Aerial view of 6th century Constantinople showingHippodrome & Imperial Palace | Historical ficiton Blue Green

The Hook

Run in the mob with Gaius Galen and see how it can be turned to revolt. Understand the times' issues like sexual mores, the third gender world of eunuchs, religious turmoil over the nature of Christ as paganism wanes, slavery, and patriarchal abuse. A fast-action story with a lot of heart.

Constantinople and its sea walls, with the Hippodrome, Great Palace, and Hagia Sophia in the distance, ca. 10th century, by Antoine Helbert, image source: TheCollector.com

The most amazing sporting event in history occurred 1,500 years ago when opposing chariot racing fans united to overthrow the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian the Great. Blue Green is accurate history of a bizarre, involved situation told in a story driven by fascinating characters.

About the Characters

Cover of historical fiction paperback Blue Green: Fans Agianst the Empire

The Book

Table of Contents

Not Boring Historical Fiction

Gaius Galen Licinius, the 23-year-old narrator of Blue Green, has left behind a violent past as “Wilder,” a Green faction gang leader, to build a respectable life working at the Hippodrome racetrack. But an anonymous client extorts Gaius to use his mob skills for the client's purposes, throwing Gaius back into his dangerous past.

"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'.” – Kirkus Reviews

“An entertaining, involving adventure that highlights little-known aspects of Byzantine society.” – Kirkus Reviews

Richard, who lives in Atlantic Beach, Florida, wanted to write a novel about the peculiar allure of sports and belonging. He found the perfect vehicle in the Nika Riots of 532 CE in Constantinople, a city of Blue and Green team fans that make today’s sports fanatics look like utter wimps. Richard has been a professional writer for decades, with another novel on the way.