What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last of the Romans #2
Immortal: A Novel of Belisarius
The eastern provinces burn, and few dare to save them.
Suffering invasions, riots, and hunger, the decaying Roman Empire staggers against its most ancient enemy – Persia. Undefeated in over a century, the Shahanshah ’s vast armies cross the Tigris, hungry to reclaim lands that once had been the jewel of their heritage. Driving Persia’s invasion are the vaunted Immortals, an elite band of Persian warriors unmatched in prowess.
Set against the invading forces are the undermanned and ill-equipped forces of Flavius Belisarius. Reeling from a pyrrhic triumph in Tauris, the Roman armies draw upon barbarian tribes and untested recruits to defend the Empire’s rich Mesopotamian provinces. Ordered to join them is Varus, a young Herulian freedman with little more than broken armor, an oathbound servant, and a mysterious connection to the Imperial Palace.
Though defeat is inevitable, the Emperor insists upon one course of action – cede not a grain of Roman territory, no matter the cost in lives or gold. Wary but loyal, Belisarius’ patchwork forces fight their way to Dara, a distant fortress-city along the Empire’s borders. Yet Persia’s commanders also have their designs upon Dara, and are eager to finally vanquish their hated Roman enemies. For Belisarius and Varus, resisting the Persian assault is not only a matter of personal survival, but shall determine the very fate of a dying Roman world.
Suffering invasions, riots, and hunger, the decaying Roman Empire staggers against its most ancient enemy – Persia. Undefeated in over a century, the Shahanshah ’s vast armies cross the Tigris, hungry to reclaim lands that once had been the jewel of their heritage. Driving Persia’s invasion are the vaunted Immortals, an elite band of Persian warriors unmatched in prowess.
Set against the invading forces are the undermanned and ill-equipped forces of Flavius Belisarius. Reeling from a pyrrhic triumph in Tauris, the Roman armies draw upon barbarian tribes and untested recruits to defend the Empire’s rich Mesopotamian provinces. Ordered to join them is Varus, a young Herulian freedman with little more than broken armor, an oathbound servant, and a mysterious connection to the Imperial Palace.
Though defeat is inevitable, the Emperor insists upon one course of action – cede not a grain of Roman territory, no matter the cost in lives or gold. Wary but loyal, Belisarius’ patchwork forces fight their way to Dara, a distant fortress-city along the Empire’s borders. Yet Persia’s commanders also have their designs upon Dara, and are eager to finally vanquish their hated Roman enemies. For Belisarius and Varus, resisting the Persian assault is not only a matter of personal survival, but shall determine the very fate of a dying Roman world.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
476 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2021
309 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 2, 2021
A spectacular tale!
With the western empire in ruins, it was left to the basically Greek influenced eastern empire to carry the torch for "Roman" civilisation and culture. With the legions just a distant memory the "Roman" armies were now a mishmash of mercenaries from various ethnic cultures. That said, they were still a force to be reckoned with. This story, of a former slave rising through the ranks to become a brave and able commander, was brilliantly told. The horrors of war, unremitting slaughter and duplicitous shenanigans of Imperial courtiers all came to a head in this fascinating story. Highly recommended!
With the western empire in ruins, it was left to the basically Greek influenced eastern empire to carry the torch for "Roman" civilisation and culture. With the legions just a distant memory the "Roman" armies were now a mishmash of mercenaries from various ethnic cultures. That said, they were still a force to be reckoned with. This story, of a former slave rising through the ranks to become a brave and able commander, was brilliantly told. The horrors of war, unremitting slaughter and duplicitous shenanigans of Imperial courtiers all came to a head in this fascinating story. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2021
I received an advance reading copy from the author.
I was enthralled by this book. Havelock answered The Last Dying Light with a homerun, which I feel is rarely done. With his masterful descriptions of militaristically complex battle scenes to the beautifully built world of characters and plot, this book is a must read for anyone. This is appearing to be a truly promising series and I already can't wait for book three to release.
I was enthralled by this book. Havelock answered The Last Dying Light with a homerun, which I feel is rarely done. With his masterful descriptions of militaristically complex battle scenes to the beautifully built world of characters and plot, this book is a must read for anyone. This is appearing to be a truly promising series and I already can't wait for book three to release.
December 10, 2025
An excellent historical novel, set in the interminable wars between the almost obscure Eastern Roman Empire and the little known Persian Empire, with Huns, various Arab nations, and Goths as bit players. The complexities of the Byzantine Court add another fascinating dimension.
October 6, 2021
Wow. The second book was even better than the first. Engaging, exciting and compelling. Well researched with incredible detail. The last few chapters were impossible to put down. Hope to see it as a film one day
November 4, 2021
Gripping historical fiction
A well researched book, second in the series, cantered on the figure of Flavius Belisarius, one of the most famous military leaders of all times. The book brings vividly to life a pivotal period in the history of the late Eastern Roman Empire.
A well researched book, second in the series, cantered on the figure of Flavius Belisarius, one of the most famous military leaders of all times. The book brings vividly to life a pivotal period in the history of the late Eastern Roman Empire.
