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The Last of the Romans #1
The Last Dying Light
Rome has fallen into darkness.
Its legacy remains alive in Constantinople, whose leaders struggle to retain control of a decaying land. Yet famine, war, and an encroaching night leave the Eastern Empire trending towards ruin.
Faint hope arises as a new dynasty ascends to the throne of Caesar. Bearing witness to such events is Varus, a young Herulian slave to the aging yet powerful Justin, who unveils a bold plan held by two generations of Romans – to retake the West and reclaim their homeland.
Following Justin’s dream, Varus enlists with the Roman Army and discovers the carnage of 6th Century warfare. As a mysterious horde of black-shielded invaders devastates the Empire’s northern provinces, Varus’ unit is called upon to defend under the leadership of Belisarius, one of Justin’s most promising commanders.
As Varus prepares for the sacrifices to come, however, he begins to question Justin’s secrets, seeking answers regarding his true identity and place as a pivotal figure in the Empire’s survival.
Its legacy remains alive in Constantinople, whose leaders struggle to retain control of a decaying land. Yet famine, war, and an encroaching night leave the Eastern Empire trending towards ruin.
Faint hope arises as a new dynasty ascends to the throne of Caesar. Bearing witness to such events is Varus, a young Herulian slave to the aging yet powerful Justin, who unveils a bold plan held by two generations of Romans – to retake the West and reclaim their homeland.
Following Justin’s dream, Varus enlists with the Roman Army and discovers the carnage of 6th Century warfare. As a mysterious horde of black-shielded invaders devastates the Empire’s northern provinces, Varus’ unit is called upon to defend under the leadership of Belisarius, one of Justin’s most promising commanders.
As Varus prepares for the sacrifices to come, however, he begins to question Justin’s secrets, seeking answers regarding his true identity and place as a pivotal figure in the Empire’s survival.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2020
712 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 26, 2020
I received an advance reading copy.
This book gives you everything you want and more. From the thrilling storyline, to the well developed character arcs, and shocking attention to historical detail, this novel absolutely has it all. You will not want to put it down once, I know that I sure didn't!
This book gives you everything you want and more. From the thrilling storyline, to the well developed character arcs, and shocking attention to historical detail, this novel absolutely has it all. You will not want to put it down once, I know that I sure didn't!
November 29, 2020
This book had everything I was looking for. William Havelock's writing reminds me of some of my favorite authors such as Bernard Cornwell as I found myself empathizing with Varus' battles and internal conflicts. This novel is far more than just blood and gore; the bits of mystery and tinges of horror made me feel like my kindle was a movie screen. I highly recommend this to anyone that is interested in historical fiction, regardless of your knowledge of history.
October 6, 2022
A pretty entertaining read. I found the writing was good most of the way through. It got a bit weird and inconsistent the last 3rd or so, and the author made a few odd decisions trying to push characters down paths and create scenes that didn’t really make any sense. It won’t be for everyone with it’s okay character work, but I’m invested in the story unfolding here so will definitely continue.
August 29, 2024
A great start to a series. 5⭐️
January 5, 2022
Needs work
The author mis-uses words frequently, and mixes "biblical" words with old English phrases in what seems to be an attempt to sound the way people might have spoken at the time. The result is not very convincing, and these detract from the story.
The author mis-uses words frequently, and mixes "biblical" words with old English phrases in what seems to be an attempt to sound the way people might have spoken at the time. The result is not very convincing, and these detract from the story.
August 1, 2021
Well written
Some of the best historical fiction I have ever read. Am buying the second book now. You will love this!
Some of the best historical fiction I have ever read. Am buying the second book now. You will love this!
March 10, 2024
A gripping tale...
Although the author took some artistic liberties, creating some composite characters and fudging the timeline a tiny bit (maybe 30 years?), this is an exhaustively researched piece of historical fiction.I
I have read several well written pieces of historical fiction about this era, but this one has to be the most accurate, and certainly one of the most gratifying of them to read.
Although the author took some artistic liberties, creating some composite characters and fudging the timeline a tiny bit (maybe 30 years?), this is an exhaustively researched piece of historical fiction.I
I have read several well written pieces of historical fiction about this era, but this one has to be the most accurate, and certainly one of the most gratifying of them to read.
October 10, 2022
A splendid and highly enjoyable work of historical fiction.
The novel is very trope heavy, but that's not a point against it. It utilizes these tropes to better flesh out its characters and to improve the pacing and storytelling of the narrative, which would otherwise would be a bit dry. Though at times the tropes get a bit silly, like how many close connections the protagonist (who is based on a real person) has to various famous and powerful individuals.
The prose is exquisite, and draws the reader right into the time and place as well as the protagonist's head. The story and writing does particular justice to military life in this military fiction story. It highlights things like comradery and bravery and duty, but doesn't shy away from the awful things such the death, the difficulty, and the less romanticized aspects like boredom, corruption, and bigotry.
