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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Bethany House Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Special agent Marc Royce's job in the State Department is routine---until two CIA operatives, a high-placed Iraqi civilian, and a humanitarian aid worker go missing in Iraq. As Marc engages in a covert operation, the underground dialogue between sworn enemies heats up. Will the ultimate Reconciler bring peace between ancient opponents and current foes? 384 pages, softcover from Bethany.
Average Customer Rating:
(20 Reviews) 20
Rating Snapshot (20 reviews)
5 stars
18
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
20 out of 20100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Review 1 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
This book is very interesting and hard ot put down
Date:April 6, 2012
Linda
Location:Chicago, IL
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book portrays in real life drama the situation between warring factions in Islam- very well written
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Review 2 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
A Must Read!!!!
Date:January 31, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
As I have just closed the pages of this book a few minutes ago, all I can say is "wow." This is a book that I normally would not have picked up in a bookstore because it is action. That is typically not may favorite genre but this one left me wanting more. It was action packed but it wasn't scary in any way. It was full of suspense, gripping me and dragging me from page to page from start to finish. If this is how Davis Bunn always writes, then I'm a huge fan. I'm going to definitely have to check out the rest of his books because this one was great. I've already told several people about this book and how they need to read it because it's that good. I am anxiously awaiting Book #2 in this series.
So what's the book about that makes it so great? It's the plot. When I was telling my husband about this book, he joked that they needed to make a movie about it. I agreed because it would be an incredible movie. Just picture this plot in your head, although you'll have to read the book to get the full picture.
Alex Baird, a CIA agent, is in Baghdad and has gone missing along with 3 other people--a female nurse, a female aid worker, and a wealthy young Iraqi. Are all of these people being held in the same place by the same people or are they each a separate case? What could they all possibly have in common?
Marc is an ex-State Department agent involved in covert operations who left the field after his wife got sick. However, he's the best in the business and is called back on the mission to specifically bring Alex home.
Sameh is a lawyer that also works to bring children home to their families after they have been abducted. When Sameh tries to find help on a case, he ends up working with Marc. Neither is sure whether they can trust the either but after a series of incidents, they realize that they are both trustworthy people.
How will Sameh and Marc bring home the hostages? Will they get there in time or will something unexpected occur? You've got to check out this book to find out! You won't be sorry.
_________________
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
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Review 3 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Lion of Babylon review
Date:September 24, 2011
I received "Lion of Babylon" by Davis Bunn for free from Bethany House Publishers. This book is about the Iraq situation and the US and Iran part in it. Marc is the main character. He is a US former intelligence, presently accountant, who is sent to Iraq to find and recover three missing US citizens: a soldier and two nurses. The US government denies they are missing, the Iraqis deny they are missing, and yet, they are. Marc's mission is to find out why no one wants to find them and then find them. His side kick in the story is Sameh, a Christian Iraqi attorney who assits Marc in the mission.
First of all this is sort of a guy book. Lots of action and intrigue. Its also full of information about Iraq: their culture, history and religions. Religions as in plural. The muslim religion is as complex as the prodestant religion with all of its splits and miniscule differences. As an average American whose country has been at war with Iraq for almost 10 years, I was amazed at how little I know about Iraq. Very little in fact. This is an interesting and informative book. I liked it.
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Review 4 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 23, 2011
linda mallalieu
Location:cochranville,pa
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This book was great! Couldn't wait for the end. Passed it on to a friend and she loved it too. Great writer, Davis Bunn. Hope he writes more like this book.
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Review 5 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Captivating!
Date:September 21, 2011
KnittedintheHeart
Location:Kansas
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is a historical fiction novel that tackles issues with sensitivity and grace. Issues of ethnic and religious background are addressed. The story glides along as though watching a captivating movie. My favorite part of this story occurs when people of different ethnic and religious background are worshiping together. I think this is a snapshot of what I anticipate heaven to be like one day. This is the first novel I’ve read written by a male author and I appreciate how romance was sprinkled lightly into the story and not the central focal point of the story. There is plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader engaged in this novel.
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Review 6 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Could not put it down!
