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The Pillar
During his youth, orphaned thief Faris was flogged at the pillar in the town square and left to die. But a kind old man saved him, gave him a home, and taught him a profession. Now Faris is the herbalist for the town of Zidar, taking care of the injured and ill. He remains lonely, haunted by his past, and insecure about how his community views him. One night, despite his reluctance, he saves a dying slave from the pillar. A former soldier, Boro has spent the last decade as a brutalized slave. Herbs and ointment can heal his physical wounds, but both men carry scars that run deep. Bound by the constraints of law and social class in 15th century Bosnia, Faris and Boro must overcome powerful enemies to protect the fragile happiness they’ve found.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2014
20 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
182 books1,307 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
December 5, 2014
For all lovers of Brute, I'm telling you, this is even BETTER!
Brute was a lovely fairytale by the immensely talented, Kim Fielding, and this book is very similar in style. It is another dreamy fantasy book, with a quasi-forbidden love story between two damaged, previously brutalized men.
However, this was succinct where Brute was long-winded. This had sex on page (!!!) where Brute's love scenes were fade-to-black. And DAMN, that made a huge difference to me. I have a massive weakness for books where the and so the sex scenes were especially hot for me. It was simple, tender stuff, but done in a very beautiful fashion.
I loved the way the town was portrayed. All of the residents of Zidar touched my heart, and I was brought to tears by the quiet ways that they showed their appreciation for Faris.
I loved the slow way that the feelings between Faris and Boro blossomed. The way these two splintered men were made whole again by their relationship gave me that gooey feeling inside. I also have a soft spot for hurt/comfort stories and this was an excellent example of one.
"The Pillar" may be short but it is long on emotion. It will break your heart and put you back together again. This might be my favorite Kim Fielding to date.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Brute was a lovely fairytale by the immensely talented, Kim Fielding, and this book is very similar in style. It is another dreamy fantasy book, with a quasi-forbidden love story between two damaged, previously brutalized men.
However, this was succinct where Brute was long-winded. This had sex on page (!!!) where Brute's love scenes were fade-to-black. And DAMN, that made a huge difference to me. I have a massive weakness for books where the and so the sex scenes were especially hot for me. It was simple, tender stuff, but done in a very beautiful fashion.
I loved the way the town was portrayed. All of the residents of Zidar touched my heart, and I was brought to tears by the quiet ways that they showed their appreciation for Faris.
I loved the slow way that the feelings between Faris and Boro blossomed. The way these two splintered men were made whole again by their relationship gave me that gooey feeling inside. I also have a soft spot for hurt/comfort stories and this was an excellent example of one.
"The Pillar" may be short but it is long on emotion. It will break your heart and put you back together again. This might be my favorite Kim Fielding to date.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 17, 2024
So much love for this story!
Faris, the town’s herbalist, is a delicate, quiet man. He is kind of heart with a strong internal compass. As a former young thief, he knows what it is to be strapped to the pillar, judged, and then healed.
Boro is a slave with a tragic history. He is dying after being beaten and whipped on the pillar, when Faris takes him home and heals him.
Gay love story
15th century Bosnia
Found family
Torture/rape (off-page)
Hurt comfort
Size difference
Graphic intimacy
Hope/love atmosphere
Both men have a traumatic past. The slow healing, both physically and emotionally was wonderful to read.
He kissed the nape of Boro’s neck, where the marks from the collar could still be felt. The skin was so tender there, so vulnerable—such a contrast to the wide shoulders and broad back.
I found the ending to be realistic, gays rights were certainly not something thought about in the 15th century. Don’t worry, it’s still a HEA.
Faris, the town’s herbalist, is a delicate, quiet man. He is kind of heart with a strong internal compass. As a former young thief, he knows what it is to be strapped to the pillar, judged, and then healed.
Boro is a slave with a tragic history. He is dying after being beaten and whipped on the pillar, when Faris takes him home and heals him.
Gay love story
15th century Bosnia
Found family
Torture/rape (off-page)
Hurt comfort
Size difference
Graphic intimacy
Hope/love atmosphere
Both men have a traumatic past. The slow healing, both physically and emotionally was wonderful to read.
He kissed the nape of Boro’s neck, where the marks from the collar could still be felt. The skin was so tender there, so vulnerable—such a contrast to the wide shoulders and broad back.
I found the ending to be realistic, gays rights were certainly not something thought about in the 15th century. Don’t worry, it’s still a HEA.
January 30, 2015
4.5 own-me stars
This book delivers: gorgeous, lyrical writing; fully fleshed out setting; tender romance brimming with sweetness; angst; and tears.
Of course, there were tears.
Every time I read a Fielding book, I feel like my soul is shredded and then patched together again.
There is beauty in the heartbreak, redemption in the pain. This is Fielding after all.
Set in 15th century Bosnia-Herzegovia (Fielding explains the setting and inspiration for this novella in her blog post), The Pillar shows the brutality of historical punishment, the ugliness of war and slavery, the kindness of humanity, the overwhelming power of love.
Faris, once a thief, is the town healer. He removes the dying wretched from the pillar of punishment and tries to save them. Sometimes saving means healing; sometimes it means allowing for a painless death.
