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The Bow of Heaven #1
The Other Alexander
In the greatest, foulest city in the world, love, mayhem and betrayal have no trouble finding the slave, Alexandros. Given as a gift to the richest man in Rome, he soon discovers that intrigue and murder stalk the house of his master. Alexandros can solve the crime, but if he does, the worst punishment may prove to be his own. ***"Readers of Steven Saylor or John Maddox Roberts, accustomed to paying $25 for their latest in hardcover, can download The Bow of Heaven, as good as anything either one ever wrote, for $3 in about ten seconds. Enthusiastically recommended." - Historical Novel Society
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2011
53 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Levkoff
7 books31 followers_______________________________________________________________________
The Other Alexander, book one in The Bow of Heaven series has won the 2012 Readers Favorite Silver Award, Historical Fiction, the 2011 Gold Award for Historical Fiction presented by eLit Book Awards, and in 2014 was shortlisted for the Historical Novel Society's Indie Award
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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 2005 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.
The Other Alexander, book one in The Bow of Heaven series has won the 2012 Readers Favorite Silver Award, Historical Fiction, the 2011 Gold Award for Historical Fiction presented by eLit Book Awards, and in 2014 was shortlisted for the Historical Novel Society's Indie Award
______________________________________________________________________
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 2005 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 15, 2019
There is a lot of historical fiction out there that just serves as a drab remix of large-scale events from a slightly different point of view. It takes a rare genius like that of Colleen McCullough or Robert Harris to make this interesting. Most authors are not of that calibre.
Whether Levkoff is in that illustrious group I don’t yet known, but he’s definitely in a rather more select category of hist fic writers who defy conventional high politics to focus on more personal stories of everyday life. I love that sort of thing. When a writer can take a story and, without butchering the facts too much, stick it into a broader historical context without the Grand Events taking over... well I just call that good writing.
The story of this book is the story of slavery. It is a bit like one of those endless British Upstairs/Downstairs novels, where subtle class distinctions between aristocrats and their servants tie the story together. Except this time the class distinction is between free men and their literal property. This is what being a slave felt like. A fortunate slave of course, but Alexander’s stolen freedom underlies everything he experiences. And like those English period pieces, the emotions are complicated. If your master is kind to you and gives you real authority is it not natural to feel gratitude? On the other hand, all your hard work will only profit him, so why bother? But if you do your work well then you can be given some privacy, certain privileges, and a more comfortable life. And yet, the more indispensable you become the less likely your master is to ever free you. So round and round it goes. The two opposite conceptions of man and possession circling around your head, both true and untrue, must have been enough to drive you mad. Especially if you’re prone to overthinking things. Which he is.
Here is why I love Alexander: who else, when outlining what happened between chapters, would possibly imagine compiling a list? He’s an overthinker. That causes problems. I can sure relate! But what really makes his voice work is the painful awareness that understanding the nature of his problems only makes his life more difficult. Better to be a stupid slave than a smart one. His transition from fighting against fate to accepting a life of servitude is sad, yet also strangely triumphant. He has risen higher than he ever could have as a free man, yet that has made him even more firmly a slave. A loyal slave, if you really think about it, is a tragic betrayal of themself. His consolation is philosophy. He has a phlegmatic sense of powerlessness before fate and is always ready with a quotation from Aristotle to explain his own situation.
This is the focus of the book, but the broader political context is that the master he served is Marcus Licinius Crassus, triumvir and ally of Caesar and Pompey. I understand why he did it, but I still can’t but think it a mistake that he skipped the most important events in Crassus’ life. If people know about Crassus at all it will be for his role in crushing Spartacus. The book skips that and it skips his time as consul and the triumvirate during Caesar’s consulship as well. And what was the single most important event in his life if not his his defeat and death at the hands of the Parthians at Carrhae? Yet that comes in the next book.
This, of course, is assuming that the book is about Crassus. It isn’t. This is the story of a man enslaved and the sort of mental gymnastics required to live your life as property of another. Crassus and his career are largely thrown in to provide some background drama to the main story. His political career has little impact on the plot. He could have been almost any senator of the era, or even an invented one. As such I can’t but wonder how well the next book will work, with Crassus’ military career and the disastrous military defeat at Carrhae taking front stage. Possibly it will work very well, but it will of necessity be vastly different.
As far as the historical figures go, he captures some very well and others more ambiguously. His Sulla is pretty much perfect, all good humor and bonhomie as he ruthlessly pursues his own ends. Brutus is at the other end of the scale. All accounts seem to agree that he was a very serious and self-important man, but here he seems a lazy drunk and rather closer to Caesar than was the case. Caesar’s not much better. I know he was famous for his affairs, but he was also famous for his self-possession. It would have offended his dignitas to chase skirts as bluntly as he does. He was the sort to either spend all night subtly worming his way into someone’s bed or else seize what he wanted by force. Half measures never suit him. But this comes back to the book’s struggle with romance (for lack of a better term), which always seems sudden and unbearably melodramatic. When seen outside of such contexts Caesar is rather better.
But obviously pride of place on the historical figure front is Marcus Licinius Crassus. He’s almost invariably the villain, largely, I suspect, because of his crucifixion of 8,000 rebel slaves in the aftermath of the Spartacus revolt. Yet what Roman would have done different? They were an unashamedly brutal people. His greedy pursuit of wealth is also a negative, although his generosity is less often remarked on. Compared to his two peers (Caesar and Pompey) his ambitions appear paltry and honorable: he merely wants recognition while they require domination. And so he appears here. A kind, compassionate man, always keeping in mind the limitations that Roman society placed on basic human decency. This “decent man” will whip his slaves, he will buy and sell them with no consideration for their own desires, he will brand runaways and send the disobedient to die in his mines. But he will also be unfailingly polite to them, reward them for good behavior, and allow them certain freedoms if it keeps them happy. And this contrast between his compassion and the selfishness required of a slaveowner is what makes him such a fascinating character. Whether this was the truth of Crassus I couldn’t say (though Levkoff is undoubtedly right to conclude his name was blackened by those rivals who survived him) but it does make him a fascinating figure.
