Under the Lion's Paw, by Shaughn Marlowe, a family saga set in the tumultuous and racially charged times of 1830s New Orleans, follows a plantation master's son, Nelson, and his trusted slave, Shadow. Growing up together, they share everything, especially the innocence of childhood, as well as their wise Mammy Callie who guides their friendship through a stormy adolescence. In adulthood, Nelson and Shadow are forced to flee the South with their family, most of whom are ex-slaves, and take refuge in the free country of Canada where their intention to create a better life for their entire family continues to be challenged by social bigotry. In addition, forbidden love in the form of an octoroon beauty of mysterious ancestry, whom both men desire, tests their time-honored brotherhood.