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Levon Cade #1
Levon's Trade
Levon Cade left his profession behind to work construction. He just wants to live an anonymous life and be a good dad to his daughter. But when a local girl vanishes he’s asked to return to the skills that made him a mythic figure in the shadowy world of counter-terrorism. His hunt for the missing college student takes him to the heart of a vicious criminal conspiracy. Levon’s actions create a chain reaction that threatens all he holds dear.
It’s time for him to return to his trade.
And Levon’s trade is death.
Long recognized as one of the seminal writers on Marvel Comics’ The Punisher, Chuck Dixon returns to the brand of vigilante justice that made him a legendary writer of action stories.
It’s time for him to return to his trade.
And Levon’s trade is death.
Long recognized as one of the seminal writers on Marvel Comics’ The Punisher, Chuck Dixon returns to the brand of vigilante justice that made him a legendary writer of action stories.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2014
448 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Chuck Dixon
3,426 books1,029 followersCharles "Chuck" Dixon is an American comic book writer, perhaps best-known for long runs on Batman titles in the 1990s.
His earliest comics work was writing Evangeline first for Comico Comics in 1984 (then later for First Comics, who published the on-going series), on which he worked with his then-wife, the artist Judith Hunt. His big break came one year later, when editor Larry Hama hired him to write back-up stories for Marvel Comics' The Savage Sword of Conan.
In 1986, he began working for Eclipse Comics, writing Airboy with artist Tim Truman. Continuing to write for both Marvel and (mainly) Eclipse on these titles, as well as launching Strike! with artist Tom Lyle in August 1987 and Valkyrie with artist Paul Gulacy in October 1987, he began work on Carl Potts' Alien Legion series for Marvel's Epic Comics imprint, under editor Archie Goodwin. He also produced a three-issue adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit for Eclipse with artist David Wenzel between 1989 and 1990, and began writing Marc Spector: Moon Knight in June 1989.
His Punisher OGN Kingdom Gone (August, 1990) led to him working on the monthly The Punisher War Journal (and later, more monthly and occasional Punisher titles), and also brought him to the attention of DC Comics editor Denny O'Neil, who asked him to produce a Robin mini-series. The mini proved popular enough to spawn two sequels - The Joker's Wild (1991) and Cry of the Huntress (1992) - which led to both an ongoing monthly series (which Dixon wrote for 100 issues before leaving to work with CrossGen Comics), and to Dixon working on Detective Comics from #644-738 through the major Batman stories KnightFall & KnightsEnd (for which he helped create the key character of Bane), DC One Million , Contagion , Legacy , Cataclysm and No Man's Land . Much of his run was illustrated by Graham Nolan.
He was DC's most prolific Batman-writer in the mid-1990s (rivalled perhaps in history by Bill Finger and Dennis O'Neil) - in addition to writing Detective Comics he pioneered the individual series for Robin , Nightwing (which he wrote for 70 issues, and returned to briefly with 2005's #101) and Batgirl , as well as creating the team and book Birds of Prey .
While writing multiple Punisher and Batman comics (and October 1994's Punisher/Batman crossover), he also found time to launch Team 7 for Jim Lee's WildStorm/Image and Prophet for Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios. He also wrote many issues of Catwoman and Green Arrow , regularly having about seven titles out each and every month between the years 1993 and 1998.
In March, 2002, Dixon turned his attention to CrossGen's output, salthough he co-wrote with Scott Beatty the origin of Barbara Gordon's Batgirl in 2003's Batgirl: Year One. For CrossGen he took over some of the comics of the out-going Mark Waid, taking over Sigil from #21, and Crux with #13. He launched Way of the Rat in June 2002, Brath (March '03), The Silken Ghost (June '03) and the pirate comic El Cazador (Oct '03), as well as editing Robert Rodi's non-Sigilverse The Crossovers. He also wrote the Ruse spin-off Archard's Agents one-shots in January and November '03 and April '04, the last released shortly before CrossGen's complete collapse forced the cancellation of all of its comics, before which Dixon wrote a single issue of Sojourn (May '04). Dixon's Way of the Rat #24, Brath #14 and El Cazador #6 were among the last comics released from the then-bankrupt publisher.
On June 10, 2008, Dixon announced on his forum that he was no longer "employed by DC Comics in any capacity."
His earliest comics work was writing Evangeline first for Comico Comics in 1984 (then later for First Comics, who published the on-going series), on which he worked with his then-wife, the artist Judith Hunt. His big break came one year later, when editor Larry Hama hired him to write back-up stories for Marvel Comics' The Savage Sword of Conan.
In 1986, he began working for Eclipse Comics, writing Airboy with artist Tim Truman. Continuing to write for both Marvel and (mainly) Eclipse on these titles, as well as launching Strike! with artist Tom Lyle in August 1987 and Valkyrie with artist Paul Gulacy in October 1987, he began work on Carl Potts' Alien Legion series for Marvel's Epic Comics imprint, under editor Archie Goodwin. He also produced a three-issue adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit for Eclipse with artist David Wenzel between 1989 and 1990, and began writing Marc Spector: Moon Knight in June 1989.