I found this book a captivating affair and, though I didn’t originally intend to, now find myself desperate to read the next one. I want to see if he can handle high politics as well as he handles small-scale social scenarios. But more importantly, I want to see what happens to Alexander. How did he end up in exile(?) on a small Greek island, free and with his own Parthian servant? No doubt he has many interesting adventures to come.
Plot: 9 (Minimalist but thought-provoking)
Characters: 10 (Real but complicated)
Accuracy: 10 (Only the most minor of errors)
Whether Levkoff is in that illustrious group I don’t yet known, but he’s definitely in a rather more select category of hist fic writers who defy conventional high politics to focus on more personal stories of everyday life. I love that sort of thing. When a writer can take a story and, without butchering the facts too much, stick it into a broader historical context without the Grand Events taking over... well I just call that good writing.
The story of this book is the story of slavery. It is a bit like one of those endless British Upstairs/Downstairs novels, where subtle class distinctions between aristocrats and their servants tie the story together. Except this time the class distinction is between free men and their literal property. This is what being a slave felt like. A fortunate slave of course, but Alexander’s stolen freedom underlies everything he experiences. And like those English period pieces, the emotions are complicated. If your master is kind to you and gives you real authority is it not natural to feel gratitude? On the other hand, all your hard work will only profit him, so why bother? But if you do your work well then you can be given some privacy, certain privileges, and a more comfortable life. And yet, the more indispensable you become the less likely your master is to ever free you. So round and round it goes. The two opposite conceptions of man and possession circling around your head, both true and untrue, must have been enough to drive you mad. Especially if you’re prone to overthinking things. Which he is.
Here is why I love Alexander: who else, when outlining what happened between chapters, would possibly imagine compiling a list? He’s an overthinker. That causes problems. I can sure relate! But what really makes his voice work is the painful awareness that understanding the nature of his problems only makes his life more difficult. Better to be a stupid slave than a smart one. His transition from fighting against fate to accepting a life of servitude is sad, yet also strangely triumphant. He has risen higher than he ever could have as a free man, yet that has made him even more firmly a slave. A loyal slave, if you really think about it, is a tragic betrayal of themself. His consolation is philosophy. He has a phlegmatic sense of powerlessness before fate and is always ready with a quotation from Aristotle to explain his own situation.
This is the focus of the book, but the broader political context is that the master he served is Marcus Licinius Crassus, triumvir and ally of Caesar and Pompey. I understand why he did it, but I still can’t but think it a mistake that he skipped the most important events in Crassus’ life. If people know about Crassus at all it will be for his role in crushing Spartacus. The book skips that and it skips his time as consul and the triumvirate during Caesar’s consulship as well. And what was the single most important event in his life if not his his defeat and death at the hands of the Parthians at Carrhae? Yet that comes in the next book.
This, of course, is assuming that the book is about Crassus. It isn’t. This is the story of a man enslaved and the sort of mental gymnastics required to live your life as property of another. Crassus and his career are largely thrown in to provide some background drama to the main story. His political career has little impact on the plot. He could have been almost any senator of the era, or even an invented one. As such I can’t but wonder how well the next book will work, with Crassus’ military career and the disastrous military defeat at Carrhae taking front stage. Possibly it will work very well, but it will of necessity be vastly different.
As far as the historical figures go, he captures some very well and others more ambiguously. His Sulla is pretty much perfect, all good humor and bonhomie as he ruthlessly pursues his own ends. Brutus is at the other end of the scale. All accounts seem to agree that he was a very serious and self-important man, but here he seems a lazy drunk and rather closer to Caesar than was the case. Caesar’s not much better. I know he was famous for his affairs, but he was also famous for his self-possession. It would have offended his dignitas to chase skirts as bluntly as he does. He was the sort to either spend all night subtly worming his way into someone’s bed or else seize what he wanted by force. Half measures never suit him. But this comes back to the book’s struggle with romance (for lack of a better term), which always seems sudden and unbearably melodramatic. When seen outside of such contexts Caesar is rather better.
But obviously pride of place on the historical figure front is Marcus Licinius Crassus. He’s almost invariably the villain, largely, I suspect, because of his crucifixion of 8,000 rebel slaves in the aftermath of the Spartacus revolt. Yet what Roman would have done different? They were an unashamedly brutal people. His greedy pursuit of wealth is also a negative, although his generosity is less often remarked on. Compared to his two peers (Caesar and Pompey) his ambitions appear paltry and honorable: he merely wants recognition while they require domination. And so he appears here. A kind, compassionate man, always keeping in mind the limitations that Roman society placed on basic human decency. This “decent man” will whip his slaves, he will buy and sell them with no consideration for their own desires, he will brand runaways and send the disobedient to die in his mines. But he will also be unfailingly polite to them, reward them for good behavior, and allow them certain freedoms if it keeps them happy. And this contrast between his compassion and the selfishness required of a slaveowner is what makes him such a fascinating character. Whether this was the truth of Crassus I couldn’t say (though Levkoff is undoubtedly right to conclude his name was blackened by those rivals who survived him) but it does make him a fascinating figure.
I found this book a captivating affair and, though I didn’t originally intend to, now find myself desperate to read the next one. I want to see if he can handle high politics as well as he handles small-scale social scenarios. But more importantly, I want to see what happens to Alexander. How did he end up in exile(?) on a small Greek island, free and with his own Parthian servant? No doubt he has many interesting adventures to come.
Plot: 9 (Minimalist but thought-provoking)
Characters: 10 (Real but complicated)
Accuracy: 10 (Only the most minor of errors)
May 31, 2015
When agents and editors talk about a book that really excites them, they usually mention voice, that ephemeral quality that lifts a book into the “really good” realm. Levkoff’s novel has an engaging, unique voice in his narrator, Alexander. Alexander started life as the son of a wealthy Greek family and he trained in both Aristotle’s and Plato’s academies. His language and perceptions are laced with a philosophic view and the cadences of his language reflect this background. The other qualities in this distinctive voice arise from his enslavement by the Romans and his long service to Crassus, the richest man in Rome, the third man in the triumvirate that ruled as the Republic crumbled under the force of powerful men. This nuanced voice enriches this engaging tale about the man usually dismissed as least significant when historians discuss the triumvirate of Caesar, Pompey and Crassus.