November 21, 2021
Fantastic!
Exceedingly well written and entertaining. While perhaps inclusive of literary license, by the author’s own admission, it is a page turner in every respect. You’ll enjoy it into the latest of hours and awake early just to read it.
Exceedingly well written and entertaining. While perhaps inclusive of literary license, by the author’s own admission, it is a page turner in every respect. You’ll enjoy it into the latest of hours and awake early just to read it.
April 21, 2023
This is the second part of the Belisarius trilogy, and describes his Persian campaign, seen through the eyes of Varus the Herulian. Varus is by now married, commands a Banda (century? Unit? Brigade?) all by himself. In the course of his adventures he is taken prisoner by the Persians, but escapes with the help of an old friend. The highlight of the book is the Persian war, a victory for Belisarius. However, thanks to the stratagems of the political cadres attached to Belisarius's army, Belisarius is arrested, and Varus is left in charge of the remaining forces, although both he and his brother have been badly wounded.
Those interested in military tactics and the clash of arms should enjoy this book, but sadly, other than idealising the portrait of Belisarius, it tells us little of him.
Those interested in military tactics and the clash of arms should enjoy this book, but sadly, other than idealising the portrait of Belisarius, it tells us little of him.
November 26, 2022
Not as good as the first one, but still enjoyable.
Once again this reads like a fusion between a historical military story and a classic fantasy adventure, with historical figures taking the role of common tropes. Wise mentors, evil wizards, barbaric enemy king, and more.
This book's battles were an improvement on the previous one, probably because they're more heavily reliant on historical sources. But the character bits are a lot more cliche and repetitive. The women in the main character's lives are feeling particularly underdeveloped in this book compared to the previous one. Which is a shame because they have the potential to be the most interesting.
Still, I liked it, and I look forward to reading the next one.
Once again this reads like a fusion between a historical military story and a classic fantasy adventure, with historical figures taking the role of common tropes. Wise mentors, evil wizards, barbaric enemy king, and more.
This book's battles were an improvement on the previous one, probably because they're more heavily reliant on historical sources. But the character bits are a lot more cliche and repetitive. The women in the main character's lives are feeling particularly underdeveloped in this book compared to the previous one. Which is a shame because they have the potential to be the most interesting.
Still, I liked it, and I look forward to reading the next one.
November 6, 2024
This is the 2nd in the series. Well written, well researched. Tend to go into finite details in the beginning of these stories, which can make them a bit pedantic. However once into the battle scenes and the enduring confusion of the aftermath of these bloody conflicts the books are really quite good. Saying this I now head into book no 3 of the series where the conflicts move to Carthage. All in all a good set of books to read as they are historicallt correct and give the reader an insight into the Eastern World some 1000 years before the European Cruisades. Of interesting note - Mohammed isn't around yet so it does not take on the aura of Muslim conflicts against the Western World.
February 28, 2022
Excellent Historic Fiction Series
I have read both books in this series and look forward to the next one. The era covered is one that I know little about, as the Roman Empire era generally ends with the sacking of Rome and the fall of the Western Empire.
I rate a historic fiction book and series by the usual criteria and add one additional criteria. If I am not already familiar with the history of the era covered, do I want to follow up with the actual history? As I noted, I am not familiar, but I plan to read its history.
I have read both books in this series and look forward to the next one. The era covered is one that I know little about, as the Roman Empire era generally ends with the sacking of Rome and the fall of the Western Empire.
I rate a historic fiction book and series by the usual criteria and add one additional criteria. If I am not already familiar with the history of the era covered, do I want to follow up with the actual history? As I noted, I am not familiar, but I plan to read its history.
Read
March 7, 2022Having read Book 1 of the series, I eagerly dived into Book 2 and was richly rewarded. Havelock expanded upon the characters introduced in Book 1 and didn't disappoint. The main character and voice for the chronicles, Varus, continues his remembrances of the early Byzantine Empire and its compelling story of defending against advancing forces of darkness. I highly recommend this series for its strength in describing the humaness of historical figures.
March 9, 2023
Unfortunately the writers skill level did not improve from the 1st novel. In this outing he also introduces the most idiotic, fantastical plot twist early on and then is unable to weave said twist into the continuing story in any way that is believable or makes any sense. Terrible. As said before, an ambitious idea I truly wanted to enjoy but the writer simply lacks the ability to make it happen.
Bad fantasy mixed with historical fiction and the inability to do either well.
Bad fantasy mixed with historical fiction and the inability to do either well.
December 31, 2021
Very enjoyable
Excellent read conveys the sense of a dying empire and the desperation of trying to keep the roman empire alive in the east. The energy and all conquering power of centuries past has disappeared along with the western empire. The story of belisarius is fascinating and I will definitely read the next book in this series.
Excellent read conveys the sense of a dying empire and the desperation of trying to keep the roman empire alive in the east. The energy and all conquering power of centuries past has disappeared along with the western empire. The story of belisarius is fascinating and I will definitely read the next book in this series.
