Description
In an alternate present where the Roman Empire never fell, Roma Sargassa-or North America-is under Roman rule, and always has been. And the Imperial Historian has just been murdered.
His low-caste son, Arran, and his noble-born daughter, Selah, the new Imperial Historian, are left to pick up the pieces-setting them on a collision course with an undercover rebel group who are determined to steal an ancient artefact called the Iveroa Stone, expose the truth behind the so-called democratic society, and overthrow the Roman Empire.
As Selah begins to unravel the Stone's mysteries alongside her friends and allies, she must decide what to do with a world-shattering discovery: Roma has not always ruled in Sargassa, as the history books say. And if the Roman Empire could be toppled once, what's to stop the Sargassans from doing it again?
Equal parts political intrigue, queer romance, and revolution, Sargassa explores gender, sexuality and the racism and classism inherent in the carceral system.
About the Author
Sophie Burnham is a queer, nonbinary novelist and screenwriter, backed by an Acting BFA and a concentration in playwriting from Syracuse University. Honored with a We Need Diverse Books writing grant and a placement in ScreenCraft's 2020 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Screenplay competition, Burnham's debut novel promises to enthrall and enlighten readers. Follow them on Twitter at @sophielburnham.
Reviews
"A novel of sweeping politics and burning passions, all aimed at bringing down a seemingly immortal empire. Thought-provoking and explosive. Great for fans of Guy Gavriel Kay and Elizabeth Bear." -John Wiswell, author of Someone You Can Build a Nest In
"This is a deft, vividly observed novel that is precisely interested in social realism and the relations of power. It uses Rome, and Romanitas, to examine and to critique the nature of systems of oppression, and it uses Selah's dawning realisation of just how insulated she has been from consequences, and her potential (or lack of it) to use her power to make change, to very pointed effect." -Locus
"Sargassa is a masterclass in world-building, with its realistic politics, complex and brutal caste system, and gorgeous settings. It takes time to get the lay of the land, but the payoff is worth the effort. The expansive scope multiplies the emotional and conceptual weight of the narrative." -Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Book Information
ISBN 9780756420246
Author Sophie Burnham
Format Paperback
Page Count 416
Imprint DAW Books
Publisher Astra Publishing House
Series Ex Romana
Details
Series: |
Ex Romana |
Imprint: |
DAW Books |
