The Big Book of Blackjack by Arnold Snyder

The Big Book of Blackjack by Arnold Snyder

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.