The Other Alexander mines a surprisingly deep vein when it places Crassus at the center of the tale. So often an ill-fitting piece of history triggers the historical novelist to select a topic. So it was with Levkoff. In his afterword he says, “what interested me most was the answer to the question, what could goad Crassus to leave everything behind – his wealth, his power, his wife of over three decades – to seek war and conquest 1,500 hundred miles from home?” Levkoff’s answer is hinted at in the remaining evidence and it makes for a great story. You’ll see a side of these famous Romans that you won’t find in the standard history books and the read is way more fun.
The Other Alexander is book one of The Bow of Heaven Trilogy.
The Other Alexander mines a surprisingly deep vein when it places Crassus at the center of the tale. So often an ill-fitting piece of history triggers the historical novelist to select a topic. So it was with Levkoff. In his afterword he says, “what interested me most was the answer to the question, what could goad Crassus to leave everything behind – his wealth, his power, his wife of over three decades – to seek war and conquest 1,500 hundred miles from home?” Levkoff’s answer is hinted at in the remaining evidence and it makes for a great story. You’ll see a side of these famous Romans that you won’t find in the standard history books and the read is way more fun.
The Other Alexander is book one of The Bow of Heaven Trilogy.
February 4, 2015
Young Alexandros, a student of philosophy in Athens, has the great bad luck to be enslaved by the armies of Sulla during the wars against Mithradates. He is brought to Rome, given to Sulla’s general Marcus Crassus and begins his rise to indispensability in Crassus’ household.
We read how Alexandros for all the respect in which Crassus holds him cannot expect freedom; we read much of the typical aspects of a slave’s life, for example his attendance while master and mistress make love, perform their toilet and so on… We read how Alexandros sacrifices the chance of personal happiness as a slave because of doing his job so well and neglecting to turn a blind eye when perhaps he should have.
There is also Marcus Crassus – with Pompey and Julius Caesar one of the three most powerful men in Rome. Crassus is portrayed as a just and enlightened master and a man who enjoys making money but who is otherwise generous and fair-minded. A theme of the novel asks the question why such a man at the age of 60 might suddenly decide to invade the great Parthian Empire to gain military glory. The author’s answer is ingenious and involves the philandering Caesar, who is portrayed convincingly and odiously in some terrific scenes. In Crassus’ case, he turns a blind eye when perhaps he shouldn’t have.
On the one hand a sprawling, undisciplined mixture which has the potential to frustrate and infuriate, on the other hand an imaginative and entertaining treatment of a number of interesting and worthwhile themes, my mental scoring for this novel ranged at times as low as two stars and at times as high as five. There are implausible aspects; there are surprising omissions; a period of 30 years is covered in about 300 pages. But in the end I liked it rather a lot, to say that for all its faults, I am actively looking forward to reading the second volume in the trilogy.
We read how Alexandros for all the respect in which Crassus holds him cannot expect freedom; we read much of the typical aspects of a slave’s life, for example his attendance while master and mistress make love, perform their toilet and so on… We read how Alexandros sacrifices the chance of personal happiness as a slave because of doing his job so well and neglecting to turn a blind eye when perhaps he should have.
There is also Marcus Crassus – with Pompey and Julius Caesar one of the three most powerful men in Rome. Crassus is portrayed as a just and enlightened master and a man who enjoys making money but who is otherwise generous and fair-minded. A theme of the novel asks the question why such a man at the age of 60 might suddenly decide to invade the great Parthian Empire to gain military glory. The author’s answer is ingenious and involves the philandering Caesar, who is portrayed convincingly and odiously in some terrific scenes. In Crassus’ case, he turns a blind eye when perhaps he shouldn’t have.
On the one hand a sprawling, undisciplined mixture which has the potential to frustrate and infuriate, on the other hand an imaginative and entertaining treatment of a number of interesting and worthwhile themes, my mental scoring for this novel ranged at times as low as two stars and at times as high as five. There are implausible aspects; there are surprising omissions; a period of 30 years is covered in about 300 pages. But in the end I liked it rather a lot, to say that for all its faults, I am actively looking forward to reading the second volume in the trilogy.
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April 27, 2012In the greatest, foulest city in the world, love, mayhem and betrayal find the slave, Alexandros. Given as a gift to the richest man in Rome, he soon discovers that intrigue and murder stalk the house of his master. Yet, if he solves the crime, the worst punishment may prove to be his own.
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Winner! 2011 Gold Award for Historical Fiction
from eLit Book Awards
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Alexandros is astute, well-educated and brimming with caustic wit, but he can’t seem to remember the golden rule of slavery: keep your head down and your mouth shut. No wonder more than one person in the house of Marcus Crassus wants to see this former Greek philosophy student dead.
Through accident and intervention, Alexandros manages to survive, but is he willing to take the proffered hand of the one ally he wants desperately to despise – his owner? Every boon and advancement accepted from Crassus is an acknowledgment that his former life is gone. Yet how can he resist? Crassus is a good man, for a Roman.
At last, Alexandros realizes that accepting his condition is the only way to recoup the little freedom left him. He willingly opens his eyes to his new life … and immediately falls in love with Livia, a fellow servant he’s never allowed himself to see. But romance for a slave is a fragile thing, especially when tragedy befalls the Crassus household in the person of Gaius Julius Caesar and his insatiable ambition.
Alexandros has won the ear of Crassus, but can a slave keep a master of Rome from making a choice which will topple the foundations of the empire?
