Davis Bunn's Blog, page 42

Intrigue, Hidden Agendas and Powerplays Mark Thrilling 'Lion of Babylon' (Review)

By Kevin Bunn

Guest Reviewer

As Baghdad recovers and moves forward from the tumultuous war, on the other side of the globe, Marc Royce, former CIA Intelligence Analyst, seeks solace from the loss of his beloved wife, Lisbeth.

Two seemingly unrelated pieces of information are inevitably connected, however, by the Ambassador Walton, a "retired" member of the CIA, who operates at, and among, a level of government with the ability to listen, analyze and respond in ways that are normally not available.

Ambassador Walton pulls Marc back into the world of intrigue, secrecy, hidden messages, underlying agendas and life-threatening danger as Marc is sent to Iraq to find the answers to "why" three Americans and an Iraqi have gone missing.

Though seemingly unrelated, Marc uncovers a much more sinister plot to create turmoil in Iraq as children are being kidnapped and held for reasons other than money. But how are the two connected?

In Lion of Babylon, Marc teams up with characters taken from many levels of Iraqi society, as well as friends and associates among the American diplomatic, intelligence and military community.

In this thrilling book, I was given a look into the background of the different characters and the underlying history which drives the social and religious perspective of both Iraqis and Americans who seek to find a measure of peace in a world turned upside down by the lust for power. Beneath the surface, long-standing traditions and religious thought have been manipulated by the differing groups to achieve an insidious goal of rule over people seeking peace.

Fortunately, there are many who seek the peace of Jesus and recognize that they have a burden to bear which may well cost them their lives, but they follow in faith, providing the means necessary to overcome the enemy.

As Marc's connection to one Iraqi family builds, so also does the trust needed to depend on each other for safety and yet, to enter into extremely dangerous situations in order to find answers which connect the seemingly unconnected.

Marc's training and mental resources contribute to him being ultimately identified as a "lugal," a champion, a hero, like a lion but much more than that; it is a term virtually never used except to describe a person upon whom a nation can depend to save those most in need, a person who could be trusted with the fate of a nation.

Any reader who enjoys a tension-filled "thriller" will enjoy Lion of Babylon. The story has mystery, intrigue, background, history and victory. I am looking forward to know "what happens next?"

Does Marc go back to Washington, only to find that he is so connected to Iraq that he must return?

Does his relationship with certain male and female characters grow to a point where his life changes in ways that he could not predict?

Will he find the peace he desires as he comes to understand the power of God to help him heal from the death of Lisbeth?

Do the Iraqis prevail in establishing a government of peace?

I wonder and wait.

*Note: Lion of Babylon releases July 2, 2011 from Bethany House Publishers. Click here to pre-order your copy.

About Kevin Bunn (no relation to Davis Bunn): From early childhood I have been associated with the Christian faith. I have always been an avid reader, starting before kindergarten reading the newspaper and anything else I could get my hands on. I remember reading the Bible during church services, especially the Old Testament stories, mostly because when I was young, the sermons were "over my head" in terms of subject matter and theology.

Over the years I absorbed the Biblical history and learned how important these stories are to our ongoing battle with sin, as well as the thread of God's plan for our salvation.

This understanding has helped me as a Bible class teacher, study and home group leader and from time to time, a speaker delivering the message of our faith. More importantly, as a father and husband, I learned how to help my children develop their faith in God and Christ, as well as supporting my wife during her journey to become a Marriage and Family Therapist and Bereavement Counselor.

I am presently a businessman in the construction industry, searching out and developing a focused, niche business to recycle construction debris into marketable product.

Waiting, Waiting, and More Waiting…

The issue of "waiting" appears to have struck a nerve with my readers. (I discussed it in two blog posts called "Practicing the Discipline of Waiting"  and "Waiting."

And I'm still waiting!

One of my readers, Donna, emailed me, saying, "Very excited for the possibility of All Though the Night being made into a movie. Was an excellent story line with interesting characters."

Yes, it is both exciting and a bit, well, I don't know what the proper word is to describe this situation. I now have five different possible film projects, and all of them are just, well, out there.

