Lion's Legacy

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2023

Booklist Editors' Choice 2023: Books for Youth

"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 rightful ownership of historical artifacts, erasure of queer history, and the power of an actual apology. Rosen emphasizes the importance between 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 . . . . [A]ction-packed and illuminative." -Booklist, starred review

"Lion's Legacy by L.C. Rosen is a heart-pumping adventure filled with tributes to queer history and community as well as thoughtful discussions about the ethics of archeology. This series opener is reminiscent of an Indiana Jones caper, with its near-death escapes, almost impossible puzzles, and dangerous bad guys. Rosen elevates his version with deft discussions about straight-washing, and encourages LGBTQ+ people to 'take back our history' and 'control the story.' Rosen delivers a mesmerizing mix of adrenaline-inducing escapades and queer legacy." -Shelf Awareness, starred review

"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 . . . . A page-turning action-adventure that highlights the importance of reclaiming queer history and culture.-School Library Journal

"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 . . . . An entertaining, emotional rush tackling critical subjects." -Kirkus Reviews

"[G]ripping series kickoff from Rosen (Lavender House) that's both thrilling escapade and simmering romance . . . . 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 legacy." -Publishers Weekly

"L.C. Rosen's Lion's Legacy is an entertaining queer adventure reminiscent of classic movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Mummy. Firelit hidden chambers, puzzles with deadly stakes and a fun, casual romance hit all the essential blockbuster buttons in Lion's Legacy! However, Rosen's take on the genre actively interrogates the ethics of treasure hunting, posing questions about the ownership of history and the responsible way to handle historical artifacts . . . . Lion's Legacy is a celebration of the strength of queer community, whether felt by two queer people passing on the street, or resounding through the uncountable queer lives that have intersected throughout history. Ten knows queer history can be fun, weird, tragic and beautiful, but above all he knows it's a history worth protecting." -Bookpage

"Rosen's delightfully adventurous romp puts a clever spin on Indiana Jones." -Buzzfeed

"Step aside, Harrison Ford. There's a new Indiana Jones in town, and his name is Tennessee Russo." -Nerd Daily

"Rosen's books are a treasure for teens who may feel like they have to placate others by toning down their identity."-Kveller

"Rosen really embraces the best parts of pulp adventure, with fantastic puzzles, bad guys you love to hate, a dash of romance, and artifacts full of both wonder and hidden dangers. The narrative is also unabashedly queer: it frequently refers to how much queer history has been hidden or erased . . . . Ten doesn't have time for any of that revisionism-and neither does Rosen."-PASTE Magazine