May 12, 2012
This is more of a 4 1/2 stars book than a fully 5 star one since it has some structural issues, but I really enjoyed the writing style and the voice of the narrator. Historically I thought the book was a bit on the modern side - yes the narrator talks a lot about his feeling as a slave, but in reality we see stern but generous masters and dialog that while not quite equal to equal is something like boss to employee rather than master to slave.
The historical details about Rome were ok'ish (some mistakes like Cinna's daughter which of course was called Cornelia as per her father's family name Cornelius) but the biggest complaint is the fragmentary nature of the novel; I understand the author wants to tell the story of Carrhae but then I do not see why it was needed to compress those 30 years - either talk more about them or just mention them.
Personally i would have loved a series about the Roman republic from 82 till 53 as seen through Alexandros eyes rather than a collection of snippets.
Overall i will probably read the second book in the series as i like the narration but the book missed a big opportunity to get at the top level of historical fiction
The historical details about Rome were ok'ish (some mistakes like Cinna's daughter which of course was called Cornelia as per her father's family name Cornelius) but the biggest complaint is the fragmentary nature of the novel; I understand the author wants to tell the story of Carrhae but then I do not see why it was needed to compress those 30 years - either talk more about them or just mention them.
Personally i would have loved a series about the Roman republic from 82 till 53 as seen through Alexandros eyes rather than a collection of snippets.
Overall i will probably read the second book in the series as i like the narration but the book missed a big opportunity to get at the top level of historical fiction
December 31, 2023
I have read Countless books on Roman history and some astonishingly good novels in particular Colleen McCullough and Margaret George along with Robert Harris stand out because of their superior story telling and knowledge of the period.
This book was Outstanding and deserves a place with the above author's I have mentioned....I can't wait for book 2.....do not hesitate read this Brilliant slice of a world we can only imagine.
This book was Outstanding and deserves a place with the above author's I have mentioned....I can't wait for book 2.....do not hesitate read this Brilliant slice of a world we can only imagine.
June 11, 2018
Due to a slow start, I couldn't focus to finish, I'll come back some other time when I have the patience.
September 9, 2022
Nice book
This one just wasn't my cup of tea. I really struggled to finish this one. Not a bad book, just didn't excite me.
This one just wasn't my cup of tea. I really struggled to finish this one. Not a bad book, just didn't excite me.
December 18, 2011
When Andrew Levkoff asked me to read this and review this, I was so excited! As many may know, I love historical novels and when I read the description I was even more excited! However, it took a while for me to get absorbed into the story. The beginning was a little slow (even though a whole bunch was going on) and I felt detached from Alexander, the main character. Once the story progressed and I got further into it the harder it was to get away from it. I wanted so badly to see what would happen next!
As the story progressed, I began to really like Alexander and I began to understand why he was the way he was. I found a lot in common with this poor guy. I mean I've never been taken from my life to become a slave in a foreign place against my will. However, I could relate to a lot of his inner thoughts and feelings. Gotta love a book that you can relate to the main character. ^.^
I also really liked HOW Andrew Levkoff wrote the story. It was like a memoir from the older and wiser Alexander. There was a lot of foreshadow and clues as to what would happen in the next chapter and even in the next book, but just only enough to want you continue reading. His writing flowed well and I felt like I was really in the story as a slave or just a fly on the wall.
The only thing I didn't like was the big skips in time. I know Book One had many years to cover, but I felt like I missing out on major events. I may not have liked these skips, but I COMPLETELY understand the need for them. Without skipping uneventful years, the story would have dragged and been a million pages long. So yes, it was necessary and I'll stop my whining.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next one in the trilogy! It was such an entertaining book and I would recommend this book to anyone who has the slightest interest in history and historical books. There is also a taste of romance, intrigue, action, and adventure. Out of five stars, I grant this one 5 stars. Woot woot! ^.^
Favorite Character(s): Alexander (I could really relate to him and I just liked him a lot), Crassus (which is odd, I'm usually just neutral to him), and Lady Tertulla
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Caesar (an ass), Nestor (gah, what a weasel) and Livia (it was a love-hate thing. Sometimes I liked her, sometimes I wanted to kick her)
Favorite quote(s): "I am most comfortable on the outskirts; being at the center of anything unnerves me, the center of attention in particular" - chapter IX, Alexander.
As the story progressed, I began to really like Alexander and I began to understand why he was the way he was. I found a lot in common with this poor guy. I mean I've never been taken from my life to become a slave in a foreign place against my will. However, I could relate to a lot of his inner thoughts and feelings. Gotta love a book that you can relate to the main character. ^.^
I also really liked HOW Andrew Levkoff wrote the story. It was like a memoir from the older and wiser Alexander. There was a lot of foreshadow and clues as to what would happen in the next chapter and even in the next book, but just only enough to want you continue reading. His writing flowed well and I felt like I was really in the story as a slave or just a fly on the wall.
The only thing I didn't like was the big skips in time. I know Book One had many years to cover, but I felt like I missing out on major events. I may not have liked these skips, but I COMPLETELY understand the need for them. Without skipping uneventful years, the story would have dragged and been a million pages long. So yes, it was necessary and I'll stop my whining.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next one in the trilogy! It was such an entertaining book and I would recommend this book to anyone who has the slightest interest in history and historical books. There is also a taste of romance, intrigue, action, and adventure. Out of five stars, I grant this one 5 stars. Woot woot! ^.^
Favorite Character(s): Alexander (I could really relate to him and I just liked him a lot), Crassus (which is odd, I'm usually just neutral to him), and Lady Tertulla
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Caesar (an ass), Nestor (gah, what a weasel) and Livia (it was a love-hate thing. Sometimes I liked her, sometimes I wanted to kick her)
Favorite quote(s): "I am most comfortable on the outskirts; being at the center of anything unnerves me, the center of attention in particular" - chapter IX, Alexander.
