the present. But I too would very much love to see the series continue, so hopefully this will change in the near future.

Maggie writes back:

Thanks for writing. Couldn’t you go on and be writing ‘the next one’ in the series . . . just in case? I do think this particular series is worth it. We were talking in church today about this particular period in Christian history — it’s one not covered so much in the Bible and is very important. Anyway, don’t give up this commission. 

Thank you for the very kind note, Maggi.

While I am not restricted by the publishers, I do feel like this is something I have started with Janette and very much want to continue with her, if and when she feels able.

Peggy writes:

I loved The Centurion’s Wife! The imagery that you get from reading this book really made the story of what happened after Christ’s crucifixion come to life. I could picture myself in the story. What would I do if I were in the same situation?

And

Renee Ann writes:

I just read your book, The Centurion’s Wife and I was truly blessed by this wonderful story. I really can’t say enough about it. I plan to blog about it and look forward to reading more of your books.

I shared the link on Facebook and this is what I wrote about it:

This is an amazing story of the centurion whose son Jesus healed. The story takes us behind the scene and into the life of this centurion. Wonderfully written, this book is a must read. I had chills reading the last couple of chapters. It brought me close to tears on several occasions.

I read other Davis Bunn books, but it was the first I read co-authored by Janette Oke. I’d give this book a 10 if there were more stars. 

Dear Renee Ann and Peggy,

Thank you so much for the lovely notes. I’m thrilled that Centurion’s Wife touched you in this way. Our aim from the beginning was to bring a clear sense of emotional life to this amazing passage, and it’s so good to know that you were impacted in this way.

Radio Interview on Gelati’s Scoop

Friends,

I recently had the honor of being a guest on Gelati’s Scoop, a BlogTalk radio show hosted by Giovanni Gelati. We discussed my new novel, Hidden in Dreams.

The interview begins about 2:45 minutes in and ends at 32:30 minutes.

Listen to internet radio with GelatisScoop on Blog Talk Radio

Our conversation started with me explaining how I came to live in what Giovanni refers to “that big castle place” pictured on my Facebook page — Charlton Park started out as a hospital for airmen during World War 1.

We discussed the “mistake” of two novels (with two publishers) — Hidden in Dreams and Rare Earth – being released simultaneously.

Next, we talked about the connection between the eternal and the dream state — a prominent theme in Book of Dreams (Book 1 in the series). With Hidden in Dreams  I wanted to separate dreams from spirituality. The key question I built the story around was, where does the independent individual free will act of connection to some higher calling and purpose and manipulation begin? That is one of the crucial elements that is going to need to be decided over the next generation.

We wrapped up with a conversation about how things are progressing with the upcoming motion picture, Unlimited, for which I wrote the screenplay.

‘Rare Earth’ Reviews & Giveaways from Sidney Frost, Laura Hilton

Every week on my blog, I provide links to NEW giveaway contests for my contemporary suspense novel, Rare Earth. Here are this week’s first two contests (be sure to subscribe to my blog so you can receive the links for all the upcoming contests).

Sidney W. Frost – Click here to enter at Christian Bookmobile by August 14, 2012

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.

Laura Hilton, Click here to enter at Lighthouse-Academy by August 31, 2012

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 to obtain these new currencies, at the expense of everything – and everyone – else.

High-tech industries have become dependent upon “rare-earths,” once-obscure minerals which have been found in abundance over the region in Africa known as the Rift Valley. In order to obtain these precious commodities, modern day “claim-jumpers” have forcibly removed entire populations of the indigenous African tribes and re-located them to squalid tenement settlements. In the process, old rivalries between the native tribes of Africa have been inflamed and new rivalries, between the patriarchs and the younger generations, have been created.

Marc Royce, sent ostensibly to audit a relief organization, has his orders: discover the truth behind the smoke-screen, and relay that information to his superiors. Following his heart, Marc sets himself a much larger mission; restore unity to the tribes, restore the tribes to their land, and bring justice to those who have masterminded the plot behind the forced relocations. In the process, Marc’s faith – and his heart – will be tested to the breaking point.

