Lion's Legacy Book

RELEASE DATE - 17 AUGUST 2023

Reading level - 12 to 17 years

Seventeen-year-old Tennessee Russo's life is imploding. His boyfriend has been cheating on him, and all his friends know about it. Worse, they expect him to just accept his ex's new relationship and make nice.

So when his father, a famous archaeologist and reality show celebrity whom he hasn't seen in two years, shows up unexpectedly and offers to take him on an adventure, Tennessee only has a few choices: 1. Stay, mope, regret it forever. 2.

Go, try to reconcile with Dad, become his sidekick again. 3. Go, but make it his adventure, and Dad will be the sidekick.

The object of his father's latest quest, the Rings of the Sacred Band of Thebes, is too enticing to say no to. Finding artefacts related to the troop of ancient Greek soldiers, composed of one-hundred-and-fifty gay couples, means navigating ruins, deciphering ancient mysteries, and maybe meeting a cute boy. But will his dad let Tennessee do the right thing with the rings if they find them? And what is the right thing? Who does queer history belong to? Against the backdrop of a sunlit Greek landscape, author L.

C. Rosen masterfully weaves together adventure, romance, and magic in a celebration of the power of claiming your queer legacy.

"Flirtatious friendships and a fun summer romance, Indiana Jones-esque booby traps, and the logistics of filming reality TV mesh seamlessly with heavier discussions of rightful ownership of historical artefacts, erasure of queer history, and the power of an actual apology. Rosen emphasises the importance between connecting the historical existence and contributions of queer people to the queer community in the present and includes many small tidbits of queer history throughout . . . . [A]ction-packed and illuminative."
Booklist, starred review

"Lion's Legacy by L.C. Rosen is a heart-pumping adventure filled with tributes to queer history and community as well as thoughtful discussions about the ethics of archeology. This series opener is reminiscent of an Indiana Jones caper, with its near-death escapes, almost impossible puzzles, and dangerous bad guys. Rosen elevates his version with deft discussions about straight-washing, and encourages LGBTQ+ people to 'take back our history' and 'control the story.' Rosen delivers a mesmerising mix of adrenaline-inducing escapades and queer legacy."
Shelf Awareness, starred review

"This action-packed adventure inspired by history and legend engages in a conflict-driven exploration of the ethics of archaeology. Tennessee grapples with tangled emotions about his relationship with his father, his longing for community, and what it means to be in love . . . . An entertaining, emotional rush tackling critical subjects."
Kirkus Reviews

"[G]ripping series kickoff from Rosen (Lavender House) that's both thrilling escapade and simmering romance . . . . Through Ten and Leo's visits to a museum of queer history and culture, and the meticulous detail with which the author recounts underreported events in Grecian history, Rosen makes an insistent case for recognising and teaching LGBTQ history and understanding legacy."
Publishers Weekly