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Levon Cade #4

Levon's Kin

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On the run from the law, Levon Cade and his daughter Merry head back to the hills and hollers that Levon once called home.
But his return opens old wounds and tears brand new ones when a man from his past involves him in a deadly game. A gang war erupts in the high country with Levon and those he loves caught in the crossfire. A massacre in the deep woods leads to an underworld manhunt for those responsible. Soon the scenic mountain roads are awash in blood as the body count rises.
His back to the wall, Levon is not about to back down or give up ground.
Because this time it’s family.
Chuck Dixon, seminal writer of Marvel Comics’ The Punisher continues his ongoing crime epic of vigilante justice and cold revenge.
“Chuck Dixon’s prose is a perfect weld of muscular writing with razor edge wit and storytelling.”
Beau Smith, creator of Wynona Earp

“Chuck Dixon is a writer who brings his A Game to the table all the time.”
David Finn, author of the Asanti series

“Chuck Dixon writes in a visceral, matter-of-fact voice that erases the
barrier between reader and page, grabbing you by the throat and
dragging you through the story, until you look up and it's four a.m. and
you finished the book.”
Mike Baron, creator of Nexus, the Badger and author of Whack Job

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

206 people are currently reading
68 people want to read

About the author

Chuck Dixon

3,426 books1,029 followers
Charles "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."

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
6,209 reviews80 followers
January 17, 2017
Levon Cade, still on the run, goes back home to the hills and hollers, and finds himself in another peck of trouble.

Turns out the Mexican Cartels have infiltrated the area. Levon and his half brother take down a meth lab, and stir up a hornet's nest as the cartel, and the local home grown crooks try to figure out what is going on.

Good stuff that starts fast and never lets up.
Profile Image for Christopher Taylor.
Author 10 books78 followers
February 9, 2022
Decent stuff, especially how the kids are portrayed. A lot higher body count in this one and some truly awful gore, so be aware of that if you open the book.

Levon heads home to where he lived as a child as a place to stay while avoiding the law. There he becomes entangled with Zeta drug runners and meth cookers, and things get wildly out of control.

There is a spoilery inconsistency regarding Levon's half brother that feels more like Chuck changed his mind halfway through but it doesn't spoil the book.
Profile Image for Ron.
955 reviews5 followers
April 29, 2022
Another novel in the Levon cade series written by veteran comic book writer Chuck Dixon.

Mr Dixon is known for writing the punisher Batman Moon Knight and many others.

His current series is about a man on the run, a little bit of Jack Reacher having a bit of the punisher.

In this story he tries to visit home and drug cartel crime ends up in his face.
Profile Image for Books Over People .
354 reviews
December 8, 2024
Wow. What a gore fest. Wonder how much of this is even filmable. Still, the world is constantly being built and the stakes are higher.
Profile Image for Kevin Findley.
Author 14 books12 followers
July 21, 2020
It's a near-perfect book from Chuck Dixon. That means it is a routine book for him. ;)

It's been awhile since I read the first three books, so I did a quick dive into them before starting this one. Glad I did, because while you don't need them to understand this one, it certainly helps to see where the series has been. That's good, because I (and anyone else reading the series) can clearly see that it is going to get far bloodier than it has; even including this fourth entry into the series.

I am honestly worried for a group of fictional characters, and that is an outstanding achievement for any writer.

Here, our anti-hero runs afoul of one of the same Mexican Cartels he nearly wiped out when still working for the US Gov't. He identifies himself to the recently arrived fixer for the cartel, and this hardcase of a criminal started shaking over the phone. That's how deadly the stakes are now for everyone involved.

If you like your adventure books so over-the-top that even Dirty Harry taps out, this book is for you.

Find it! BUY IT! READ IT!
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews64 followers
March 17, 2022
Chuck Dixon – Levon Cade Bk 5 – Levon’s Kin – Reviewed 3/16/22 – Read 3/15/22

When Levon and Merry reach his hometown, his half-brother gets him involved in a gang war!

After picking up Merry from Gunny, Levon decides that it is time to go home. Their destination is his Uncle Fern’s place, and Levon is ready to relax for a while. When his half-brother stops by and asks him to go pig hunting with him, Levon agrees. Little did he know what the real reason for going was.

When they arrive, he finds out that Dale wanted him to help him clean out a drug hideout where they were cooking meth and who knows what else. Dale explains that the Sherriff is turning a blind eye and that kids in the area are using the drugs. Many of their friends are being hurt by them.

Well, as we know, Levon is not one to turn a blind eye when others are being hurt, so he helps Dale. They wipe out the place and dispose of the drugs. Levon, of course, did not know that this was a setup for a Mexican cartel and that they would not stand still for their money or drugs being stolen. Doing this opened the doors for a big-time gang war, but when kin of Levon’s gets hurt, he won’t stop till he gets justice, and the story begins.