Written in Davis Bunn’s masterful story-telling, RARE EARTH will grab you from the beginning and hold you until the very last page. On the journey, you will find your own misconceptions concerning The Dark Continent, its history, culture, and people, constantly challenged and corrected. 5 Stars.

Reviews of ‘Book of Dreams’ and ‘Hidden in Dreams’

I’m delighted to share with you  a guest review of both Book of Dreams and Hidden in Dreams, from Connie Mace. Connie is the blog manager for the Northwest Christian Writers’ Association, based in the Seattle area, as well as a published author.

Connie is also hosting a giveaway contest — you could win a copy of Hidden in Dreams just by visiting her blog and leaving a comment before midnight Pacific time on August 15, 2012.

   

These reviews were originally published at Connie’s blog, Raise Your Eyes, and are reprinted here with her permission.

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Of Dreams, Holy Scripture and Financial Derivatives

https://raiseyoureyes.dreamhosters.com/?p=488

By Connie Mace

Guest Reviewer

Already a fan of Davis Bunn, ever since he authored books as T. Davis Bunn, I was pleased to be thrust into the same high level vivid description, gripping plot and concise research which I expect in Bunn’s writing as I read his novel, Book of Dreams.

To Dr. Elena Burroughs — widow, clinical psychologist, and “foremost authority on dreams”– the “professional mask” she wears maintains her distance from the world. With her office at Oxford and a bestselling book: Book of Dreams, Elena hides by helping clients cope with their own problems.

The mask begins to crack with two events: First, a high profile client with frightening dreams enters her office after being referred by Elena’s mentor and godmother, Miriam.

Second, Miriam, a former clinical psychologist and her dearest friend, entrusts Elena with an ancient book of Holy Scriptures, termed “the book of dreams.”

Of Elena’s early encounters with the Holy phrase, “Our Father, who art in heaven,” Bunn writes “The words seemed to find shelter in the morning breeze, as though chanted by the leaves overhead. As though the birds sang them in time to Elena’s own heart.”

Bunn’s research of dream theory is apparent in referring to Carl Jung and Freud, yet he skillfully brings theory to an understandable level. When helping her client to cope with a recurrent dream, Elena says, “Dreams often reveal very deep issues that the conscious mind seeks not only to avoid, but to actually flee from. Yet the unconscious mind realizes that this repressed emotion and memory must be confronted. It expels the putrid mess with the same steady insistence with which the body forces out pus from an untreated wound.”

While layering the story with dreams and ancient scripture, Bunn set me on a learning curve into the world of “political fixers,” “hedge funds,” and “financial derivatives” in an all too real parallel where “the common man is crushed by debt and despair.”

Bunn is a master of gripping plot intensity much like a conductor directs a symphony in a crescendo. Just  enough rests to catch your breath, but then all elements converge and build intensity as multiple characters’ dreams and reality reach the climax.

However, it’s all a novel and our dreams are only irrelevant mirages when morning dawns…or are they?

Connie’s Review of Hidden in Dreams

Although Hidden in Dreams, book two in the Elena Burroughs “Dreams” series, could easily be a “stand alone” book, I stopped reading after a couple pages in order to read Bunn’s Book of Dreams.  As a fan of Davis Bunn’s storytelling, I wanted to know more about the events which brought Dr. Elena Burroughs to the opening scene; however most readers will be fine with the summations in Bunn’s opening chapter and his introduction of a new cast of characters.

Reeling from a whirlwind publicity tour for her recently revised  Book of Dreams, Dr. Elena Burroughs would like to settle down from “a state of perpetual jet lag.” The previous year of helping to form a US financial oversight committee only to see it dissolve, much like her romance with an Italian, has left her emotionally exhausted.

Needing stability in her life as well as her bank account, Dr. Burroughs accepts a professorship with Atlantic Christian University in Melbourne Florida: “a quiet haven nestled between Cape Canaveral and the glitz of south Florida.” (The vivid scenes in which Bunn describes the landscape may be attributed to the fact that he and his wife, Isabella divide their time between that area and England.)