Date:September 11, 2011
Davis Bunn is a great author. I have read some other books that he has co-authored and I would highly recommend him to anyone who loves to read. Lion of Babylon was a very gripping story. Marc Royce was fired from his job as special operations because he tended to his dying wife. A friend of his goes MIA and he gets called in by the same man who fired him. However, his ex-boss is no longer in the same position, but is still pretty high up the chain in Washington. Marc gets called in to save his friend and possibly 2 other American women. The last they were seen was Baghdad, Iraq.
Marc is a man of faith, however, after losing his wife he felt like his life had ended. No matter the circumstances in our life, our faith in God is what keeps a person together. He was going to church, but he wasn't growing. This is an area that needs to be worked on when life is going great, in order to sustain us through the trials and tribulations that will come into our life.
Sameh is Marc's help when he is dropped out of the Green Zone. Sameh is a fellow Christian, but he hides his faith and keeps it among his church family and his family. Through an underground church that Marc and Sameh go to, Sameh's eyes are opened to the fact that the Christian walk is meant to be lived out in front of others, despite the "consequences" with the government. As Americans, we do not face the same persecution as those in other countries, yet it is easy to just go with the flow instead of living our faith out loud.
Marc is a man of faith, however, after losing his wife he felt like his life had ended. No matter the circumstances in our life, our faith in God is what keeps a person together. He was going to church, but he wasn't growing. This is an area that needs to be worked on when life is going great, in order to sustain us through the trials and tribulations that will come into our life.
Sameh is Marc's help when he is dropped out of the Green Zone. Sameh is a fellow Christian, but he hides his faith and keeps it among his church family and his family. Through an underground church that Marc and Sameh go to, Sameh's eyes are opened to the fact that the Christian walk is meant to be lived out in front of others, despite the "consequences" with the government. As Americans, we do not face the same persecution as those in other countries, yet it is easy to just go with the flow instead of living our faith out loud.
(I received a complimentary copy for review from the publisher.)
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Review 7 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
An Exciting, Polical Thriller
Date:September 2, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn is an exciting, and at times, heart-pounding, breath-taking political thriller.
The characters come to life in front of the readers eyes, while fast friendships develop between American, and Iraqi, Christian and Muslim. Who join together in the search for three missing Americans and an Iraqi.
During their search for the missing men and woman Marc and his new friends attend an underground church which Marc describes “`As they met and forged a friendship they began looking at the Bible. Together they studied the Gospels, the four book that tell of the life of Jesus’ Marc Waited a moment. then said, `They started praying together. For wisdom. For barriers to fall. For Jesus to Speak to them.’”
I would recommend this book to readers from teen to adult. My 15 year-old can not wait to start reading it.
**Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn was provided for me free by Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 8 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Just a little disappointing
Date:August 31, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Davis Bunn’s “Lion of Babylon”, set in modern day Iraq, is listed as a novel of suspense- as such, I’m not sure it meets the average reader’s expectation. The main character, Marc Royce, is a former intelligence agent called back into the field to unravel the mystery of his friend and former co-worker’s disappearance. His quest brings him into a fast-formed friendship with a number of Iraqis, particularly one Christian man who is involved in investigative work. As a contemporary novel, “Lion of Babylon” gives the reader an excellent sense of place; Bunn’s talent at evoking the smells and feel of a hot, crowded, war-torn city shines through in this book. The setting was believable and well portrayed, as I was able to clearly envision and feel the volatility of present-day Baghdad.
Along these lines, I also felt that Bunn skillfully conveyed a simple overview of the religious and political divisions that have plagued Iraq for centuries and persist today. A mild history lesson served up in a novel is something that I appreciate, as I like to think I will gain something from fiction beyond the pleasure of being entertained. Of course, Christian fiction also attempts to impart spiritual lessons and Bunn delivers on this point as his main characters in “Lion of Babylon” experience the power of faith in overcoming the cultural, linguistic, and racial barriers that often separate people.
Where the “Lion of Babylon” is somewhat disappointing is its general lack of believable suspense, particularly since it is classed as suspense genre. Unfortunately, I never strongly felt the tension that comes with uncertainty of outcome; rather, the points of conflict, particularly the conclusion, felt too easily- almost effortlessly- resolved. Another factor that contributed to the lack of suspense was that the hostages in need of rescue were not meaningful characters. The urgency of their situation never became real because they were not introduced or given a voice of their own. A final aspect that deprived the story of suspense was how quickly the bonds of unbreakable trust and camaraderie formed between the main characters- this despite the incredible brevity of their acquaintance and the language, cultural, or political differences that existed between them. As a fan of other works by Davis Bunn, “Lion of Babylon” disappointed me in these respects; however, it did not disappoint as a good, action-packed- and ultimately uplifting- read, one that kept me interested and engaged throughout. Most readers of Christian fiction will probably enjoy this book, and I would recommend it to someone who enjoys books that read a lot like every action movie you’ve ever seen- and still enjoyed.