His Punisher OGN Kingdom Gone (August, 1990) led to him working on the monthly The Punisher War Journal (and later, more monthly and occasional Punisher titles), and also brought him to the attention of DC Comics editor Denny O'Neil, who asked him to produce a Robin mini-series. The mini proved popular enough to spawn two sequels - The Joker's Wild (1991) and Cry of the Huntress (1992) - which led to both an ongoing monthly series (which Dixon wrote for 100 issues before leaving to work with CrossGen Comics), and to Dixon working on Detective Comics from #644-738 through the major Batman stories KnightFall & KnightsEnd (for which he helped create the key character of Bane), DC One Million , Contagion , Legacy , Cataclysm and No Man's Land . Much of his run was illustrated by Graham Nolan.
He was DC's most prolific Batman-writer in the mid-1990s (rivalled perhaps in history by Bill Finger and Dennis O'Neil) - in addition to writing Detective Comics he pioneered the individual series for Robin , Nightwing (which he wrote for 70 issues, and returned to briefly with 2005's #101) and Batgirl , as well as creating the team and book Birds of Prey .
While writing multiple Punisher and Batman comics (and October 1994's Punisher/Batman crossover), he also found time to launch Team 7 for Jim Lee's WildStorm/Image and Prophet for Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios. He also wrote many issues of Catwoman and Green Arrow , regularly having about seven titles out each and every month between the years 1993 and 1998.
In March, 2002, Dixon turned his attention to CrossGen's output, salthough he co-wrote with Scott Beatty the origin of Barbara Gordon's Batgirl in 2003's Batgirl: Year One. For CrossGen he took over some of the comics of the out-going Mark Waid, taking over Sigil from #21, and Crux with #13. He launched Way of the Rat in June 2002, Brath (March '03), The Silken Ghost (June '03) and the pirate comic El Cazador (Oct '03), as well as editing Robert Rodi's non-Sigilverse The Crossovers. He also wrote the Ruse spin-off Archard's Agents one-shots in January and November '03 and April '04, the last released shortly before CrossGen's complete collapse forced the cancellation of all of its comics, before which Dixon wrote a single issue of Sojourn (May '04). Dixon's Way of the Rat #24, Brath #14 and El Cazador #6 were among the last comics released from the then-bankrupt publisher.
On June 10, 2008, Dixon announced on his forum that he was no longer "employed by DC Comics in any capacity."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
November 22, 2024
At best this could be a Jason Statham movie.
I understand the appeal of shorter chapters but all chapters are less than two pages and most are one pager.
This is not in any way written like a novel much less a thriller novel, its basically just a script for a show that no one will watch after season 1, if even that.
I understand the appeal of shorter chapters but all chapters are less than two pages and most are one pager.
This is not in any way written like a novel much less a thriller novel, its basically just a script for a show that no one will watch after season 1, if even that.
May 28, 2025
Great first book in a series by veteran author Chuck Dixon. Dixon is mostly known for his comic book work, but he's a skilled and comfortable novelist as well, stepping into long form prose without a pause.
This book is about a retired special ops guy whose exact background and work in the past is bit murky but definitely was high skill and high risk. He takes on Russian mobsters on the behalf of his boss at his work site, and things get a bit dicey from then on.
The book moves along steadily and comfortably, never losing its momentum or becoming distracted, and is lean as a greyhound on the track with smooth narrative motion and power.
The main twist of this that sets it apart from a hundred other vigilante books is Merry Cade, his 9 year old daughter, the driving force for the whole story and a charming delight every time she's in a scene.
This book is about a retired special ops guy whose exact background and work in the past is bit murky but definitely was high skill and high risk. He takes on Russian mobsters on the behalf of his boss at his work site, and things get a bit dicey from then on.
The book moves along steadily and comfortably, never losing its momentum or becoming distracted, and is lean as a greyhound on the track with smooth narrative motion and power.
The main twist of this that sets it apart from a hundred other vigilante books is Merry Cade, his 9 year old daughter, the driving force for the whole story and a charming delight every time she's in a scene.
February 27, 2016
Start here and continue at your own risk. Google the name, Levon Cade and you will find out what the word redacted means. Cade is a former Marine (with special skills), who is just trying to make a living working construction. His boss hires him to find his daughter, who has been missing for three weeks. The cops and a previously hired PI firm had exhausted their efforts. What follows is a deadly lesson in the direct approach. This action packed read is a definite page turner!
August 13, 2024
The character Levon lives up to expectations. The plot also delivers on expectations. The storytelling is decent, definitely better than some 'walking justice' thrillers and not as tight or strong as others. The writing...eh...I think greatly improved by book's end, but it started out a little rough, like the first novel chops of a comic cell and screenplay writer. Entertaining one-day read.
October 19, 2025
Levine's Trade
Levon's Trade is book one of twelve and a short read. It scratched an itch for something dark and brutal to read and I guess I'll be picking up the rest over time.
Levon's Trade is book one of twelve and a short read. It scratched an itch for something dark and brutal to read and I guess I'll be picking up the rest over time.
February 16, 2015
Basic pulp action novel. Author Dixon doesn't use any wasted prose for the sake of filling in the pages. In fact, what is really missing is a full backstory on the main character, Levon Cade.
