Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2013), 334 pages
Description
"Investigating the funding of Iran's nuclear program, Marc Royce must rely on an old ally to help him uncover the truth--before it's too late"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member LAWonder10
The 'Strait of Hormuz' is an action-packed suspense/thriller that could very easily happen.
In the final book of the Marc Royce trilogy ends with suspense and a bittersweet romantic nebulous up to the very last page.
While still grieving, Marc is compelled to risk all, at the request of one he
From this point on one situation leads to another. The reader is rapidly drawn into the action. I could barely put it down from start to finish!
Davis Bunn successfully describes each scene, each character to the point one feels he/she is actually there.
The book cover "hints" at what the plot entails but doesn't give anything away. Still, it is very eye-catching.
It is beneficial to the reader to read the other two in the series, however, this can be a "stand alone" and still keep the reader's interest from start to finish.
My review rating of this book gives it Five Stars.
This was generously sent to me by the publisher for an honest review, which I have given.
In the final book of the Marc Royce trilogy ends with suspense and a bittersweet romantic nebulous up to the very last page.
While still grieving, Marc is compelled to risk all, at the request of one he
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despises yet respects and feels totally indebted to. Although he no longer is an agent for the U.S. government, he could not refuse this man. Is he being set up? He quickly realizes it is not only his life at risk but also the life of one from his past. He must quickly try to save the other person's life!From this point on one situation leads to another. The reader is rapidly drawn into the action. I could barely put it down from start to finish!
Davis Bunn successfully describes each scene, each character to the point one feels he/she is actually there.
The book cover "hints" at what the plot entails but doesn't give anything away. Still, it is very eye-catching.
It is beneficial to the reader to read the other two in the series, however, this can be a "stand alone" and still keep the reader's interest from start to finish.
My review rating of this book gives it Five Stars.
This was generously sent to me by the publisher for an honest review, which I have given.
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LibraryThing member wrbinpa
Taken from the book - The Strait of Hormuz formed the only sea passage between the Persian Gulf and the open ocean. Almost a quarter of the entire world's oil was shipped through those narrow waters, making it the most strategically vital passage on earth.
Marc Royce was an agent for the United
Kitra Korban was a very intelligent and perceptive woman who had been a part of Marc's past. She had a sadness about her and Marc was the reason for that sorrow. Marc had broken off their relationship and she didn't want to be hurt again. She was now in Geneva because she had been told that Marc would enter Geneva's most exclusive art gallery, and die. She traveled from Israel to save him and her life was suddenly thrown into a different direction. She had just recently told Marc she never wanted to speak to him again. And the story unfolds ---
Interesting characters -
Rhana Mandana - She owned one of the finest art galleries in the world. She liked to live dangerously, believing risk was an exquisite pleasure as long as it was done in an elegant flair. She surrounded herself with extravagance and luxury. Rhana had sworn revenge on those in her past who had treated her wrongly and had destroyed anyone she had once held dear. She'd been taught to trust no one, and that included God, whom she banished because of life's unfairness.
Ambassador Walton - A superior in Washington who was committed to saving the world. He had fired Marc from the intelligence agency, but also served as his mentor. He had the utmost respect for Marc and knew Marc was the man to get this job done.
Sir Geoffrey Treadwick had a passion for art and he had quite a collection that was worth about five million dollars. He also owned a boat that was a floating palace.
Marc and Kitra are thrown together in a suspenseful situation while trying to overcome their strong feelings for each other. This story has a strong message of faith, strength, wisdom, and healing. I loved the spiritual overtones of this book - "with God, all things may come to pass." A 5 star novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions shared are solely my own.