However, Davis Bunn is a master of hooks which compel his readers to keep pages turning. Elena may not have a quiet life for long as she watches rain pelt her classroom window from an approaching hurricane and in walks “Miriam, her best and oldest friend. The problem was, Miriam had died the previous summer.”

Suspense builds as dreamers around the world have nightmares of financial collapse and then, Elena herself has the dream “as though reality itself was undergoing a seismic shift…” In the midst of these nightmares, her friend, Reed cautions to measure all events by what “the Scriptures tell us” as “that is the one eternal, unchanging element by which we must judge everything that life throws at us…”

Good advice. At times, the book’s financial scenario seems to intersect with our 2012 reality; but this is only a novel, is it not? Hold tightly to that thought as Bunn expertly builds tension and the story whirls wildly with a stomach churning roar. Click on the video trailer below for a preview!

Using the Blogger’s Choice Book Review rating system, I give Hidden in Dreams 5 STARS ***** (Terrific book and would highly recommend buying a copy!)

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Connie Mace is a “woodsy,” writing for GOD in a forest cabin tucked in N.W. Washington. Author of children’s picture book, Top O’ The Mornin’ Mini Minnie! Profits go to Compassion First to help stop child trafficking.  She blogs at: https://raiseyoureyes.dreamhosters.com/  and is “blogservant” for NCWA’s blog: http://nwchristianwriters.wordpress.com/

You Could Win a Copy of ‘Rare Earth’ or ‘Hidden in Dreams’

Today I’m going to do something a little different. Two bloggers are hosting giveaway contests for my new novels, Rare Earth and Hidden in Dreams. I’ll share both their reviews with you, and provide links to their contests so you can enter both of them. Who knows… perhaps you’ll win a copy of each book!

Our first review and contest are by Jocelin Boutet, author of the blog, In HaShem’s Hand. Jocelin reviewed Rare Earth .

Jocelin, during a trip to Israel.

As my flight took off heading to Oklahoma, I picked up the book I had been excitedly saving back to savor on the two flights I would be taking.  I had enjoyed his first book, Lion of Babylon, and wanted to find out what was the next adventure that Marc Royce would be going on.  This book is technically the sequel to Lion of Babylon; however, it is also a stand-alone novel as nearly all the other characters except the main character are new to this book.

By the time that I had reached page 50, my heart was pumping from the adrenaline.  I felt like I was in Africa which was the setting for this book.  I could just about smell the dirt, sense the fear among the people, and yet feel the hope that was being sought after.

As I was introduced to the various characters in the book – Charles, Philip and the elders, Kitra, Serge, and Crowder, I was not sure whom to trust and who not to.  As the plot deepened, you began to see that something was brewing under the surface…something so sinister that it did not care who or what it took to reach its desired goals.

Again, Bunn did a fabulous job in his accurate portrayal of each person and the cultures portrayed.  I personally come from a Hebraic Roots Christian background, so I’m particularly familiar with Israel and many of the customs there.  He was very accurate in his portrayal of the Israeli desire for excellence, respect for life and people, and desire to protect its own and others in need.

At first I was not sure of Kitra.  She came across as a hard and stubborn person, but I soon came to realize that was just a wall she had built to protect herself.  As you came to know her throughout the book, you could not help coming to love her and want to protect her and her brother Serge who had gone missing!  As you came to understand the complexity of their lives, it made her become a person of much depth.

The many twists and turns throughout the book left you on the edge of your seat with no desire to put it down!  As the book came to a close, you were able to see how all the pieces finally came together to form a complete picture, but in the process, you had learned faith, asking questions, trust, and love.  By the time, I closed the book, I was a very happy reader and could not recommend it enough.

My only question is when is the next book coming out?  I cannot wait to see what happens as you are left with a question as you turn the last page…

Jocelin became a believer just before turning seven, followed Him in baptism a few months later, and has sought to grow in her walk with Him daily. She is a homeschool graduate and has a certificate in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. She is the founder of Standing in YHVH’s Hand Ministries focusing on relationships, finances, and lifestyle.