Follows the formula used by so many first time, action thriller, authors. Man goes into a weapons stockroom and makes selection. M4, check. Shotgun, check. Sniper's rifle, check. C4, check. At the risk of being a spoiler, the only weapon Cade didn't use was the M4.
Listed as 'Book 1', I'm hoping that there is in fact a book 2. I need to read fun, but no brainer, novels from time to time.
Follows the formula used by so many first time, action thriller, authors. Man goes into a weapons stockroom and makes selection. M4, check. Shotgun, check. Sniper's rifle, check. C4, check. At the risk of being a spoiler, the only weapon Cade didn't use was the M4.
Listed as 'Book 1', I'm hoping that there is in fact a book 2. I need to read fun, but no brainer, novels from time to time.
April 6, 2025
no finish date as I gave up halfway through…
always dug Chuck’s work on the bat titles, and found him to be a concise, engaging writer
that writer is nowhere to be found here. casual racism and anti-semitism & sexism? yeah… either he had his right-wing edited out at dc or he’s just another grumpy, old white dude. or both.
I thought that a working man was a stupid car-crash of a flick, that seemed to be written by chatgpt prompts, and… unfortunately I now know that a lot of the stupidity can be traced back to chuck…
won’t let me give it 0 stars, so I’m owed a star
always dug Chuck’s work on the bat titles, and found him to be a concise, engaging writer
that writer is nowhere to be found here. casual racism and anti-semitism & sexism? yeah… either he had his right-wing edited out at dc or he’s just another grumpy, old white dude. or both.
I thought that a working man was a stupid car-crash of a flick, that seemed to be written by chatgpt prompts, and… unfortunately I now know that a lot of the stupidity can be traced back to chuck…
won’t let me give it 0 stars, so I’m owed a star
June 9, 2016
This is the best Men's Adventure novel I've read for some time.
Levon Cade, fighting for custody of his young daughter needs money. Levon's boss, a construction magnate needs justice, so the two make a deal, sending Cade up against the Vor, an Eastern European criminal organization.
While the book is fairly straight ahead action, the fast pace and rugged action make this a winner of a book.
A real winner!
Levon Cade, fighting for custody of his young daughter needs money. Levon's boss, a construction magnate needs justice, so the two make a deal, sending Cade up against the Vor, an Eastern European criminal organization.
While the book is fairly straight ahead action, the fast pace and rugged action make this a winner of a book.
A real winner!
December 25, 2020
When a friend compared this book to a Hap and Leonard book and I learned it was written by Chuck Dixon, a favorite comic book writer, I was pretty much sold. The Kindle price didn’t hurt either. Unfortunately I have to say, I was disappointed. One of the things I love about the Hap and Leonard books is the characters, a couple of normally fun guys who occasionally have to get serious. Levon Cade, the main character in this series, is serious all the time. If he’s a fun guy in his off time, you’d never know from this book as it doesn’t seem to bother with character.
On the plus side, the story moves fast and is very seriously told, so there’s that.
I can’t say I wasn’t entertained, but I’d have like to get to know the character, even if just a little.
On the plus side, the story moves fast and is very seriously told, so there’s that.
I can’t say I wasn’t entertained, but I’d have like to get to know the character, even if just a little.
August 14, 2024
That is one way to start a series. Hot damn.
August 26, 2025
This is a proper pulpy modern equivalent to the Mack Bolan series by Don Pendleton, the father of the Action Adventure genre. Gritty, sleazy, and full of noir undertones, Chuck Dixon thrusts us into Levon Cade's world with short, snappy chapters and hardboiled prose. I highly recommend people check out the 2025 movie «Working Man» that is based on this book. Will definitely read through the whole series.
December 17, 2023
Edited 12/16/2023 when i re-read the book as a "revised" edition (though I couldn't tell the difference). Still a good read, and I'm now ready to read the next books in the series.
Original review: I've never seen the appeal of characters like the Punisher, Deathstroke, or the Vigilante in the comic books I read over the years, and book series like Mack Bolan have never interested me, yet I found myself intrigued by the premise of Chuck Dixon's first novel in the Levon Cade series, LEVON'S TRADE.
Dixon is known to me as writer on BATMAN, NIGHTWING, and ROBIN in the 1990s, series where he had long runs, and as co-creator of my least favorite Batman villain, Bane. I met him first at Orlando's MegaCon in 2013 and again last year (2017) at a smaller comics and toy show. He signed a copy of his book and asked one thing of me: "Review Me!!" I can only hope Mr. Dixon will forgive me for the length of time it took to get around to reading LEVON'S TRADE.
Synopsis: Levon Cade left his profession behind to work construction. He just wants to live an anonymous life and be a good dad to his daughter. But when a local girl vanishes he’s asked to return to the skills that made him a mythic figure in the shadowy world of counter-terrorism. His hunt for the missing college student takes him to the heart of a vicious criminal conspiracy. Levon’s actions create a chain reaction that threatens all he holds dear.
It’s time for him to return to his trade.
And Levon’s trade is death.
Non-stop action awaits the reader as they investigate the disappearance of Jenna Wiley with Levon Cade. Cade is working construction for the girl's father when he is offered a substantial sum to find the girl. The money will help in the custody battle for his nine-year-old daughter, Merry.