Boro, a slave, is one such wretched; owned by a psychopathic master, Boro is beaten, raped, and abused, but not lost, not yet.
These two men save each other. There is so much hope here. So much love. Despite the ugliness, beauty wins out.
Much like
and
, The Pillar is a fairy tale at heart.
Because when you're flying, there's only joy.
This book delivers: gorgeous, lyrical writing; fully fleshed out setting; tender romance brimming with sweetness; angst; and tears.
Of course, there were tears.
Every time I read a Fielding book, I feel like my soul is shredded and then patched together again.
There is beauty in the heartbreak, redemption in the pain. This is Fielding after all.
Set in 15th century Bosnia-Herzegovia (Fielding explains the setting and inspiration for this novella in her blog post), The Pillar shows the brutality of historical punishment, the ugliness of war and slavery, the kindness of humanity, the overwhelming power of love.
Faris, once a thief, is the town healer. He removes the dying wretched from the pillar of punishment and tries to save them. Sometimes saving means healing; sometimes it means allowing for a painless death.
Boro, a slave, is one such wretched; owned by a psychopathic master, Boro is beaten, raped, and abused, but not lost, not yet.
These two men save each other. There is so much hope here. So much love. Despite the ugliness, beauty wins out.
Much like
and
, The Pillar is a fairy tale at heart. Because when you're flying, there's only joy.
September 15, 2014
Why do you do this to me, Kim Fielding? Why? Always with the tears! Frequently they’re happy tears, sometimes they’re sad tears, but nonetheless tears! When it’s not tears, it’s a definite don’t-expect-me-to-speak-cause-I’ve-got-a-lump-in-my-throat-and-no-it’s-not-a-problem-with-my-thyroid-it’s-that-damn-Fielding’s-fault moment.
It’s not that her books are sad – though they have elements of tragedy (see The Tin Box) – it’s that she excels at creating one of my favorite characters – the outsider. The character that always gets me right in the feels. Like Aric in Brute or Emet in "The Golem of Mala Lubovnya" (Stitch), Faris is an outsider. He grew up an orphan in Zidar, Bosnia (a fictional city) living on the streets with only the occasional stray dog to keep him warm on winter nights – excuse me –
Okay. Eventually Faris turns to stealing to survive. When he's caught he’s tied to the town’s pillar of shame and almost whipped to death. Faris is saved and nursed back to health by Zidar’s healer, Enis – an old man who practically adopts him then makes him his apprentice. Now at the age of about 30 Faris has inherited Enis's role as the town's healer and herbalist. But he still bears the scars of his former life (that's right -- both inside and outside). He's convinced the people of Zidar only accept him out of necessity and he believes he's still a thief at heart. Though he’s content with his life it seems like he expects it to go wrong at some point.
The world could be a very big place, and a person could be very small when he was alone and without faith that anything would improve.
The book begins with Faris saving Boro, a former soldier, now a slave, who's been beaten and whipped and tossed aside as he's viewed as no longer having any worth. Boro was not always a slave and he was not always a soldier. While reading about him it occurred to me that he has a lot in common with many of Fielding’s love interests, especially Gray in Brute. They’re both men who at one time were loved and confident of their place in the world, but lost it all through adversity or their own mistakes. They became convinced that there’s little goodness or kindness in the world or people in general. It takes the love of men like Aric and Faris to show them that the world isn't entirely cruel. Faris heals Boro physically, he shows him kindness and expects nothing in return. He loves Boro and because of that love Boro regains some of his lost confidence. Through that confidence and the love Boro has for Faris, he shows Faris that he can be accepted by at least one man and perhaps others:
“Soldier, slave, thief, healer. Just words.” [Boro] reached across the table and pressed their entwined hands to Faris’s chest. “None of them tell us what’s in here – who a man truly is. And you, truly, are no thief.”Also,
“You’re no thief, dusho [my soul]. My beloved. You’re the bravest, best man I’ve ever met.”
Naturally, once our heroes find happiness and everything looks like it might be rainbows, the bad guy show up. Faris is faced with his greatest fears and I love him even more for his calm bravery in the face of this threat. I must say though that the bad guy is a suuuper bad guy. Truly evil, no redeeming qualities. However, although this book feels like it’s representative of the time period (not that I know much about 15th century Bosnia), it has a fairy tale quality to it. I’m not sure how to describe it – other than the way Faris and Boro are like two Cinderfellas in need of saving and two Princes who save each other. There’s something fairy tale-like in the tone as well. Anyway, every fairy tale needs a wicked villain so I don’t much care if the bad guy is truly eeevil.
I loved this story. Not only did it break my book slump, but I just want to hug it. If you like Kim Fielding, if you like Brute or Fielding’s story in Stitch or even historical novels, you’ll definitely be pleased with this story.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
May 1, 2019
This was so beautiful, I found myself crying!
Set in 15th century Bosnia, it is the tale of Faris, a young man who was sentenced to be whipped at a pillar for stealing. Broken and dying, Faris was taken off the pillar by the town's old herbalist who healed him and taught him his craft.