Marc Royce was an agent for the United
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States government, a man who's job was to protect the innocent and to serve his country. But, officially Marc wasn't even a part of an intelligence agency because he'd been fired. Marc was in Switzerland because of the one person in the world he couldn't refuse, Ambassador Walton. Walton needed Marc's urgent help to carry out a mission - to get to the source of a money laundering scheme that had to do with art purchases. Marc was not prepped and he was there without backup. Kitra Korban was a very intelligent and perceptive woman who had been a part of Marc's past. She had a sadness about her and Marc was the reason for that sorrow. Marc had broken off their relationship and she didn't want to be hurt again. She was now in Geneva because she had been told that Marc would enter Geneva's most exclusive art gallery, and die. She traveled from Israel to save him and her life was suddenly thrown into a different direction. She had just recently told Marc she never wanted to speak to him again. And the story unfolds ---
Interesting characters -
Rhana Mandana - She owned one of the finest art galleries in the world. She liked to live dangerously, believing risk was an exquisite pleasure as long as it was done in an elegant flair. She surrounded herself with extravagance and luxury. Rhana had sworn revenge on those in her past who had treated her wrongly and had destroyed anyone she had once held dear. She'd been taught to trust no one, and that included God, whom she banished because of life's unfairness.
Ambassador Walton - A superior in Washington who was committed to saving the world. He had fired Marc from the intelligence agency, but also served as his mentor. He had the utmost respect for Marc and knew Marc was the man to get this job done.
Sir Geoffrey Treadwick had a passion for art and he had quite a collection that was worth about five million dollars. He also owned a boat that was a floating palace.
Marc and Kitra are thrown together in a suspenseful situation while trying to overcome their strong feelings for each other. This story has a strong message of faith, strength, wisdom, and healing. I loved the spiritual overtones of this book - "with God, all things may come to pass." A 5 star novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions shared are solely my own.
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LibraryThing member khamneithang
High-speed chase in a blazing red Ferrari, gun fights and loud explosions freely reverberated across the landscape of the Middle East and Europe as bestselling author Davis Bunn returns with the third and final installment in the Marc Royce Adventures series, Strait of Hormuz.
Marc Royce embarks on
What is fascinating about Davis Bunn’s Strait of Hormuz is its relevance to contemporary geopolitical situation in the Middle East, and its wider ramifications. There is reason to believe it is based on the current imbroglio in the region and the concerns of the United States government. While it may be farfetched to imply that the government will resort to such drastic actions as read in the book, nevertheless, the situations mentioned in the book are scenarios which cannot be totally ruled out.
Marc Royce teams up with the dashing and lovely Kitra Korban, backed up by Israeli intelligence, Mossad, in a book full of non-stop action, thrill and fun which makes for an incredible read from start to finish. It is an outstanding book which fans of Davis Bunn will welcome wholeheartedly. What makes Strait of Hormuz an exceptional read is the well-researched work undertaken by the author to describe the culture, faith and landscape of the region where the book is set. His knowledge of the geopolitics of the region is highly commendable.
Note: In a way, Strait of Hormuz is about faith – Judaism, Islam and Christianity, as much as it is about cultures and history. If you love fast-paced plot, high-speed thrills, espionage, military intelligence, romance, suspense and high-voltage action, then this book is for you. It may also be pertinent to point out that as a Christian author Davis Bunn has a subtle way of presenting his faith through the pages of the book.
Marc Royce embarks on
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the most dangerous mission of his career chasing faceless villains, dodging deathly traps and learning to survive with only his wits as weapon as he is sent to investigate money laundering case via high-end art purchases in Europe which is a cover to verify facts about Iranian nuclear program and the rumors that it is gearing up to block the Strait of Hormuz, escalating global tension which could possibly spark off a catastrophic war.What is fascinating about Davis Bunn’s Strait of Hormuz is its relevance to contemporary geopolitical situation in the Middle East, and its wider ramifications. There is reason to believe it is based on the current imbroglio in the region and the concerns of the United States government. While it may be farfetched to imply that the government will resort to such drastic actions as read in the book, nevertheless, the situations mentioned in the book are scenarios which cannot be totally ruled out.
