This is a sequel to Lion's Blood. If you haven't read that yet, stop right here and go get it. Read it. Think about it. Then come back to this.

This is set in an alternate history earth with the premise of Africa became the center of culture and civilization and Islam became the predominate religion rather than Christianity. Bilalistan (occupying most of the land that the United States did in the mid 1800s) has been colonized. Europe is the source for slaves to work the plantations, provided mostly by Northmen (Vikings) who also have a colony in the northern part of Bilalistan (eastern Canada).

This is an uncompromising look at slavery and its effects upon both the slaves and the owners. It is also a look at what freedom means if the enforcement of the laws don't really allow for freedom of the people. What does friendship and love mean if the relationship is built on unequal status?

Written in 2003, it has the feel of a far more recently written book. It is not a comfortable read, but it is an important one.

Highly recommended for anyone who has read Lion's Blood. See the first paragraph if you haven't read that book. ( )

Sequel to Lion's Blood.

http://www.sfreader.com/read_review.asp?ID=342 ( )