10 years later, the old herbalist is dead and Faris has taken over, healing the townsfolk of their ailments through the use of herbs.
When another man is whipped and left to die at the pillar, Faris takes him down and cares for him, just like his mentor did all those years ago.
Boro is a slave who was sentenced to die at the pillar, but thanks to Faris' gentle care, he survives and finds himself a free man who could go anywhere he likes.
But with Faris showing him kindness and a future to live for, where would be a better place to call home than at Faris' side?
This story is gorgeous.
The dramatic climax is amazing and the fact that doubting and insecure Faris realizes that the entire town stands behind him when it counts had me cry tears of happiness.
The story sure is a bit of a fairy tale, but I loved it like crazy!
5 stars!
Set in 15th century Bosnia, it is the tale of Faris, a young man who was sentenced to be whipped at a pillar for stealing. Broken and dying, Faris was taken off the pillar by the town's old herbalist who healed him and taught him his craft.
10 years later, the old herbalist is dead and Faris has taken over, healing the townsfolk of their ailments through the use of herbs.
When another man is whipped and left to die at the pillar, Faris takes him down and cares for him, just like his mentor did all those years ago.
Boro is a slave who was sentenced to die at the pillar, but thanks to Faris' gentle care, he survives and finds himself a free man who could go anywhere he likes.
But with Faris showing him kindness and a future to live for, where would be a better place to call home than at Faris' side?
This story is gorgeous.
The dramatic climax is amazing and the fact that doubting and insecure Faris realizes that the entire town stands behind him when it counts had me cry tears of happiness.
The story sure is a bit of a fairy tale, but I loved it like crazy!
5 stars!
November 4, 2014
This is a sweet little book with an historical setting but a fairy tale vibe. I enjoyed it very much.
The story concerns Faris, the village healer, and Boro, a slave who is nearly lashed to death but is saved by Faris.
Faris is a huggable character. He is similar to the MC from Fielding's other great book,
, which I also loved. Faris is kind to a fault and doesn't think much of himself. He is unaware of how loved he is by everyone around him.
Faris and Boro fall in love and then the plot thickens with the introduction of Baddie McBadderson (not sure I got that name right.) Baddie causes trouble for the love birds and I was spitting nails at the injustice of it all. Read the book to find out the rest.
Recommended to true romantics and lovers of fairy tales.
The story concerns Faris, the village healer, and Boro, a slave who is nearly lashed to death but is saved by Faris.
Faris is a huggable character. He is similar to the MC from Fielding's other great book,
, which I also loved. Faris is kind to a fault and doesn't think much of himself. He is unaware of how loved he is by everyone around him.Faris and Boro fall in love and then the plot thickens with the introduction of Baddie McBadderson (not sure I got that name right.) Baddie causes trouble for the love birds and I was spitting nails at the injustice of it all. Read the book to find out the rest.
Recommended to true romantics and lovers of fairy tales.
August 29, 2014
Faris, respected member of his community though it wasn't always so.
Boro, broken and bleeding, and left for dead.
Each has suffered and paid more than they should. This is a hurt/comfort story that actually makes you happy even when you realize that life is not fair. Bad things happen to people who may not be perfect, but not worthy of the consequences.
I liked the pairing. I found the twist in Boro's attitude a bit quick, but other than that it was quite smooth. I especially liked the ending since it didn't discount reality to bring it to a pleasant conclusion. The story itself reads somewhat like a fairytale, a simplicity with an underlying parable. There is a brutality, but it is downplayed in favor of the characters' resilience.
Favorite quote:
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
Boro, broken and bleeding, and left for dead.
Each has suffered and paid more than they should. This is a hurt/comfort story that actually makes you happy even when you realize that life is not fair. Bad things happen to people who may not be perfect, but not worthy of the consequences.
I liked the pairing. I found the twist in Boro's attitude a bit quick, but other than that it was quite smooth. I especially liked the ending since it didn't discount reality to bring it to a pleasant conclusion. The story itself reads somewhat like a fairytale, a simplicity with an underlying parable. There is a brutality, but it is downplayed in favor of the characters' resilience.
Favorite quote:
“You’re neither of those things, boy. But you’ll have to convince yourself of that first.”
~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~
May 8, 2017
4.5 Stars
A couple years ago, I read Brute, by this same author. The Pillar is similar in tone, but as much as I enjoyed Brute, I loved The Pillar even more. Kim Fielding has a way of taking characters that are imperfect - some by their pasts, or circumstance, some because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and some just because they are so very human - but she tells us their stories and when I read them, I'm transported to another land or time or maybe to somewhere that doesn't exist at all outside her head, and now mine. And what a journey. The Pillar was an absolute delight to read.
Faris is the herbalist for his town. Many years ago, when Faris was a child, he was orphaned and left to fed for himself. Desperation to survive drove him to steal, and he got caught and sentenced to being chained to the town pillar and whipped until he was nearly dead. He was rescued and nursed back to health by the town herbalist and, later, taught as an apprentice. Faris knows he is very fortunate to have been taken in and cared for and he spends his life doing the same for others.