Click here to enter Jocelin’s contest: http://inhashemshand.blogspot.com/2012/07/book-review-rare-earth.html

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Next, we feature a review of Hidden in Dreams by Noah Arsenault, author of  the Heavenward Reviews blog. 

This being my second time reading Davis Bunn’s work, I suppose I was expecting it to be quite similar to the previous installment, Book of Dreams. In this expectation, I was wrong, and that is a good thing. In the first, Bunn’s focus was fixed closer to the characters’ journey through trials, and used the dreams to keep the pace even and set the mysterious mood. In Hidden in Dreams, the dreams help bring about the final solution to the book, but I will say no more regarding that. The focus, as you’ll see by the end, has been about the “thriller” aspect of the novel.

The characters aren’t the moral focus they had been previously, but are excellent examples of Bunn’s talent nonetheless. His writing is one of the key features that will draw readers in. Despite frequenting the subjects of medical studies, business, the press, politics, and economics, the reader is never bored by these. There is never unnecessary detail; just enough relevant information is given for the reader to understand (and care about) what is happening.

While the dreams are definitely the focus of this novel, they slow near the middle, and so does the reader. They recover, and bring the interest with them, and certainly never allow the thought of quitting the book, but spark some boredom once or twice.

Hidden in Dreams is a novel abounding in wonderful writing and textured characters, and gives a good name to Christian thrillers, but didn’t hold my attention firmly throughout.

My rating: 4 stars

Click here to enter Noah’s contest by August 5, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. EST: http://noahsreads.blogspot.com/2012/07/hidden-in-dreams-giveaway.html

‘Hidden in Dreams’ is a Book About the Need for Discernment, Writes Reader

Today I have the pleasure of sharing two beautifully-written reviews from readers of Hidden in Dreams. I am utterly stunned and humbled by both reviews.

The first review is from Karen Barnett, author of the “Cannot Be Shaken” blog. The second is from Wallyce Todd, author of the “In the World With Wallyce” blog.

Both reviews are reprinted with the authors’ permission.

By Karen Barnett, Cannot Be Shaken blog

What happens when unrelated people around the globe experience identical terrifying dreams of world-wide financial collapse? In the novel Hidden In Dreams, all eyes turn to psychologist and dream expert Elena Burroughs for answers.

Are these simple nightmares or predictions of a grim future? As the clock ticks toward impending doom, Elena forms an unlikely alliance with her most vehement critic and the two race to determine whether the messages are of divine origin and if actions can be taken to avoid the catastrophe.

Author Davis Bunn has a gift for writing page-turning novels that keep me awake far past my bedtime and Hidden in Dreams did not disappoint. Rather than dreaming on my own, I was swept away into Elena’s world of dream interpretation.

With a background in psychology, economics, and finance, as well as a business career that took him to over forty countries, Bunn was ideally suited to write this story. He writes with such confidence and expertise that I am completely consumed by the action, never once doubting that such events could possibly occur. 

By Wallyce Todd, In The World With Wallyce

I read every page.

Davis’ Bunn’s new novel, Hidden in Dreams, was the first book I read just for the joy of it in June … literally within an hour of finishing my five-year seminary season (earning an MDiv in Los Angeles). To many people, noting that you read every page of a book may not seem that significant, but to me, it represents the caliber of the content and the effective capturing of my attention because I relished every word.

You see, this is not often the case with me. I learned to read in kindergarten and by sixth grade (after several years sans a TV due to my father’s edict), I had become a voracious reader. I was perusing Reader’s Digest Condensed books in middle school and eating up anything lovely and literary on which I could feast my eyes and my emotions. There were some unfortunate side effects to what some might say was the edifying educational pursuit of near-constant reading… because not everything I read was “true, noble right…” (Phil. 4:8).

