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When I was younger I was a psychiatrist as well as a rug collector and dealer. I traveled to the East to learn more about carpets and the people who made them. I was exposed to cultures that preserved much from their past.
I developed an interest in how and why states form. I wanted to write books that explored the characters of people who created civilizations. I wanted to come to grips with what makes leaders tick. I suppose this comes back to my training as a psychiatrist.
The Orfeo series is designed for audiences young adult and up. Unlike some modern books set in the "heroic age" they have little sex and violence. I hope they convey the spirit of the Bronze Age and not our age!
Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite
Murray Lee Eiland Jr’s Return to Babylon is book five in the continuing saga of Orfeo. As Orfeo gazes out to the sea, he ponders his life’s adventures. Even though times are peaceful for him and Clarice at the palace in Pylos, he is restless. He has made many enemies in his travels, and he senses danger lurking behind the blanket of security and tranquility. On his morning walk near the harbor, Orfeo is attacked. The Seekers have been dispatched, his life is at risk. The new Empress of Babylon, Zanaida, is infuriated by the betrayal of Daryush. When she learns of Daryush’s marriage to Semira, Queen Zanaida’s rage heightens. She wants to rule the world, but most of all, she wants to punish Daryush. Hell has no fury like a woman scorned! Zanaida seeks revenge against all those involved in the attack on Babylon. When the Council of Pylos hears of her vengeance, they decide to send out spies of their own. Who can they trust? Once again, Orfeo and Clarice leave the comfort of home to aid their friends in need. “Life is short and danger is plentiful” and the world is cruel and crazy. But for Orfeo, as long as there are friends and family to count on, the world is worth defending.
Return to Babylon depicts the spirit of friendship. “Friendship is a strange kind of weakness.” Murray Lee Eiland Jr. once again takes us into the age of conquest and conquering; a time when land meant power, an era when kingdoms rise and fall by the persuasive control of ambitious and greedy rulers. However, in this narrative, having dominion is one thing, but obtaining vengeance is quite another. Circumstances make the man or the woman. The antagonist is a spoiled, vile, and contemptible woman, stopping at nothing to get her revenge. Yet, there is something about her that is alluring, even to her enemies. Contrarily, the protagonist is kind and selfless, seeking only to defend those he cares about. His amicable strength is contagious, drawing many under his leadership. This contrast of personalities keeps the action in a constant flux. Seekers and defenders, spies and assassins make up the supporting cast of characters. Many characters create an abundance of plot action.
The short chapters enhance the action by changing locations and character perspectives, creating a panoramic view of the unfolding story. The theme of the bond of friendship remains the core element of the continuing saga. There are many hidden nuggets of truth woven into the text - “if we are chosen for glory, we are chosen for danger....” This statement rings true for those with glorious intentions, even in the contemporary world. Glory comes with a price. Those willing to fight for justice and freedom by laying down their lives for another are heroes. And like that of Orfeo, their names are an echoing legacy to be remembered throughout the ages. “You will write your name boldly on your time, be it short or long.” Eiland reminds us that we were born for such a time as this - the lingering question is what will be our resounding legacy?