One night, Faris rescues another man, who had been chained to that same pillar and flogged until he was near death. Boro is a former soldier who had been taken and sold into slavery a decade before. But now, he is no longer a slave because he was left to die. Faris nurses Boro back to health and they grow closer until they become lovers.
The Pillar is a story of second chances. Of sacrifice. Of love and acceptance. It's historical to a degree, but it's also timeless in a way. I devoured it in one sitting and would definitely read it again. I know The Pillar isn't a new story, but if you have not read it, but you have read and enjoyed Brute, read this one. You won't regret it.
-------------------
Review copy of The Pillar was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
A couple years ago, I read Brute, by this same author. The Pillar is similar in tone, but as much as I enjoyed Brute, I loved The Pillar even more. Kim Fielding has a way of taking characters that are imperfect - some by their pasts, or circumstance, some because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and some just because they are so very human - but she tells us their stories and when I read them, I'm transported to another land or time or maybe to somewhere that doesn't exist at all outside her head, and now mine. And what a journey. The Pillar was an absolute delight to read.
Faris is the herbalist for his town. Many years ago, when Faris was a child, he was orphaned and left to fed for himself. Desperation to survive drove him to steal, and he got caught and sentenced to being chained to the town pillar and whipped until he was nearly dead. He was rescued and nursed back to health by the town herbalist and, later, taught as an apprentice. Faris knows he is very fortunate to have been taken in and cared for and he spends his life doing the same for others.
One night, Faris rescues another man, who had been chained to that same pillar and flogged until he was near death. Boro is a former soldier who had been taken and sold into slavery a decade before. But now, he is no longer a slave because he was left to die. Faris nurses Boro back to health and they grow closer until they become lovers.
The Pillar is a story of second chances. Of sacrifice. Of love and acceptance. It's historical to a degree, but it's also timeless in a way. I devoured it in one sitting and would definitely read it again. I know The Pillar isn't a new story, but if you have not read it, but you have read and enjoyed Brute, read this one. You won't regret it.
-------------------
Review copy of The Pillar was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2014
Once again, Kim Fielding did not disappoint. Rosa's review is on point about this having fairy tale like quality to it and now that I think about it so are her other books. Her characters always has a lot of depth and so fleshed out that they almost seemed "real" to me. This might sound like a review on her other books but this is how I exactly feel about this story. Highly recommended story about two broken men who found healing with each other.
August 20, 2014
Sometimes a .gif is appropriate ...
I don't know why I never immediately jump into any of Kim Fielding's stories -- even if she never lets me down before. Maybe because she writes different topics and they are always good and somehow I need the right frame of mind when I start one.
Like this. Gah, the IDEA of the Pillars and people being punished there?!? I was reading this on a crowded bus on the way home, and I tried so hard not to choked up and cried right there.
It was a VERY GOOD hurt/comfort theme. Faris, who once a thief and being saved by the town's herbalist after being lashed, is now taken the role himself after his mentor died. Faris also becomes the 'healer' for the people being lashed on the Pillar. It broke my heart when I read Faris tales -- like he was forced to kill those who didn't make it after the lashing.
Then there was Boro. Yep, even imagining what he went through for those 10 years. GOSH, Ms. Fielding, really, just rip my heart, it's not like I need it.
But the hope and love between these two broken souls was GORGEOUS. It's the kind of story that makes you believe in humanity -- that despite the ugliness of this world, humanity can (and WILL) prevail. Especially the part during that climax of this story.
I wasn't completely happy with the path of the HEA offered in this story. Although I realized that it was the only way, considering the alternate-history, the lawn, the social decorum ... but still, I would be much happier there was a different kind of HEA. But it's HEA, no worries :). Because if it's not, I'm ready to embargo further Kim Fielding's stories *lol*
I don't know why I never immediately jump into any of Kim Fielding's stories -- even if she never lets me down before. Maybe because she writes different topics and they are always good and somehow I need the right frame of mind when I start one.
Like this. Gah, the IDEA of the Pillars and people being punished there?!? I was reading this on a crowded bus on the way home, and I tried so hard not to choked up and cried right there.
It was a VERY GOOD hurt/comfort theme. Faris, who once a thief and being saved by the town's herbalist after being lashed, is now taken the role himself after his mentor died. Faris also becomes the 'healer' for the people being lashed on the Pillar. It broke my heart when I read Faris tales -- like he was forced to kill those who didn't make it after the lashing.
Then there was Boro. Yep, even imagining what he went through for those 10 years. GOSH, Ms. Fielding, really, just rip my heart, it's not like I need it.
But the hope and love between these two broken souls was GORGEOUS. It's the kind of story that makes you believe in humanity -- that despite the ugliness of this world, humanity can (and WILL) prevail. Especially the part during that climax of this story.
I wasn't completely happy with the path of the HEA offered in this story. Although I realized that it was the only way, considering the alternate-history, the lawn, the social decorum ... but still, I would be much happier there was a different kind of HEA. But it's HEA, no worries :). Because if it's not, I'm ready to embargo further Kim Fielding's stories *lol*
August 14, 2014
Beautiful story about a former thief turned healer and a slave he rescues from the pillar where he was beaten and left to die.
