Shinar is a world in conflict. The Niphilim, a tall, blonde race, force any captives to work in their mines. Life for the slaves wouldn't be too bad if their only concern was the work. But the Niphilim do not treat their slaves well, beating and raping them as they see fit. Their neighbours (and enemies), the Akshurites, are jungle inhabitants: tall, dark skinned and dark haired. In the middle of this two men seek their destiny. Uruk is a nomadic thief who is trying to cross the desert to seek his fortune in the city of Ur. Ander is a slave working in the mines. Although he is an Akshurite his light coloured skin marks him out as an outsider. From such different backgrounds, their destinies seem entwined and eventually they will join together to try and defeat the Niphilim.

Slaves of the Shinar is a fabulous story set in a world based on the Middle East and with a central theme of racial intolerance and prejudice towards anyone considered to be different. The book has a fabulous cast of characters with very different personalities and these have been blended together to make a very convincing storyline.

One aspect of the writing that I particularly like is the way that Justin Allen allows you to see situations from the points of view of both sides. This increases the awareness of the racial prejudices as you realise that the Niphilim see the Akshurites as little more than animals or savages. It is this writing skill that makes it unbelievable that this is Allen's first novel. I have read books by established authors who could never hope to be as talented an author as this man. I only hope that he can maintain this high standard in his future work. If he can, Justin Allen is surely destined to become one of the great authors of the future and I for one intend to keep my eyes open for his next novel.

Synopsis
Part Genesis, part Gilgamesh, this first novel is a literary triumph from a brilliant new author. Uruk, a nomadic thief from the jungles of sub-Saharan Africa, is braving the hard walk across the desert. His target is nothing less than the fabled city of Ur, its temples swollen with riches. Ander is a slave, and has been since youth. But when a chance at freedom presents itself, he strikes, vowing to destroy his captors by whatever means necessary. As these two men navigate the world they share - Sumeria/Mesopotamia - their stories converge in a tale of destiny, triumph, and death. Slaves of the Shinar is the story of a land besotted by war, of a people struggling to survive, and of two men redefining themselves and their futures at its heart. Set against the chaotic and bloody backdrop of the Middle East's first great war, this epic story - part Homer, part Tolkien - brings us into a gritty, realistic world where destiny is foretold by gods, and death is never more than a sword-stroke away.