"Joey rivets you in the opening pages." "Fascinating historical fiction." "LOVE this book!" Epic storyteller Joey O'Connor leads you into the spellbinding, exotic world of the Scramble for Africa, where the untold story of a high-stakes human rights battle between a missionary and a monarch leads to the world's first international human rights trial . In post-Civil War Virginia, William Sheppard pursues his lifelong dream of becoming a missionary in Africa. But as an African American man, he faces heartbreaking prejudice from the Presbyterian missions board. Unexpectedly, he is matched with an unlikely colleague—the very white Samuel Lapsley. A deep interracial friendship emerges as the two venture deep into the dangerous, Belgian-controlled Congo ruled by the evil King Leopold II. Traveling by steamship 1,000 miles up the Congo River, these two novice missionaries battle lurking pythons, rampant disease, cannibal tribes, and all the King's men. When Sheppard and Lapsley discover Leopold has enslaved the Congo for the rubber and ivory trade, they speak out against the atrocities. Leopold lashes back with a slander lawsuit against Sheppard, leading to the first international human rights trial. Millions of lives hang in the balance. Who will win? The missionary or the monarch? Discover this powerful story of a courageous African American man who risked everything to save an entire nation. Simply Click ★ The Buy It Now Button ★ Or ★ Add To Cart Button ★ to Purchase Right Away! Among Kings includes Historical Photos, Author's Note, Book Club Leader’s Guide Questions, and a free excerpt from Joey's new thriller, The Cobalt Curse. Author Interview What makes Among Kings unique? Why should readers care about William Sheppard? William Sheppard is one of the most fascinating African Americans, yet he is largely overlooked in Black History. He is one of the most unknown African American heroes in America. I became intrigued by Sheppard's story after my brother-in-law gave me a book about Sheppard. As we researched his life and work, it was clear Sheppard was a beloved missionary and explorer. He was lauded by kings, queens, and U.S. Presidents. One of the most famous Americans of his day, he spoke at black and white churches all over the East Coast. He is a model of courage, compassion, and what it means to stand against injustice. Why did you write this book? In our research, we learned that in the past 20 years over six million people have died in the Congo. It’s the world’s most overlooked humanitarian crisis. What began as curiosity turned into outrage. Here in America, outrage over the racism still in our society inspired us to pursue what an interracial friendship like Sheppard and Lapsley might offer us today. Among Kings is astonishing ...the clarity of O'Connor's drama, the strength of plotting, the vivid characters, and above all the excellent writing suggests an author at the very apex of his career. Highly recommended. Thomas Locke, Bestselling Author of Trial Run Among Kings is a spellbinding book , haunting and lyrical in style. The characters are well-developed...supporting characters like Masuka, Bula Matari, and King Leopold are deftly written. A story of courage and unusual bravery, a well-researched novel...the writing is impeccably good, filled with song and music. Joey O'Connor has diligently researched a story that must be told over and over, and has written it in a way that will be savored over the ages. Romuald Dzemo Writing Among Kings is no easy feat . For its timeless theme and universal appeal, this book is worth delving into. Vincent Dublado Among Kings should be made into a movie. It is a gripping story, filled with pathos, and entertaining at the same time. I loved the strong imagery, the cunning plot, and the author's intelligent handling of character. From the experience of young Shamba, the descriptions of the tribes and their way of life, the setting in the heart of the jungle, to the experiences of the characters, the author takes readers on a journey to an exciting world that is possible in movies. Grace Mazzo Among Kings absolutely wins for me in that it opens up another chapter of history that I had never read about before. This is the true purpose of historical fiction and this author has hit the nail on the head with his adventure. I absolutely adored this story and cannot recommend it highly enough. Grant Leishman Among Kings deserves four out of four stars. The book is addictive, deep, and fascinating. As much as the atrocities committed in the Congo by Leopold II are known historical facts, the figure of William Sheppard is unknown to the general public, not only in the USA but mainly in the world. I believe that this book could be turned into a successful film.I can say without fear of making a mistake that Among Kings may soon be the book of the year 2021. It is a real gem. Lina Mueller, Online Bookclub Completely riveti