Bow of Heaven: Book I%E2%80%94The Other Alexander

Andrew Levkoff. Andrew Levkoff (www.andrewlevkoff.com), $13.99 paper (358p) ISBN 978-0-9839101-2-1

In this first novel in Levkoff's series chronicling the life of Marcus Licinius Crassus as seen through the eyes of one of his slaves, the author presents a vigorously detailed account of romantic intrigue inside a Roman household, but pays scant attention to actual Roman history. Set in the years leading up to Crassus's ill-fated Syrian campaign in the first century B.C.E., this episodic tale follows Alexander, a young Greek student who is captured by the notorious general and dictator Sulla and given as a gift to Crassus. As Alexander rises through the household ranks, he watches as Crassus acquires wealth and power. However, there are virtually no references to Crassus defeating Spartacus, revealing the Catiline conspiracy, or even his role in the First Triumvirate. While Levkoff makes Alexander a wry and sympathetic character, and a host of Roman figures, including a lecherous Julius Caesar, make guest appearances, little is revealed about one of Rome's most hubristic cautionary tales.

Reviewed on: 04/09/2012

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