Along these lines, I also felt that Bunn skillfully conveyed a simple overview of the religious and political divisions that have plagued Iraq for centuries and persist today. A mild history lesson served up in a novel is something that I appreciate, as I like to think I will gain something from fiction beyond the pleasure of being entertained. Of course, Christian fiction also attempts to impart spiritual lessons and Bunn delivers on this point as his main characters in “Lion of Babylon” experience the power of faith in overcoming the cultural, linguistic, and racial barriers that often separate people.
Where the “Lion of Babylon” is somewhat disappointing is its general lack of believable suspense, particularly since it is classed as suspense genre. Unfortunately, I never strongly felt the tension that comes with uncertainty of outcome; rather, the points of conflict, particularly the conclusion, felt too easily- almost effortlessly- resolved. Another factor that contributed to the lack of suspense was that the hostages in need of rescue were not meaningful characters. The urgency of their situation never became real because they were not introduced or given a voice of their own. A final aspect that deprived the story of suspense was how quickly the bonds of unbreakable trust and camaraderie formed between the main characters- this despite the incredible brevity of their acquaintance and the language, cultural, or political differences that existed between them. As a fan of other works by Davis Bunn, “Lion of Babylon” disappointed me in these respects; however, it did not disappoint as a good, action-packed- and ultimately uplifting- read, one that kept me interested and engaged throughout. Most readers of Christian fiction will probably enjoy this book, and I would recommend it to someone who enjoys books that read a lot like every action movie you’ve ever seen- and still enjoyed.
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Review 9 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Spell-binding; it left me breathless
Date:August 31, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Gripping. Stunning. Intriguing.
A real “page-turner.” Suspenseful.
Creative. Descriptive. Imaginative.
I could go on. Bunn has done a masterful job of transporting the reader to another place, and to what might almost seem, another time. Though set in modern day Iraq, during the time when the Iraqis are seeking to establish a post-Saddam government, Davis Bunn describes the setting so well, you’d think you’d been taken back in time to another world. Sights, sounds, even smells float up off the page. Spice, mint, a melange of other odors kept stirring my senses throughout this book.
The plot was first-rate for this genre. I’ve read a great deal of Vince Flynn, Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum and enjoy the espianoge genre. I truly enjoyed my first experience at reading Davis Bunn. He does a superb job of keeping the reader into the suspense and tension of the plot. I felt it moved at a great pace (contra other reviews I’ve read, but it makes me think they’ve never read in this genre before). There were moments I was breathless and then relieved; drawn in and on edge, as well as moved deeply. There is a scene in a “secret” church gathering with Americans, Iraqis, Sunni and Shia alike gathered for worship, making it only about Jesus that is so touching, I almost felt like I was Sameh el-Jacobi, being moved so deeply by the Spirit that tears flowed down my face.
Bunn’s main character, Marc Royce, fits into the “spy thriller” mold: he’s reluctant, yet able to take complete charge of a situation; feeling manipulated by handlers, yet still gets the job done for the sake of country (and, in this case, a foreign country that he becomes very fond of very quickly); aloof and yet very human.
If you’ve never read in this area before, I’d recommend this book. It contains the feel of some of the biggest best-sellers on the “secular” market without all the foul language, innuendo (or worse, blatant descriptiveness) and cynicism. If you’re an “old familiar” with this type of book, grab it and read it and wait for a great ride. Once you start, you won’t put it down.
I highly recommend the Lion of Babylon.
A complimentary copy of this book was received for review purposes only.
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Review 10 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Worth staying up late to read!
Date:August 27, 2011
The Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn is a page-turner. In fact, I stayed up until 3:30 a.m. to finish this book one night. I've read most of Davis Bunn's books, so I was anxious to receive this book to review. I can tell you that this book is a departure from Davis Bunn's subject matter, but it still embraces his legal/thriller style.