Bunn has long been one of my favorite authors. To a woman who has been known to read more than one book a day, yet who actually found herself with a unexpected aversion to reading during grad school — his novels blend spiritual edification with romance and suspense; his superb character development is most often seasoned with intellectual savvy.

A NC native, and current resident of both Florida and England, Bunn is an author with a tremendously eclectic collection of genres. As a writer with future aspirations of being an author, I once found that a bit intimidating… how does he “do” all the different styles so well?!? Bunn has been especially effective in his books echoing his experience in the world of international finance, and which also include his own ever-growing walk of faith.

Hidden in Dreams is a book about the need for discernment. Yes, I know it’s about a group of people who are all having the same dream. Their sleep is disturbed by what seems to be a prophetic message, especially as it relates to the world’s banks and overall economy… but at its core, it’s about knowing the Creator God and affirming that the message you are hearing is truly from Him and not from some fraudulent “other.”

I’ve heard it said that the most effective tool of the Deceiver is to use a lotta truth and a little bit of  “lie.” I believe dreams can be prophetic because I believe Jesus as The Word is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and if it happens in the Bible, it can happen today. However, I also believe that just as Bunn’s main character, Elena Burroughs – a psychologist, author and dream interpreter – had to learn to interact with divine discernment not only her mind, but her spirit and her siblings in Christ…we as humans need to acknowledge that just because something seems implausible doesn’t make it impossible.

We walk by faith, not by sight, says II Corinthians 5:7. What seems real may not be. And what seems far-fetched may be just the avenue God’s using to get us in alignment with His Will. In Bunn’s book, the question is: Which is it? Truth or Travesty? Divinity or Deceit?

For me, a former seminarian and recently ordained pastor who also writes and acts, I love when a book appeals to all the parts of me. Hidden in Dreams does that. It is a page-turner, a faith-builder, a mind-stimulator, a spirit-grower and an overall well-written book… which in my experience, is just the way Davis Bunn “does” his books. He’s not too heavy-handed with the faith component, but it shines throughout. I believe his books have an appeal for both believers and those who wonder if this whole “religion or relationship” thing needs to be investigated further.

I was given the book in advance (published by Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster), and I agreed to write a blog in response. But, I must be transparent. I would have wanted to tell you about this book and this author regardless. In a literary and textbook world where I learned to be an expert at skimming books or jumping to the ending after I read the beginning and before I decided if it was worth reading the middle… I reiterate this fact: I read every page of Hidden in Dreams… in consecutive order… while my eyes were burning from lack of sleep at the end of my arduous exam season and seminary life.

It was a gift to my brain to do so.

I think your brain would like it, too. Go on, give it the gift.

‘Lion of Babylon’ vs. ‘Rare Earth’: Readers Debate Their Favorite

Today I have a selection of reader reviews of Rare Earth to share with you. I’m so grateful for the reviews that have been pouring in; I received so many last week that I’m going to share excerpts from them here on my blog. But you’ll find it well worth your while to click through to each blog and read the full reviews. The links are embedded in the title of each blog.

We kick things off with a review from Mark Buzard, who is also hosting a giveaway contest for Rare Earth through August 5. Pop over to Mark’s blog to enter.

Mark Buzard, Thoughts of a Sojourner

Davis Bunn’s Lion of Babylon was an awesome book, the best one he ever wrote in my opinion, so I was happy to see there was going to be a sequel.

Bunn brought back his very likable character, Marc Royce to again be the main character of the story, and he is better than ever. The plot, storyline, and setting are totally different from the first book, but this one is almost as good as the first. There is a lot of action and suspense, and I learned a lot about the area and about rare earth, which was a new term to me.

Linda Clare’s Writers’ Tips

I’m not a thriller reader, but Bunn’s sharp characters and fast-paced action drew me into Rare Earth. He paints the proud Kenyan refugees with grace and is sure to open the eyes of those who mistakenly believe Africa is only a place of heartbreaking famine, lowland gorillas or big game hunters.