I have learned some intense lessons in patience, and the power of letting go, as a result of this past year, and the film work is certainly one component of this lesson. My aim right now is to do everything that is required, everything I have control over, on time and to the best of my ability. Then I am striving to learn the lesson of not merely waiting, but being content to let go and rest in faith.

I've been hearing from quite a few people who are also waiting, and I'd like to share their thoughts with you.

Best-selling author and all-around wonderful woman, Robin Gunn, has added her own wisdom to the issue of 'waiting'.

You've hit upon the true rhythm of what it means to be a writer — that oh-so familiar drumbeat of "hurry up and wait."

As I read your post I kept nodding my head. Yes, yes. I know what you're saying. So much happening and yet the day is half spent and so much is still suspended out there, waiting for another day, another answer, another decision. And yet I'm at home in this place of not knowing. Calm. Yes. It is a calm, isn't it?

I just pulled this favorite Milton quote out the other day from Paradise Lost. I'm sure it's a familiar one but here it is in all its ageless beauty.



On His Blindness

When I consider how my light is spent

Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,

And that one Talent which is death to hide

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

My true account, lest He returning chide,

"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"

I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need

Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state

Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,

And post o'er land and ocean without rest;

They also serve who only stand and wait."

Standing and waiting with you this week, my friend. Delighting in the calm.

Aloha.

Here is another lovely comment about 'Waiting', this one from Carolyn in Minneapolis:

Davis, the Lord bless you abundantly as you WAIT on Him. I'm not a very patient person by nature, so I don't ever find waiting easy, and I really feel I'm still in kindergarten in that respect. May the responses for you, when they come, be good and, above all, bring glory to the Lord we love and serve.

Here is yet another beautiful comment from a great writer, Jennifer King, about 'Waiting':

Davis, Thank you for posting this. It's true. The waiting as a writer never really goes away, and it is tough.

Joy, thank you for sharing this. Wow, you have quite a story to share. I am very sorry to hear of your daughter and the strength it took to walk through that difficult time.

And you are right, Joy. Davis has a wonderful way of encouraging writers. Because of Davis, I met Chip MacGregor, who soon after became my agent. And since, we wait on selling a novel… But it will come. I am very grateful.

Thank you for encouraging us with your stories.

Sandy has this to say about waiting:

Waiting can be so hard!!! I can completely understand what you have written. In the midst of waiting, there are often many unanswered questions & doubt can plague our mind. But what joy we receive when we see God's plans unfold!

Pastor Gary Gilmore had this to share about his own waiting times:

Waiting is equally as hard for a pastor. Will that person ever catch it? Will that family ever get it together? Will the worship ever ascend to the level it should? On and on, you keep pouring your heart out – and waiting for the breakthrough, any breakthrough. But even in the waiting, there is great joy. So 'rejoice, and again, I say, rejoice!'.

Of course, Davis is a great encourager. By reading his books, I would say that encouraging is more important to him than writing. And as Christ has been formed in him, he can't help but encourage. 'We comfort with the comfort whereby we are comforted.'

Thanks, Joy, for your fine piece. Thanks, Davis, for sharing!!

Jennifer Hamilton has had these beautiful thoughts to share on the issue of waiting:

Waiting has shadowed my every step since my childhood.

As a little one, I remember waiting to be old enough to cross the main street with my brothers and sister to play. I remember waiting to be old enough to sit at the adult's table during holiday meals and no longer have to merely be "seen and not heard." And I waited longer than most to experience that sense of belonging to someone, beyond those inside the walls of my home.

I waited, in fact, more than half my life for God to reveal Himself to me. When He finally did, He'd come in through such an unexpected entrance it turned my life upside down and utterly around. I was ready at that instant to take off with Him, turn the world upside-down too for Jesus. But God said, "Wait."

He then filled my womb four times and I loved motherhood, but I so wanted to sing with our worship team. He said, "Wait."

Later, I wanted to write fiction, but nothing ever seemed to materialize. I heard Him saying,"Just wait."

Then, when my close writing friends set their sails for the depths of publication, speaking engagements, book signings; I felt my heart beat slowing down. I could barely breathe I was so depressed. The rush I'd been feeling through writing seemed to leave, right along with them, and there I stood in the silence of being left behind and was waiting once again.