July 26, 2022
Wow!! What a Barnburner!!
Mr. Havelock has really hit his stride with this edition of the mysterious Vargas does Persia!
Thank you for redeeming the lacklustre first Book. The weepy factor was Down about 10 points and the action/fighting factor was up about a gazillion!!! There’ll be much lusting until I can lay my eyes on Book 3 of this series…
Mr. Havelock has really hit his stride with this edition of the mysterious Vargas does Persia!
Thank you for redeeming the lacklustre first Book. The weepy factor was Down about 10 points and the action/fighting factor was up about a gazillion!!! There’ll be much lusting until I can lay my eyes on Book 3 of this series…
December 15, 2021
WOW
What a brilliant read, was completely lost in the story, the amazing battles, the relationships, the politics, the Romans, the Persian s, the Huns, the armour, the weapons, the landscapes, the tactics .....loved ever page Fantastic Read
What a brilliant read, was completely lost in the story, the amazing battles, the relationships, the politics, the Romans, the Persian s, the Huns, the armour, the weapons, the landscapes, the tactics .....loved ever page Fantastic Read
January 20, 2022
The battle scenes in this book are just brilliant - as if you are there. All the more realistic when you realise these are actual events and Varus was a real person. I enjoyed both books in the series, but this one is exceptional. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2022
Warriors All.
This is for both novels, I have been fascinated by the descriptions of the Roman army of the East. The powerful description of fighting in a shield wall will no doubt be with me for a long time!!
All hail William Havelock!!!
This is for both novels, I have been fascinated by the descriptions of the Roman army of the East. The powerful description of fighting in a shield wall will no doubt be with me for a long time!!
All hail William Havelock!!!
March 10, 2023
Very good read.
Historically sound with a good storyline and interesting characters. Sometimes difficult to follow events due to the unfamiliar names. Would definitely recommend to a friend.
Historically sound with a good storyline and interesting characters. Sometimes difficult to follow events due to the unfamiliar names. Would definitely recommend to a friend.
August 31, 2023
A lot of work went into this butressing tale
This book offers our reading club, the threads necessary to
reinforce our willingness to keep being enthralled with this well crafted story.
This book offers our reading club, the threads necessary to
reinforce our willingness to keep being enthralled with this well crafted story.
May 29, 2024
Immortal is a great read.
Learned so much about how soldiers are convinced to fight for their countries. How winning or losing a war affect them, yet still they will continue to fight for their convictions! Brings an understanding of how war affects the warriors!
Learned so much about how soldiers are convinced to fight for their countries. How winning or losing a war affect them, yet still they will continue to fight for their convictions! Brings an understanding of how war affects the warriors!
June 18, 2024
a great tale of Rome
Super story loved the characters and their adventures but the battle scenes were the best bits full of gore and facing your enemy not using drones or long range weapons can’t wIt for the next instalment
Super story loved the characters and their adventures but the battle scenes were the best bits full of gore and facing your enemy not using drones or long range weapons can’t wIt for the next instalment
October 23, 2021
Highly recommend
Enjoyable and can’t wait for the next one, hope it’s not long in coming and will be eagerly anticipated by me!
Enjoyable and can’t wait for the next one, hope it’s not long in coming and will be eagerly anticipated by me!
November 7, 2021
Great read
Full of action can not wait for the next.
Could not put it down great period of history. Definitely recommend.
Full of action can not wait for the next.
Could not put it down great period of history. Definitely recommend.
November 15, 2021
Great continuation of the series
I thoroughly enjoyed this booking think it was better than the first. Can't wait for the next one to be released!
I thoroughly enjoyed this booking think it was better than the first. Can't wait for the next one to be released!
December 1, 2021
Awesome read
Impossible to put down and a great way to get a look at history. Want to see more of the main characters
in the near future.
Impossible to put down and a great way to get a look at history. Want to see more of the main characters
in the near future.
December 8, 2021
A solid enthralling read!
Havelock has managed it inject new life into Roman historical fiction, bringing historical figures to life in new ways and I definitely dig it.
Havelock has managed it inject new life into Roman historical fiction, bringing historical figures to life in new ways and I definitely dig it.
December 20, 2021
Good story
I enjoyed the story but did get confused with so many characters. I did enjoy the story though. Hope to read the next book.
I enjoyed the story but did get confused with so many characters. I did enjoy the story though. Hope to read the next book.
February 9, 2022
Great
Really enjoying this series. A part of Roman history largely forgotten about. Can't wait for next book gutted can't just keep going.
Really enjoying this series. A part of Roman history largely forgotten about. Can't wait for next book gutted can't just keep going.
February 22, 2022
don’t plan on getting much sleep
Compelling characters and great attention to detail. Really great book that brought the eastern Roman Empire to life. Read it!
Compelling characters and great attention to detail. Really great book that brought the eastern Roman Empire to life. Read it!
Read
March 21, 2022Great from a historical perspective and great characters as well. Can't wait for the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews