Bascom’s fast-paced fiction debut introduces a compelling new series protagonist, Steve Bryce, in a blend of suspense, thrills, adventure and passionate romance populated with flawed and lusty characters.
Steve, a thirty-two year old American businessman and lapsed Catholic, is living with Amina Taiba, a Muslim activist. Although Amina’s family vehemently opposes their relationship, religion is not an issue between them. At issue is Steve’s unwillingness to engage in Amina’s struggle against those who would seize the resource-rich lands of the Moros in Central Mindanao, an ungoverned territory.
The story opens when a professional thief steals Amina’s secret databases. Before Steve can learn what they contain, Amina disappears on a mysterious family mission. Steve defies his employer and Amina’s family to find her. Then he becomes embroiled in the clandestine world of contract spies, intrigue, terrorists and an assassin intent on killing his lover.
Bascom transports the reader to the exotic Philippines and the conflict between imperial Manila and the Moros, the predominately-Muslim tribes. The Moros adapted Islam to conform to their tribal traditions. Although Moro women like Amina might pray in the back of the mosque, they enjoy powers and freedoms not tolerated in other Islamic societies. For 350 years, the Moros have fought to retain their culture and land. Lawless Elements illuminates what may be the last chapter in their struggle.
“I chose your MS because I greatly admired your ability to paint the complex relationship between Steve and Amina….I thank you for reminding me how much fun books like this can be.”
Brandi Bowles, Faulkner-Williams novel judge
Faulkner-Wisdom Gold Medal Winner