Marc Royce, formerly employed by the State Department Intelligence, was dismissed by a boss consumed with his work and who expected the same of his employees. Marc chose to take care of his dying wife over his job. But now she was gone...and he was alone. He was now employed as a forensic accountant, a boring job. His former boss, Ambassador Walton, comes to enlist Marc's assistance to find Marc's best friend, Alex, and two women (all Christians) who had gone missing in Baghdad. Within 3 hours, Marc is on a private jet heading to Baghdad and just a little rusty at intelligence work.
Marc is put in contact with Sameh, an Iraqi Christian lawyer. This lawyer has been spending much of his time recovering kidnapped children who were used as leverage with their families for votes in the new and unstable Iraqi government. Jaffar, the Grand Imam's son, employs the help of Sameh to find a missing Iraqi man. After Marc & Sameh begin to work together, they are sure the 4 missing people are somehow connected.
Marc & Sameh are put in various situations which begin to make the Iraqi and U.S. government take notice of these two men. And neither govenments are anxious for the four missing people to be found or for Marc or Sameh to receive any kind of notoriety. Marc manages to stay out of the spotlight which endears him to Sameh's family and to many leaders. And trust is born. Both men soon find out why two governments don't want missing people found...and they see God at work.
This is a great story. And I can only hope that God is at work in Iraq in the way this story portrays!
Marc Royce, formerly employed by the State Department Intelligence, was dismissed by a boss consumed with his work and who expected the same of his employees. Marc chose to take care of his dying wife over his job. But now she was gone...and he was alone. He was now employed as a forensic accountant, a boring job. His former boss, Ambassador Walton, comes to enlist Marc's assistance to find Marc's best friend, Alex, and two women (all Christians) who had gone missing in Baghdad. Within 3 hours, Marc is on a private jet heading to Baghdad and just a little rusty at intelligence work.
Marc is put in contact with Sameh, an Iraqi Christian lawyer. This lawyer has been spending much of his time recovering kidnapped children who were used as leverage with their families for votes in the new and unstable Iraqi government. Jaffar, the Grand Imam's son, employs the help of Sameh to find a missing Iraqi man. After Marc & Sameh begin to work together, they are sure the 4 missing people are somehow connected.
Marc & Sameh are put in various situations which begin to make the Iraqi and U.S. government take notice of these two men. And neither govenments are anxious for the four missing people to be found or for Marc or Sameh to receive any kind of notoriety. Marc manages to stay out of the spotlight which endears him to Sameh's family and to many leaders. And trust is born. Both men soon find out why two governments don't want missing people found...and they see God at work.
This is a great story. And I can only hope that God is at work in Iraq in the way this story portrays!
I'd give this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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Review 11 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Lion of Babylon
Date:August 2, 2011
Hzwarrior
Location:KY
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I have read some of Davis Bunn's books. And I have enjoyed them. But this one was excellent. It was very thought provoking.
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Review 12 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Simply Stunning!
Date:July 26, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
It's been a long time since I've read a political thriller and was worried I wouldn't be able to 'keep up' but that wasn't the case at all. I didn't know anything about the Iraqi government or the political situation beyond some vague assumptions I have made from watching the news, but Bunn does an incredible job of weaving explanations into dialogue and plot so skillfully that I didn't get lost once! In fact I was extremely impressed by the level of respect and deference he gave to the topic. And completely fascinated and charmed by the Arab culture he reveals.
The intrigue starts on the very first page and doesn't let up until the very end. Pair that with stellar action scenes and it makes for a breath-taking read that hurdles the reader toward an incredible climax.
But this is also a book about friendship and honour and trust. And it's about the peace that only the Savior can bring even in the midst of chaos.
Amazing and thought-provoking and definitely unforgettable. This would make a fantastic book club selection.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."
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Review 13 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Davis Bunn has become one of my favorite authors
Date:July 6, 2011
OK grandma
Location:OK
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I just finished Lion of Babylon. It was so well written and moved so smoothly I could hardly put it down. Davis Bunn is an excellent author and I look forward to his next book.
