Take the turning, and walk the unlikely road.
A voice. And five dissimilar people knew they were summoned to obey. Against all earthly logic, it carried a divine command--and their unforeseen meeting would result in a challenge to the cultural direction of the nation and wage war against the most powerful and influential industry in North America.
A message. One that asks for a single personal response--a response that can unveil a new realm of moral responsibility and hope. The media frenzy places a spotlight on knowing--and doing--the will of God. How will the group be able to stand against the swelling powers of darkness and greed vying to crush their message of hope?
Can they really hear the voice of God?
Prepare your heart to hear from God; download devotionals and audio teaching at www.TheTurningBook.com.
About the Author :
T. DAVIS BUNN, a native of North Carolina, has lived in Europe for thirty-five years. Davis¿ academic background includes degrees in psychology and economics from Wake Forest University and a master¿s degree in finance from the City University of London. Fluent in three languages, he has travelled extensively in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Davis enjoys a particularly strong following in the inspirational market, often ranking on the Christian Booksellers¿ Association bestseller lists. He has collaborated with Janette Oke, one of the leading names in Christian publishing, on a series of novels. Davis is a New York Times Bestselling author and has garnered a number of industry honors, including three Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction.Davis teaches in the Creative Writing Programme at the University of Oxford, where he holds an appointment as a Core Lecturer in the subject of fiction. He splits his time between Oxford and Florida with his wife Isabella.
Review :
"Bunn has created a stunning, multilayered tale of power and, ultimately, hope." - Publishers Weekly, 2/21/14
"Bunn is no stranger to bestsellers (Strait of Hormuz, Lion of Babylon), and his fans no strangers to taut tales of suspense and intrigue. This time Bunn pits a small group of Christians against one of the world's most powerful media giants. Trent Cooper, a low-level advertising exec, sees his big chance when he proposes uniting Global Communications' divisions in an effort to "create the most powerful cultural force on Earth." His theme? "Hope Is Dead." Five religious believers, each one called by God and unknown to the others, have gathered in a New York hotel lobby, where they witness the "Hope Is Dead" media event. They, with friends and family, gather at the headquarters of Barrett Ministries to develop and launch their own media campaign--one that offers hope in God and rallies believers worldwide. A small band of believers vs. a powerful media conglomerate: Bunn has created a stunning, multilayered tale of power and, ultimately, hope." - Publishers Weekly, 2/21/14
"Once I started reading The Turning, I was hooked. I don't think I have ever read a book this quickly and didn't want it to end." - Jamie Tomkins, Tiger Strypes Blog, www.tigerstrypes.com.
"This is a five-star, thought-provoking read. I was so impressed with the book, I gave it to my husband to read. He came to me later and said, "This book you gave me? I don't like it." I looked at him quizzically. He smiled, "I LOVE it!" You, too, will love the book and you'll read and re-read it. Davis Bunn has done it again!" -Deb Haggerty, www.PositiveGrace.com/wordpress, April 10, 2014
"I absolutely loved "The Turning". It has a great message about Hope and how we as Christians can make a change in the world when we are willing to listen to the still small voice of God even when it requires us to do things that are uncomfortable. The novel also had a great story line and very likeable characters. Though it started off a little slow, I soon struggled to put it down as with each twist and turn I couldn't wait to see what would happen next! I also liked how the book was divided into sections indicating days "Day One", "Day Two", etc. and the entire story becomes more amazing when you realize the course of events all took place in only 12 days. I would highly recommend adding "The Turning" to your Summer reading list!" -Keisha Hanvy, www.UnschoolingMomma.com, June 18, 2014
"I found this book powerful and profound. The answer to the What if? question is that God calls us all to battle the forces of evil in the world all the time. The idea that God can speak to different people and bring them to one area to serve as his warriors in spiritual warfare is compelling. God can absolutely bring this about. I was reminded of Lifeway's Experiencing God and MasterLife materials. These thoughts made me wonder if River North/Moody had a new discipleship book coming out on hearing God's voice.
The Turning is a novel, therefore fiction. Can God work in just this way to achieve His plan? Of course, He can! In fact, He can do it without our help, but He chooses to use broken vessels that only He can repair. He sees past our imperfections to create His perfect tools in a fallen world. Those truths are not fiction!
I read The Turning on a transatlantic flight to Ireland. It brought me hope that God's people can still hear His voice and be part of His plan to combat evil. I couldn't put it down until I knew the outcome of the final battle."
-Diane Tatum, June 20, 2014, www.TatumLight-Tatumsthoughts4today.blogspot.com
Of all the Davis Bunn books that I have read, this is the one that most reminds me of an intense TV drama. The scenes change rapidly and make it where you can't help but turn the page to see what is coming next. Davis has taken the historic theme of good vs. evil and brought it into the modern digital age. His use of all forms of social media and current trends brings to the story a form of reality that is scary. You can't help but see how our world is racing towards this lack of hope. But as with all of his novels, he also provides the answer to the despair that the story encompasses. The answer is hope. Hope in the One that can set you free. -Brandi Fitzpatrick, June 20, 2014, www.ramblesahm.com
I have to admit, when I was contacted about reviewing Davis Bunn's The Turning, I had to think long and hard. Based on the description, I wasn't sure what to expect. I just knew it wasn't my typical read. However, it only took a few pages to draw me in.
Most of the excitement in the book came from Trent and the evil surrounding him, and he was my favorite character. I think it was because there are various POV characters on the "good" side and only him on the "bad" side, so we get to know him a little better. He's smart, bold, and bitter. He's also conflicted. At one point, he's faced with the opportunity to change, and I was pulling hard for him to see the proper path. But I won't give any more away there.
The downside of the book, to me, was the climax. I felt the last twenty pages could have been stronger--more of a physical and emotional bang.
Perhaps the tension is greatest in the premise, the encouragement for the reader to think, to ask themselves questions. What would I do if I heard God's call to travel an unfamiliar road, to leave my comfort zone, to take on a secular culture? Would I obey? Do I have the confidence that "God does not call the equipped. He equips the called."? When was the last time I prayed for my enemies? Do I have the strength to stand for what I believe in? Do I still believe in the hope of the gospel?
We're living in a world that is quickly changing and challenging us to be that beacon of hope. That's the inspiration of the book. Simply for the questions it raises, I highly recommend The Turning.
-Sandra Ardoin, June 24, 2014, www.sandraardoin.wordpress.com