Marc Royce teams up with the dashing and lovely Kitra Korban, backed up by Israeli intelligence, Mossad, in a book full of non-stop action, thrill and fun which makes for an incredible read from start to finish. It is an outstanding book which fans of Davis Bunn will welcome wholeheartedly. What makes Strait of Hormuz an exceptional read is the well-researched work undertaken by the author to describe the culture, faith and landscape of the region where the book is set. His knowledge of the geopolitics of the region is highly commendable.
Note: In a way, Strait of Hormuz is about faith – Judaism, Islam and Christianity, as much as it is about cultures and history. If you love fast-paced plot, high-speed thrills, espionage, military intelligence, romance, suspense and high-voltage action, then this book is for you. It may also be pertinent to point out that as a Christian author Davis Bunn has a subtle way of presenting his faith through the pages of the book.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Strait of Hormuz is the third and final installment in the Marc Royce series by Davis Bunn. A great book for suspense lovers, this novel has it all — terrorists, multinational spies, a threat to Israel and the US, and a group of patriots with the desire and hope of freedom for their countries.
Intelligence agent Marc Royce has left Kitra Korban behind. His first loyalty is to the US and there seems to be no room for a relationship with the woman dedicated to her kibbutz in the wilds of Galilee. But a new assignment puts them back together in a race to stop an Iranian physicist from unleashing havoc in the Middle East. Their attraction is undeniable, and their commitment to each other is second only to their commitment to stop the race towards war.
Filled with car chases, gun fights, bombings, underground churches and dedicated, freedom-loving men and women, Strait of Hormuz is a book for anyone who likes international intrigue, pulse-raising action and a story that is oh so real. Bunn continues to combine great storytelling with a faith element that is natural and convicting. Characters are complex and the plot well-researched. And although it could be read as a standalone novel, Strait of Hormuz is best enjoyed after first reading Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth.
Highly Recommended.
(Thanks to Bethany House for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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There is also a very satisfying romantic element to sweeten the plot. A great conclusion for a great series.Intelligence agent Marc Royce has left Kitra Korban behind. His first loyalty is to the US and there seems to be no room for a relationship with the woman dedicated to her kibbutz in the wilds of Galilee. But a new assignment puts them back together in a race to stop an Iranian physicist from unleashing havoc in the Middle East. Their attraction is undeniable, and their commitment to each other is second only to their commitment to stop the race towards war.
Filled with car chases, gun fights, bombings, underground churches and dedicated, freedom-loving men and women, Strait of Hormuz is a book for anyone who likes international intrigue, pulse-raising action and a story that is oh so real. Bunn continues to combine great storytelling with a faith element that is natural and convicting. Characters are complex and the plot well-researched. And although it could be read as a standalone novel, Strait of Hormuz is best enjoyed after first reading Lion of Babylon and Rare Earth.
Highly Recommended.
(Thanks to Bethany House for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member Cyndecat
Marc Royce is on the move again working as a freelance operative for his former boss Ambassador Walton. He has asked Marc to look into a report of money being laundered through the high end art world of Geneva, Switzerland. Walton tells him to trust no one, as there has been a leak of information
Kitra Korban is contacted at the Kibbutz in Israel by a mysterious man who claims to be a friend of her father. He asks her to fly to Geneva to save the life of an important man, Marc Royce. Having no idea why Marc is in Geneva or why someone would be warning her to go rescue him, she packs and leaves. She goes even though she and Marc had recently broken off their relationship.
Marc arrives at the back door of the gallery in time to see that the contact has been murdered and the building is rigged to blow. Amazingly he sees Kitra at the front door of the gallery and he runs through and grabs her and throws her in Lake Geneva just as the building explodes.
This begins a rip roaring sequence of fast car chases( with Ferrari's, Bentley's and Roll's), alternate identities, lots of bad guys, fights and guns and a great deal of angst. It's a race to save the planet from the Iranian nuclear agenda or is it something else entirely.