Join Levon as his hometown becomes the scene of a major war with his kin being threatened…

What did I like? It is incredible to me how Chuck outdoes himself with each book. I thought the last one was great, but holy cow, the action and emotions are ramped with this one!!

What will you like? Actual heart-stopping action with a ton of holding your breath moments throughout the book. The characters are over the top with the incredible storyline, blowing away any previous books. DO NOT MISS this phenomenal read in the Levon Cade series from Chuck Dixon with this new release of “Levon’s Kin,” available NOW!!!

• ASIN: B09RHJ9BVD
• Publisher: Rough Edges Press
• Publication Date: 3/9/2022
• File Size: 3851 KB
• Print Length: 237 pages
• Genre: Domestic Thrillers, Pulp Thrillers, Vigilante Justice
Profile Image for Jim A.
1,267 reviews82 followers
February 8, 2017
The latest Cade novel by Chuck Dixon. This one is Book 4 and Dixon shows no sign of getting bored with the character. Still plenty of action and story lines that are fresh to Cade's character. In this one Cade battles meth cookers and dealers, both Mexican cartel and home grown. And, for those who like to see justice done when it comes to dealers, by the end of the book there are plenty of bodies.

The Levon Cade series is one of those that really needs to be read from the beginning. That book lays the groundwork for the others in that it explains why Cade and his daughter are on the run. Running from the bad guys as well as the FBI and Treasury agents.

If the action thriller genre is your bag, then I recommend this series. I think you'll enjoy it.

Profile Image for Clifton Campbell.
131 reviews
October 9, 2024
Levon’s Kin, the fourth book in Chuck Dixon’s Levon Cade series, marks a pivotal point in Levon’s journey. In this installment, Levon moves back home, seeking refuge from the law while reconnecting with his roots. His daughter finally meets Levon’s uncle and kid brother, unveiling a family dynamic that adds depth to the storyline. We also learn that Levon had a nickname in his younger days, a small but revealing detail that ties him even closer to his past.

The plot centers around Levon’s determination to help his kin, and as always, his loyalty to family drives him to take on seemingly insurmountable challenges. The tension builds as Levon must outmaneuver not only the law but the dangers that come with protecting those he loves.

What sets this book apart is the added layer of wisdom from Levon’s mentor, Gunny Leffertz. Gunny’s advice punctuates the story with sharp, memorable lines. One of my favorites is: “There are two kinds of hard men—those who break, and those who bend until they can’t anymore.” It captures the essence of Levon’s resilience perfectly. Another standout: “It’s not the fights you win that matter, it’s the fights you survive.” This speaks to the gritty realism of Levon’s world, where survival often trumps victory.

Gunny’s words also guide Levon in his approach to family: “Blood ties don’t mean nothing if you don’t stand up when they need you,” which encapsulates Levon’s fierce loyalty throughout the book. Another gem: “A man can’t run forever. Eventually, he’s gotta make his stand,” hints at Levon’s growing realization that evading the law won’t be a permanent solution. Lastly, Gunny’s reflection on life and loss hits hard: “We all leave scars, boy. Just make sure yours are worth remembering.”

The action is as gritty as ever, but it’s these moments of reflection that give the book its heart. While some parts of the plot are predictable, the emotional stakes—particularly Levon’s need to protect his family—keep the story gripping. Dixon masterfully blends raw action with introspection, giving Levon’s Kin a solid 4/5 for its mix of intensity, family loyalty, and timeless wisdom from Gunny Leffertz.
3,066 reviews13 followers
March 15, 2023
Levon Cade is on the run and, bit by bit, the law is closing in on him.
He's gone home to rural Alabama with the hope that he can drop off the grid. But the area is not what he left, moonshining has been replaced with drug production and while peaceful on the surface it's only temporary.
It all comes to a sudden stop when his half-brother Dale gets him involved in taking down some gangsters. It leads to an orgy of violence and now Levon has the Mexican Zeta cartel on his trail.
It gets increasingly more brutal, with less plotting and ever increasing carnage.
It increasing reminded me of why I stopped reading books by Don Pendleton many years ago.
"Levon's Kin" is not a bad read, but it mostly panders to the worst in humanity and revels in it.
I reckon I'll give the series one more book before deciding whether to pull the plug.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
Profile Image for Jeff Benham.
1,712 reviews11 followers
January 24, 2017
This is the 4th book in the Levon Cade series, so if you haven't read the first 3 yet, I highly recommend you do. Being hunted by the feds as a possible domestic terrorist (seriously, are they that dumb?) Levon heads back to Alabama where he grew up to hide out with his Uncle Fern for awhile. What he didn't know was that there was a drug cartel cooking meth up there and his half brother Dale is up to his neck in trouble. With this book you start out hooked and you stay hooked. It is in the early running for my favorite book of 2017! The cliff hanger at the end didn't hurt.
Profile Image for The Geeky Viking.
710 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2024
Levon's Kin gives a bit of background into Levon's family and where he grew up. Heading back home to the hills to hide out and try and raise his daughter, Levon gets caught up in a scheme dreamed up by his half-brother Dale, and finds himself on the wrong side of both the Cartels and the local crime outfit. Now he's got to do what he does best - get bloody. Levon's Kin is pure pulp. It's entertaining as hell and Dixon's stripped down, sparse prose keeps things moving. Can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for iamjacsmusings.
392 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2024
For this next round of Levon vigilantism, author Dixon draws upon some classic fiction in the form of Dashiel Hammett's Red Harvest and its genre film adaptations Yojimbo and A Fistful of Dollars as a starting point.  


