This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Andrew Levkoff grew up on Long Island, New York, got a BA in English from Stanford, then put that hard-earned degree to dubious use in the family packaging business. After a decade of trying to convince himself to think 'inside' the box (lots of them), he fled to Vermont where he attempted to regain his sanity by chopping wood and shoveling snow off his roof for 8 years. Like a fine cocktail, he was by then thoroughly chilled; what could be better after this than no sunshine for 13 years. That's right - Seattle.
Since 2006 he has been taking the cure in Arizona, where his skin has darkened to a rich shade of pallid. Here it was that he finally realized, under the heading of hopefully-better-late-than-never, that he needed to return to his first love - writing. Andrew lives in Phoenix with Stephany and their daughter, Allison, crowded into close proximity by hundreds of mineral specimens they have collected while rockhounding. "They're just a bunch of rocks," says Allison. Ouch."
You can find Andrew at his website and blog: andrewlevkoff.com.
Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite
"A Mixture of Madness" by Andrew Levkoff is the second book in this series, taking us to Alexandros, a man who at 19 was chained to the tail of a victorious Roman army that was on the march home. He was just one more slave bound for the thriving city that seemed it could never get enough of slaves. It is 30 years later when he rides with his master at the head of seven legions. Marcus Licinius Crassus is a man who has an eye for revenge and Alexandros is loyal and will do whatever it takes to help him.
The first thing I can say about this book by Andrew Levkoff is that you do not need to have read the first in the series to enjoy it. The work and the story in this book stand solidly alone so that you will enjoy it whether you have read the first or not. I did not read the first book and found myself enjoying it so much that that I will go back now and read the first. I am a Roman history buff and can be very critical of books that are set in the time period, but "A Mixture of Madness" really did hit the mark on being accurate enough and being very entertaining. Alexandros is a strong and vibrant character and seeing the events as they unfold through his eyes gives a fresh sharp take on events as they happen. So often Roman stories are told through the eyes of the Generals, Senators and the like. Seeing something through the eyes of a Roman slave gives it a new scope. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good adventure story and to historical fans alike.