High recommended for fans of military fiction, historical fiction, and though it doesn't feature magic or dragons, fantasy fans would enjoy it too.
The novel is very trope heavy, but that's not a point against it. It utilizes these tropes to better flesh out its characters and to improve the pacing and storytelling of the narrative, which would otherwise would be a bit dry. Though at times the tropes get a bit silly, like how many close connections the protagonist (who is based on a real person) has to various famous and powerful individuals.
The prose is exquisite, and draws the reader right into the time and place as well as the protagonist's head. The story and writing does particular justice to military life in this military fiction story. It highlights things like comradery and bravery and duty, but doesn't shy away from the awful things such the death, the difficulty, and the less romanticized aspects like boredom, corruption, and bigotry.
High recommended for fans of military fiction, historical fiction, and though it doesn't feature magic or dragons, fantasy fans would enjoy it too.
August 25, 2020
I received a reading copy in advance.
This book has it all: drama, horror, comedic relief, passion, mystery, and most of all, action. On top of being highly entertaining, I felt like I learned quite a bit about sixth century Constantinople by reading this book.
Havelock's imagery transported me into the mind of a young slave named Varus. I saw with his eyes, I heard with his ears, I felt like his accomplishments were my own, and his fears were empathized.
This book only begins to tip the iceberg in what I hope to be an incredible series. I look forward to this book becoming widely accessible so I can talk to my friends about the impressive adventures of Varus and reflect on the history they provide through an exciting lens.
This book has it all: drama, horror, comedic relief, passion, mystery, and most of all, action. On top of being highly entertaining, I felt like I learned quite a bit about sixth century Constantinople by reading this book.
Havelock's imagery transported me into the mind of a young slave named Varus. I saw with his eyes, I heard with his ears, I felt like his accomplishments were my own, and his fears were empathized.
This book only begins to tip the iceberg in what I hope to be an incredible series. I look forward to this book becoming widely accessible so I can talk to my friends about the impressive adventures of Varus and reflect on the history they provide through an exciting lens.
November 11, 2022
The language and the characters are too modern and American. As if they are thrown from a 2000's University to Justinian Constantinople. The fiction is also predictable, trying to fill all the checkboxes of a bestseller. Especially the romance between the Hero and the slave girl...
A period of a resurrection attempt to a fallen empire is a great setup. Some details about daily life are well told. (Like the chariot hooligans' back in the day). Also training and war scenes were well written and dynamic.
A period of a resurrection attempt to a fallen empire is a great setup. Some details about daily life are well told. (Like the chariot hooligans' back in the day). Also training and war scenes were well written and dynamic.
June 7, 2023
2.5 / 5. A nice story, some fairly detailed battle scenes, quite flat and uninteresting characters. The language spoken is far too modern (expressions like "men and women who build the empire".... really? Feminists in 500 AD?). Overall it suffers from the same illness of all modern historical fiction, it has ho appeal to modern audiences, hence it looks more like modern people wearing costumes than a real historical scene.
August 24, 2022
Did not finish. Writing is decent but historical accuracy is not.
November 30, 2023
What an amazing book! Definitely going to smash through this series
April 2, 2023
The title intrigued me, as it claimed to be a novel about Belisarius, about whom so many legends, operas and great paintings have revolved. In this book, for the first part, Belisarius has a cameo role only, as he saves Justinian's mistress Theodora from the Nika riots following the chariot races of 532. Varus, the narrator, is a former slave who is given his freedom in order that he may join the army and be posted far away from Constantinople, rather than be executed for raising his hand to an aristocrat. The novel follows the adventures and career of Varus (the real life Pharas the Herulian) in the aftermath of the sack of Scythian Neapolis, modern Simferopol in the Crimea.
A well written book, which perhaps I might not have selected to read, had the title been ever so slightly less misleading. Thus: "The Last Dying Light: A Novel about Varus the Herulian" does not sound half so inviting! And yet the exploits of Varus have been drawn with a deft touch. There are, moreover, tantalising glimpses of the court of Justin I in his last years, as well as of Justinian and his Empress, Theodora and her chief lady in waiting, Antonina, the wife of Count Belisarius and many other historical persons about whom so little is known, including the army commanders Archelaus, Mundus and Narsus, the eunuch who rose to be a commander himself.
It is almost at the end of the second half that Belisarius comes into his own, practically rescuing the tattered remnants of a demoralised Roman Army from complete annihilation and winning a tactical victory over the Avar tribes in the Chersonese Taurica (in the Crimea).
A scrupulously researched fictional account of a truly obscure period of history, well written, gory enough with battle-scenes to satisfy the most bloodthirsty teenager, and yet sober enough to interest a professional historian.
