Davis Bunn's Blog, page 27

Tourist Tips from Davis Bunn: England

Elaine writes:

One third of the way thru Full Circle, my best expression is “ahhh.”

Seriously, just before picking this up, I backed out of an e-book written by a female secular author whose command of the English language is mostly displayed in four letters, OR her genuine favorite, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; not in prayer.

I knew it was time to wash my eyes with Christian fiction again, so I found your as yet-unread book on Amazon. Not long ago I read The Black Madonna, but it’s Full Circle which has inspired me yet again to write you.

There is a place you take people, sir. A wonderland of words. For example, my heart was deeply stirred by this passage:

“Kayla clung to her, not from affection, but rather because she needed a moment to crush yet another wave of regret. When they released each other and Honor pressed her palms to the corners of her eyes, Kayla wondered which woman was the stronger, the one who controlled her tears or the one who let herself cry.”

Wow. Never thought of it that way. I’m the one who doesn’t cry.

Beyond the heart-place is the England you take your readers to. I’d love to see it. My husband is a Delta Captain and we have to use some company gifted tickets by a certain date. Since being in your novel, I have begun to desire a first ever trip to England. I don’t want to see London necessarily, or if at all, maybe a day, since neither of us is big on the well-worn sightseers’ paths.

Do you have some favorite places you would recommend to someone who wants to see your native country with the eyes you use to weave that marvelously intricate tapestry? It’s likely we would avoid the heavily travelled summer season, but maybe early Sept. would work for us.

 

Dear Elaine,

Thanks so much for your lovely words. To answer your question: There are a number of truly breathtaking regions that still hold the aura of a slower-paced England. I would suggest you stay in Henley-On-Thames when you arrive from the US, less than an hour from Heathrow Airport and a fantastic glimpse into the pre-Victorian river life.

From there you have two possibilities that would both be possible to do in a week, which I’ll assume is your timeline, you did not say. My personal preference would be to go to Bath, perhaps the most beautiful city in England.

And from there tour Cornwall and Devon, staying in the coastal towns. There are some truly spectacular old manor hotels, which Isabella loves, not too expensive, any number of websites will help with that, her favorite is Relais Chateau, but it’s pricey.

The B&Bs are also beautiful down there, and September will not be too chilly. But as I said, you will need a car. The alternative would be to train from Bath north four hours to the Lake Country. Stay in Windermere, from where you can take daily tours either to hike or travel by mini-bus. Lovely region, and September will be perhaps the finest time of year.

Have a lovely journey.

Reviews and Research on Rare Earth Metals, Plus a Book Giveaway

I know you love winning books. And quite a few bloggers are going to be giving away copies of my new novel, Rare Earth, during the next couple of weeks, so stop by my blog often and enter all their contests! 

Our first contest this week is hosted by Michelle Rayburn, who writes the blog, “Faith, Creativity, Life.”

Michelle Rayburn, Faith Creativity, Life

Click this link to enter Michelle’s contest by August 1, 2012.

Here’s an excerpt from Michelle’s review:

I like Davis Bunn’s suspense novels because they include tension and action without unnecessary violence. He also proves that a book can be awesome without main characters who kill without good reason, swear for the sake of it, and justify crime. Yet, he doesn’t sacrifice the excitement of a well developed suspenseful plot. I give him an A+ for this.

…I like how Bunn takes his time in revealing to the reader what the story is really about. I like how he sets up tension, keeps the reader guessing who can be trusted, and keeps the suspense going right up to the end. The book wraps up in a way that leaves room for more in the series…

Here are excerpts from some new reader reviews of Rare Earth. I hope you’ll click the title of each blog to read their full reviews.

Debbie Phillips, Debbie’s Digest

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/spiritual nature of this book. It is expertly weaved throughout the story. Pastors, Christians, prayer, God, Jesus, worship in many places and many languages, it is wonderful. Here is one small sample.

Kitra’s mother said, “All over Israel there is a secret phenomenon. People are discovering the love of Jesus.”