Cade travels in the shadows as he fights against the Vor, a Russian brotherhood, in his quest to find Jenna. The action is fierce, the battle is brutal, and the ending of this story is really just the beginning of Levon's story.
Highly recommended! (I wish I could give it more than five stars.) I will be reading the other books in the series.
I received a copy of LEVON'S TRADE from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Original review: I've never seen the appeal of characters like the Punisher, Deathstroke, or the Vigilante in the comic books I read over the years, and book series like Mack Bolan have never interested me, yet I found myself intrigued by the premise of Chuck Dixon's first novel in the Levon Cade series, LEVON'S TRADE.
Dixon is known to me as writer on BATMAN, NIGHTWING, and ROBIN in the 1990s, series where he had long runs, and as co-creator of my least favorite Batman villain, Bane. I met him first at Orlando's MegaCon in 2013 and again last year (2017) at a smaller comics and toy show. He signed a copy of his book and asked one thing of me: "Review Me!!" I can only hope Mr. Dixon will forgive me for the length of time it took to get around to reading LEVON'S TRADE.
Synopsis: Levon Cade left his profession behind to work construction. He just wants to live an anonymous life and be a good dad to his daughter. But when a local girl vanishes he’s asked to return to the skills that made him a mythic figure in the shadowy world of counter-terrorism. His hunt for the missing college student takes him to the heart of a vicious criminal conspiracy. Levon’s actions create a chain reaction that threatens all he holds dear.
It’s time for him to return to his trade.
And Levon’s trade is death.
Non-stop action awaits the reader as they investigate the disappearance of Jenna Wiley with Levon Cade. Cade is working construction for the girl's father when he is offered a substantial sum to find the girl. The money will help in the custody battle for his nine-year-old daughter, Merry.
Cade travels in the shadows as he fights against the Vor, a Russian brotherhood, in his quest to find Jenna. The action is fierce, the battle is brutal, and the ending of this story is really just the beginning of Levon's story.
Highly recommended! (I wish I could give it more than five stars.) I will be reading the other books in the series.
I received a copy of LEVON'S TRADE from the author in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2017
Widower Levon Cade is a retired Special Forces operative working a 9-5 construction job while embroiled in a legal battle with his father-in-law over custody of his daughter. For the extra income he needs to continue his legal battle, Levon agrees to search for his employer's missing daughter. What happens next is a fast action, take no prisoners, pedal to the metal mission to find the girl and bring her home, one way or the other. Levon's interrogation style is to ask his question only once which comes as a final shock to the bad guys involved with the kidnapping in this entertaining example of country-noir pulp fiction. I agree with my GR friend Jim A that this short book needs a more in depth back story of the protagonist. Other than that, I'll continue reading the series.
January 1, 2024
only read this bc jason statham is gonna be in a film version supposedly but
I. AM. IN. P A I N.
THIS IS SO POORLY WRITTEN. The author is allergic to commas, all the sentences are super short, which makes reading the book a whole slog and a half when it should be a quick read since it's short and SUPPOSEDLY action-packed. Yes, there's plenty of action, but when every single movement is in a separate sentence?? It does NOT flow well. Shocker, I know. Also in the year 2021 who the fuck is casting Ukrainian bad guys?? ALSO THE CASUAL RACISM OF THE BAD MEN??????? OH DID WE MENTION THE """EVIL"""" GAYS ??????????????? IN THIS DAY AND AGE?????????????
@ Stallone you better be working some serious magic with the script if this is what you're starting out with.
What the fUCK.
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
I. AM. IN. P A I N.
THIS IS SO POORLY WRITTEN. The author is allergic to commas, all the sentences are super short, which makes reading the book a whole slog and a half when it should be a quick read since it's short and SUPPOSEDLY action-packed. Yes, there's plenty of action, but when every single movement is in a separate sentence?? It does NOT flow well. Shocker, I know. Also in the year 2021 who the fuck is casting Ukrainian bad guys?? ALSO THE CASUAL RACISM OF THE BAD MEN??????? OH DID WE MENTION THE """EVIL"""" GAYS ??????????????? IN THIS DAY AND AGE?????????????
@ Stallone you better be working some serious magic with the script if this is what you're starting out with.
What the fUCK.
HAPPY NEW YEAR.
June 15, 2016
This is one of the best 'anti-hero', men's adventure books I've read in the last two decades. Dixon's lead character takes a very bad job for a very good reason only to see it blow up in his face. Before Levon can shake off the rust of the last year, he nearly gets himself killed and compromises absolutely everyone close to him.
That's when the story really begins. The rust falls away and the reader finds himself with a character who is absolutely ruthless when it comes to protecting those around him. What could have been a simple revenge novel becomes something more as Dixon draws his readers into a world where Levon Cade will come out on top no matter how many bodies he has to climb over.
Get it, read it and then go buy the rest of the series.
That's when the story really begins. The rust falls away and the reader finds himself with a character who is absolutely ruthless when it comes to protecting those around him. What could have been a simple revenge novel becomes something more as Dixon draws his readers into a world where Levon Cade will come out on top no matter how many bodies he has to climb over.
