The Pillars of Herakles: A Novel of Belisarius

The Last of the Romans #4

by William Havelock

There will never be an end to war.

Fresh off his victory at Tricamarum, Belisarius encounters a task even more daunting than governing a land riven by war, famine, and blood feuds. All of which must be settled by an understrength army exhausted from battle.

Yet, to safeguard the fledgling Imperial government in Carthage, the liberation of the African coastline must continue. While Belisarius dispatches peacekeepers throughout the region, the distant fortress of Septem stands as the key to security for the reclaimed Roman province. Far to the west, Septem marks the mythical coastal terminus of the known world, and a one-time respite for the immortal Herakles.

Varus, dispatched to claim Septem for Belisarius, finds a city in turmoil. Battle-hardened enemies stalk the fabled Pillars, resentful of a resurgent Roman Empire and eager to claim Vandal spoils. Thrust into command far from support, Varus must learn to lead a motley collection of warriors apt to fight each other as they are this new adversary.

Meanwhile, Carthage festers with spies and turncoats. And even as the people of Constantinople yearn to welcome their victorious conqueror home in glorious triumph, danger lurks in a jealous Imperial Palace, mistrustful of the Empire’s most beloved general in a century.

Genres: Historical Fiction

594 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2023

Reviews

[Paul A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in Havelock's series, "The Last of the Romans." Our narrator, Varus the Herulian, has served faithfully in the armies of the empire, but now he seeks an end to his duty. However, even as the Vandalic War draws to a close, raids and invasions from Visigothic Hispania mean that he must face down the Visigothic horde with a ragtag coalition of foederati and Roman regulars. Even as this conflicts winds down, he finds conflict and intrigue brewing on the home front. I look forward to seeing what happens next!

[Joanne Crecco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the series as a whole. I only have one irking criticism: Mr Havelock has an annoying habit of not foreshadowing, which is a good device, but outright saying that something awful is about to happen. It’s sort of like a crappy neighbor in a movie theater that blurts out something is going to happen to the hero or some poor red shirt and you are left wanting to throw your popcorn at the offender or with the book throw the thing across the room.
I actually got to look up some of the history just to see what was “factual “ and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

[Ervin B. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, well told!

Having finished the series, "The Last of the Romans," I thoroughly enjoyed the read. The charActers, based in history, are believable and consistent throughout. Lots of historical and geographical reference, laced with ample action. Looking forward to more of Mr. Havelock's work. Thank you!

[Catherine Zawacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting

In the beginning I felt I chose the wrong. Ok. I could not fathom how daily dialogue could be written. Well done my interest peaked soon enough. Enjoyed the real life description of daily life 2000 years ago.

[Alun Roger Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

History still repeats the same mistakes

Thoroughly enjoyed this tale but as humans we never learn war solves nothing only death is final I am looking forward to the next book but can see where this is leading too .

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding

Havelock has done it again. As with all Belisarius novels, a great read. It’s like returning to the days of Ancient Rome. Looking forward to book 5.

[James Baldini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good writing

I feel Varus pain. I understand his loss. It feels so painful to be Varus and to think what the future holds. Liked the supporting characters.

[Kai Conway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read.

The story goes on. The characters feel alive, and you can almost smell and see from the descriptions what life was like in this time.

[Joe Corso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Get this book if you enjoy stories about the Roman legions.the book won’t disappoint you. Excellent work Havelock.

Joe Corso author of Lafitte’s Treasure.

[Joji Hiratsuka · Rating 5 out of 5]

waiting for book 5

Excellent storytelling, it really brought the nuances of the late Empire to light, while remaining true to history. I definitely recommend this series.

[gareth morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

Illuminates a dark historical period which is very rarely the source for either works of fiction or non fiction. Informative and entertaining. Well written.

[Hugh V Ramm Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roman Times

A very interesting read. William Havelock is a good storyteller and keeps a person captivated to see what comes next while learning about Roman history. Well researched.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much history we barely know. Historical fiction at its best!

[Jkane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exceptionally boring, far inferior third installment. I’m done with the series

[Thanh Bui · Rating 5 out of 5]

a Must-read

I learned so much about the Empire, thanks to the author’s “spin” and interpretation of historic records. A must-read and follow through

[Lorraine Pickett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the last three books in this series. This one left me with questions that will now go unanswered. Instead of growing in confidence, the hero became full of self doubt to the point of making serious mistakes and possibly ignoring his family for future escapades. We will never know if he became the leader he was supposed to be.