Into the Fire

Ronin is Book 18 in the John Milton Novel Series by Mark Dawson and picks up John's travels on his way to see an old work and AA friend (Victoria) in Bali. They have a longtime friendship but haven't seen each other in years. She's setting up his new legend since John Milton (aka John Smith) needs to disappear, once again being hunted by the renewed Group 15. 

Standing in another endless line at the airport security before boarding, a beautiful woman of Asian heritage strolls up to show her credentials at the counter as one of her massive pieces of luggage falls off the tower on the tote. John steps out of line to replace it for her. 

After securing his seat near a family with a fussing child, the flight attendant finds him and leads him to a first class seat next to the woman (Sakura) who handled his upgrade. It was her way of thanking him for being attentive with her baggage which no one else was inclined to do before the porter walked on with the cart. She's lovely and they talk. But as it is with John – and which he has finally come to accept in his chosen lifestyle – trouble finds him or he finds it, and this time it's in the form of a lovely woman who's in a deadly situation.

Seeking Victoria's aid with the emergency, John does his best to assist Sakura, but he's pressed to figure out a bizarre plan to aid him with a further rescue of the woman which leads them to Tokyo. In the shadows another man has the same mission but not for the same reason. Before long, there are threats, interference, and plans that go horribly awry until John's 8 years of sobriety is seriously threatened. 

Ronin gives the John Milton readers one struggle after another as John finds himself wondering if there's any way he could have a "normal" life. With his new legend as "Eric Blair" he defeats his demons and considers what his new life will look like.

John Milton fans will enjoy this story of the battle with a fading yakuza family, appreciate the new understanding John gains as to his life circumstances, and always wonder what comes next for John Milton, aka John Smith, aka Eric Blair. 

Father, thank you for the inspiration you provide. You enable writers and give them the opportunities to write for your glory which of course is their choice. May you give them the true understanding of who gives them their talents and gifts. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.