February 14, 2014
Perhaps it’s the fact that I prattle on about history constantly, but I can guarantee you that everyone in my family and small circle of friends has heard of Gaius Julius Caesar. How could they not when he is such a cultural phenomenon, even two thousand years later? Yet while Julius Caesar is a household name, very few people have heard of Marcus Licinius Crassus. Even among historians, he is dismissed as the weak third member of the First Triumvirate, nothing more than the man who bankrolled the wars of Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar. But in The Other Alexander, I believe Andrew Levkoff has done for Crassus what Pauline Gedge did for Kamose Tao or what Robert Graves did for Claudius.
In a style reminiscent of Wilbur Smith’s Egyptian novels, Andrew Levkoff chronicles the life of Crassus through the eyes of his unfortunate slave Alexandros, called Alexander. Alexander is very similar to Smith’s Taita in the way he becomes invaluable to his master and ends up running the household. Also like Smith’s Taita, he constantly reflects on life with the complex, sometimes arrogant mind of a philosopher. Alexander’s forceful personality is part of what makes him a good character, but he makes the jump from a good character to a great character because he is full of contradictions, just like real people.
The first few chapters are slowly paced to draw the reader in without completely disorienting them with the foreign world of ancient Rome. However, the pace picks up steadily throughout the novel and by the end it rivals Conn Iggulden’s famously fast-paced novels. However, unlike Conn Iggulden, Andrew Levkoff does not change history so blatantly. As far as I know, The Other Alexander is one of the most historically accurate pieces of historical fiction I’ve ever read. You can certainly tell there was a great deal of research and care put into this novel.
My only true criticism is that this should have been proofread better. I caught several missing quotation marks in the dialogue and even the use of ‘pray’ instead of ‘prey’ in this passage on page 256:
“In that case, Gaius, you are nothing. Pray on some other patrician’s wife.”
Yet these mistakes do not detract from the overall quality of the novel and I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in Roman history, particularly that of the late Republic.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.
In a style reminiscent of Wilbur Smith’s Egyptian novels, Andrew Levkoff chronicles the life of Crassus through the eyes of his unfortunate slave Alexandros, called Alexander. Alexander is very similar to Smith’s Taita in the way he becomes invaluable to his master and ends up running the household. Also like Smith’s Taita, he constantly reflects on life with the complex, sometimes arrogant mind of a philosopher. Alexander’s forceful personality is part of what makes him a good character, but he makes the jump from a good character to a great character because he is full of contradictions, just like real people.
The first few chapters are slowly paced to draw the reader in without completely disorienting them with the foreign world of ancient Rome. However, the pace picks up steadily throughout the novel and by the end it rivals Conn Iggulden’s famously fast-paced novels. However, unlike Conn Iggulden, Andrew Levkoff does not change history so blatantly. As far as I know, The Other Alexander is one of the most historically accurate pieces of historical fiction I’ve ever read. You can certainly tell there was a great deal of research and care put into this novel.
My only true criticism is that this should have been proofread better. I caught several missing quotation marks in the dialogue and even the use of ‘pray’ instead of ‘prey’ in this passage on page 256:
“In that case, Gaius, you are nothing. Pray on some other patrician’s wife.”
Yet these mistakes do not detract from the overall quality of the novel and I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in Roman history, particularly that of the late Republic.
I give this book 4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads rating purposes.
November 13, 2013
I highly recommend "The Other Alexander" to everyone but especially to those who enjoy historical novels set in ancient Rome. Mr. Levkoff has created a background of historical context and imagery next to none! He made Alexander's life a reality to this reader! One is transported back in time to Rome in the final century before Christ and is quickly caught up in the sights and sounds of the grit and glamor of the period. The character of Alexander becomes a reality as a slave as well as a young man struggling to create a life for himself in spite of the confines of his position.
As the chapters unfold, the reader is taken from Alexander's adolescence in his native Athens to a manhood in the gritty extravagance of ancient Rome. From the first pages,the reader feels the restrictions of an educated young man forced to live a life of subservience. Alexander is no Roman and is full of distain for Rome's culture (or lack thereof) yet is bound to his master Crassus with no hope of freedom. The character of Crassus develops as a man whose lack of empathy manifests as counterpoint to all who surround him and his world. Without Alexander, Crassus could not function in any sense as a man worthy of redemption. It is Alexander who offers this man hope. At the same time, without Crassus, Alexander's character would be little more than a footnote in a world full of inequality and servitude.
I found myself looking forward to picking up my Kindle throughout the day and reading and re-reading passages from the text. This is not a book to be read from cover to cover in one session. At least it wasn't for me. I enjoyed every page as an entity unto itself and read and re-read sections as I moved towards the final chapters. I look forward to a second reading after finishing book two in the series!
"The Other Alexander" is a rich and rewarding novel and I am happy to add it to my library. I trust you will too!
Stephen Forte
As the chapters unfold, the reader is taken from Alexander's adolescence in his native Athens to a manhood in the gritty extravagance of ancient Rome. From the first pages,the reader feels the restrictions of an educated young man forced to live a life of subservience. Alexander is no Roman and is full of distain for Rome's culture (or lack thereof) yet is bound to his master Crassus with no hope of freedom. The character of Crassus develops as a man whose lack of empathy manifests as counterpoint to all who surround him and his world. Without Alexander, Crassus could not function in any sense as a man worthy of redemption. It is Alexander who offers this man hope. At the same time, without Crassus, Alexander's character would be little more than a footnote in a world full of inequality and servitude.
I found myself looking forward to picking up my Kindle throughout the day and reading and re-reading passages from the text. This is not a book to be read from cover to cover in one session. At least it wasn't for me. I enjoyed every page as an entity unto itself and read and re-read sections as I moved towards the final chapters. I look forward to a second reading after finishing book two in the series!
"The Other Alexander" is a rich and rewarding novel and I am happy to add it to my library. I trust you will too!
Stephen Forte
February 12, 2012
Bow of Heaven is an exciting, informative historical novel of ancient Rome. Told by a Greek slave, Alexander, in his old age, it recounts the events that occurred since he was a student in Athens, captured by the conquering Romans. He eventually ends up as a highly-placed slave (right hand man, actually) in the house of Marcus Crassus, a noble politician and the richest man in Rome. Alexander ends up rich and has a great deal of power in the household. It's a good life in a lot of ways but that only highlights the central issue of his life. He is not free. He is haunted by a frustrating dilemma: The better he is at his job, the more he is rewarded. His rewards give him enough money to buy his freedom. But because he is so good at his job, Crassus will never allow him to buy his freedom. He will always be a slave.
