Description:Weaves sci-fi, fantasy, and a hunky hero in a future eerily extrapolated from today's political reality. The ruling elite see Spartak as a trophy; the people see him as their best hope. By the year 2115, twelve families control all wealth in America, the middle class is myth, democracy a con game and the Supreme Court has just legalized a new entertainment option for the bored elite. Spartak Jones is kidnapped and forced to become the first legal slave since the civil war, a trophy birthday present for the eldest son of the richest family. Handsome, seductive and athletic, he is not shy about using his talents to survive and protect those he loves. When a war erupts within the ruling class, he proves to be a lethal warrior, fearless, resourceful and photogenic. His swashbuckling exploits awaken a long dormant liberal underground hungry to restore democracy. In a world both familiar and horribly twisted, Spartak becomes a symbol of hope, a flesh and blood icon for an America that used to be and might be again, if he can survive. A riveting tale with a powerful political undercurrent. "Totally absorbing. I stopped everything else and read the book to completion in one setting."--Amos Lassen, blogger “Brilliantly written…creating superheroes of substance!” — Grady Harp, Amazon, Top 100 Reviewer “A multi-talented, bisexual, teenage slave becomes a symbol of freedom...a vigorous tale.” — Kirkus Reviews ** ### Review "Highly imaginative and creative, action packed, with a fascinating young protagonist who combines the physical and moral attributes of both Spiderman and Superman in his remarkable body and psyche. The pace never flags, the story holds suspense and tension in every scene. With its extrapolation of the politics and extremism of today, religious and political, The Chronicles of Spartak is a thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining achievement." **Katherine V. Forrest Author of the Kate Delafield mystery series** A multitalented, bisexual, teenage slave becomes a symbol of freedom in this debut sci-fi saga... with energetic action scenes and sharply drawn characters, and the result is a vigorous tale**. Kirkus Reviews ** "If you love The Hunger Games, and you want a bit more of a gritty and adult feel, you may love Rising Son." **B.A. Brock, Queer SciFi.com** "A riveting story with a powerful underlying political narrative-Chronicles of Spartak will have an appeal across generations." **David Kirp, New York Times Contributing Writer** * * * ### About the Author Steven A. Coulter writes fast paced future-history about the world we are creating by our actions today. He mixes science fiction, young adult voices, action adventure and politics with a short-horizon focus, near enough to our own time that we can see the connections to the future with characters reflecting the range of human values and sexuality. Steve’s work is enriched by his varied careers—soldier, teacher, journalist, state legislator, corporate executive and library commissioner. He has a BA and MA in Journalism and is a member of the board of Lambda Literary, a national non-profit championing new and diverse LGBTQ voices in literature. He lives in San Francisco with his husband, Greg, and a very special canine.