Bunn’s writing does justice to the breathtaking landscape of the Rift Valley, and Mark Royce is a compelling character. As a writer whose own main characters have included a librarian, I’m glad to see occupations such as accounting in the lead role. If you loved The Lion of Babylon, you’ll love Rare Earth. My sense is that you won’t be able to put it down.

Michael Winskie, The Author’s Page

As a former Army Medic and a preacher, I have long stood for the idea that Christians are not just patsies. We are not made to simply roll over and be killed like lambs to the slaughter. Rather, we are commanded to fight (sometimes physically, if need be) the evil in this world and make a difference in the lives of others.

Rare Earth is about a man, Marc Royce, who does just that. A strong Christian man, he is also an intelligence agent trying to correct injustice and make a difference in people lives- many of which he’s never met. Yet, he does it because it’s the right thing to do.

Along the way, he must weed through the mine field of political intrigue, dangerous enemies, financial offers made to side track him, strange tribal customs, and even an erupting volcano. This story has it all: Mystery, danger, intrigue, politics, corruption, romance, action, and the main character has to make it through all this while still standing up for biblical living. Marc Royce has to pray and seek God’s advice on who to trust and not to trust, something we can all learn to do.

The action is breath taking. The romance is subtle and sweet without giving in to the tendency of many books and being graphic (Thank you, Mr Bunn!) The politics are realistic. The danger is heart pounding. You can’t help but find yourself rooting for Marc Royce to be successful. After all, the future of the Kenyan (and some Israeli) people is at stake and Marc has to figure out what’s going on in order to stop it and bring true freedom to them all. Not to mention trying to stay alive himself…

…I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as I did Lion of Babylon — probably because I was in Iraq in the 90s. I did very much enjoy Rare Earth. I heartily recommend it for any Christian who wants to read some good fiction and stay away from all the junk the world tells us to read.

This book is in rarefied air. My only question now to Mr Bunn is: will there be a third installment to the series? Please?

Nicole Sager

When I finished Davis Bunn’s first Marc Royce book, Lion of Babylon, I was super thrilled to learn that he would be writing a sequel. Now, after finally getting an opportunity to read Rare Earth I can honestly say that the book totally met and far exceeded my expectations and excitement!

I was especially thankful that such an amazing and action-packed story was written and published as such a clean read. Thank you! I look forward to reading Davis Bunn’s next book.

Diana Wallis Taylor

In Davis Bunn’s novel there is no lack of action as our hero kick boxes, ingratiates himself to the native chieftains, enlists the aid of a tall African  pastor, delves into the mystery of a kidnapping and falls for a beautiful Israeli who considers him the enemy.

Once again Davis Bunn has not only created a gripping and exciting thriller set in dark Africa, but we are educated in the science of rare earths and their use in the high tech world.  I always learn something from his novels.  With his creative mind, Davis Bunn comes up with a bold plan for his hero to propose that will save the villages and bring justice to a troubled land. Along with the action, the thread of faith weaves its way through the pages and draws the heart of the reader.

Joyce Henderson, Write That

Davis has done it again with Rare Earth, brought real life-characters to life, given them enough mystery to keep the pages turning, emotions that everyone can identify with, and a quick-moving plot that propels them from a volcanic region of Kenya, to refugee slums, to an Israeli kibbutz.

Joyce Elferdink, A Novel Site

Five Things I Love About Davis Bunn’s Latest Book, “Rare Earth”

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

Here are a few examples from the book:

the African limp handshake of warriors trained to show no aggression;
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;
the elders’ circle where tribal leaders meet to discuss local issues


Davis’ protagonist, Marc Royce, who characterizes a man with the standards, strengths, and physical features of a man almost any woman could love

Here are a few examples:

Traits: strength (“swinging around, his entire body a whip”) and sensitivity (he feels for the villagers loss of their homes “with all his heart”)
Leadership ability: called Shujaa by the elders – a warrior who rises within the tribe to save it in times of crisis


International intrigue mixed with social justice issues

Examples:

Chinese are trying to control the world supplies of rare-earth minerals using a cheap, primitive extraction technology
An Israeli kibbutz has found an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective solution


