Starred Review The thoroughly charming Tennessee Russo and his reality TV star dad are a lot alike: brave, opinionated, and maybe a little bit reckless. So when his dad, who uncovers long-lost (and sometimes magical, but nobody needs to know that) historical artifacts, reappears after two years of silence with an irresistible quest for a famous piece of queer history on the same day that Ten's boyfriend unceremoniously dumps him, he just can't say no. The new season of his dad's show will take them to Athens, Greece, where they'll be hunting for the (fictional) rings worn by the (very real) Sacred Band of Thebes, an ancient Greek troop composed of 150 gay warrior couples. Tennessee is determined to make sure that this time his dad doesn't sell precious pieces of cultural history to the highest bidder for fame. Flirtatious friendships and a fun summer romance, Indiana Jones esque booby traps, and the logistics of filming reality TV mesh seamlessly with heavier discussions of the rightful ownership of historical artifacts, erasure of queer history, and the power of an actual apology. Rosen emphasizes the importance of connecting the historical existence and contributions of queer people to the queer community in the present and includes many small tidbits of queer history throughout; readers can only hope the next volumes are as action-packed and illuminative as this series opener.

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. (discussion questions, author's note) (Fiction. 13-18)

A gay teen pairs up with his estranged treasure hunter father to seek out a Grecian artifact in this gripping series kickoff from Rosen (Lavender House) that’s both thrilling escapade and simmering romance. White Jewish 17-year-old Tennessee Russo and his renowned archaeologist father, Henry Johnson, haven’t spoken for two years following a fight over the proper guardianship of the artifacts they uncover: while Henry feels that those with money are best able to protect these objects, Ten believes that it’s wrong to remove them from their native country. But when Henry appears with a proposal to track down a magical item rumored as once belonging to an army of queer Greek soldiers, Ten agrees. In Athens, Henry hires 17-year-old Athenian Leo, a queer history buff, to be their translator, and there’s an immediate spark between the two teens. After they discover that Henry’s excavation partner wants the artifact for themselves, Henry, Ten, and Leo must race against the clock to find it first. Through Ten and Leo’s visits to a museum of queer history and culture, and the meticulous detail with which the author recounts underreported events in Grecian history, Rosen makes an insistent case for recognizing and teaching LGBTQ history and understanding

Gr 8 Up —Seventeen-year-old Tennessee Russo has been estranged from his reality TV star father, a famous archeologist and treasure hunter, ever since they fought over what should be done with the (occasionally magical) artifacts they recovered. His dad thinks the rich have better resources to preserve them—in addition to landing him a nice payday—while Tennessee thinks they should remain with their country of origin. After two years of radio silence, his dad comes back with a new hunt, and he wants Tennessee's help to find the magic rings that belonged to an elite army of gay Greek soldiers in the fourth century: the Sacred Band of Thebes. Ten wants to ensure his father doesn't sell off this vital piece of queer history to the highest bidder, while his father's business partner has plans of their own. The logistics that go into filming a reality show—which involve removing all references to magic for believability—put a fun twist on the Indiana Jones vibes as Ten's group begins to explore. Rosen has balanced a thrilling adventure with a flirtatious queer romance, while highlighting moments from history most won't learn about in school and discussing what responsible archeology entails. While the magic rings are not real, the Sacred Band of Thebes was, and readers who enjoy Greek mythology and history will be riveted by this adventure. Tennessee is white and Jewish; there is racial diversity throughout the cast. VERDICT A page-turning action-adventure that highlights the importance of reclaiming queer history and culture. Recommended for general purchase.—Emmy Neal