But when one is trained in the sometimes harsh discipline of waiting, that person eventually finds his home there, his greatest comfort there, his peace there. Waiting lends insight and saves from premature and false starts. In my waiting I've learned what I will need to avoid and what I definitely must pursue without being detoured. Had I not been so intimately acquainted with waiting, I would have made a fool of myself long ago. But waiting has proved to be a very good friend. And God used this waiting in order to spare me, soften me, and equip me.

Only recently have I sensed the hand that has been holding me still all these years begin to lift from the nape of my yearnings. Slowly, very slowly. And I hear Him whispering, "It's time to move ahead now. It's time to move ahead with everything I've been showing you and teaching you. It hasn't just been about the gifts and talents I've given you; it's more about your character. Your character must reflect My character."

Ironically, I'm finding I'm rather apprehensive about taking that first step now, because I know myself, my weaknesses, my propensities toward certain things. But I also know it's time to take that step.

And that's all it really is.

A step.

Then the next step.

And the next.

One step at a time, always waiting for God's "go ahead" for the step that will follow. And the moment I sense Him leaning in, and feel that warm breath of His Spirit on my ear and the strong impulse to wait, I will stand still and know that He is God and I am not.

"Wait," I'll hear Him say, and I'll know–because He's trained me to know–that it's for a good reason.

Sandy sent these lovely thoughts:

The richness of this post reverberates in my soul-your Florida storm mirrors my life right now.

Waiting that produces the conclusion "God IS in control" is so often hard to walk through, and yet His timing is perfect-"the minute hand as well as the hour hand must point the exact moment for action. When God delays, He is not inactive. He is getting ready His instruments, His is ripening our powers; and at the appointed moment we shall arise equal to our task."-Mrs. Cowman from Streams in the Desert.

Ahh, refining and education in God's School.

Stitching 'The Quilt' With Care and Thanksgiving

Lynn writes:

I just finished the book , The Quilt. I was very moved. I am a quilter and use a label "stitched with prayer by Lynn."  Thank you for reminding me to be thankful and to really stitch with prayer and thanksgiving.

Dear Lynn,

Thank you so much for this lovely note. The Quilt has been out of print now for five years, and the result has been a gradual fading away of the wonderful letters that have populated my life for, hmmm, wow, almost eighteen years. Thank you so much for writing and reminding me of this little book, this dear and precious work.

**Note: Many readers have notified me that they've found my out-of-print books at their public library, used bookstores, or online bookstores.

My Father, USAAF Captain Thomas 'Buck' Bunn, Honored at Inauguration of WW II Memorial

Thomas 'Buck' Bunn, aka 'Daddy Buck'

Dear Friends,

My father, USAAF Captain Thomas 'Buck' Bunn, flew B-29 bombers out of Tinian and then Guam and finally Okinawa during the battle of the Pacific in WWII. To commemorate their service, and to inaugurate the new Washington WWII Memorial, the survivors were flown up for the event.

Upon their return, those from my home town – Raleigh, North Carolina – were greeted with a parade.

My stepmother wrote and asked if I would write my father a letter, which was handed to him on the flight, just like his post had been delivered during the war. It helped a great deal to have this small connection to what was going on that day.

Isabella and I both lectured last week in Oxford, and could not get away. It was very hard not being there. But our absence was soothed immensely by the lovely letter which my sister-in-law wrote of the events. I would like to share her words with you. Pamela refers to my father by the name given him by the grandchildren – Daddy Buck.

Several generations of the Bunn family celebrate together

Last night's welcome home of Daddy Buck's Honor Flight was a wonderful experience! We joined hundreds of others, many clad in red, white and blue, with flags, banners, balloons, and much patriotic cheer to welcome home the 100 WWII vets from their special day in Washington, DC.

They had arrived at RDU early yesterday morning and walked a red carpet, greeted by the governor, to board their charter flight to DC to visit the WWII Memorial. There was one care-giver for every three vets, mostly men, but with a few women, several in wheelchairs and walkers. The oldest was 95, and he received the flag flown over the capitol.

