Into the Fire

This is the theme song for the Amazon Prime 8 episode series of Jack Carr's first novel The Terminal List. I highly recommend the novel for thriller readers, but I caution those who can't do brutal because it is. As most have learned, Jack Carr is a former SEAL and much more. The James Reese Series is now at five novels and counting. All are reviewed on this blog. 

The script writers and multiple directors of these episodes of course took some liberties with the story but they did not compromise the integrity of the novel. I highly recommend watching this production, but I usually advise viewers to read the novel first, and I make no exception for The Terminal List. (Some profanity.)

Father, only you know hearts and minds. I pray your blessing over those who seek after you, to want to know you, to realize their need for you. Help them and those of us who know your Son to get closer to you through it all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

May you have a God-blessed 4th of July in the real United States of America. 

Father, this is still your One Nation under God. Rescue us one more time. Please. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

     Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

     Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?" 

     Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."

John 9:39-41 (NIV) 

Hiking, with son Aidan, and on the bus tour. Through the years, over time, filled with all kinds of adventures, this is my oldest son: Donovan Colt Torp. And today is his birthday! Love you beyond words. May this birthday be blessed by the Lord in ways you never expected. 

Father, you blessed me with a son in spite of me, and I thank you so much for him and his love in spite of me. Please bless him as only you can do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Although we can vary greatly in our approaches to creating novels, our genres of choice, who we enjoy reading, and how we define good writing, we authors do have some things in common.

Respect for our work, loyalty to our work resulting from "getting" how and what we write, touching readers' emotions in some manner by our stories, and, of course, earning paychecks from the novels we've authored – these factors are "what authors want".

And there's nothing particularly unusual or unreasonable about any of them.  

But there's one more factor that can't be ignored. Nothing on that list is easily attained. Yes, some authors have experienced a quick and lasting success. Others struggle to sell their work even when those who've read their books rave about them. No one knows what awaits their efforts in the publishing realm. Indie authors foot the bills for production of their work. If, as author Kerry Neitz mentioned in the comments on Wednesday's post, an author can make enough to cover the costs and then some, that is the desire.

Since I've restrained myself from the continuation of the bombardment for my new novel this week, I will tell you in all honesty what I want. I would very much like you to read this new one. If you order it here, you will save money on this longer novel plus you can order it for your e-reader here also, and if you do either, you will be contributing to a larger portion of profit for me. There, I said it. Thank you for considering it. 

Father, you've always helped me in all kinds of situations even before I knew your Son. I can never thank you enough, but I will continue to be grateful beyond my capability to express. Thank you for this latest story that has meant so much to me. May it touch those you've set apart to read it. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

I've never seen this cover for this novel. And these colors and the "subtext questions" are unique for Vince Flynn covers. 

There was a great line by Rapp in this book where the title is used to convey an ominous message to someone. So there's the "throwback" part of this post. Now for some fun – for me at least. 

Prepare yourself for a little fan fiction here regarding the characterization of who I picture should be Mitch Rapp's love. 

Her name is Christine Ravenswill, but it's not her real name. She's a psychiatrist who specializes in counseling veterans and operatives in elite warrior positions whether government sanctioned or not. Christine is tall, close to 5'10" with a deep blue to her eye color that sets off her long wavy natural honey blonde hair that she wears parted in the middle with bangs. With elegant, efficient movements, Rapp wonders if she's athletic when she strides toward him to shake his hand. He deduces she's close to his age, her handshake takes a firm grip of his larger hand. 

When she introduces herself, he smirks. "I assume that's not your real name." 

She knows he doesn't want to be there in her office, nor does he want to talk to or confide in her. She recognizes he probably realizes he should be willing to do so, but that doesn't carry any weight as to him determining he will. She decides to go on the offensive.

"Mr. Rapp, I'm smart enough to know you don't want to be here. I get that. You're right about my name. Although Christine is my actual middle name, I chose Ravenswill for my last name when I came to terms with my dad's occupation. He too was a warrior with a similar job description and assignments as you've experienced. The last time I saw him was on my 21st birthday, but occasionally I discreetly visit his star. You would no doubt be familiar with his name if I was allowed to reveal it to you, so I apologize for not being able to share it." 

She sat in one of the chairs in front of her desk that faced the one he stood stoically behind, picking up the pen and pad on it and setting them on her lap. "If you prefer to stand, I understand. I'm not here to play games with you. I respect you and what you've done for our country far too much to attempt any kind of coercion to speak with me. I of course hope that you would acquire a trust – or perhaps that's too strong a word." She briefly faltered but regrouped. "Let me put it this way: I have no way of knowing if I can offer you anything you can use or might need until I listen to what you have to say about anything that you care to offer in conversation. I've cleared my schedule for the rest of the day in order not to adhere to any annoying time requirements." She briefly looked down at the pad on her lap. Then looking directly up at the focused stare looking back at her, she said, "This is the absolute truth. I've admired you for a long time, and it's an honor to finally meet you face to face."

She noticed the brief surprise in those dark eyes, the quick parting of the lips before once again sealing shut.

"I'm very familiar with the standardized version of life in your profession. As for my life, I'm a fair marksman, know Krav Maga and Brazilian Jui-jitsu. I'm armed with my trusty Glock 19, and haven't had to kill anyone yet. I've been attacked once on the way to this office when I decided to jog to work. Fortunately, I subdued my attacker so here I am. Here you are. If there's anything you want to ask me, please do." 

Rapp moved around the chair and sat in it folding his arms against his strong chest. "How much did Irene tell you?" 

"Irene told me she would suggest you come to me, 'try me on for size', just for the purpose of releasing some of the pain you carry around with you because she believes it's intense. She said it in no way has affected your work, but that . . ." She stopped and studied his expression before continuing. "But that it hurt her to know you kept a lot of that pain as a constant companion in your everyday life and that just maybe you might be willing to discuss it with me – but not to count on it." She pushed herself farther back in the chair and crossed her right leg over her left.

So there she is. There's more. For later . . . 

Father, you're always providing inspiration when I least expect it. I love it. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Love can be hard. But it can be grand. Never take it lightly. And never not work at it.

Father, you are Love. We can't begin to understand that kind of love in this flesh, but we aspire to know you as deeply as we can. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

   "Listen to this, O house of Jacob,

   you who are called by the name of Israel

   and come from the line of Judah,

 you who take oaths in the name of the Lord

   and invoke the God of Israel - 

   but not in truth or righteousness –

 you who call yourselves citizens of the holy city

   and rely on the God of Israel –

   the Lord Almighty is his name:

  I foretold the former things long ago,

   my mouth announced them and I made them known;

   then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. 

 For I knew how stubborn you were;

   the sinews of your neck were iron,

   your forehead was bronze.

  Therefore I told you these things long ago;

   before they happened I announced them to you

  so that you could not say,

   'My idols did them;

   my wooden image and metal god ordained them.'

  You have heard these things; look at them all.

   Will you not admit them? 

 . . . "

Isaiah 38:1-6 (NIV)