Socrates flees Athens for Egypt, triggering events that lead to the fall of Rome to Carthage. From here on in this alternative history, the history of the world--Old and New--is turned on its head. Slave ships carrying white slaves and black and brown owners set out for the New World, discovering not the United States but Bilalistan, an ethnically diverse and warring land ruled by Zulus, Arabs, Aztecs, Vikings, and Indians. The main story line tracks the conflicted and intense relationship between a white slave, Irish Christian Aidan O'Dere, and his master's son, African Muslim Kai ibn Jallaleddin ibn Rashid, from youth into adulthood. When an epic war breaks out between the ruling factions, the two men face off, and confront the meaning and possibility of freedom. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved. Autor:Steven Barnes |  |