Marc felt a shiver course through his frame. The softly spoken name became the cohesive force. The means through which all these broken shards began pulling together into a mosaic. (pg. 229)

“For the Messiah. The risen Lord. They name him, and they pay the price. They become outcast within their own clans. They are the banished ones, even here in their homeland. They are persecuted for accepting the power of eternal love.” (pg. 230)

Boy does this book draw you in. A number of times Bunn has given me just a piece of the puzzle, but not the whole thing. Drawing me to want to know more. Excellent, excellent writing. The main character, Royce, tells his plan to his superiors and to others, but Bunn does not tell us yet. It is maddening… making me read, and read, and read, because I. Must. Know!

But, now that I know will I tell you? Of course not! I could not do it justice and would ruin the story. Get the book. Read it. You will love it.

Reading this book has also caused me to do some research on rare earth metals. The following may, or may not, be as interesting to you as they were to me. As a rock hound and geology enthusiast, I took geology classes in High School and Geology was my minor in college, . Wow! The research that went into this book and the knowledge of important international affairs astounds me. I had no idea. The pdf, with it information about China, was especially interesting.

http://www.uscc.gov/researchpapers/2011/RareEarthsBackgrounderFINAL.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare_earth_element
http://geology.com/articles/rare-earth-elements/
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/translating-uncle-sam/stories/what-are-rare-earth-metals

Pamela Morrisson, Daysong Reflections

Reading Rare Earth made me feel as though I was right there with Marc Royce and his associates. I could almost see the Kenyan sky, feel the heat and volcano ash, and breathe in the fragrance or stench in the air around them. When an author has the ability to totally immerse me in his story, such things as grammar, typos, etc. become irrelevant. The experience is all that matters.

Davis Bunn has a talent for taking his readers right into the heart of an adventure. In Rare Earth I experienced a great story with a fast moving plot that had plenty of action, drama and suspense and I actually learned about the lives of people involved.

I have known on some level that things are not good in Africa but from my privileged position of comfort and plenty, it seemed to be remote and didn’t enter my thoughts very often. “Rare Earth” exposed me to the realities suffered by so many of the people of Kenya and the ways they have been exploited. Although it is fiction, “Rare Earth” could easily have been taken from current news.

Rare Earth is a powerful book in so many respects. The story alone is worthwhile reading but it goes beyond that.

Marc Royce is the kind of hero we need so desperately today. Hopefully there are real men with his dedication and values who are working under the radar to help make the world a better place.

After reading this book I am left with the question of, “What can I do to help?”

I wish I knew the answer.

Here is the video trailer for Rare Earth:

Click here to view the embedded video.

‘Hidden in Dreams’ Has it All, Say Reviewers: Gunfire, Financial Ruin, Lies Romance (to name a few)

I’d like to share several of the reader reviews that just came in for Hidden in Dreams. You also have three new opportunities to win your own copy of Hidden — just click the links to enter Rachel’s, Miralee’s or Sid’s contests (hosted at THEIR blogs).

Please click on the title of each blog to visit their blog and read their full reviews.

Rachel Phifer

Click here to enter Rachel’s contest through July 27, 2012

…As with every Bunn book I’ve read, the suspense is page-turning. The mystery is complex and keeps the reader guessing, and, of course, reflects real world events. I gulped down the last 100 pages in one sitting….

…Hidden in Dreams is a less mystical story than its predecessor, but is thoroughly enjoyable. As with most of Bunn’s stories, you can expect solid writing, a global mystery, a touch of romance, and a profound spiritual theme. Recommended.

Miralee Ferrell

Click here to enter Miralee’s contest.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

The words that came to mind as I was reading?  Compelling and riveting, for starters.

You’re instantly catapulted into the mystery that surrounds dream specialist  Dr. Elena Burroughs, and which quickly spreads to over a dozen other ‘dreamers’ across the world.

To be quite frank, this isn’t the kind of book I’d typically purchase, but the characters were so well drawn, the story and mystery so compelling that it literally drove me to finish…

Sid Frost

Click here to enter Sid’s contest through August 7, 2012

Sid’s review has already been posted on my blog. Check out this post for his review: ‘Hidden in Dreams’ Reviewers call the story ‘intense, intriguing, disturbing.’

