The Lion’s Teeth

In the winter of 1811, hundreds of slaves from plantations near New Orleans rose up in a desperate but futile attempt to win their freedom. Best-selling author Gretchen Craig presents an unconventional novel based on the events surrounding what became America’s largest slave revolt. The Lion’s Teeth takes what we know about the leaders of the revolt and breathes life into them as fully imagined characters. While there is a love story, no account of the tragic history of slave revolts can end in happily-ever-after. Instead, in the struggle to cast off their shackles, these Americans found glory, redemption, and even peace. Charles Deslondes is the enigmatic leader of the rebellion. He is a trusted, mixed-blood slave driver who has convinced both his owner and his fellow slaves that he is the white man’s creature. Though he has only now discovered the joy of love, Charles is a man of determination and purpose. He will give the signal to begin the revolt even as he prays for a little more time before that day arrives. Kook and Quamana were African warriors before they were captured in battle and sold to the American slavers. Bearing their ritual tribal scarring with pride, they mask the ferocity in their hearts. Kook plays a happy-go-lucky role, but Quamana barely contains his rage to present himself as a compliant if sullen slave. Both of these men use their charisma and battle skills to recruit and train and inspire the young men who will sacrifice their lives in the coming struggle.