Get it, read it and then go buy the rest of the series.
September 20, 2017
With the Seal Team 6 books, Chuck Dixon revealed himself as the Bernard Cornwell of modern warfare. Now with Levon's Trade, Dixon has proved that he is also master of the tough-minded thriller. And Levon Cade himself is the thinking man's modern warrior: smart, ruthless, one step ahead.
But Levon's Trade is no bloated 500 page doorstop where the outcome is certain, and always in the hero's favor. It is a lean, brutal book, filled with twists (some of them unnerving). The stakes here are very real, the characters make mistakes, and the violence always has consequences. This is definitely a book for grown ups.
April 3, 2025
Never the dog
It's a short but exciting read. Then, the author blows it with the needless killing of a family's pet dog. Never ever kill the dog! It never adds to a story. Automatic 1 star.
I'll try one more book in this series. If another pet dies....I'm going scorched earth on this author!
It's a short but exciting read. Then, the author blows it with the needless killing of a family's pet dog. Never ever kill the dog! It never adds to a story. Automatic 1 star.
I'll try one more book in this series. If another pet dies....I'm going scorched earth on this author!
November 19, 2015
Well, I plowed through this book in time I have not managed in a LONG time.
Dixon is a treasure - read the damn book!
Dixon is a treasure - read the damn book!
September 15, 2024
“Levon’s Trade” by Chuck Dixon, the first book in the Levon Cade series, delivers a thrilling, action-packed ride with a tightly incorporated backstory that keeps the plot moving at breakneck speed. Despite its relatively short length, the book manages to create characters with more depth than many full-length novels. This is a testament to Dixon’s skill in weaving backstory and action seamlessly, creating a world where motivations run deep, yet the pacing never falters.
The story revolves around Levon Cade, a former Marine turned construction worker, who is trying to live a quiet life. However, when a young girl goes missing, Levon is called upon to use his special set of skills to track her down. His journey takes him into dangerous territory, where he must face old enemies and new threats alike. Levon’s motivation goes beyond the mission at hand—he’s also fighting for custody of his own daughter, struggling to balance his violent past with his desire to be a good father.
As Levon tracks down the missing girl, the tension mounts. Will he succeed in finding her before it’s too late? And will he win the battle for custody of his daughter, allowing him to finally give her the life she deserves? Dixon keeps readers on the edge of their seats, delivering action and emotional stakes in equal measure.
The dialogue throughout is sharp, adding to the tension and character development. For instance, one line that sticks with you is when Levon reflects, “It’s not the fight that kills you; it’s the cost of fighting.” This kind of insight elevates the novel above your typical action fare, adding an emotional depth that resonates long after the last shot is fired.
While the action scenes are intense and gripping, some readers might find the relentless pace leaves little room for reflection. Additionally, though the characters are well-developed for a book of this genre, some secondary characters feel underexplored. Nevertheless, “Levon’s Trade” packs a punch, with enough action and emotional depth to satisfy any reader who enjoys a good thriller.
The story revolves around Levon Cade, a former Marine turned construction worker, who is trying to live a quiet life. However, when a young girl goes missing, Levon is called upon to use his special set of skills to track her down. His journey takes him into dangerous territory, where he must face old enemies and new threats alike. Levon’s motivation goes beyond the mission at hand—he’s also fighting for custody of his own daughter, struggling to balance his violent past with his desire to be a good father.
As Levon tracks down the missing girl, the tension mounts. Will he succeed in finding her before it’s too late? And will he win the battle for custody of his daughter, allowing him to finally give her the life she deserves? Dixon keeps readers on the edge of their seats, delivering action and emotional stakes in equal measure.
The dialogue throughout is sharp, adding to the tension and character development. For instance, one line that sticks with you is when Levon reflects, “It’s not the fight that kills you; it’s the cost of fighting.” This kind of insight elevates the novel above your typical action fare, adding an emotional depth that resonates long after the last shot is fired.
While the action scenes are intense and gripping, some readers might find the relentless pace leaves little room for reflection. Additionally, though the characters are well-developed for a book of this genre, some secondary characters feel underexplored. Nevertheless, “Levon’s Trade” packs a punch, with enough action and emotional depth to satisfy any reader who enjoys a good thriller.
March 30, 2025
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Chuck Dixon has penned a slam-bang action thriller of a novel with “Levon’s Trade.” I enjoyed this 200 page or so epic about an ex-Marine who embarks on a killing spree in the South. Levon Cade earns his pay working as a security guard for a construction business. When his boss’s daughter goes missing, dad approaches Levon and agrees to pay him whatever it takes to bring his daughter home after she has gone missing for three days. Levon knows his business for the most part and rarely makes a wrong move as he haunts the sadistic brutes who are responsible for the kidnapping of his daughter. They are foreigners who did time in a Russian prison and formed their own brotherhood. Now, these dastards live in the U.S.A. and they orchestrate their criminal empire. Levon goes through these psychos like a blow torch through butter and they feel pain.
