Prince of Christler-Coke

Set in a future where the power of big corporations has reached unbelievable heights, this sardonic and humorous story traces the adventures of Asel Iacola, former head of the Christler-Coke corporation, who has been banished to a corporate prison after a hostile takeover. Undaunted, and with the help of fellow deposed corporate noble Sylvan Lee-McCree, Asel escapes with hopes of confronting his rival, Jackie-Cee of the Disney-Dow corporation. During his escape he learns to rely on himself as he is almost hung by the TechsMechs Rangers of Oklahomer, sold by the hustlers of Two-kum-curry to the Nones of Our Lady of Reluctant Desire, and befriended by a mechanical bear. Making his way across a nation ruled by big business, Asel is confronted by the country's forgotten poor, and discovers the enormous gulf between the haves and have-nots created by companies like Christler-Coke.

Neal Barrett, Jr., is the author of more than 50 novels, including A Different Vintage, The Hereafter Gang, The Prophesy Machine, and The Treachery of Kings. His short story collection, Perpetuity Blues, was a finalist for the 2001 World Fantasy Award. He lives in Austin, Texas.