The inside corridor at the airport was lined with sailors in dark navy uniforms, and large flags. A band played from the 2nd story deck. Many in military uniform greeted, stood at attention, and kept people in place. We arrived well before 8:00, when the plane was to land.

We waited for over an hour, realizing that after the plane landed, it took quite a while to get all of the honorees through the terminal to the escalators. Suddenly people began to murmur.

Uniformed Marines marched down through the indoor tunnel/approach, followed by a band of bagpipers playing Amazing Grace. As the vets came down the escalator, they could see the hall was lined with servicemen and flags, but not beyond. As they walked (or were pushed) through the opening into the atrium of the airport, their faces were priceless, many with teary eyes and quivering lips as they beheld the hundreds who had come to cheer them on, say 'thank you', shake their hands, hug, and chant "USA, USA!".

Lisa and I got choked up more than once. Daddy Buck saw us, came over for hugs, then proceeded on through the long, roped-off line to the end where Miss North Carolina greeted them (to the delight of many). He was very tired, but had enjoyed himself.

I spoke with a woman whose son had been on the helicopter that took the Navy Seals in to get bin Laden. He had called her and said, "Mom, we got him."

"Who? Where are you?" she asked.

"I can't tell you, but remember what I said when you see the news tonight."

I held her hands and told her I knew she was so proud of him. I have included a picture of her, her father, who had been on the trip to DC, and her husband, I presume, also a vet.

What a wonderful program this Honor Flights is, to take those who are the inspiration for our WWII Memorial, who are still alive and able to travel, to see that we do honor them. And this welcome back was quite a show. So many came simply to show gratitude for them, and for our freedom.

America, America, God has shed his grace on thee, and crowned thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea!

'Lion of Babylon' is a Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Peace in the Middle East (Review)

By Kathryn Eriksen

Guest Reviewer

When I first glanced through Lion of Babylon it appeared to be another action-type thriller, set in Iraq during the same modern turbulence that we read about in the newspaper every morning.  But then I caught a glimpse of the one word that was guaranteed to draw me in – "Jesus."

What would a story about modern day Iraq have to do with Jesus?

How did his message of love and healing reach the Muslim world, and what profound effects could that have on sworn enemies?

The answers to those questions are what make Lion of Babylon such a compelling story with broad implications to the turmoil in the Middle East.

Davis Bunn is a well-known and respected author of many best-selling books, all with a Christian theme or slant.  It surprised me that he would tackle such a thorny issue as the Middle East, where a majority of the population are sworn enemies of Christianity.  But then I remembered that he lived in that region for many years and would have gained a unique understanding of the Muslim mind and character.

Without giving too much away (it is an action thriller on the surface), Lion of Babylon shares a message of healing and reconciliation that is only possible through one source.  Strip away the layers of beliefs created by fervent factions, and we all hold the same heritage and birthright…and each of us were created in the image and likeness of God.  When the focus is moved away from our differences and placed on our similarities, miracles of healing melt the crust of anger, hostility and hatred from our hearts…and break them open to pure love.

Lion of Babylon is destined to become a major piece of the solution to Middle East peace.  Please tell everyone about this book – and spread its message of peace and healing to the world!

*Note: Lion of Babylon releases July 2, 2011 from Bethany House Publishers. Click here to pre-order your copy.

Kathryn Eriksen is an attorney who discovered a passion for writing later in life.  The author of two books, "Walk With the Master," a Christian children's book about Jesus' life, told from a unique perspective, and "Images in America – Waxahachie." Eriksen is a teacher, speaker and writer about developing and growing in your personal relationship with Jesus and God.  Learn more about her at www.WalkWiththeMaster.com and follow her blog at www.KathrynEriksen.wordpress.com.

I am a beginning novelist. Do I need an agent?

The agent connection is vital these days. A good agent is someone who will assist you in handling the commercial aspects of your career, serving as a conduit for a multitude of issues that will arise throughout the publishing process.

What the agent is not, however, is equally vital. An agent is not a miracle worker. These are tough times in the publishing arena, and the agent can help accelerate the process, but not create a contract out of thin air. The agent will help you bridge the divide between what you are comfortable working on and what the publishers may want - and more than likely this will mean further rewrites.