Alexander makes several choices in this book (the first of a trilogy, by the way) that give us pause. Would we make the same choice? Was it the right one? He is a complex character - not conventionally brave, his value to Crassus is that he speaks his mind and defends positions contrary to those of his master when few slaves would do so. He takes actions (including one with Julius Caesar!) that few of us would have the nerve to do.
I haven't read a lot in the genre of historical fiction; I received this book from a Goodreads give away. I was open minded about it but not sure I'd like it. I had read a Robert Harris book and a couple by Mary Renault and found I was much more impressed by this one. I am not a historian so I can't judge the book on those terms. But it felt authentic to this reader and the characters were engaging and realistic. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Alexander makes several choices in this book (the first of a trilogy, by the way) that give us pause. Would we make the same choice? Was it the right one? He is a complex character - not conventionally brave, his value to Crassus is that he speaks his mind and defends positions contrary to those of his master when few slaves would do so. He takes actions (including one with Julius Caesar!) that few of us would have the nerve to do.
I haven't read a lot in the genre of historical fiction; I received this book from a Goodreads give away. I was open minded about it but not sure I'd like it. I had read a Robert Harris book and a couple by Mary Renault and found I was much more impressed by this one. I am not a historian so I can't judge the book on those terms. But it felt authentic to this reader and the characters were engaging and realistic. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Read
April 27, 2012In the greatest, foulest city in the world, love, mayhem and betrayal find the slave, Alexandros. Given as a gift to the richest man in Rome, he soon discovers that intrigue and murder stalk the house of his master. Yet, if he solves the crime, the worst punishment may prove to be his own.
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Winner! 2011 Gold Award for Historical Fiction
from eLit Book Awards
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Alexandros is astute, well-educated and brimming with caustic wit, but he can’t seem to remember the golden rule of slavery: keep your head down and your mouth shut. No wonder more than one person in the house of Marcus Crassus wants to see this former Greek philosophy student dead.
Through accident and intervention, Alexandros manages to survive, but is he willing to take the proffered hand of the one ally he wants desperately to despise – his owner? Every boon and advancement accepted from Crassus is an acknowledgment that his former life is gone. Yet how can he resist? Crassus is a good man, for a Roman.
At last, Alexandros realizes that accepting his condition is the only way to recoup the little freedom left him. He willingly opens his eyes to his new life … and immediately falls in love with Livia, a fellow servant he’s never allowed himself to see. But romance for a slave is a fragile thing, especially when tragedy befalls the Crassus household in the person of Gaius Julius Caesar and his insatiable ambition.
Alexandros has won the ear of Crassus, but can a slave keep a master of Rome from making a choice which will topple the foundations of the empire?
September 2, 2015
Fans of ancient Rome will love seeing how the other half lives!
If you enjoy reading historical fiction, then this book is for you! Andrew Levkoff can hold his own with the likes of Steven Saylor and Robert Harris when writing about ancient Rome. This novel is told from the viewpoint of Alexandros, a young Greek who finds himself a slave in the household of Marcus Crassus, the richest man in Rome at the end of the Republic. This book is the first of the "Bow of Heaven" trilogy, and while it works as a stand-alone novel, I was impatient to find out what happens next. I read the book when it first came out, then re-read it when the remaining two installments were done, because I wanted to be reminded of the nuances. The characters are so well written, that they stayed with me long after I completed the book. I liked reading about the contrast between the social stations of the various characters from slaves and freedmen to clientes and senators, and in particular about the developing relationship between Alexandros and his master, Crassus. This book is well-plotted and lays the groundwork for the coming two novels, while being written with elegant style.
Since I read this book on my Kindle, I liked that I could click on the underlined words that are found in the comprehensive glossary, and then be brought right back to the text where I had left off. I love it when I can learn a something while enjoying a good book! For those readers who don't care to toggle back and forth, the context is sufficient to explain most of the terminology so that it's not necessary to do this: it's just something that nerds like me enjoy.
If you enjoy reading historical fiction, then this book is for you! Andrew Levkoff can hold his own with the likes of Steven Saylor and Robert Harris when writing about ancient Rome. This novel is told from the viewpoint of Alexandros, a young Greek who finds himself a slave in the household of Marcus Crassus, the richest man in Rome at the end of the Republic. This book is the first of the "Bow of Heaven" trilogy, and while it works as a stand-alone novel, I was impatient to find out what happens next. I read the book when it first came out, then re-read it when the remaining two installments were done, because I wanted to be reminded of the nuances. The characters are so well written, that they stayed with me long after I completed the book. I liked reading about the contrast between the social stations of the various characters from slaves and freedmen to clientes and senators, and in particular about the developing relationship between Alexandros and his master, Crassus. This book is well-plotted and lays the groundwork for the coming two novels, while being written with elegant style.
Since I read this book on my Kindle, I liked that I could click on the underlined words that are found in the comprehensive glossary, and then be brought right back to the text where I had left off. I love it when I can learn a something while enjoying a good book! For those readers who don't care to toggle back and forth, the context is sufficient to explain most of the terminology so that it's not necessary to do this: it's just something that nerds like me enjoy.
April 2, 2015
Written in the year 20BC and unearthed from the tomb of time, THE OTHER ALEXANDER is narrated by a Greek slave. Alexander (or his Greek name, Alexandros) is painfully self-deprecating, timid, passionate, and loyal. In this beautifully written novel by Andrew Levkoff, we live in the slave quarters of the household of the most powerful Roman of his time—Crassus. Alexander feels compelled to correct the historical record, particularly to show that his master is not just rich and powerful, but also even-handed in his administration of justice.