I loved it right up to the end which I understand had to happen for the reasons that it did but I wish that the men could have continued on as they had been originally.
Fabulous hurt/comfort read.
I loved it right up to the end which I understand had to happen for the reasons that it did but I wish that the men could have continued on as they had been originally.
Fabulous hurt/comfort read.
June 19, 2015
*****4.5 Dusho Stars*****
This is the second book I've done by Fielding with a historical setting. Brute being the first (which I loved). So right out of the gate I was excited. I totally love this era. I would have loved to live during these times-- Well, only if they had feminine products, electricity, and running water. Oh, and condoms! But anyways, I digress. Fielding did amazing with the world building. And gave us a beautiful love story between a healer and a former slave. So if you want to come across sweet and swoon worthy MCs I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Nick for this rec!!
Also thanks to my BR crew: Julie, Momo, Marco, Elsbeth, Marte, and Nathan!
This is the second book I've done by Fielding with a historical setting. Brute being the first (which I loved). So right out of the gate I was excited. I totally love this era. I would have loved to live during these times-- Well, only if they had feminine products, electricity, and running water. Oh, and condoms! But anyways, I digress. Fielding did amazing with the world building. And gave us a beautiful love story between a healer and a former slave. So if you want to come across sweet and swoon worthy MCs I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Nick for this rec!!
Also thanks to my BR crew: Julie, Momo, Marco, Elsbeth, Marte, and Nathan!
March 22, 2020
3.5 stars
May 6, 2015
The Pillar is another wonderful story from the amazing Kim Fielding. Normally I’m not a huge fan of historical stories, but I would read anything this woman writes.
I love Kim Fielding’s characters. She always makes me fall in love with them. And I always want the best for them. Faris and Boro are no exception.
Faris, a former thief, is now the town healer. His past weighs heavily on him and he doesn’t see himself in a good light because of the things he’s done in the past. Nothing he’s done since seems to make him see what a wonderful, caring person he is. It’s hard not to love him, in my personal opinion. He rescues Boro, a slave, from the pillar of punishment and cares for him until he’s healed.
Boro is a former slave. His life has not been easy at all and he’s had his own things to deal with. He lost a lot because of war. But he’s not defeated, not yet anyway.
The two men become close as they spend more time together. It’s beautiful and what they have is very special. This is something Kim Fielding always does well and it’s one of the reasons I’ve loved every book of hers that I’ve read.
Some of this story is hard to read. It’s heartbreaking, and harsh at times. Things happen that make you want to scream. And when Faris is accused of stealing something by Boro’s former master, I was definitely worried for him.
The ending is lovely. I was really happy these two got their well-deserved HEA. Faris and Boro definitely deserved it.
Would I recommend this? Hell yes! You don’t have to like historical stories to enjoy this. Not when the writing as beautiful as it is here and the characters are as lovable. I can’t give it less than 5 stars. I’ll definitely read this again.
A copy of this book was given to me by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I love Kim Fielding’s characters. She always makes me fall in love with them. And I always want the best for them. Faris and Boro are no exception.
Faris, a former thief, is now the town healer. His past weighs heavily on him and he doesn’t see himself in a good light because of the things he’s done in the past. Nothing he’s done since seems to make him see what a wonderful, caring person he is. It’s hard not to love him, in my personal opinion. He rescues Boro, a slave, from the pillar of punishment and cares for him until he’s healed.
Boro is a former slave. His life has not been easy at all and he’s had his own things to deal with. He lost a lot because of war. But he’s not defeated, not yet anyway.
“For ten years, nobody has touched me except to hurt me. Nobody except you. Please, Faris.”
The two men become close as they spend more time together. It’s beautiful and what they have is very special. This is something Kim Fielding always does well and it’s one of the reasons I’ve loved every book of hers that I’ve read.
Some of this story is hard to read. It’s heartbreaking, and harsh at times. Things happen that make you want to scream. And when Faris is accused of stealing something by Boro’s former master, I was definitely worried for him.
The ending is lovely. I was really happy these two got their well-deserved HEA. Faris and Boro definitely deserved it.
Would I recommend this? Hell yes! You don’t have to like historical stories to enjoy this. Not when the writing as beautiful as it is here and the characters are as lovable. I can’t give it less than 5 stars. I’ll definitely read this again.
A copy of this book was given to me by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 12, 2016
4.5 rounded up
A simple story.
With beautiful characters.
Emotional, romantic.
I loved it.
A simple story.
With beautiful characters.
Emotional, romantic.
I loved it.
November 30, 2015
No one writes historical, heart breaking fairy tales like Kim Fielding. I absolutely love the characters and the world she creates. It's both brutal and beautiful at the same time. Highly recommended.
September 17, 2014
This was a short realism-infused fairy-tale story with a simple but satisfying romance arc. In this small medieval Bosnian town there is a pillar, a whipping post. Men whose crimes are severe enough, slaves whose worth has dropped too low, may be sentenced to be tied there, whipped past or near to death and left. To die or live, to be rescued or not, but separated from their former life by the extreme punishment.
