Blue Green: Fans Against the Empire

“An entertaining, involving adventure that highlights little-known aspects of Byzantine society.” – Kirkus Reviews

The most amazing sporting event in history occurred 1,500 years ago when opposing chariot racing fans united to overthrow the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian the Great.

In sixth-century Constantinople, seat of the Eastern Roman Empire, fans of the centuries-old Blue and Green chariot racing teams are at the volatile apex of their post-race rioting. Gaius Galen Licinius, a former Green gang leader now building a respectable life, is extorted by an anonymous client to resurrect his street-fighting past as “Wilder” to marshal a new team of ruffians that can turn a fanatical mob against specific properties.

As Constantinople slides into chaos, Gaius Galen gains depth navigating challenges and embracing responsibility in order to save his followers and his loved ones threatened by his client. He reacts deftly, even influencing some of the action and tumultuous events that turn the city’s obsession with sports affiliation into outright revolt.

Gaius takes readers into the heart of the action and its underlying causes. Blue Green’s character-driven story also delves into social issues like religious conflict over the true nature of Christ as paganism wanes, sexual mores, slavery, and the third-gender world of the eunuch Chrysanthos, a pivotal figure in Gaius’ life whom his father sent him to at age 10 intending his son to become a eunuch.

The colorful cast supporting Gaius (a funny and observant hero) includes his steadfast slave and friend Tedius, his spirited girlfriend and reforming prostitute Messalina, mad monk Brother Zazo, jovial charioteer Scorpus, and loyal fighters Lukos, the Hun Atakam, Estrilda and Jacob the Jew.

“… Gaius Galen’s story is not typical historical fiction.” – Kirkus Reviews