Margie Vawter, The Writer’s Tool

When I pick up a Davis Bunn book to read, I expect a great story, excellent characterization, and an intriguing, sometimes heart-pounding, adventure. Hidden in Dreams did not disappoint.

This book is the sequel to Book of Dreams, where Dr. Elena Burroughs is challenged on every side over her emphasis on dream analysis and its effect on the human mind. The emphasis on the economy and unscrupulous people who exploit the circumstances in order to benefit themselves is very real and a topic that affects all of us.

Although the clues were there, I didn’t see the twist coming—at least not in the form that it took. For those who enjoy a fast-paced suspense, Hidden in Dreams is a must-read.

Bonnie Hastings, Multiple Sclerosis

Davis Bunn has spun quite a tale in Hidden In Dreams.  The story is definitely about a plot hidden in several dreams. Several people are having the exact same dream and the same reactions to the dream. Bunn has brought some very different characters into the story, who find themselves working together in spite of their opposing views about dreams.

Davis Bunn has written a great suspenseful story that deals with current issues of the economy and the world’s financial system. I really liked the conclusion of the events and the end of the book.

Debbie Phillips of Debbie’s Digest

This book has it all: gunfire, financial ruin, big corporations, lies, manipulation, romance, a fight for control of money on a global scale, doubt, fear, spirituality, prayer, and kidnapping.

Geni White, Books, Books, Books: Pits or Pearls?

Dr. Elena Burroughs, world-renowned dream expert, is now teaching at a Florida college, a welcome respite from her past year of overwhelming difficulties. Then a late friend Miriam’s sister, Rachel arrives with a plea for Elena to help a man having dreadful dreams that may impact the launch of Rachel’s project, a new medicine for ADHD.

Soon news arrives from around the world of unrelated people with a similar dream. And then Elena herself experiences the frightening nightmare. The dream warns of world financial catastrophe and Elena is engaged by Rachel’s company to help people survive. Complications cascade into hers and other lives.

At the point where readers may feel convinced the entire world is doomed, Elena discovers something readers will never expect. I’m so excited about that part of the book I’m tempted to reveal this fascinating event. But that would spoil the story for readers.

However, know this book will keep you immersed in the suspense, the unusual events and a dangerous but satisfying ending, including some romance.

Elena Burroughs Enters a Bizarre World in ‘Hidden in Dreams’ (Review)

By Audrey Engel

Guest Reviewer

After a couple late nights recently, I’m excited to post this review for the second of Davis Bunn’s newly released novels, Hidden in Dreams.

My conclusion?

It’s a bizarre world that Professor Elena Burroughs enters.

It’s a world which can twist a person’s mind with fears and confusion—and above all, with dreams.

Elena has landed at a private university in her own field of psychology. It is her refuge after her world shatters under the stress of a controversial book with an even more controversial claim—that God can use dream to warn people about the future.

Then Elena has her own dream that demands her attention and the attention of the entire world.

Think banks and stock markets are boring, not to mention confusing? Throughout Hidden in Dreams, Davis Bunn ties the diverse threads of economics, financial panics, and psychology into an amazing brain thriller. After she and fourteen other Dreamers receive identical dreams—warnings, they believe—Elena Burroughs finds herself back on the national stage, the last place she ever wanted to be, and she’s trying to stop the ultimate disaster.

It’s not nuclear fallout, but a financial meltdown that’s coming.

 

Along the way, Elena experiences a personal waking, as she recovers from her husband’s death years before, and discovers a new life and hints of a new love. Hidden in Dreams continues Elena’s story from the first book in this series—Book of Dreams. Hidden in Dreams hints at these previous events in Elena’s life, but I had no difficulty in following the plot without having read the earlier book.

I would rate this book a full five stars—the story and characters captured my imagination. Yesterday, I posted my review of Bunn’s other new release, Rare Earth—originally, based on the descriptions of the two books, I expected to prefer Rare Earth as an action-based story. Both books actually have a similar balance of action, investigation and introspection. Both also focus on the protagonist’s internal and external quests for healing, but Hidden in Dreams takes the prize for its depth and brilliance. I was intrigued by my first quick breeze through the book, and found it even more enjoyable with my second, deeper read.