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Review 14 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Davis Bunn delivers once again
Date:July 5, 2011
Bonnie Murphy
Location:Green Bay, WI
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Davis Bunn has never written a "dud". I am so pleased that I can confidently order his latest book, knowing the high quality work he produces, and not be let down. Lion of Babylon was no exception. Bunn writes with a level of intelligence, knowledge of his subject matter, and with depth and intensity. Each book Bunn writes grabs the reader's attention right out of the chute, and does not let go even after the final page is savored.
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Review 15 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
awesome read
Date:July 4, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I have read a few books by Davis Bunn over the years, but that did not prepare me for reading this one. Wow. What a read. I will admit I was a bit worried about the plot - was afraid it would come off very pro-Muslim in the way that the liberal media does, but it did not. Yet it isn't anti-Muslim.
I curled up in my reading chair and planned on reading a chapter or two. I quickly ditched that plan, and settled in for the long haul. I loved the plot, the setting, the characters - especially the main character. There was a lot of suspense and drama, which I love in a book, and above all was the Christian content. This is not simply an awesome international intrigue thriller. It is much more than that. It showed through fiction how God can work - and is working - in any country or people and can bring those people to Him.
Though fiction, Bunn painted a great and realistic picture through his words. As I read through the pages, it was like I was there on the streets of Iraq. The whole book seemed real, like the events could really happen. I got pulled into the book and became a very willing observer of the action and events within. I also learned a lot about Iraq and the difference in the kinds of Muslims.
My only disappointment was coming to the end of the book. It seemed to come too fast. I saw on a sign last week this quote: "The problem with some books, is that the covers are too far apart." True. But the only problem with this book, is that the covers were not far enough apart. I loved, loved, loved this book! I cannot say enough good about it.
I am very much recommending it. It is a story that men are more likely to enjoy than women, but anyone who enjoys a good thriller with international intrigue and military action will enjoy this. It should get 5 out of 5 stars in any review.
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Review 16 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Gripping Thriller
Date:July 4, 2011
I LOVED this book. I grew up reading Tom Clancy. In many ways, this book has that kind of feel. A lone operative sent into a hostile territory to do the impossible. Like Hunt for Red October, there's a local who tells part of the story -- and it is so much richer for seeing the story partly through his eyes. Set in Baghdad, as I read I felt transported to the battle in Iraq. I got a flavor for the state of the country from the American and Iraqi perspectives. The action was intense. And the characters compelling. The political factions are each illustrated with enough background to understand why these divisions have evolved over the centuries, but without too much that might bog things down. So while this book has everything that makes a Tom Clancy book a great read, it also has one missing element -- heart. The faith element is amazing -- and adds to the richness of the book. I can't wait to hear what my husband thinks of the book, but this is a keeper -- if you saw the overflowing state of our bookshelves you'd understand what high praise that is!
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Review 17 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Another great book from Davis Bunn!
Date:August 17, 2011
Daphne Hvizdak
Location:Amsterdam, New York
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I love Davis Bunn books and always look forward to the next one. The "Lion of Babylon" was full of suspense and gave a glimpse into life in Iraq these days, the dangers our men face and the reality that many of them care very much for the Iraqi people. There can be cooperation between groups although many do not want that to happen. This book gave hope for the future.
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Review 18 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE!
Date:June 19, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I never would have thought i'd be excited about a book with the setting of Iraq. But once again, Davis Bunn has brought me into a previously unknown world--this time, to a reading experience beyond my negative feelings about a seemingly endless war.
Lion of Babylon is far more than a thriller involving kidnappings of three Americans, an Iraqi, and Iraqi children. As is usual with Bunn's books, the characters are extremely memorable and endearing. Marc Royce becomes a lion (hero) not only to Iraqis, but also to the reader. Equally heroic is a faithful, caring Arab Christian, Sameh el-Jacobi. The gradual building of trust between Marc and Sameh is a beautiful thing, as are the incredible friendship and teamwork of Americans and Iraqis involved in the book's endeavors. And the theme of faith throughout the book is understated, but clear.
Other personal benefits for the reader: some necessary detail of Iraq's history, the description of Baghdad sites, a clearer understanding of the continual atmosphere of fear and danger, the inclusion of both young and older characters, and a basic understanding of Arab spirit and thinking.
