LION'S LEGACY

A 17-year-old treasure hunter reunites with his estranged father to uncover a buried relic of queer history.

Tennessee Russo, a White, Jewish boy, used to live for the thrill of adventuring side by side with his archaeologist father for their popular TV documentary series. Together, they solved puzzles, evaded deadly traps, and witnessed real magic (edited out of their show for believability). However, their relationship changed when Tennessee realized his father wasn’t returning the artifacts they found to their owners but selling them to museums for profit. After Tennessee confronted him, his father abandoned him in Japan, and they haven’t spoken in two years. As much as he misses the bond and the excitement, Tennessee never intends to adventure again…until his father shows up without warning, offering apologies, promises, and an irresistible invitation to join him on a hunt for the magic rings of the Sacred Band of Thebes, an army of gay couples established circa 379 B.C.E. Finding the rings means more to Tennessee than chasing adrenaline; it’s an opportunity to show the world proof that queer people have always existed. 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. The world around Tennessee is broadly diverse, including casual, positive representation of fat love interests.

An entertaining, emotional rush tackling critical subjects.