By the end of the story, the question isn’t whether God can work through dreams, but whether man can recognize his need and rely on God.

I would recommend this book to any of Bunn’s fans, or anyone else in search of a strong, fast read.

……………………………….

Audrey Engel is a home school graduate, blogger, and aspiring novelist. This summer, she is working at a lodge in a remote Alaskan village–and of course, writing about the experience on her blog, “The Lore Mistress.”

An Accountant Who Kicks Bad Guy Butt? Must be Marc Royce

Readers really seem to connect with Marc Royce, the protagonist in Rare Earth. Here are several comments about Marc:

Dennis Brooke

A people savvy warrior, who kicks bad guy butt–and he’s an accountant?

That’s the hero you meet in Rare Earth, the new release by best-selling novelist Davis Bunn. Warrior-Accountant Marc Royce deploys to Kenya where he uncovers international intrigue and wins the trust of suspicious African tribal leaders–leaders who are waiting for a deliverer foretold by a local prophet.

Add a half-French, all-Israeli love interest, amazing detail, and action that doesn’t end even with the final page–and you have another winner by Davis Bunn.

Rare Earth is a sequel to Lion of Babylon. I haven’t yet read that novel but didn’t feel like I missed anything by starting with this book. Bunn is masterful at filling you in on the back story of his hero, Marc Royce, without slowing down the pace of this story.

Davis Bunn is skilled at immersing you in the character and culture of his novels. Whether its first century Palestine, as in The Centurion’s Wife or modern-day Africa as in Rare Earth, you feel like you know the people, place, and time when you’re done. And you cheer for his heroes when they come out on top.

Join Marc Royce as he fights to right a terrible wrong, bring hope to a hopeless people, and sees a glimmer of a brighter future for himself.

Sharon L. Johnson

With a storyline that could easily have been lifted from today’s international headlines, Davis Bunn has again captivated my attention with a riveting plot and characters..

…In Marc Royce, I see the compassion and strength of an authentic hero–courageous, sacrificial, yet at the same time human and humble.

True to form, Bunn’s research into the details of the back story (i.e., rare earth elements, and their extensive use), are so precise–even in the portrayal of the African landscape and tribal culture. This is one is his best books yet: a must read!

Peter Leavell

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 send him on a difficult path that brings him together with a beautiful and mysterious woman. But the intrigue building in Kenya will not only hurt the ones he loves, but the entire world. Does he have the strength to be what people need him to do? Or will he fall, never to realize his potential?

This beautifully sensitive novel is compelling as it is thought provoking.

Bunn crafts Christian action and suspense thrillers like no one else. Rare Earth is a reader’s playground that had me wishing I had a sick day to stay home and read.

Take this trip to Africa with Marc Royce. You won’t regret it. I’m giving it five stars.

And perhaps Marc Royce will touch your life like he did mine. A real hero who overcomes.

Peter Leavell graduated from Boise State with a degree in history in 2007. With his passion for historical fiction, nothing delights Leavell more than people turning the pages of a book, enraptured by the story. He is the winner of the Christian Writer’s Guild’s best first novel 2011 for Gideon’s Call. He lives in Boise, Idaho.

When Fear Fuels Reality, is Faith Lost? (‘Hidden in Dreams’ Review)

By Kathryn Eriksen

Guest Reviewer

Have you ever noticed that when you focus on fear, it seems to grow exponentially?  Every thought, every emotion becomes tied up in what “could be” or what “might happen,” robbing you of peace, tranquility and a sense of well-being.  Your world is tainted by fear, and you begin to make decisions that may not be sound, but appear to be valid given your new inner landscape.

Take that scenario of fear, embed it in the consciousness of millions and watch panic spread like a virus.  Sparking terror and prompting wide-spread terror.  Especially if the fear is based on the one thing that Western Civilization relies upon as its foundational touchstone.

Money.  And the fear of its loss.