Marc and his band of helpers do the leg work, go rogue against what the government wants him to do and ultimately solves the problem. He and his group manage all that is thrown at them with faith and perseverance.
Davis Bunn has created a finely woven story of courage, faith and stick through- it- ness that makes for an edge of your seat , nail-biting thriller. His characters are believably human, they have their doubts, they have their wounds but they also have their faith to rely on to get them through whatever life throws at them. His characters pray and read the Bible and share their faith with one another. It is a beautiful multicultural blend of sharing together despite their differences.
This was the most enjoyable of the three Marc Royce books. The action was non-stop, the plot was relevant, believable and could have been written from today's headlines. Christians need books like this not only to help us wake up to the world around us but to visualize how we are to respond to our world a Christians.
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reported.Kitra Korban is contacted at the Kibbutz in Israel by a mysterious man who claims to be a friend of her father. He asks her to fly to Geneva to save the life of an important man, Marc Royce. Having no idea why Marc is in Geneva or why someone would be warning her to go rescue him, she packs and leaves. She goes even though she and Marc had recently broken off their relationship.
Marc arrives at the back door of the gallery in time to see that the contact has been murdered and the building is rigged to blow. Amazingly he sees Kitra at the front door of the gallery and he runs through and grabs her and throws her in Lake Geneva just as the building explodes.
This begins a rip roaring sequence of fast car chases( with Ferrari's, Bentley's and Roll's), alternate identities, lots of bad guys, fights and guns and a great deal of angst. It's a race to save the planet from the Iranian nuclear agenda or is it something else entirely.
Marc and his band of helpers do the leg work, go rogue against what the government wants him to do and ultimately solves the problem. He and his group manage all that is thrown at them with faith and perseverance.
Davis Bunn has created a finely woven story of courage, faith and stick through- it- ness that makes for an edge of your seat , nail-biting thriller. His characters are believably human, they have their doubts, they have their wounds but they also have their faith to rely on to get them through whatever life throws at them. His characters pray and read the Bible and share their faith with one another. It is a beautiful multicultural blend of sharing together despite their differences.
This was the most enjoyable of the three Marc Royce books. The action was non-stop, the plot was relevant, believable and could have been written from today's headlines. Christians need books like this not only to help us wake up to the world around us but to visualize how we are to respond to our world a Christians.
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LibraryThing member Holly_Combs
Having read Davis Bunn’s award-winning Rare Earth last year, I was excited at the chance to read the next novel in the series, Strait of Hormuz.
When rumors abound that North Korea is aiding Iran’s nuclear program, Marc Royce returns to the field as a freelancer, ousted from any official role in
In the end, Marc’s team is racing against time to stop those intending to terrorize Israel and start an international war.
I found the plot of Strait of Hormuz to be complex to the point of finding it difficult to follow at times (although I admit some of that could be the fact that I tend to read late at night). In Rare Earth, I found the plot intelligent and unexpected. On the other hand, Strait of Hormuz is slow to progress, complicated and far from gripping.
It wasn’t apparent to me how some of the supporting characters (even seemingly important ones) actually contributed to the plot. Kitra, has no training in intelligence or counter-terrorism, and the only purpose she seems to play is a contact for the Mossad. The author seemed to force her into the plot, unsuccessfully. The same could be said for the art dealer, Rhana. She had contacts in the black market, but was hardly an indispensable member of a team fighting terrorism, and she is more realistically a liability. She does, however, play the role of identifying their target.
This novel takes place in several unique and interesting locations (including Geneva and Gaza), but it lacked the vivid descriptions of Rare Earth. I did, however, enjoy the portrayal of various American, European, and Middle Eastern cultures all coming together to fight for a common goal. While lacking some description of setting, Bunn did present each character with a unique sense of culture. Characters are definitely his strong suit.
For fans of Marc Royce, Strait of Hormuz is a must read continuation of his story. But for those interested in a gripping suspense novel, it might be disappointing.