Faris was one of those men, a young thief, who was taken down and nursed back to health by the local healer. Over time he took over the post of town healer, learning what he could, trying always to atone for his wrongdoing and the worthlessness the whip had branded deep in him. On the death of his mentor, it became Faris's self-imposed job to tend to those whom the whipping at the pillar left still living. He's saved some, failed others, and it's taking its toll. He doesn't want to face another broken man. Then one night he gets the call again, to come cut down a former slave, tossed out by his owner to be flogged to death. But Boro didn't die, and Faris can't refuse to tend him.
Faris reaps what he sows, in the reactions of Boro and his neighbors and those he angers. There were few surprises, but the story worked for me, until the end. Major spoiler:
So I did enjoy this story - I love this author's ability to make me care about characters and to make a fantasy or historical setting feel real and immediate. A major ending quibble made me love this one less than "Brute" but I will pick up her next book in this vein eagerly.
Faris was one of those men, a young thief, who was taken down and nursed back to health by the local healer. Over time he took over the post of town healer, learning what he could, trying always to atone for his wrongdoing and the worthlessness the whip had branded deep in him. On the death of his mentor, it became Faris's self-imposed job to tend to those whom the whipping at the pillar left still living. He's saved some, failed others, and it's taking its toll. He doesn't want to face another broken man. Then one night he gets the call again, to come cut down a former slave, tossed out by his owner to be flogged to death. But Boro didn't die, and Faris can't refuse to tend him.
Faris reaps what he sows, in the reactions of Boro and his neighbors and those he angers. There were few surprises, but the story worked for me, until the end. Major spoiler:
So I did enjoy this story - I love this author's ability to make me care about characters and to make a fantasy or historical setting feel real and immediate. A major ending quibble made me love this one less than "Brute" but I will pick up her next book in this vein eagerly.
October 29, 2014
This book was...lovely.
Though a historical, it reads a bit like a fairy tale. And what I'm finding in the books that Kim Fielding writes that I've read (Brute, The Tin Box), her writing combines something gentle and kind with something harsh and sharp.
In The Pillar, Faris is the town herbalist. He lives a very simple life that suits him. He's had enough action in his past. In his role, he comes across Boro, a man in need of medical attention and care. The relationship that forms between them is heartwarming. I felt...FULL OF LOVE...as the two of them grew to care for each other.
Being fairy tale'esque, the connection is quick and the love grew in very little time. But, it was believable...or something you WANT to believe in. And the commitment and dedication between the two of them was so fierce and emotional. I loved thier care and their joy they found in one another.
There are some parts of the book that I found hard to read simply because of the unfairness and the sadness of it all. But, Fielding counters those moments with healing-through-love bits and it made it worth it.
The townspeople of Zidar were a joy to get to know as well...in all their idiosyncracies. Their interactions with Faris and Boro were some of my favorite parts of the story.
Really enjoyed this one...highly recommended.
July 17, 2014
Beta'd it. Lucky me. You'll love it.
June 8, 2017
He’d always been ashamed of his scars. They were like brands, visible and tangible reminders of what he was. But as he gazed at Boro, he realized that scars might also be badges of honor. Scars might say to the world, Look what was done to me. And yet I am strong-—I survived.
Faris didn’t yet feel that strength within himself, but someday he might.
Faris swore he would never take another man from the pillar. His heart, his soul, couldn’t take it anymore. But his town, his friends, seemed believe otherwise. So despite all his protestations, Faris finds himself in the courtyard, staring at a man beaten and whipped, only a few short hours from death. Unable to walk away, Faris cuts him down, takes him home, and does his best to save him.
Faris knows what it is like to find yourself on the pillar. The pain, the humiliation, the hopelessness. But he also knows what it is like to be taken from the pillar. To be cleaned and cared for. To be given a new chance, and new family of sorts. But some part of him still feels attached to that pillar. Still the young thief, unworthy of anything but a long death. And so he finds himself hesitant to accept the offer in Boro’s eyes and hands, afraid that the invitation is only given in payment for cutting the man down.
For what does a slave and a healer, a thief and a killer, have in common?
This has to be my favorite of Kim Fielding’s books. And believe you me that is a rather tough race to win. There was just something about the way that this story flowed, about how it teetered so finely between hope and despair, that I loved.
I don’t normally read historicals set in the 15th century. Hell, I rarely even step out of 19th century England. But Fielding rarely leads me wrong, so I thought I would give this book a chance. I figured, who knows, maybe something different will be just the thing I have been craving of late. And it really really was. I may not know much about the time or land this takes place in, but it is written in a way that that doesn’t matter. Fielding paints the picture perfectly, giving enough that is familiar so that I didn’t feel lost, but filled the story with people and places that made this something beautifully exotic. And real.
There was also a lot of coffee going on in this book. A lot of coffee going on everywhere, my house included, because…well, because I am an addict and you can’t spend that much time talking about wonderful, bitter coffee and not expect me to drink nearly three cups of it as I read the story. (This may have also indirectly led to my 3am pancake making, but that is actually pretty normal around here.)
