Wolf at the Gates: A Gripping Story of Loyalty, Sacrifice, and the Battle for Rome

by Vincent B. Davis II

A Republic under siege. A general on the run. One last chance to save Rome.
87 B.C. Quintus Sertorius has lost his city, his senate seat, and his home to Sulla’s ambitions. Hunted through Italy with only his family and a handful of loyal allies, he carries the weight of a shattered Republic on his scarred shoulders.

As Sertorius flees through the forests, mountains, and forgotten villages of Italy, he considers the the only way he can save Rome is to besiege it. He must outwit Sulla’s henchmen, rally broken men to his cause, and forge an army strong enough to resist tyranny. Yet every step forward drags him deeper into a war that threatens not only his life, but the lives of those he loves most.

Sertorius is not the only one tested by the fires of civil war. His son, Gavius, is torn between love for his father and loyalty to the commander who opposes him. Lucius Hirtuleius has always been willing to sacrifice his life for Rome, but can he sacrifice something he loves far more? Does he even have a choice?

Wolf at the Gates is a gripping tale of fathers and sons, exile and betrayal, and resistance to tyranny. The seventh book in the award-winning Sertorius Scrolls series is a story of those torn between the dream of peace and the duty of war. For Sertorius, survival is no longer enough—Rome must be freed, no matter the cost. Step beyond the gates—grab your copy and join the march on Rome.

Genres: Historical Fiction

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

About the author

Vincent B. Davis II writes historical fiction books to keep the past alive through the power of storytelling. He is also an entrepreneur, speaker, and veteran who is a proud graduate of East Tennessee State University and was honorably discharged from the US Army in 2022. Armed with a pen and an entrepreneurial spirit, Vincent quit his day job and decided it was as good a time as any to follow his dream. He went on to publish six historical fiction novels, four of which have now become Amazon International Best Sellers.

Vincent is also a devoted and depressed Carolina Panthers fan and a proud pet parent to his rescue pups, Buddy and Jenny. Join Vincent in celebrating the past through the pages of his books. His newsletter, The Legion, is more than just another author email list. It’s a community of readers who enjoy free additional content to enhance their reading experience—HD Maps, family trees, Latin glossaries, free eBooks, and more. You can join the community and snag your freebies at https://vincentbdavisii.com/join-the-....

Vincent also loves connecting with his readers through social media. Find him on Facebook or Instagram @vbdavisii, vincentbdavisii.com, or email him at Vincent@thirteenthpress.com.

Reviews

[ForestGardenGal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plausibly filling in the gaps of history

The best historical fiction tells a relatable, plausible, and compelling story about which all the facts are too far buried in the past to know, while respecting extant historical records. This story exceeds expectations, and I will seek out the rest of the series.

There are many sides to every war, and even more so when it is civil war. Socrates asserted that no man does evil knowingly. But what is good for the man? The soldier? The nobility? The Republic? What happens when priorities conflict and society becomes a power struggle? These are questions that modern readers may be well advised to consider thoroughly. There are no new problems in the world.

Well written and edited, only a few minor editing errors re historical continuity. Well above average.

Trigger warnings: this is a book about war. It has some graphic violence. Quite a lot actually, but it is tastefully described without glamourizing the gore. It doesn't neglect the negative impacts, nor the innocent civilians who suffer or die. There are moments of grief and anguish. There is betrayal and greed and other vile things that always seem to accompany war.

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. However, this review is my own opinion and I have received no compensation.

[Abel M Lezcano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davis Is A Great Writer

Mr. Davis not only tells the story of one of Ancient Rome’s most interesting characters, but his writing is head and shoulders above the typical “swords and sandals” genre that is my guilty pleasure. For me, Davis’ style is more akin to Dickens or Hemingway than Scarrow or Cornwell (who I also enjoy!). He captures the humanity of all of his characters, for better or worse, in a way that elevates his subject matter. I’ve never before been able to find ANY books about Sertorious, so to find an entire series so elegantly written is a minor miracle. I’m so excited for the next volume, especially as there’s so much of Sertorious’ story remaining to be told. Bravo Mr. Davis and thank you.

[QueenoftheBookDragons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid chapter in a Roman saga

This isn’t my typical read but I like to switch up my reads every once in a while and was super pleasantly surprised by this one! It was engaging, epic, can be read as a standalone and even though I haven’t read any other books by this author either in this series or out of it, I didn’t feel the least bit lost.
Really enjoyed it and will probably go back and start this series from the beginning! If you like epic sagas of betrayal, loss, backstabbing, and triumph set in Ancient Rome, this might be the series for you!

[Rebecca Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been said that history may not repeat itself, but it does echo from time to time. When Lucius Cornelius Sulla is elected as one of the Roman consuls and promises to make Rome "safe" with "limited" and "short-lived" dictatorial powers, the citizens of Rome believe him. Will Sulla stop there, however? Or will he continue to pursue those who have opposed him in his rise to power as absolute tyrant?

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sertorius and family on the run from Sulla. A mercenary army and even Lucius, his friend, and Marius along with Consul Cinna and troops join Sertorius in his fight to restore the Republic. The author's writing has improved by leaps and bounds from his first few volumes in the series. POV of 4 main characters are given. I was pleasantly surprised. Thanks to the author for a copy.

[Susan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf at the gate

I cannot put Mister Davis's books down. I will sit and read for hours and feel as if I am present in every situation. With the descriptions of crucifixion For the prisoners Made The passion of Christ so much more visible. So cruel so bad. Please keep writing Mister Davis.

[Bryan Bastible · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and next installment of the Sertorious scrolls. It feels kind of like a middle book in that it’s setting up for a larger show down between Sulla and Quintus; however, this still has lots of action and twists and turns.

[Gerald Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in this fine series set in the final decades before the end of the Roman republic. Very enjoyable!