Marc's willingness to do the right thing, no matter the cost, is crucial for all of us (in less exciting circumstances!), as is Sameh's conclusion: "All my life, my first instinct upon meeting a person has been to identify their background... I name them as American, Sunni, Shia, Persian, Kurd. But that moment in the [underground] church, we were all simply people in need. Imperfect and wounded and broken. And I saw the answer was Jesus." Good words for all of us!
Lion of Babylon is far more than a thriller involving kidnappings of three Americans, an Iraqi, and Iraqi children. As is usual with Bunn's books, the characters are extremely memorable and endearing. Marc Royce becomes a lion (hero) not only to Iraqis, but also to the reader. Equally heroic is a faithful, caring Arab Christian, Sameh el-Jacobi. The gradual building of trust between Marc and Sameh is a beautiful thing, as are the incredible friendship and teamwork of Americans and Iraqis involved in the book's endeavors. And the theme of faith throughout the book is understated, but clear.
Other personal benefits for the reader: some necessary detail of Iraq's history, the description of Baghdad sites, a clearer understanding of the continual atmosphere of fear and danger, the inclusion of both young and older characters, and a basic understanding of Arab spirit and thinking.
Marc's willingness to do the right thing, no matter the cost, is crucial for all of us (in less exciting circumstances!), as is Sameh's conclusion: "All my life, my first instinct upon meeting a person has been to identify their background... I name them as American, Sunni, Shia, Persian, Kurd. But that moment in the [underground] church, we were all simply people in need. Imperfect and wounded and broken. And I saw the answer was Jesus." Good words for all of us!
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Review 19 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Eerily authentic
Date:June 10, 2011
Missy
Location:TX
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I loved this new book by Davis Bunn. I hate politics and do not always pay attention to what is going on. I know the basics, but most of it is just too confusing to try to figure out. I know we went to war because terrorists bombed the twin towers on 9/11. Aside from that I have never eally understood what was going on over there, until I read Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn. He explains what is going on in Iraq without being boring. It's like somthing just clicked in my brain while reading it This book would great for a man or woman because it is not a romance book at all.
Lion of Babylon is about an ex CIA operative who gets pulled back into service when an operative who is a good friend of his goes missing in Iraq. When he arrives in Iraq, he actually joins forces with the Iraqees to find out what is going on, there is more going on then just a missing person. Is he missing because of political reasons or religious reasons? How do the religious factions in Iraq and Iran tie in with his disapearance? Will God help him on his quest to unravel the truth? This is a must read for everyone to help you understand the political, socila and religious aspects of the war we are in right now. Davis does an excellent job of interweaving a fictional story with the facts of what is happening right now.
If you don't care about any of that, read it anyways for a great suspenseful, focus grabbing book!
Lion of Babylon is about an ex CIA operative who gets pulled back into service when an operative who is a good friend of his goes missing in Iraq. When he arrives in Iraq, he actually joins forces with the Iraqees to find out what is going on, there is more going on then just a missing person. Is he missing because of political reasons or religious reasons? How do the religious factions in Iraq and Iran tie in with his disapearance? Will God help him on his quest to unravel the truth? This is a must read for everyone to help you understand the political, socila and religious aspects of the war we are in right now. Davis does an excellent job of interweaving a fictional story with the facts of what is happening right now.
If you don't care about any of that, read it anyways for a great suspenseful, focus grabbing book!
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Review 20 for Lion of Babylon, Marc Royce Series #1
Overall Rating:
Exciting insider Middle East thriller
Date:May 23, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Plunge into modern-day Iraq for a behind-the-scenes experience of the culture and the chaos. Accompany Marc Royce on a secret mission for the U.S. as he seeks to locate and rescue kidnapped Americans and Iraqis. Watch in amazement as he maneuvers, surviving the streets of Baghdad and winning the hearts of the people.
Written with sensitivity to both Muslim and Christian beliefs, Bunn masterly accomplishes a feat that would leave the State Department in awe. Perhaps they could take lessons from Lion of Babylon.
The nonstop action and suspense demand to be met by fast-paced reading. I finished the novel in less than a day, but wished it hadn’t ended. I thrilled at the Middle East adventure, but was glad to experience it from the safety of my comfy chair. Not only do we learn about Middle East life, history, and traditions amidst the engaging story, we observe lessons of sacrificial love and acceptance, offering hope for a future where we can live together in peace.
I highly recommend this powerful masterpiece.
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