Faris and Boro were more than I thought they’d be. Faris, despite it being years since his mentor removed him from the pillar, still believes–-at least partly–-that he’s still the boy who was strung up there. His scars, his pain, may be hidden from the world, but they still sit heavy on him. Some part of him is always going to feel just a breath away from losing it all over again. But he is also a man who has dedicated his life to helping others. To continuing the work of the man he came to love as a father. He has a strength that kept him thru his time on the street, his almost death at the pillar, and his life as the healer of a town that almost was the death of him.
And Boro…god, I loved how he could be afraid and certain almost at the same time. He has lost everything. Family, friends, his past, his freedom. He has been beaten and nearly broken in every way imaginable. And yet he never really lost track of who he was. He is the one that gives Faris strength to take what he wants, even as Faris is the one to help heal the wounds that are so much further than skin deep.
The way the tension in this book was written, is by far my favorite part. Everything is so happy, everything is coming together like it should, and yet you can’t help but feel a sinking dread that something is coming. You don’t really know what it is till it comes pounding on their door, but you can feel it haunting the edges of the story. Because nothing is ever this easy in storyland. But when it happens, when their perfect bubble is popped, it doesn’t feel…forced, I guess. It slides into it so naturally that you realize that this horrible tension has been building for quite some time. And as it plays out, it hovers closer and closer to disaster and you don’t know where the turn will be. Don’t know how many tears you are going to have to shed before it ends. And there were tears-–for me at least.
This book wrapped me up in so many different, wonderful ways. The characters’ struggles, both with their past and their present, made this more than just a story. They were real. For the brief moment in time in which they existed in my head, they were real and I didn’t want them to hurt…even if I wanted to see their pain. I loved the historical aspect, as well. And the coffee (did I mention my slight addiction?). For all that this was only novella length, it packed quite a punch. The love, the hurt, the joy, the regret-–it was all felt and felt quite deeply by both them and me.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
August 30, 2014
I felt like I was watching a Disney movie with gay characters and sex.
And I'll leave it at that for now. (worst review, ever)
July 26, 2021
yup this author sure likes to write about men who have been abused... but somehow, it's not old yet.
I like that Faris is a smallish, delicate man with a backbone of steel. I like that he protected the much bigger Boro
I like that Faris is a smallish, delicate man with a backbone of steel. I like that he protected the much bigger Boro
September 5, 2014
My first Fielding, and I'm sure not disappointed.
Quite a lovely writing style. Her world building skills are very good.
Quite a lovely writing style. Her world building skills are very good.
December 24, 2025
4⭐️ very well-written and immersive historical novella. I really liked the hurt/comfort plot between Faris an Boro—two damaged men, one a former thief-turned-healer and the other a slave left for dead.
Though this story was brutal at times—with its Medieval setting—the friendships among the villagers and the romance itself was very sweet.
Though this story was brutal at times—with its Medieval setting—the friendships among the villagers and the romance itself was very sweet.
June 24, 2025
I enjoyed rereading this one after 9 years. I hadn’t rated or reviewed it but knew I liked it the first time and that’s true again. That said, while I’m giving The Pillar 4 stars, I didn’t like the very end. The solution to Faris and Boro continuing to live together in a time and place that forbids homosexuality made me deeply uncomfortable. I’m not saying it didn’t make sense or that it wasn’t a logical solution, I just wish Fielding could have found a less disturbing way to make it work.
September 24, 2019
5 truly optimistic stars!
Kim Fielding has a way with words, definitely! Her stories are lyrical and simply beautiful and her world-building is exquisite - you can easily imagine being there yourself, among those people, those buildings, those events...
But what I love in Kim Fielding's books even more is that she takes a "normal", average (or even underprivileged) person and turns him into a great MC, a silent hero, a strong, wonderful man.
Quite a few of my GR friends mention in their reviews of The Pillar that it reminds them of Brute and I agree with them. The somewhat "peaceful" tone and pace of this book (despite of the harsh prison setting and one of the MCs being convict/slave) and the "averageness" of the MCs (even though one was a magic user to some extent) make Brute so similar to Faris and Boro's story.
In my case though, The Pillar brought back to my mind another of Kim's wonderful love stories. The way Faris was so insecure and so doubting in his value and strength reminded me of Dante from The Clockwork Heart. Faris, also like Dante, is so skilful and kindhearted - he doesn't even realise how much the people around him respect and like him.
All in all, I fell in love with Faris - a person I would love to call my friend if I ever lived in Zidar ;)
I fell for Boro too - the abused and beaten slave, who speaks of being numb and broken and hopeless, but who, deep down, is so strong and kind and caring.
And I simply adored all of the supporting characters - the people of Zidar were great and endearing, starting from the kids, Ibro and Ajla, to all the craftsmen, like Igor or Mehmed, to even the seemingly stiff and rigid Qadi Divjak, and finally to the best friend ever to both of the MCs, the kafana-keeper Mirsada :)
So, if you are looking for a lyrical hurt-comfort read, with sweet, charming MCs (even though there's some Master/slave dynamics and angst and abuse), great world-building and an overpowering feeling of hope - The Pillar is definitely for you! Highly recommended!!!
(And I think a re-read of The Clockwork Heart is due ;) And soon!)