I received a complimentary copy of Strait of Hormuz from Bethany House Publishers, but I was not otherwise compensated for this review. All writing, thoughts, and opinions are solely mine.
When rumors abound that North Korea is aiding Iran’s nuclear program, Marc Royce returns to the field as a freelancer, ousted from any official role in
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the State Department. His mission is deemed important by only one man, but Marc puts his life on the line on the off chance that the assumptions of the rest of the military and intelligence departments are wrong. Along the way, he teams up with Israeli Kitra (from Rare Earth) and a new team of mismatched Swiss, Persian and Israeli policemen and intelligence agents, a Turkish art dealer, and even a British millionaire.In the end, Marc’s team is racing against time to stop those intending to terrorize Israel and start an international war.
I found the plot of Strait of Hormuz to be complex to the point of finding it difficult to follow at times (although I admit some of that could be the fact that I tend to read late at night). In Rare Earth, I found the plot intelligent and unexpected. On the other hand, Strait of Hormuz is slow to progress, complicated and far from gripping.
It wasn’t apparent to me how some of the supporting characters (even seemingly important ones) actually contributed to the plot. Kitra, has no training in intelligence or counter-terrorism, and the only purpose she seems to play is a contact for the Mossad. The author seemed to force her into the plot, unsuccessfully. The same could be said for the art dealer, Rhana. She had contacts in the black market, but was hardly an indispensable member of a team fighting terrorism, and she is more realistically a liability. She does, however, play the role of identifying their target.
This novel takes place in several unique and interesting locations (including Geneva and Gaza), but it lacked the vivid descriptions of Rare Earth. I did, however, enjoy the portrayal of various American, European, and Middle Eastern cultures all coming together to fight for a common goal. While lacking some description of setting, Bunn did present each character with a unique sense of culture. Characters are definitely his strong suit.
For fans of Marc Royce, Strait of Hormuz is a must read continuation of his story. But for those interested in a gripping suspense novel, it might be disappointing.
I received a complimentary copy of Strait of Hormuz from Bethany House Publishers, but I was not otherwise compensated for this review. All writing, thoughts, and opinions are solely mine.
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LibraryThing member susanbeamon
This is one of those terrorist thrillers you hope is only fiction. The false trails set that the intelligence agencies followed were very well done. Our little troop of heroes are varied, interesting and real. I do not usually read Christian fiction, but this book included the Christian beliefs of
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the characters as part of them and not as propaganda. The story could have come out of international headlines, and is consistent with current geopolitical reality. Read it for the thrills, read it for the journey of the several personalities within, read it for the rapid ride it will give you. Show Less
LibraryThing member cbcmedia
Marc Royce once again finds himself in the middle of a life and death situation, the only problem this time is that he has been fired from the US agency he was working from and he has not authority nor backup. Yet, not all is lost. His friend and supervisor from the U.S. State Department called him
So once again Marc is going from the Mideast to Asia and all over Europe to find the bad guys who are involved in nuclear warfare and bring them to justice. His friend Carter Dawes shows up for back up once again and helps him. And he is surprised by seeing Kitra Korban, from Bunn’s second book, Rare Earth, show up.
Let’s just say this whole book is a whirlwind of espionage, government agencies, and high tech weapons, desperate situations and romance. It was a great book! I enjoyed every minute and I’m sure you will too. But I strongly recommend reading the series in order.
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and wanted him to help. So once again Marc is going from the Mideast to Asia and all over Europe to find the bad guys who are involved in nuclear warfare and bring them to justice. His friend Carter Dawes shows up for back up once again and helps him. And he is surprised by seeing Kitra Korban, from Bunn’s second book, Rare Earth, show up.
Let’s just say this whole book is a whirlwind of espionage, government agencies, and high tech weapons, desperate situations and romance. It was a great book! I enjoyed every minute and I’m sure you will too. But I strongly recommend reading the series in order.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
334 p.; 5.5 inches
ISBN
0764211382 / 9780764211386