Steven Barnes
****
Mr. Barnes does excellent work through the novel, his characters are well understood, the counterfactual is well established, the plot is essentially good and his descriptions are also good. I have never enjoyed novels describing slavery, though, I don't find them amusing when they are factual and find them just as trying when they are placed in this world of his.
In this universe Socrates, rather than drinking the hemlock that our history rewarded him with, fled to Egypt which began the dominance of Africa. Carthage vanquishes Rome and by 1279 (1876 to Christians) the practice of enslaving the Gauls, Spaniards, and other Europeans is well in place and of economic necessity to Bilalistan, the African ruled portion of America.
In Ireland a villaige is enslaved to this end, the village of Aidan O'Dere. He will be forced across the Atlantic, bound into slavery and befreinded by his master's son, Kai. As they grow older their friendship blooms, despite the disapproval in both the manor and the slaveyards.
But as the Aztecs prepare for war how will their freindship last in a world that doesn't count slaves as casualties?
Purchase: If you enjoy that sort of thing, I encourage you wholeheartedly.
Price (Amazon):
(Paperback): $6.99