BLUE GREEN

In Wall’s action-packed historical drama, the cast gets swept up in political intrigue.

In sixth-century Constantinople, during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great, the premier sport is chariot racing, with four competing teams: the Blues, Greens, Reds, and Whites. The fierce rivalries among their impassioned fans create violent and widespread mayhem and destruction. The novel’s protagonist, Gaius Galen Licinius, has left behind a violent past as “Wilder,” a Green faction gang leader, to build a respectable life working as a procurer of sand and dirt for the racetrack. He is attended by loyal enslaved person (and friend) Tedius; in love with Messalina, a beautiful and spirited reformed prostitute; and estranged from his selfish, controlling father. As the story begins, he receives a surprise visit from his boss’s boss, Ammianus, who wants him to use his skills as an erstwhile criminal for an anonymous client. At first, Gaius Galen refuses, but when his best friend Monaxius’ 5-year-old daughter is kidnapped, he realizes that he must do Ammianus’ bidding to protect his loved ones. He sets about rebuilding a trusted team that will be able to direct a fanatical mob to specific, nefarious purposes. A resulting tumultuous series of unexpected events threatens to escalate rioting into outright revolt. With its sports hooliganism theme and a plot that easily earns the title of Byzantine, Gaius Galen’s story is not typical historical fiction. At first he seems like an ordinary young adult, sneaking his curious girlfriend into the male-only Hippodrome, but his character—a funny, observant hero—gains depth as he navigates challenges and embraces responsibility. A colorful supporting cast includes mad monk Brother Zazo, jolly charioteer Scorpus, imperial eunuch Chrysanthos, loving and sophisticated Messalina, loyal fighters Lukos, Atakam, Estrilda, and Jacob “the Jew.” The vivid action plausibly follows the known historical record and draws to a satisfying conclusion.

An entertaining, involving adventure that highlights little-known aspects of Byzantine society.