It is vital that you do not enter into these discussions with a defensive air. The agent will not make such requests lightly. Find an agent with whom you can establish a rapport of success, and aim high.

More Blog Tour Stops for The Acts of Faith Series

I'm grateful for the many bloggers who volunteered to review books from the Acts of Faith series and to interview me for their blogs.

Here are two of my recent blog tour stops:

A Christian Writer's World by Lena Nelson Dooley

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2011/04/damascus-way-davis-bunn-free-book.html

An award-winning multi-published novelist, Lena describes herself as a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is also a fulltime writer, speaker, and book reviewer.

Lena's interview helped her readers get to know the person behind my books. She asked:

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
What is your favorite food?
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Daysong Reflections by Pamela Morrisson

http://www.daysongreflections.com/?p=7270

Pamela describes herself as a country girl, born and raised in west Tennessee, just east of the big city of Memphis. She says, "I have been married to a farmer/rancher (now retired) for over 30 years. I have always been a voracious reader but have narrowed my choices to mostly Christian fiction in recent years. I have also been cooking since I was about ten years old and had some wonderful cooks in the family who taught me and shared their recipes with me. Another favorite pastime is computer graphics and web design. I have always been fascinated with computers and once I got my hand on one, I learned everything I could about them I could, and once I found I could satisfy my artistic side with graphics software, I was in cyber heaven. Naturally, digital photography soon followed."

Pamela combined her review of The Damascus Way with a Q & A. She asked:

Many – in fact, most – of the characters in the Acts of Faith series are not believers. Why did you focus the books on them?
How do you come up with the trials a character will face in growing in their faith? Do you draw on your own experience or similar situations that maybe you or friends have been through?
What is the biggest personal lesson you have learned from writing the Acts of Faith series?

Do you have a blog?

Would you like to participate in the blog tour for my next novel, Lion of Babylon? If so, please contact my blog tour manager, Laura Christianson of Blogging Bistro to arrange for a review copy to be mailed to you. Lion of Babylon releases July 1, 2011. I appreciate your help!

Readers Share Thoughts About 'Lion of Babylon'

Joy writes:

I was very pleased to receive an advance reading copy of Lion of Babylon. Once again the characters in your book have walked out of the book into my mind and will probably be there forever. I couldn't put the book down. I felt both entertained and educated by the time I finished. I hope it goes well. It will certainly be on my Christmas list for the readers in our family this year.

Dear Joy,

It was so good to hear that you connected with Lion of Babylon. This particular waiting period has been so very long, having completed the first draft in September, and the book not due for release until July. Yours is only the second response I have received so far, and it means the world.

Mary writes:

I read Lion of Babylon in less than 24 hours.

Dear Mary,

It's early days yet, but that definitely is a record so far. It's also the sort of thing that is music to my ears. My aim was to tell an extremely complex story, but do so in a manner that flowed smoothly from beginning to end, the style very simple and engaging. Make a book that invited the reader in and swept them along. That was the goal.

So your lovely little note is a fabulous affirmation that, at least with you, my dream has come true.

'Lion of Babylon' Character Sketches

By Laura Christianson

Guest columnist

During March, I published character sketches for the Acts of Faith series on Davis Bunn's blog.

Davis's new novel, Lion of Babylon, is set to release July 1, so I thought now would be the perfect time to introduce you to several of the major players in that book.

Lion of Babylon is set in present day Baghdad, Iraq. Marc Royce, a former State Department intelligence agent now living in Baltimore, is contacted by Ambassador Walton, retired chief of State Department Intelligence.

Marc's former boss informs him that several Americans who live and work in Baghdad (including Marc's best friend) have gone missing.

Marc's assignment—should he choose to accept it—is to travel to Iraq, locate the missing persons and return them to safety.

Here are several of the key people Marc meets along the way (no plot spoilers; I promise):

Sameh el-Jacobi – A lawyer and member of the Syrian Christian Church. Sameh has a reputation as "the most honest man in Iraq."

Leyla – Sameh's niece and his right hand at work. Leyla and her young daughter, Bisan, live with Sameh and his wife, Miriam.