Now, some may compare this to the movie “Taken,” and it bears some resemblance, but forget about a happy ending. These psychos play for keeps, but Levon does, too. The film version with Jason Statham follows the book more often than not, but it provides a happier ending. In the film, we see the kidnapped girl fight back and survive. This is simply not the case for the lady in the book.
Dixon’s superpower as a novelist is he never beats around the bush. His prose is lean, mean, and to the point. This is pulp fiction at its finest. He doesn’t bog down the narrative in loquacious expository details that stalls out the headlong momentum. Levon Cade amounts to a composite of Jack Reacher, John Wick, and Ethan Hunt. He is a one-man army you don’t want to be on the wrong side of. The first entry in his series of Levon Cade’s adventures are tense, high-octane, white-knuckled mayhem. I read this gripping novel in two days. I could have read it in one day but I have other things to do that kept me from polishing it off in a day. Yes, it is a page turner!
Chuck Dixon has penned a slam-bang action thriller of a novel with “Levon’s Trade.” I enjoyed this 200 page or so epic about an ex-Marine who embarks on a killing spree in the South. Levon Cade earns his pay working as a security guard for a construction business. When his boss’s daughter goes missing, dad approaches Levon and agrees to pay him whatever it takes to bring his daughter home after she has gone missing for three days. Levon knows his business for the most part and rarely makes a wrong move as he haunts the sadistic brutes who are responsible for the kidnapping of his daughter. They are foreigners who did time in a Russian prison and formed their own brotherhood. Now, these dastards live in the U.S.A. and they orchestrate their criminal empire. Levon goes through these psychos like a blow torch through butter and they feel pain.
Now, some may compare this to the movie “Taken,” and it bears some resemblance, but forget about a happy ending. These psychos play for keeps, but Levon does, too. The film version with Jason Statham follows the book more often than not, but it provides a happier ending. In the film, we see the kidnapped girl fight back and survive. This is simply not the case for the lady in the book.
Dixon’s superpower as a novelist is he never beats around the bush. His prose is lean, mean, and to the point. This is pulp fiction at its finest. He doesn’t bog down the narrative in loquacious expository details that stalls out the headlong momentum. Levon Cade amounts to a composite of Jack Reacher, John Wick, and Ethan Hunt. He is a one-man army you don’t want to be on the wrong side of. The first entry in his series of Levon Cade’s adventures are tense, high-octane, white-knuckled mayhem. I read this gripping novel in two days. I could have read it in one day but I have other things to do that kept me from polishing it off in a day. Yes, it is a page turner!
January 10, 2022
Chuck Dixon – Levon Cade Bk 1 – Levon’s Trade – Reviewed 1/10/22 – Read 12/11/21
The past has a way of catching up with you, no matter what you want!
Levon Cade just wanted to be a great dad to his daughter, so he gave up his past profession and started working in construction, but when a college student goes missing, Levon is called and asked to do what he does best. He is forced to return and put his skills into action. As he digs deeper into finding the girl, he is faced with a vicious criminal faction that sets loose on his world. But he could have never imagined that this would cause a chain reaction that would threaten what mattered the most to him in all of his life, his daughter! And the story begins.
What did I like? This book was a fast-paced read that held my interest from page one. I guess anyone that is a parent would understand what Levon was going through, and Chuck sure knows how to turn up the excitement!
What will you like? Excitement with a capital “E!” Certainly interesting, emotional, and intriguing! The characters read like everyday people that you might come upon or read the ugly facts in the paper. The storyline is well written and edited, with more than a few hold your breath scenes. Don’t miss Chuck Dixon’s first book in the Levon Cade series, “Levon’s Trade,” available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09LK2JJ48
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 1/8/2022
• File Size: 4044 KB
• Print Length: 195 pages
• Genre: Heist Crime, Travel Adventure Fiction, Pulp Thrillers
The past has a way of catching up with you, no matter what you want!
Levon Cade just wanted to be a great dad to his daughter, so he gave up his past profession and started working in construction, but when a college student goes missing, Levon is called and asked to do what he does best. He is forced to return and put his skills into action. As he digs deeper into finding the girl, he is faced with a vicious criminal faction that sets loose on his world. But he could have never imagined that this would cause a chain reaction that would threaten what mattered the most to him in all of his life, his daughter! And the story begins.
What did I like? This book was a fast-paced read that held my interest from page one. I guess anyone that is a parent would understand what Levon was going through, and Chuck sure knows how to turn up the excitement!
What will you like? Excitement with a capital “E!” Certainly interesting, emotional, and intriguing! The characters read like everyday people that you might come upon or read the ugly facts in the paper. The storyline is well written and edited, with more than a few hold your breath scenes. Don’t miss Chuck Dixon’s first book in the Levon Cade series, “Levon’s Trade,” available NOW!!!
