The Seventh Gift: A Novel of Belisarius

by William Havelock

The world is dying. That much is certain. The only question who will rule over the ashes?

Rome has been reclaimed. Against all odds, Belisarius has triumphed. But peace is fleeting, and glory only whets the Empire’s appetite for more.

As the Gothic War rages on, Belisarius and his weary veterans are driven north, tasked with shattering the last defenses of King Witiges. Vast Gothic armies rally to resist them, yet rumors swirl in every camp and village—whispers that Belisarius, not Witiges nor even faraway Justinian, is the man destined to wear the crown. Others within the Gothic ranks look to distant tribes, questioning whether domination by a foreign warlord might be kinder than vengeance from Constantinople.

Northern Italy burns. The walls of Mediolanum and Ravenna tremble beneath the clash of empires. But as blood soaks the soil, a darker shadow spreads.

It begins in the east—with hushed reports of a creeping affliction. A merciless scourge, striking faster than any sword, deadlier than any siege. Towns are emptied in days. Fields are left fallow, choked not by war, but by the afflicted. Some call it divine retribution. For others, the final revelation, borne atop a pale horse.

And still the Empire demands more.

While Justinian dreams of a Roman world reborn, his forces are stretched thin—caught between the fury of the Ostrogoths, rebellion smoldering in Africa, and a plague that devours all in its path. Belisarius and Varus must hold the line against chaos itself, even as the foundations of the Empire begin to crack beneath their feet.

Italy teeters between rebirth and ruin. And in the ashes of a crumbling world, only one truth

The Empire will be united—or it will burn.

828 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2025

Reviews

[Paul A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m impressed at how well the author has managed to tie together Varus’s story together with all of the historical events taking place around him. Havelock delivers brutal combat that is satisfying like few others can and is able to really make the world feel full and lived in, even as plague and war continues to tear the land apart. The final revelation hinted at by the title hints at even greater conflict to come, even as the current struggle drags on.

[Robert Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better. Looking forward to the final(?) chapter next summer.

[Terence Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

Unable to stop reading.. Brilliant story telling. Loved every minute of the battles. Worried incase some of the great characters would not survive. A masterpiece of history and ficton. Read all six books in one epic read. Would recommend this series to any one who loves a great adventure

[Carolyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!

This latest instalment of The Last of the Romans is a thrilling continuation of an epic historical novel brilliantly told. I recommend it highly to anyone interested in the genre. The Roman Empire inspires many good writers. Havelock in my opinion is the best.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are not enough superlatives to describe this series.

[Nicholas Gurr · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its offensive that an idiot like Havelock could be writing about such interesting (real) people so poorly.

[John Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh gift: Book 7

Awesome reading! I totally enjoyed these books. Can’t wait for book #7. I highly recommend these books. One of my favorite authors as well.

[Robert Swisko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another success for Havelock

This series continues to shed light on an era of Roman history overlooked by most writers of historical fiction. Looking forward to book 7

[Joji Hiratsuka · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

Love how you weave a compelling narrative while staying close to real history! See too many pseudo historical books out there.

[Richard Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not taught in our schools, but a fascinating period piece well researched.

[kevin m. cleaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 is excellent

The six books in this series are excellent reads; good stories based on historical
fact. I look forward to book 7.