A creative and unusual book about the conflict between fear and faith has just been released by  bestselling author, Davis Bunn.  The second in the Dreams series, Hidden in Dreams follows Dr. Elena Burroughs as she unravels another dream mystery, this time involving a world-wide banking crisis that is sparked by a series of dreams about financial chaos.  The difference this time is that the same dreams occur to different people around the globe.

Elena is a fascinating protagonist and role model.  Although she does not seek the limelight, her knowledge, expertise and talent in interpreting dreams draws her back into the front of an escalating series of crises that threaten the financial stability of the world economy.  Although Elena becomes involved on a professional level, it is not until she starts having the same dreams as the others that she is challenged to find her way on a very personal level.

Just as she did in Book of Dreams, Elena seeks answers by going inward and listening for God’s guidance and direction.   The central question of faith versus fear is handled deftly by Bunn, who creates the inherent conflict by his strong plot, intriguing characters and realistic challenges.  The issue of faith (or the lack thereof) almost becomes an unseen character, always present but never so obvious that its influence turns off readers.

Even non-Christians will appreciate Hidden in Dreams.

If you want to enjoy a great summer read that also asks thought provoking questions about the battle between fear and faith, you will not go wrong with the Dreams series.  Even though the same character is portrayed in both books, you can read either one or both, in any order.

This review was originally published at Kathryn’s blog. Reprinted with permission from the author.

3, 2, 1, Blastoff — Reviewers Rate ‘Rare Earth’

**Three of today’s reviewers are giving away a copy of Rare Earth. Be sure to read the reviews to find and enter the contests.

Click the title of each person’s blog to read their full review, as several of these are excerpts from lengthier reviews.

Nora Peacock, The Father’s Quill

Jump from a helicopter with Marc Royce and land in the midst of a Kenyan refugee camp teeming with starving Africans who have fled an active volcano.

Taste the falling ash, listen to the night calls of jungle animals, experience tribal customs and taboos that surround Royce who moves from a position as a Baltimore accountant to relief worker for Lodestone to shujaa, warrior and deliverer for a people caught in the cross hairs of corruption and greed.

Discover the world of Rare Earth, where murder serves as the means to an end in a battle to acquire untold riches at any cost.

Put your feet up in a comfortable recliner and prepare to burn the midnight oil as Bunn’s novel draws you deeper and deeper into the heart of all that is Africa–of all that represents the best and worst of the human spirit.

Brenda Hill

When I read the last sentence of Chapter 1, I knew I was going to be taken on an adventure. My senses went into high alert as if I was an astronaut listening to the countdown, 3, 2, 1 Blastoff.

…I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller that is action packed, keeps you guessing and a great story.

Gary Gilmore, Victory Ground

Gary is hosting a giveaway contest for Rare Earth through July 25, 2012. Click this link to enter.

It is folly to think you know how a book will go just because it is a Davis Bunn book. On the contrary, he delights in change and newness. Refreshing!

Drop all preconceived ideas and notions about this book, and prepare for a fast-paced, hair-raising, all-consuming novel.

Nicole Petrino-Salter, Into the Fire

With a diverse cast of carefully constructed characters, Davis Bunn creates an intriguing story capturing some of the majesty and much of the cruelty in a country gone mad with greed and shifting allegiances.

Charity Lyman,  Giveaway Lady

Charity is hosting a giveaway contest for Rare Earth through July 27, 2012. Click this link to enter.

… 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 guy’s 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… This is definitely a 5 star book that I would give more if I could!

Audrey Engel

Africa is alive…barely.

Marc Royce, former Baltimore accountant, arrives in Kenya with a new job title—American relief worker, carrying supplies to a refugee camp near Kitale. His first view of his new job? An image of death.

A drought devastates the land, a volcanic eruption coats villages with ash like snow, and vultures move in for the spoils. Under the ash and the fear, however, Marc finds that the people of Africa—and the land itself—are still vibrant with life. Then Marc realizes that some of the disasters are man-made, and not all of the displaced refugees should be refugees.

And so Marc finds he has yet another job, with love and death waiting in the wings as he searches through the African dust for answers to his questions.