Levon and Merry's quest for a place to call safe continues to be as compelling as ever, especially as some of the redacted information from his past begins to be revealed. 


For the first time though, I felt as if this instalment tailed off with somewhat of a whimper rather than an action-packed bang!

Still fast-paced compelling addictive reading.

On to War...
Profile Image for Alex C.
110 reviews6 followers
June 24, 2017
I like this series

I'm a big fan of the series but for me the violence level and graphicness of the atrocities was just a little bit too much. I like the character development and I'm looking forward to see where at the story leads.
Profile Image for Stephen.
1,240 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2019
Along the lines of Next of Kin, Levon has returned home and gets pulled into problems with the Mexican Cartels. They've taken over the Meth trade in the South... and Cade has been pulled into doing something about it.
Profile Image for Jon.
1,023 reviews17 followers
June 18, 2024
Levon comes home after a long absence and gets reacquainted with family and friends. But trouble has a way of finding Levon, and this time he takes on the Mexican cartel and the local meth dealers. Brutal, uncompromising and so much fun.
Profile Image for Trevor Denning.
120 reviews
February 14, 2025
Dixon slows things way down in this one, and I sometimes struggled to figure out how much time had passed between events. Also, after easing up on the brutal violence in the last two books, this one brings it back. Still, it builds out Levon's world and hasn't put me off the series.
Profile Image for Thomas.
43 reviews
September 25, 2018
Levon heads home...

And trouble follows! Another outstanding read by the legend Chuck Dixon! As always, the action is tight and the suspense palpable. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Chris Laimit.
121 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2025
Pretty good, but did not like the ending. It was missing some history.
11 reviews
March 19, 2017
Bringing war home.

It seams like someone sucks Cade into whatever he's trying to stay away from. This book proves that fact. I really hope there is another book in the works.
Profile Image for Chaplain Stanley Chapin.
1,978 reviews22 followers
February 20, 2017
Decent, but overblown

All the supper hero novels, television shows and cosmic books are beyond belief. Perhaps I am too old, but like them more realistic.
Profile Image for Ralph L Jr..
Author 20 books14 followers
March 27, 2017
Another Levon's Cade masterpiece by Chuck Dicon

The fourth book in the series sees Levon hiding out at his uncle's home where he's simply seeking some peace and quiet, as well as a place to settle down and hide from the law enforcement groups who are seeking him. As usual, though, as much as Levon looks to avoid trouble, trouble always seems to find him. In this case it's Mexican drug lords who Levon's half brother got tangled up with. What I love about this series is no matter how bad the situation is, Levon is always one step ahead of his enemies. He's a brilliant tactician. Another fantastic read by Chuck Dixon that I couldn't put down. 5 stars and, like a certain Ridgeback, I'm waiting hungrily for more!
Profile Image for T.W. Barton.
266 reviews22 followers
April 9, 2017
The fourth book in the Levon Cade series.

I've been a huge fan of the series since I discovered the first book and given the author's experience and resume, it's not hard to guess that you're going to get quality writing and a compelling story line.

Levon and Merry are heading home. It's a place of memories. Some good, some bad.

For most of us, returning home is like going back in time, a place of peace, fond memories, and a sense of safety. Exactly what Levon was looking for, not so much for himself but for Merry. A place with people you can trust. Family. The only thing you can really count on and trust is blood or so the saying goes.

Levon will learn that home isn't all it's cracked up to be when a favor turns into a war.

Levon is a take no prisoners kind of guy. Someone you always want on your side when it hits the proverbial fan. There's only one thing in the entire world he cares about. His daughter Merry. There is nothing more precious and he's willing, able, and capable of doing whatever it takes to make sure that she's safe. Laying waste to the world is not too far when it comes to Merry.

Each book gets better as Levon's sage grows. Get all four and get ready for a fantastic binge read.
Profile Image for David C Ward.
1,866 reviews42 followers
April 30, 2017
Better than the last one, the massacre in Maine. Better plotted and realized as a novel. Still too heavy with too detailed descriptions of violence.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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