WSU English professor and reality show star Buddy Levy moves from solving historical mysteries to exploring the Amazon River with his new book "River of Darkness."

The book describes Francisco de Orellana’s exploration of the Amazon during the 16th century. Orellana was the first European to explore the entire length of the Amazon, and Levy uses eyewitness accounts along with other historical sources to describe this expedition.

When Levy discussed his favorite parts of the book, he mentioned an aspect many critics have complimented; the portrayal of the Amazon river, which is said to become a “character in itself."

“It’s the river itself, and how, if I’ve done my job, the Amazon River becomes a major character in the book,” Levy said. “Sure, there are amazing people who are in extraordinary circumstances, but these circumstances are nearly all set on the Amazon itself, this wondrous basin that is superlative in so many, many ways. It is just an overwhelmingly inspirational place.” "River of Darkness" was released Feb. 22. This book marks Levy's fourth, along with his many other published writings.

Levy said he wanted to be a writer from an early age.