Kim Fielding has a way with words, definitely! Her stories are lyrical and simply beautiful and her world-building is exquisite - you can easily imagine being there yourself, among those people, those buildings, those events...
But what I love in Kim Fielding's books even more is that she takes a "normal", average (or even underprivileged) person and turns him into a great MC, a silent hero, a strong, wonderful man.
Quite a few of my GR friends mention in their reviews of The Pillar that it reminds them of Brute and I agree with them. The somewhat "peaceful" tone and pace of this book (despite of the harsh prison setting and one of the MCs being convict/slave) and the "averageness" of the MCs (even though one was a magic user to some extent) make Brute so similar to Faris and Boro's story.
In my case though, The Pillar brought back to my mind another of Kim's wonderful love stories. The way Faris was so insecure and so doubting in his value and strength reminded me of Dante from The Clockwork Heart. Faris, also like Dante, is so skilful and kindhearted - he doesn't even realise how much the people around him respect and like him.
All in all, I fell in love with Faris - a person I would love to call my friend if I ever lived in Zidar ;)
I fell for Boro too - the abused and beaten slave, who speaks of being numb and broken and hopeless, but who, deep down, is so strong and kind and caring.
And I simply adored all of the supporting characters - the people of Zidar were great and endearing, starting from the kids, Ibro and Ajla, to all the craftsmen, like Igor or Mehmed, to even the seemingly stiff and rigid Qadi Divjak, and finally to the best friend ever to both of the MCs, the kafana-keeper Mirsada :)
So, if you are looking for a lyrical hurt-comfort read, with sweet, charming MCs (even though there's some Master/slave dynamics and angst and abuse), great world-building and an overpowering feeling of hope - The Pillar is definitely for you! Highly recommended!!!
(And I think a re-read of The Clockwork Heart is due ;) And soon!)
March 3, 2015
**** 4 Dusho stars ****
--------------------------
"Soldier, slave, thief, healer. Just words." He [Boro] reached across the table and pressed their entwined hands to Faris's chest. "None of them tell us what's in here--who a man truly is. And you, truly, are no thief."
--------------------------
This was such a great story, beautiful written by Fielding. I loved the world build and the characters. It was also perfectly balanced so it wasn't too harsh, or too bad if the blurb or the cover makes you hesitant to read it.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Reading updates:
19%
"Why would you do this for a slave? " Boro asked.
"I do this for an injured man. Whether he wears a collar--or used to wear one--makes no difference to my remedies."
40%
"(...)you can rest while I heat some water. You can bathe, if you like."
"I'd rather watch you."
*sigh*
49%
It was as if the pain from those lash marks had lingered all these years, wearing into Faris, body and soul. Yet each kiss eased a little more the pain away, like a soothing poultice on battered skin.
52%
(...) like a stone falling off a cliff and shattering to dust, and every particle of that dust reveling in its freedom.
Now THAT is beautiful writing right there!
53%
...he realized that scars might also be badges of honor. Scars might say to the world, Look what was done to me. And yet I am strong--I survived.
59%
For those brief seconds, he hadn't been an orphan who wore rags and slept in an alley. He was a bird, a wind spirit, a dream.
But he'd always fallen back to earth.
Oh, poor Faris... *sniff*
68%
I guess you are a thief after all, dusho. You've stolen me for good.
100%
"I'm flying already, dusho."
That was great!
December 22, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Thank you thank you to El Duende for this gift from one of my favorite authors, I very much enjoyed it! xx
Thank you thank you to El Duende for this gift from one of my favorite authors, I very much enjoyed it! xx
October 10, 2024
This was a quick little read. But the story was complete, not short-changed just because it’s a novella.
It’s a story of an herbalist, Farias, rescuing a dying, beaten man, a slave named Boro. They grow close and fall in love. There’s some drama with Boro’s owner and Faris being the hero, taking the brunt of punishment on himself. Then, his village came to save him, stood up for him, who saved people they cared about.
And he’s no longer that boy who was a thief, tied and punished at the pillar, but rather he was the pillar of the entire community. Nice play on words with the title.
The reason it’s 4 stars not 5 is because it’s pretty simple, nothing truly intense or memorable about the story. I won’t remember what this is about when I come across it again. Hence it’s not 5.
It’s a story of an herbalist, Farias, rescuing a dying, beaten man, a slave named Boro. They grow close and fall in love. There’s some drama with Boro’s owner and Faris being the hero, taking the brunt of punishment on himself. Then, his village came to save him, stood up for him, who saved people they cared about.
And he’s no longer that boy who was a thief, tied and punished at the pillar, but rather he was the pillar of the entire community. Nice play on words with the title.
The reason it’s 4 stars not 5 is because it’s pretty simple, nothing truly intense or memorable about the story. I won’t remember what this is about when I come across it again. Hence it’s not 5.
June 11, 2021
A wonderful fairytale, Fielding does them well. So much emotion Faris doubting his worth and Boro quietly accepting of so much pain. Both with so much love to give and learn to accept. Very emotional at times. The finalle was mostly an expected scenario but still wonderful to read. Had to think a bit about the very last gesture, what an incredible statement of trust and a show of how the village supports them.
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