Zulu Heart

Zulu Heart takes place in an alternate history where Islamic Africa became the world's dominant civilization while Europe remained underdeveloped. The story continues the narrative established in Lion's Blood, following African nobleman Kai and his Irish ex-slave Aidan in an inverted version of American slavery. The novel explores complex relationships and power dynamics in an alternate 19th century North America where African Muslims control the continent. Political intrigue and personal loyalties clash as both main characters face choices that could reshape their society. The book grapples with themes of loyalty, freedom, and the price of power through its mirror-image historical setting. By inverting familiar historical dynamics, the novel prompts examination of racial hierarchies, cultural dominance, and human nature.

Readers call this alternate history novel a darker, more complex follow-up to Lion's Blood. Many note the detailed research into African and Islamic culture, with several reviews highlighting the thoughtful exploration of slavery and power dynamics. Readers liked: - The complex moral choices faced by main characters - Historical accuracy despite the alternate timeline - Character development, particularly Kai's journey - World-building and cultural details Readers disliked: - Slower pace compared to Lion's Blood - Some subplots feel unresolved - Violence and brutality in certain scenes - Less focus on key characters from first book Ratings: Goodreads: 3.98/5 (175 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (24 reviews) One reader noted "Barnes maintains the quality of Lion's Blood while delving deeper into the psychological impact of slavery." Another mentioned "The fight scenes are intense but sometimes overshadow the political intrigue." Several reviews pointed out the book works better when read immediately after Lion's Blood.

The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson A sweeping alternate history where the Black Death kills 99% of Europeans, leading to a world dominated by Islamic and Asian civilizations.

River of Gods by Ian McDonald Set in a future India that has become a global superpower, exploring power shifts and cultural dynamics in a non-Western dominated world.

Lion's Blood by Steven Barnes The predecessor to Zulu Heart continues the story of an alternate America where African Muslims enslave European Christians.

The Calculist by Christopher Priest In an alternate Victorian era where the Ottoman Empire rules Europe, a Turkish mathematician uncovers political conspiracies that challenge empire.

Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters Set in a modern America where slavery remains legal in four states, examining racial power structures through an inverted historical lens.

🔹 The book is part of a duology that began with "Lion's Blood" (2002), both exploring an alternate history where Islamic-African civilizations became the dominant global powers instead of European ones. 🔹 Author Steven Barnes is a prolific science fiction writer who has also written for "The Outer Limits" and "The New Twilight Zone," bringing his expertise in speculative fiction to this historical reimagining. 🔹 The novel's portrayal of an Islamic-dominated Africa draws inspiration from the real historical golden age of Islam, during which significant advances were made in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. 🔹 The Irish slave character reflects actual historical events where Irish people were enslaved in various parts of the world during the 17th century, though this is often overlooked in historical discussions. 🔹 The book's title "Zulu Heart" references the Zulu Empire, which was one of Africa's most powerful kingdoms and successfully resisted European colonization until 1879, demonstrating the continent's historical military prowess.