I would rate Davis Bunn’s action novel Rare Earth four stars out of five for an intriguing story, amazing setting, but some choppy opening scenes. The book continues Marc Royce’s story from the 2011 novel Lion of Babylon, moving his work from war-torn Iraq to disaster-plagued Africa. I haven’t read the first book in the series, but Rare Earth is written as a stand-alone story, and I had no problem picking up the story. I did struggle initially to figure out what Marc’s real mission in Africa meant, beyond the big clue in the title. By the book’s mid-point, however, I was ready to stay up late to finish the story.

Marc’s challenges include the land itself, as well as many of the people he meets along the way, from the UN workers and private contractors who bet on his chances of survival, to the African pastor Charles and the Israeli nurse Kitra who should be helping him in his search, but raise questions of their own. The characters themselves develop a little through the course of the story, and I wasn’t much surprised by the book’s ending, but I enjoyed the journey all the same—Africa feels real in this book, and it is an amazing, vibrant encounter.

I would recommend this book for teens and adults, and especially anyone who likes faith-based action stories.

Margaret Chind, Creative Madness Mama

Margaret is hosting a giveaway contest for Rare Earth through July 27, 2012. Click this link to enter.

Political, heart wrenching and obviously well researched I could not turn the pages fast enough and now that I’m through I’m sad… I’d recommend it as a worthy read.

3 Bloggers Host Giveaway Contests for ‘Hidden in Dreams’

Three reviewers of Hidden in Dreams are hosting giveaway contests this week on their blogs. Please click the titles of  each of their blogs to enter their contests.

Michelle Rayburn – Faith, Creativity, Life 

Enter contest by July 19, 2012

Have you ever wakened from a dream wondering if it had really happened? Dreams, although subconscious, can often feel eerily like reality.

What happens when 15 people dream the same nightmare? In different places around the world? Hidden in Dreams will give you chills as Dr. Elena Burroughs seeks to unravel the mystery behind the parallel dreams of 15 people, one of those being herself.

Is it coincidence? A medial mystery? Or some sort of twisted conspiracy?

Readers will journey with Dr. Burroughs in answering these questions. Likely, they will also feel the helpless terror of those experiencing the dreams.

In Hidden in Dreams, author Davis Bunn continues the series from book one, titled Book of Dreams. However readers who didn’t read the first book won’t be lost in this one. Although there are referrals to the first book, that one wrapped up at the end, and this begins with the next phase of Dr. Burroughs.

Davis Bunn has an engaging style that includes a thread of adventure and mystery combined with thriller. The plot is complex and just as with Bunn’s other books, he makes his story lines feel believable enough for the reader to contemplate whether it could happen in real life.

If there is one thing that would make the book even more satisfying, it would be to have the reader get a more vivid picture of what the dreams were about. I won’t spoil the plot, so I’ll be a little vague here, but there are times when the author describes a dream as “far, far worse” than a previous one.

But I didn’t get a clear picture of what was far, far worse about it. This is a big challenge for an author, since dreams are difficult to really picture, but I wanted to really feel what was terrifying about it, and some of the descriptions kept me disengaged from really feeling the terror that the characters felt.

I loved it and I give the book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Mark Buzard, Thoughts of a Sojourner

Enter contest by July 24, 2012

With a book like this, I have to be careful not to give too much away, but the plot was terrific. It had to do with the financial system of not just the USA, but of the whole world. Hopefully no one is capable of doing what the bad guys did in this book, but it is sobering to think about what people might attempt to bring about what they want.

A great plot and characters, fast-paced suspense,  and the author isn’t afraid to have Christian characters and content. I’d highly recommend it.

Linda Wagner, One Desert Rose

Enter contest by September 14, 2012

Dr. Elena Burroughs, well-known for her controversial dream analysis work, finds herself in the lime-light of the highly pumped media, a position she abhors. They are hounding her about the almost identical, repetitive dreams coming from several individuals world-wide (aka “dreamers”), predicting cataclysmic financial upheavals. Her old enemies become new comrades to make sense of the dreams and whether they relate to side effects of a new drug, SuenaMed, used to treat ADHD.

The dreams, however, don’t really seem like actual dreams as much they appear as attacks or visions, repetitively overriding the dreamers’ thought patterns, causing a sense of urgency to tell the world.