Portrayal of hope that people of different backgrounds and belief systems can learn to serve each other in ways that allow everyone to benefit

Examples:

 Clans who were sworn enemies meet together in peace
 Representatives from the U.N., the U.S., the Kenyan government, and elders of three dozen displaced villages work out a solution to the book’s primary conflict


The book’s ending – justice prevails: the bad guys get caught and the good people get the rewards they deserve

Examples:

Lodestone is under investigation, their worldwide assets frozen
A Kenyan corporation is formed, holding all licenses for extraction and refinement of rare earths with one-third of all profits to go to villages
And the missing man, Serge… you’ll have to read the book to find out if he’s found alive (and to find out if Marc gets the girl)



Kathryn Eriksen

What happens when you mix greed, rare minerals and the love of Jesus?  A compelling story that mixes today’s politics with an unusual solution to many of the world’s most vexing problems.

Marc Royce, the hero from Lion of Babylon is back in another gripping story set in Kenya.  Davis Bunn’s new novel, Rare Earth, successfully blends intrigue, mystery, politics and love into a novel well worth your time.

Marc is again working on a clandestine mission to discover who is behind recent problems with relief aid to the Rift Valley in Kenya.  As he digs deeper into the mystery, he discovers an even greater challenge to his life and his faith.  But through a series of unanticipated events, Marc discovers other groups who have accepted Jesus as their Savior.

And in this common bond, a plan is formed to save the Kenyan people.  And the world.

Rare Earth is a must read if you want to catch a glimpse of what the world might look like if we act from a united faith.  Love and compassion guide decisions, instead of greed, selfishness and sheer domination.  The course of history can be changed in a single instant, when the “rare earth” of our relationship with God is explored, identified and used to guide our actions.

If you like action adventure, you will enjoy this book.  But if you also enjoy reading a novel that will make you look differently at the world,  Rare Earth should be on your nightstand.  And if you seek answers to how your faith may guide you to take action to help others, Rare Earth should be open in front of you at this very minute.

Cindy Loven, Cindy’s Book Reviews

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…

This book is intense!! Just to clarify, the action adventure factor is HOT!, the storyline is intriguing!, the characters are totally believable and convincing, and top it all off with a hint of romance, and you have a 5 star story!  I loved the book and anxiously look forward to more from Davis Bunn.

‘Rare Earth’ focuses on Gritty Issues Facing Kenya (Review)

By Karen Farris

Guest Reviewer

Sometimes a good book is the perfect escape. Little did I know my escape would transport me to a place I’d never been and when I left it, would keep part of my heart.

Rare Earth travels across the globe to places in Africa, where humanity is packed into refugee camps and wretched slums. But I promise, this book won’t leave you feeling hopeless. In fact, you will sense something far greater at work.

Davis Bunn’s Rare Earth smacks of a nail-biting Tom Clancy novel with Clive Cussler heart-gripping action. Bunn focuses on the gritty issues facing Kenya: drought, starvation, even a volcanic eruption.

But even worse are the deplorable conditions for the uprooted tribes due to land grabs from a greedy, deplorable underworld. Nothing detracts Marc Royce from his mission to find the answers to who is behind the atrocities affecting thousands of innocent people.

And part of the answer is hidden in the lucrative riches of the African soil. Rare Earth takes you inside the heart of the tribal elders who are desperately seeking what we all seek—a home to maintain ancestral heritage and a homeland for the generations to come. As the secrets hidden in the dark soil are unearthed, human weaponry becomes useless in order for good to finally prevail. An ancient warrior’s tactic in an epic battle becomes a modern tool in the African jungle.

Davis Bunn is an award-winning writer, and after reading Rare Earth, the accolades are well earned. In a time when we face economic uncertainty, I needed the reminder that I am indeed rich. Rare Earth exposed more than the riches beneath the African soil; it pointed to the ultimate force that is truly able to restore much more than land. It revealed the hope that gives us today, tomorrow and forever.

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This review was originally published on Karen’s blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.