• ASIN: B09LK2JJ48
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 1/8/2022
• File Size: 4044 KB
• Print Length: 195 pages
• Genre: Heist Crime, Travel Adventure Fiction, Pulp Thrillers
September 8, 2025
Watched movie, A Working Man, on Amazon Prime. Sep 7, 2025. I like Jason Statham, I like SOME of his movies, but why does he only have one character. All his movies are the same, but some of them are better than others. Anyways, this movie is just bad. The director didn't pay attention to actual details at all, other than he's for Ukraine and against Russia. How do I know this, pay attention to the background graffiti. smh. Just stop, it's embarrassing. The whole movie has major over exaggeration with gun shooting, but not a single nick on Jason, is he invisible? But his shot is spot on? I'm sorry, sure he's got training, but not against another military brother (bad drug guy), a bad biker gang, and an elite Russian mafia with their own security. Seriously!? Give me a break. This part is hilarious, why would you throw a sealed plastic bag full of crystal blue drugs in a creek when someone else can easily find it? It was floating!! Oh, and all those drugs Jason poured into a toilet, do you know where that goes?! Into the water supply! It was an entire briefcase of drugs! smh The whole movie was stupid, just wrong. OMG, I forgot, he parked his truck right next to all those motorcycles, "no one can see him," said the director, "there's a bush," so stupid!! Btw, another movie with corrupt cops. I will not be reading this series at all if it's anything remotely like the movie. smh
November 16, 2025
This isn't a bad book, but it does have a few flaws.
Levon is a blue-collar worker, who works as a security guard for a construction company. When his boss's daughter disappears, his boss asks him to track him down, based on how Levon handled a couple of gang members threatening some of the workers. it turns out that levon was a US Marine Special Forces soldier, trained to infiltrate the enemy and use any means necessary to achieve his goal.
Tracking down the Ukrainian gangsters that were responsible for the girl's disappearance, Levon goes to war, working his way up the chain of command to find the ones responsible. After killing several members of the gang, and stealing millions of dollars in the process, he offers tham a truce... If they hand over the girl's remains and the person who killed her, he will walk away, and leave them alone.
Naturally, it's not that simple. His daughter is being fought over between Levon and his father in law, who blames Levon for Levon's wife's death, his daughter. His hatred of Levon eventually leads to his wife's own death, and him enslaved as a Doctor dispensing drugs for gang profit.
Strangely, there is little or no police investigation into any of these gang deaths, and despite simple mistakes he makes, Levon still manages to win in the end.
I'll read the next book, but I'm hoping it improves, as it certainly has potential.
Levon is a blue-collar worker, who works as a security guard for a construction company. When his boss's daughter disappears, his boss asks him to track him down, based on how Levon handled a couple of gang members threatening some of the workers. it turns out that levon was a US Marine Special Forces soldier, trained to infiltrate the enemy and use any means necessary to achieve his goal.
Tracking down the Ukrainian gangsters that were responsible for the girl's disappearance, Levon goes to war, working his way up the chain of command to find the ones responsible. After killing several members of the gang, and stealing millions of dollars in the process, he offers tham a truce... If they hand over the girl's remains and the person who killed her, he will walk away, and leave them alone.
Naturally, it's not that simple. His daughter is being fought over between Levon and his father in law, who blames Levon for Levon's wife's death, his daughter. His hatred of Levon eventually leads to his wife's own death, and him enslaved as a Doctor dispensing drugs for gang profit.
Strangely, there is little or no police investigation into any of these gang deaths, and despite simple mistakes he makes, Levon still manages to win in the end.
I'll read the next book, but I'm hoping it improves, as it certainly has potential.
March 13, 2023
I've read a lot over the decades but never really bothered with comic books - the closest I came was 2000AD with Judge Dredd.
So Chuck Dixon's name meant nothing - it was only after reading "Levon's Trade" that I got the info about his comic book career.
Widower Levon Cade, retired Army specialist, is quite similar to Lee Child's Jack Reacher but with a slightly more detailed past. And while Reacher travels alone, Cade has a young daughter, Merry, aged 10, and is in a legal battle to regain custody from her maternal grandparents.
Levon is working as a security guard on a construction site when his boss offers him $50,000 to find his missing daughter. As his legal costs rise he's really got no option but to get to work.
He's not a P.I. but he is skilled in getting information from people who don't want to give it. As he gets closer to a solution the death count constantly rises.
His target is a member of the Ukranian Vor, an old-fashioned but effective cartel. But even those hardened criminals eventually flinch as their ranks dwindle.
Levon's approach to war is outlined through many bullet points from his military instructor, Gunny Leffertz.
The writing is pared down to essentials and the pacing is excellent.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
So Chuck Dixon's name meant nothing - it was only after reading "Levon's Trade" that I got the info about his comic book career.
Widower Levon Cade, retired Army specialist, is quite similar to Lee Child's Jack Reacher but with a slightly more detailed past. And while Reacher travels alone, Cade has a young daughter, Merry, aged 10, and is in a legal battle to regain custody from her maternal grandparents.
Levon is working as a security guard on a construction site when his boss offers him $50,000 to find his missing daughter. As his legal costs rise he's really got no option but to get to work.
He's not a P.I. but he is skilled in getting information from people who don't want to give it. As he gets closer to a solution the death count constantly rises.
His target is a member of the Ukranian Vor, an old-fashioned but effective cartel. But even those hardened criminals eventually flinch as their ranks dwindle.
Levon's approach to war is outlined through many bullet points from his military instructor, Gunny Leffertz.
The writing is pared down to essentials and the pacing is excellent.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
June 6, 2022
Chuck Dixion is a famous comic book writer, including Marvel and DC. And some of that comes through in the Levon Cade series - think, "The Punisher."