Over the course of this first novel in a trilogy that covers the span of Alexander’s life, we witness the growing respect between master and slave. As a young man, Alexander experiences the white-hot passion of youth, but he must choose between love and ethics, and guess which one this Greek philosopher chooses? This is but one of the turning points that change the course of THE OTHER ALEXANDER’s life.
Beyond the inner workings of the household, the outer world of Rome is changing. Powerful men aspire to greater power. You’ll recognize the names from history books. Julius Caesar. Brutus. But this is a novel, not a dry, fact-laden recitation of battles and consulships. These powerful Romans have the same ambitions, hurts, and longings as people today. In fact this ancient world provides a mirror for today’s political demagoguery. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the others in the series.
Over the course of this first novel in a trilogy that covers the span of Alexander’s life, we witness the growing respect between master and slave. As a young man, Alexander experiences the white-hot passion of youth, but he must choose between love and ethics, and guess which one this Greek philosopher chooses? This is but one of the turning points that change the course of THE OTHER ALEXANDER’s life.
Beyond the inner workings of the household, the outer world of Rome is changing. Powerful men aspire to greater power. You’ll recognize the names from history books. Julius Caesar. Brutus. But this is a novel, not a dry, fact-laden recitation of battles and consulships. These powerful Romans have the same ambitions, hurts, and longings as people today. In fact this ancient world provides a mirror for today’s political demagoguery. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the others in the series.
June 2, 2012
I enjoyed this story. I think I would have liked to have seen more of how the relationship between Crassus and Alexander grew, before we got to the climax at the end that changed the whole direction of the story. Most of the time, I found Alexander believable, but I wasn't always able to find the causality for his choices or his thought processes--the story often felt a little thin and I found it got harder to keep reading as I got farther into the book and didn't feel I came to know any of the characters any better than at the beginning. Perhaps the author himself didn't really know how a man could come to terms with slavery and so glanced over it while writing?
One of the things that did help me stay with the book was that the author made effective use of the antique style of writing (slightly modernized, for our comfort!) and, with very few exceptions, stayed in it for the entire novel. It helped maintain the tone and the believability of the story and made the exposition a little easier to swallow.
I'll watch for the second novel, just out of curiosity,as I rather like Alexander, and to see how the author grows with experience.
One of the things that did help me stay with the book was that the author made effective use of the antique style of writing (slightly modernized, for our comfort!) and, with very few exceptions, stayed in it for the entire novel. It helped maintain the tone and the believability of the story and made the exposition a little easier to swallow.
I'll watch for the second novel, just out of curiosity,as I rather like Alexander, and to see how the author grows with experience.
May 7, 2014
Thank you to Goodreads and author Andrew Levkoff for providing the free download of THE OTHER ALEXANDER. I had read many of the reviews of this book on Goodreads before I began reading it myself, and I agree that this is a well-researched story. I really appreciate, though, that the research does not overpower the conflicts and cares of the characters. Levkoff does a great job of showing how Alexander both accepts and is repulsed by his acceptance of his slavery, and historical detail moves the story forward. While there is violence in the story--hey, it's the ancient Romans--Levkoff displays it in a way that is almost conservative. This contrasts to the descriptions in the beginning of the novel where I thought the language was a bit flowery and extravagant, but I soon settled in to the pace and diction of the story. Perhaps this is a reflection of the Greek and Roman cultures at this time in the world? I will probably finish the trilogy.
March 4, 2012
I won a copy of this book in a firstreads giveaway.
This book is a historical fiction that takes place in ancient Rome. The main character Alexandros, a citizen of Greece, is taken captive and given to a Roman general as a reward. His owner Marcus Crassus is a shrewd leader and businessman who rises to the top of Roman society. Alexandros is a very educated man who chafes at the bonds of slavery and yet has a very close if somewhat strained relationship with Crassus. Along their journey side by side to power, Alexandros is forced to make many difficult decisions that often change his life and relationships. Of course the more powerful Crassus becomes often with Alexandros' help, the further the likelihood that he will ever attain his freedom.
I really enjoyed this story and it was a pretty quick read for me. I would definitely recommend it to others and look forward to the second book in the trilogy.
This book is a historical fiction that takes place in ancient Rome. The main character Alexandros, a citizen of Greece, is taken captive and given to a Roman general as a reward. His owner Marcus Crassus is a shrewd leader and businessman who rises to the top of Roman society. Alexandros is a very educated man who chafes at the bonds of slavery and yet has a very close if somewhat strained relationship with Crassus. Along their journey side by side to power, Alexandros is forced to make many difficult decisions that often change his life and relationships. Of course the more powerful Crassus becomes often with Alexandros' help, the further the likelihood that he will ever attain his freedom.
I really enjoyed this story and it was a pretty quick read for me. I would definitely recommend it to others and look forward to the second book in the trilogy.
March 23, 2012
This was an interesting historical read. The story had life; it wasn't like reading a dry, boring, humdrum list of historical events which drag on like some historical novels. While reading, you feel as though you are there with the protagonist, listening to his tale. Overall, an enjoyable story, except I got a little irritated with the gratuitous sex and the frequent use of the F-word. I'm not a prude, I simply don't believe it was necessary to the movement and evolution of the story; it took away from the overall experience for me.
I received this book free through Goodreads. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
I received this book free through Goodreads. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
December 11, 2014
Most of this story was narrated from an educated Greek man named Alexander who was enslaved by Romans. I thought the story was well researched and I liked Alexander's unique voice. However, the story itself was depressing. I know slavery is evil and wasn't a good situation even for Alexander who became a rich and well respected slave, but a few moments of happiness would have been nice in the storyline.
I also thought the story was rushed. Instead of seeing the relationship between Alexander and his master grow it happened quickly and then just as quickly changed at the end. There was also an abrupt switch to omniscient point of view. Over all it was a good read that shows Ancient Rome, but I wish the author would have spent more time on character growth. This could easily have been broken into two books.
