Davis Bunn's Lion of Babylon ~ Reviewed

Lion of Babylon

By Davis Bunn

Published by Bethany House

ISBN#978-0-7642-0905-5

378 Pages

Back Cover: 

Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq--kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight--a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation.

Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?

Review: 

Bunn hits a home run with this new novel that has you rooting for his main character Marc Royce. I’m thankful for the review copy of Davis Bunn’s suspenseful action novel introducing the first book in a new series and Marc Royce, a man who walks out his faith in amazing and dangerous situations.

I was instantly captivated from the beginning of the novel, “The current Administration in Washington is fractured. Top to bottom. I’ve never seen such in-fighting. Worse than Nixon. It’s a virus that’s eaten into every dept, including Intel. They need a voice they could trust. Someone who’s beyond politics. I advise what Intel is fact, what is biased and what is pure political lard.”

“Who watches the watcher?” Marc Royce asks.

“Everyone” Ambassador Walton replies.

Marc Royce was on a leave of absence from the Bureau taking care of his wife during her illness when Ambassador Walton dismissed him from intelligence. Now he wanted him back? His friend Alex was missing. They think it had to do with an issue tied to the Green Zone Chapel – the underground church in Baghdad! Marc heard enough from the Ambassador – Personal matters aside, He’d take on the mission.

The heart of the story shines out in the middle of the action, drama and complex plot. Davis Bunn worked and lived in the Middle East and Israel. He’s very familiar with the underground church there, has an understanding for the people their culture and love of the land.

Marc Royce is asked to help find his friend Alex, who’s been kidnapped. This author gives the reader a visual snapshot of this region, helps them understand the traditions of the people and their history all throughout this page turner.

This is a deeply moving and memorable novel that will leave you wanting more. You’ll want to read the next book in this series called Rare Earth, where Davis Bunn takes Marc Royce and the reader on another mission impossible. I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

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