Cade has PTSD from his previous military [branch unknown] experience and his wife's death and is a violent man with definite sociopathic tendencies, but the man you want standing next to you when the s**t hits the fan. The theme of the stories is keeping his 10-year-old daughter safe from all the bad guys in the world. If you are looking for VIOLENT action, this is the series for you. He fires an extra 2 or 3 rounds into the bodies of guys he's just killed with 12ga 00 buck, an AR, or a pistol just to make sure they are dead. 😬 Termination with extreme, EXTREME prejudice.
I've read the first 3 in the series. 3 stars for this one [weak, somewhat confusing story] and 4 stars for Books 2 and 3 [the writing gets more cohesive]. Note: This series, so far, seems like one book, not three, and should be read in order.
Cade has PTSD from his previous military [branch unknown] experience and his wife's death and is a violent man with definite sociopathic tendencies, but the man you want standing next to you when the s**t hits the fan. The theme of the stories is keeping his 10-year-old daughter safe from all the bad guys in the world. If you are looking for VIOLENT action, this is the series for you. He fires an extra 2 or 3 rounds into the bodies of guys he's just killed with 12ga 00 buck, an AR, or a pistol just to make sure they are dead. 😬 Termination with extreme, EXTREME prejudice.
I've read the first 3 in the series. 3 stars for this one [weak, somewhat confusing story] and 4 stars for Books 2 and 3 [the writing gets more cohesive]. Note: This series, so far, seems like one book, not three, and should be read in order.
May 19, 2024
Want to read an old fashioned men’s adventure novel just like you used to back in the 70’s? This is just what you need. Fast, mean and bloody, stripped down to the bare essentials and straight into the action. Levon Cade is a throwback to the action heroes of yesterday, and that’s a very good thing. Imagine a Jack Reacher novel pared down to essentially half the page count, eliminating all the fat and filler, and that’s what Levon Cade delivers. Vigilante justice doled out in big, bloody shovels full, bad guys blown away and reduced to hamburger by large caliber rounds and double aught buckshot. Hell yeah! This is written well enough that I will be seeking out the sequels (I believe 11 books so far), and will likely enjoy each and every one of ‘em. Recommended!
July 31, 2024
Levon Cade left his profession behind to work construction. He just wants to live an anonymous life and be a good dad to his daughter. But when a local girl vanishes, he’s asked to return to the skills that made him a mythic figure in the shadowy world of counterterrorism.
This book fits nicely on the shelf between the Jack Reacher and Terminal List series.
It hit all the marks I expected, but went beyond and even surprised me a few times. There were characters I thought were going to be important who Levon took out without remorse.
I think Dixon's comic writing past shows well as he is able to get in, get out, and leave you wanting more.
I did find myself wanting a bit more character building moments that go past, dad loves daughter/daughter loves dad, but for this first book I was satisfied with a badass on a mission and thrilling action.
This book fits nicely on the shelf between the Jack Reacher and Terminal List series.
It hit all the marks I expected, but went beyond and even surprised me a few times. There were characters I thought were going to be important who Levon took out without remorse.
I think Dixon's comic writing past shows well as he is able to get in, get out, and leave you wanting more.
I did find myself wanting a bit more character building moments that go past, dad loves daughter/daughter loves dad, but for this first book I was satisfied with a badass on a mission and thrilling action.
March 11, 2024
'Levon's Trade', written by legendary comic-book writer Chuck Dixon, is pure no-frills pulp action-adventure in the vein of Mack Bolan, Jack Reacher, and Frank Castle, a character that Dixon is overly familiar with, having written him numerous times during his tenure at Marvel. It's got the feel of a Jason Statham movie and, surprise, it's going to be one soon, courtesy of Statham and Cobra himself, Sly Stallone, who is adapting the script.
I can see why they picked this up. It reads like a film, the first in a franchise. It's also a quick read, and sets up future installments perfectly. Looking forward to cracking the next one open.
I can see why they picked this up. It reads like a film, the first in a franchise. It's also a quick read, and sets up future installments perfectly. Looking forward to cracking the next one open.
May 31, 2024
So I have been trying to find this book and this series since I read Jason Statham was starring in an adaptation of the first novel. Although Dixon is a well known graphic novel writer, I could not find his books in any library or bookstore in the KC metro. Well, good news, you can get the whole series for your kindles for $10.
This is just my cup of tea, a quick, violent revenge story with lots of action. And the storytelling is brutal. I am hooked. I can't wait for the next one and the movie in January of 25.
This is just my cup of tea, a quick, violent revenge story with lots of action. And the storytelling is brutal. I am hooked. I can't wait for the next one and the movie in January of 25.
March 18, 2025
I blew through this in 3 hours in one day, feeling like a novella. It was almost like watching a Jason Statham movie complete with baseball cap, which it now is. It's refreshing not to have to wait for anything to happen, or read through paragraphs of description. Sometimes it's slightly confusing what happens, like when all of the sudden he's kicking the bad guys' knees out. If I was practically a navy seal though, would I leave my behind like that? At least it provides for drama. The author was the creator of Bane for DC Comics.
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