I also thought the story was rushed. Instead of seeing the relationship between Alexander and his master grow it happened quickly and then just as quickly changed at the end. There was also an abrupt switch to omniscient point of view. Over all it was a good read that shows Ancient Rome, but I wish the author would have spent more time on character growth. This could easily have been broken into two books.
December 23, 2014
A fascinating perspective
This is not a perfect book. Its most glaring error is in the author's incorrect supposition that Alexander and Alexandros are two different names. The former is simply the anglicization of the latter. This fact renders the "renaming" of the title character completely invalid. The author is also apparently unaware that Romans almost never addressed each other by their first names. A friend (real or posing) would not have addressed Caesar as Gaius but as Julius, for example. There are a few other grammatical and stylistic errors but these were the ones that annoyed me most.
Other than that, though, I really enjoyed the book. The author has a style reminiscent of Mary Renault and tells his story from an interesting point of view. I'm going to pick up the next two books for sure.
This is not a perfect book. Its most glaring error is in the author's incorrect supposition that Alexander and Alexandros are two different names. The former is simply the anglicization of the latter. This fact renders the "renaming" of the title character completely invalid. The author is also apparently unaware that Romans almost never addressed each other by their first names. A friend (real or posing) would not have addressed Caesar as Gaius but as Julius, for example. There are a few other grammatical and stylistic errors but these were the ones that annoyed me most.
Other than that, though, I really enjoyed the book. The author has a style reminiscent of Mary Renault and tells his story from an interesting point of view. I'm going to pick up the next two books for sure.
February 17, 2012
I received this book as part of a first reads giveaway. I loved it. The main character was smart, articulate, witty and I felt like I was sitting and listening to him tell me his story. I was sucked in, the story almost a series of small stories, which is what life is after all.
The thing I liked most about the writing, was it seemed like an easy read in terms of how engaging it was, but I still got to use my brain. There were still serious, horrifying events unfolding, characters that were solidly crafted, and I felt something, compassion for some, hatred for others, but I felt something. Really a well told story and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
The thing I liked most about the writing, was it seemed like an easy read in terms of how engaging it was, but I still got to use my brain. There were still serious, horrifying events unfolding, characters that were solidly crafted, and I felt something, compassion for some, hatred for others, but I felt something. Really a well told story and I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 17, 2012
Hmmm...how do I describe this book? It was really interesting and gave me some insight into what may have happened in ancient Rome. The politics were fascinating. It is gritty and very real, though. I'm not a huge fan of the F-word, and it was used frequently throughout the book. I can handle blood and gore, but it did have some gratuitous sex in it that didn't really fit. That's the only reason why I gave it three instead of four stars. I did connect with the characters and really enjoyed the story.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
February 18, 2012
Sometimes things just come together perfectly. I had just finished listening to podcasts on the fall of the Roman Republic by Dan Carlin and Mike Duncan when I won this book from Goodreads. And The Other Alexander made the history come to life, adding depth to Crassus' story. I liked the twist of the narrator being a slave as it also gave some social commentary to the history. The details of life in a Roman villa are fascinating, but the story is what makes the book memorable. I very much look forward to Book II in the trilogy.
August 13, 2012
I have received this book through the Goodreads giveaway program.
It is a very good book and allows the reader to be immersed in the Roman times. The level of detail is wonderful and the story hooks the reader. The plot is not too simple and not too complex.
I loved the book, but there are two problems that prevent me form giving the maximum mark: the alignment of the text and the time it takes to develop the story. The prologue in this case causes an anticipated anti-climax as one knows already who will live and die.
If I find the 2nd book in a store I would definitely buy it.
It is a very good book and allows the reader to be immersed in the Roman times. The level of detail is wonderful and the story hooks the reader. The plot is not too simple and not too complex.
I loved the book, but there are two problems that prevent me form giving the maximum mark: the alignment of the text and the time it takes to develop the story. The prologue in this case causes an anticipated anti-climax as one knows already who will live and die.
If I find the 2nd book in a store I would definitely buy it.
February 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, read through it fairly quickly due to the font style and size. The chapters were not too long so it was a great book to pick up and read a chapter here and there only for 5-20 minutes at a time. Compared to some books you have to dedicate 60-90 minutes to finish one chapter.
I am looking forward to reading the next two books and get a glimpse into the mind of one of the richest men in rome. Fiction or not, as a business professional I learned more about my craft by reading this book.
I am looking forward to reading the next two books and get a glimpse into the mind of one of the richest men in rome. Fiction or not, as a business professional I learned more about my craft by reading this book.
March 20, 2012
I really, really (really!) liked this book. The characters are incredibly well-drawn, and I felt like I was transported to the Rome of the Triumvirate. Alexander is a fascinating narrator and so full-blooded and real. My only complaints are quibbles: a few Bob Exposition dialog passages took me out of the narrative, and, really, selfishness on my part: I wanted a lot more of the very real, fascinating Alexander and less Crassus. Really looking forward to the second novel!
May 27, 2012
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
It took me some time to get through this book. Especially in the beginning I had to adjust to the writing style and the language.
The Bow of Heaven captures 30 years of politics and slavery in Rome. That's a long period of time! But while reading the book, I had a feeling that nothing much happened.
The good thing about it is that it made me want to know more about it.
It took me some time to get through this book. Especially in the beginning I had to adjust to the writing style and the language.
The Bow of Heaven captures 30 years of politics and slavery in Rome. That's a long period of time! But while reading the book, I had a feeling that nothing much happened.
The good thing about it is that it made me want to know more about it.
January 11, 2017
This book was fantastic! I really enjoyed the writing style and the characters were well-written. I appreciate that the protagonist was flawed and enjoyed watching the evolution of Marcus & Alexander's relationship. The ending left me wanting more. The story was engaging and more than held my interest. I was able to pick up the remaining two installments today and can't wait to read them very soon!
April 16, 2012
Excellent book with a new perspective on the Roman history. It was refreshing to see a story that did not paint Julius Ceasar as the wonderful hero of this time period. All in all a great story about a very interestin part of our world history. Also, the slave perspective really puts things in their place.
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