"Lion's Blood" by Steven Barnes is an alternate history novel set in a world where Africa colonized America and Islam is the dominant religion. The story explores a reality where Africans enslave Europeans, depicting a complex master-slave relationship between two boys. The writing style is detailed, immersive, and thought-provoking, offering a compelling narrative that delves into themes of friendship, slavery, and the impact of societal structures on relationships.

Characters:

Characters are complex and realistic, with deep emotional connections and nuanced portrayals that drive the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by dense, lush language with rich imagery, thoughtful prose, and seamless incorporation of historical references.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features an alternative history where power dynamics are inverted, with Africa as a dominant force and Europeans in slavery, exploring complex relationships and societal implications.

Setting:

The setting is mid-19th century America reimagined under Muslim African rule, featuring rich details of an alternate society shaped by different cultural dynamics.

Pacing:

The pacing is tense and engaging, with moments of emotional weight prompting readers to take breaks, particularly towards the climactic end.

Spring's first day was a warm sweet song, a time of companionable silences and comfortably shared labor in Mahon O'Dere's coracle. The boat's round woven sides bobbed gently in the Lady's arms. Aidan ...

Notes:

Lion's Blood is an alternative history novel that imagines a world where Africa becomes the center of culture and civilization.

In this world, African empires colonize America, and Europeans are the ones who are enslaved.

The story is set in 1863, with Egypt and the Abyssinian empires as superpowers.

The novel explores complex relationships between a master and a slave, mainly focusing on two boys, Bilal and Aidan.

It presents a harsh reality of slavery without sugar-coating, showing the impacts on both slaves and owners.

Barnes incorporates historical figures like Shaka Zulu and various European personas into the alternate narrative.

There are references to a war with the Aztecs, adding tension to the story.

The book received praise for its rich imagery and detailed storytelling, making it hard to put down.

It is recommended for readers who enjoy historical novels with a twist and thought-provoking themes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include depictions of slavery, violence, racial oppression, and the complex moral dilemmas arising from these themes.

From The Publisher:

In an alternate Africa-ruled American South, slave labor is used from Europe to colonize the Americas. The Islamic African aristocratic family of Wakil Abu Ali indulge in luxury at their glorious estate called Dar Kush while white slaves-slaves like the young Aidan O'Dere and his Druid Irish family-work the land.

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
Lion's Blood?

See the list (21 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Lion's Blood

Steven Barnes

Book 1 in the series:Lion's Blood