Despite the tense episodes, a tentative romance develops between two gentlemen vying for Elena’s attention, making for an interesting dilemma for her. Her choice seems obvious up front, but circumstances change that make you wonder if she will change her mind.  It calms down the chaos to help you get a breather from the hectic circumstances.

Foretelling through dreams is not a concept that I am familiar with, but it’s an interesting, creative concept for presenting cataclysmic overtones.  Since we are currently living in a volatile financial world today, these dreams could easily send the public into a frantic frenzy.

It seemed real enough to make me wonder for a time what would happen to my own finances should something like this happen. Davis has done a great job in upping the anxiety as the dreams unfold.  The twists in the scenarios took me by surprise, making this another great read by Davis Bunn.

The qualities and peculiarities of each character seemed to be realistic and very tense at times due to the traumatic responses to the dreams.   The tempo of the media, the rush to action to curb distress, the last-minute meetings, and the frenzy of the people were well described.

I did enjoy the aspect that some of her co-workers were fellow believers, and they were open to praying over situations, with Dr. Elena sensing protection because of their prayers.

Check out Davis Bunn’s book, Hidden in Dreams, for a new perspective on the possibilities of our world’s economics, as well as a great suspense. And don’t forget Book of Dreams by the same author, the prequel to this book.

My Rating:

I would rate the book at a 4.5.  Davis did an excellent job at creatively presenting the chaotic scenarios with the public’s frantic frenzy of a ‘rush’ at the banks and the media race for first dibs on the dreams.  The media can be like pariahs and people do panic!  The book distinctly pulls on the emotions of the volatile financial market of today’s world.

I was confused over the issue of foretelling and prophecy, as there is a fine line between the two terms.  I found this aspect disconcerting and a little off-kilter for me, feeding into the New Age ‘spiritual’ messages.  I will agree it was handled quite well by Dr. Elena, though.

The fact that there are several books out on cataclysmic chaos in the financial world, this just seemed like just another one in some aspects.  But Davis’ creativity puts it in a completely different realm.

Reviewer Says, “I Would Hand You ‘Rare Earth’”

By Anitra Parmele

Guest Reviewer

If I worked with you, had a class with you or even if I sat next to you on a train and we got talking about books, Davis Bunn’s Rare Earth is a book I would hand you with every certainty that you would enjoy it.

One of the strongest elements is probably something I need to remember even as I post this review.

For Davis, words are not the message, they convey the message. He has the extraordinary ability to construct sentences that don’t leave you thinking, “Wow, that was a really well-crafted sentence” but his words serve to drive you deep into the heart of the story and of the characters.

Royce, Charles, Kitra don’t “come alive” through the pages, you’re convinced they are alive. Some books keep you conscious of the fact that someone has worked very hard on the plot, characterization, point of view. For Rare Earth, all of that is true but Davis takes it one step further so you are unaware you have not slapped at a mosquito while awaiting the decision of the Kenyan tribal elders or watched for yourself as Royce delivers a blow to the throat of his attacker. Davis doesn’t impress you with the detailed description of the airport in Tel Aviv or a Kenyan refugee camp, you’re too busy smelling, hearing, and seeing it for yourself.

As I closed Rare Earth, I was grateful that everything wasn’t tied up in a neat little package. There is a lot I still didn’t know about Royce and Kitra, Kenya’s future, and even how God uses dreams in the lives of His followers. I do know more about African refugee camps, recovery from devastating loss, strategic elements, the necessity of seeking God’s face, the true definition of hero, Messianic Jews and the bonds forged in combat than I ever thought possible. But when stuff happens to your friends, you just naturally want to pay attention.

On average, I read a dozen books a week. Some I borrow, some I buy, some are provided to me by publishers to review on air or in print just as Bethany House sent me an advance copy of Rare Earth. This is one of the books I would hand you.

 

More Reader Reviews

“I like learning about new things and new places – in fiction settings, not like a school book. This book did that for me in transporting me to Kenya and to Israel… the characters were believable in their Christian walk – they didn’t preach, they lived.”

