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synopsis

“SOME HISTORIES ARE WELL KNOWN- OTHERS ARE LOST. STILL OTHERS ARE NEVER MEANT TO BE FOUND.”

NOVOS, a child prodigy is kidnapped from his farm and sold into slavery, only to be saved by a
twenty-thousand-year-old being who trains him in music to become the consort of Caesar Hadrian.
“THE SLAVE OF ATHENIODONIS,” is set in the 2nd Century Roman Empire, when life is balanced
on the edge of a sword. At 100,000 words, it seamlessly blends Historic Fiction, Romance with a new
slant on Horror. It can be adapted into a series, offering readers a richly textured exploration of Roman
history, mythology and the human condition. Historical events have been meticulously researched to
assure accuracy, while weaving a wildly creative narrative that easily intertwines fact with fiction-Reality with the extraordinary.

Thousands have come to hear NOVOS, prize of the nation sing in the new amphitheater of the god
Trajanus Optimus. His voice has never been so supple, his presence never more captivating. NOVOS
made a bargain with Hadrian, his former lover and still his benefactor to perform, but how can he?
His eyes full of tears can only see Hadrian and his Antinous seated in the audience, mocking him
without even saying a word. The crowd is hushed as he walks on stage with his harp in hand. “If only
Atheniodonis were here to give me the spirit to sing!” NOVOS says to himself. “My unworldly master,
give me the strength of your twenty-thousand years!” he whispers, calling upon his silent teacher, his
ashened angel. A preternatural being not of flesh, but of cosmic elements- of alabaster and stone- who
consumes the blood of man as easily as he nurtures him. The days of NOVOS the favorite of Caesar are
fading away. He must finds his own path after Hadrian to maintain a sense of purpose. But the
relentless powers of evil and revenge could at any moment ravage his world before NOVOS can be
rescued from the brink of destruction.

Drawing inspiration from the timeless allure of vampire legends popularized by Anne Rice, and the
venomous enmity and intrigue of such works as “Gladiator” and “I, Claudius,” Lance Phillips’ debut
novel provides a unique understanding of this vicious era, while offering a new portrayal of the
“anti-hero” in Atheniodonis, unlike any supernatural creature ever imagined before. With an
innovative approach, this novel brings a fresh voice to familiar themes. It is able to resonate across
many genres, focusing as a target audience the LGBTQ community, Horror fans and all adult readers
who enjoy Historic drama.

Novelist

About the author

I pursued my Bachelor’s Degree from San Jose State University. Fortune offered me the chance to travel around the world as a vocalist for eight years. A remarkable experience, in that I could visit most of the locations that appear in “THE SLAVE OF ATHENIODONIS.” I have touched the waters of the Nile, encountered the ghosts of the Roman Colosseum and embraced the marble pillars of the Parthenon. A stage life well lived in both Los Angeles and New York City for the past forty years has given me tremendous insight into storytelling and structure, so writing seemed to occur naturally after a litany of musical successes. I have also penned all the lyrics sung by Novos in my novel, which could easily be set to music. Besides this novel, I have written a number of short stories and poems that are available on my Website, which has a growing number of followers. “THE SLAVE OF ATHENIODONIS” has the potential, I believe to captivate readers across all genres. Also, “NOVOS UNCHAINED,” the sequel to my novel is already underway, which begins in New York City after COVID in 2022.

Some loves never die