The Imam Jaffar – (Imam designates a scholar or religious leader). Jaffar's father (the Grand Imam) is the religious leader of Iraq's Shia population, the majority of Iraq's Muslim community. Jaffar is the heir apparent to this title.

Major Hamid Lahm – Senior guard-captain at the prison and Iraqi policeman from a Shia family. A graduate of Baghdad University with a degree in criminology, Major Lahm hopes for fairer treatment for his people.

Barry Duboe – Senior official at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and deputy head of station for the CIA. He is described as "aggressive, bullish, loud, and perpetually angry. But he was also bluntly honest."

Jordan Boswell – Deputy to the U.S. ambassador in Iraq.

Josh Reames – Known as "the leopard," Josh is an American "ghost" operating outside the official remit (in other words, he is Special Ops).

Hassan el-Thahie – a Sunni and former Baath Party official. "An extremely intelligent and crafty businessman."

Farouk el-Waziri – Leader of one of Iraq's oldest merchant families. He is a major exporter of dates and holds the Coca-Cola franchise for Iraq. His eldest son, Taufiq el-Waziri, is described as "a firebrand… a troublemaker."

Fareed – An Iranian member of the resistance.

When you read Lion of Babylon, I recommend setting aside several hours. The fast pace makes the book difficult to put down, and you'll want to read it in one sitting. Enjoy!

Laura Christianson manages Davis Bunn's blog. The author of three non-fiction books, Laura owns Blogging Bistro, a company that helps businesses and individuals enhance their Internet presence.

Reader Inhales 15 Davis Bunn Novels in a Month

I hope you'll enjoy these notes from readers. I certainly find them encouraging!

Mary writes:

Davis, did I call your books mesmerizing? I could also add addictive! I've read 15 books in a month & a half. Off to the library today to try to find some more. God speaks to me through your books. The message He's been giving me is the importance of friends/allies in the battle that we're in against the forces of darkness.

Dear Mary,

Wow, fifteen in four weeks!  That must set a new record. It sounds as though I need to accelerate my output just to keep up with you. In all seriousness, thank you so much for this very kind and thoughtful note, Mary.

Jane writes:

I want to encourage you, if you aren't already aware of it, to go see a movie called the Grace Card .  Lou Gossett Jr. and a friend of ours, Mike Joiner, stars in it. I know you are in the middle of some movie things but would encourage you, if you can and haven't already seen it, find the time to see it. It is Christian based, as well as steeped in racial problems.

Mike is by trade a comic, but a serious and committed Christian and goes to our church. This is way out of the box for him but not unwanted and very much a "God thing."

Dear Jane,

Thanks so much for the lovely emails. And thanks also for the suggestion to check out your new favorite film. I am posting this on my blog, so that others can see as well. It is wonderful to learn of a new film that has created such a powerful response, especially one that carries a positive message like this.

Chris writes:

You spoke at a luncheon in SW Florida in 1991, and signed a copy of The Presence (great book!).

Dear Chris,

Thanks so much for your note. I actually do remember that luncheon, as well as the occasion. A woman named Barbara had organized it around her efforts to combat pornography in S Florida, and asked me to speak after the publication of the sequel to the presence (based on the story of finding a runaway teen). The audience was great, the people truly wonderful.

JK writes:

I have recently come upon your books. I cannot stand all of the junk that is out there–although I must say that I do like Janette Oke. I got one of your books– Shenandoah Winter–and could not put it down. I was so disappointed when I finished it because it was over. I was so drawn into the book with all of the details and the story line. I was right there with the characters. Your knowledge of the area and the insights that you brought out. Also, the fact that you put faith into the story also were all things I really enjoyed.

I ordered two more books and have finished the one and am into the second one. Now I am back to order more. I really enjoy your writing.

So, I am writing to say, "thank you" for being so good at what you do. Thanks for mixing detail in the surrounding areas, details in the court scenes, details in the way people respond and react. Thank you for sharing your talent with me. I am a big fan and want to read everything now.

Dear JK,

Thank you so much for the wonderful note. I am indeed grateful you would give my books a try, and delighted to hear they have lived up to your standards. In case this helps, more recent books that other fans of Shenandoah have written to say they enjoyed include the following three:  My Soul To Keep, All Through The Night, and The Book Of Hours.