- Lydia Blow

 

“…The intrigue of highest level intelligence (officers) to reach truth in this story taught and stretched my understanding and grew an increased appreciation for all who love their lands and live for others.”

-Vicky Babcock

Spies Like Us

Bill writes:

I just read Lion of Babylon and enjoyed it, well-written, exciting and–authentic (I am an espionage buff). Your descriptions of Middle East politics and life was quite interesting, especially the US-Iraq War (I heard a talk several years ago by Saddam Hussein’s Air Force commander, a Christian, who now lives here. He wrote a book and described how the alleged WMD were secretly transported by air to a “hidden” burial site in Syria).

Your writing style, after many novels, is professional and polished. The concept in Lion of depicting a Christian Iraqi (Sameh) is quite original. All the espionage books I have read (Le Carre, Deighton, Silva et al), have been more downbeat, non-spiritual, and “bitter.”

Could you list your novels that are “espionage”-oriented? My county library may have more of them, or I can request them.

Dear Bill,

Thanks so much for your very kind note, which I read with great interest. To have an espionage buff find this sense of connection to my story, and also appreciate my efforts to maintain a positive outlook, is a real boon.

This is my first attempt to write a true espionage tale. The second in this series, entitled Rare Earth, was published July 1, 2012.

If you are at all interested in my other non-espionage suspense stories, I would suggest you have a look at All Through The Night, a mystery based in Florida, and Gold of Kings, an adventure-suspense that begins in Florida and travels all over the place.

Lorie writes:

When you write a novel, do you go and visit the actual places to get a feeling for the emotional atmosphere and location? It sure feels like you do! (I did that when I wrote my Austrian novels. Man, I would have been farther out than the moon if I had depended on only photos and maps, rather than a really good visit). I notice that all your Middle-Eastern novels have strong vibes of accurate geography, space, temperature, dirt, humidity, music, food, etc. You HAD to have been there! Way to go!

What are you working on now? Can’t get enough!

Dear Lorie,

Yes, I tend to ‘over-research’ the place and people before actually putting pen to paper. I worked in the Middle East and Africa for four years, back before I started writing. So it was great to finally come up with a story that used the treasure of these experiences. So glad you liked it. As for what comes next, the sequel to Lion is called Rare Earth, and was just published.  I hope you enjoy this story as well.

Kirsten writes:

I attended your workshop at the Space Coast Writers’ Guild convention in January and found it most instructive and stimulating. I also bought a copy of Lion of Babylon and have enjoyed reading it. Even though I never visited Iraq, your vivid evocation of Baghdad and the Iraqi people make me homesick for Libya, Jordan, and Egypt, where I spent most of my childhood and adolescence. Your “second act curtain,” which I feel is the Alliance church meeting, has true historical resonance because it’s so much like meetings of the early Christians, where Jew and Gentile, master and slave, rich and poor, men, women, and children, joined together as equals. I do hope the closing line of the story comes true and Marc will not be long in returning because I feel he’s going to be dreadfully homesick for his adopted Iraqi family.

Dear Kirsten,

I am so pleased to learn you found some benefit in the talks I gave, and even more to hear that an individual who has resided in the Middle East found a sense of truth and resonance in my story. I wish you every possible success in your own writing career.

Sonia writes:

Can you help me with one of your titles? What is the title of the book you talk about the stock market and how someone tries to manipulate Wall Street? In your preface you mention Soros’ participation in the collapse of the stock markets of Ecuador and Japan. Members of my family lost money in Soros wicked deal. 

Dear Sonia,

The title of that book was Drummer In The Dark. I have just released my first title dealing with the international financial system since that book, and this new story is entitled The Book of Dreams, and was released by Simon and Schuster last autumn.  If you have a chance to read it, I hope you enjoy it as well.

I am so sorry to learn of your family’s troubles under this crisis. I do so hope all is well now.

Follow up from Sonia:

I just finished reading Lion of Babylon. A great book. I am recommending it to everyone I know. It has a great message of presented masterfully. Thanks for opening my eyes more to what our soldiers go through and what happens/could happen in Iraq. Bless you.