A well written book, which perhaps I might not have selected to read, had the title been ever so slightly less misleading. Thus: "The Last Dying Light: A Novel about Varus the Herulian" does not sound half so inviting! And yet the exploits of Varus have been drawn with a deft touch. There are, moreover, tantalising glimpses of the court of Justin I in his last years, as well as of Justinian and his Empress, Theodora and her chief lady in waiting, Antonina, the wife of Count Belisarius and many other historical persons about whom so little is known, including the army commanders Archelaus, Mundus and Narsus, the eunuch who rose to be a commander himself.
It is almost at the end of the second half that Belisarius comes into his own, practically rescuing the tattered remnants of a demoralised Roman Army from complete annihilation and winning a tactical victory over the Avar tribes in the Chersonese Taurica (in the Crimea).
A scrupulously researched fictional account of a truly obscure period of history, well written, gory enough with battle-scenes to satisfy the most bloodthirsty teenager, and yet sober enough to interest a professional historian.
March 2, 2021
Read It - You Will Be Gratified
Most series seem to die out after a huge drop in quality after the first in a series that is successful. Don’t expect it in this storyline. It’s got legs and I am interested to see just how far it’ll go.
Varys is the focus in this book. It’s annoying that he seems to be such a weepy little pansy. People who become successful, especially ragingly successful in this period of history, are anything but. So when he shrieks, weeps, cries, etc. etc., It’s annoying to say the least. And I feel it’s not a true representation of someone who actually has a conscience and concern about the betterment of humanity. You don’t have to be a crybaby to be concerned.
That said, the rest of the plot line the characters are all very well done by the author. He introduces some extras that aren’t really in history, per se, but that’s OK because they give a richness to the storyline.
This book definitely has better editing than many other books that are currently on the market. Even though there is the occasional disparity between words such as racked that is appropriate to describe what’s happening, when it’s spelled WRACKED in the book. So yes, some words got through editing that sound like the words that should be used but it isn’t the right word.
Try it, you’ll like it!
Most series seem to die out after a huge drop in quality after the first in a series that is successful. Don’t expect it in this storyline. It’s got legs and I am interested to see just how far it’ll go.
Varys is the focus in this book. It’s annoying that he seems to be such a weepy little pansy. People who become successful, especially ragingly successful in this period of history, are anything but. So when he shrieks, weeps, cries, etc. etc., It’s annoying to say the least. And I feel it’s not a true representation of someone who actually has a conscience and concern about the betterment of humanity. You don’t have to be a crybaby to be concerned.
That said, the rest of the plot line the characters are all very well done by the author. He introduces some extras that aren’t really in history, per se, but that’s OK because they give a richness to the storyline.
This book definitely has better editing than many other books that are currently on the market. Even though there is the occasional disparity between words such as racked that is appropriate to describe what’s happening, when it’s spelled WRACKED in the book. So yes, some words got through editing that sound like the words that should be used but it isn’t the right word.
Try it, you’ll like it!
November 28, 2021
Ένα πολύ καλό ιστορικό μυθιστόρημα, το οποίο διαδραματίζεται σε μια εν πολλοίς παραμελημένη ιστορική περίοδο. Η πλοκή περιστρέφεται γύρω από την περιπετειώδη πορεία ενός νεαρού Έρουλου σκλάβου που καταλήγει στο στρατό της Ανατο��ικής Ρωμαϊκής αυτοκρατορίας. Μέσα από κατανοητή γλώσσα αλλά και πλούσιες περιγραφές, ο Havelock αναπαριστά πιστά την ταραχώδη πολιτική ζωή της Κωνσταντινούπολης του 6ου αιώνα με τις παλατιανές δολοπλοκίες και τις εξεγέρσεις των Δήμων του Ιπποδρόμου. Το πιο δυνατό σημείο όμως του βιβλίου αποτελούν οι ρεαλιστικές σκηνές μάχης που είναι εφάμιλλες άλλων μεγάλων συγγραφέων του είδους όπως ο Cornwell. Ο συγγραφέας παίρνει κάποιες ελευθερίες π.χ οι Άβαροι ως απειλή για την αυτοκρατορία εμφανίζονται κάποιες δεκαετίες αργότερα. Ωστόσο τέτοιες παρατηρήσεις είναι αμελητέες εφόσον έχουμε να κάνουμε με ένα μυθιστόρημα και όχι ιστορικό έργο. Παρά τις μυθοπλαστικές παρεμβάσεις, ο συγγραφέας δεν παύει να σέβεται απόλυτα το ιστορικό πλαίσιο όπου τοποθετεί την δράση του.
March 7, 2021
An enthralling and captivating story!
This was an epic tale of Rome's eastern empire, valiantly fighting for it's very existence. In the 6th century AD, Rome has fallen, the western empire is no more and the legions of old, long gone. The army is made up of mainly barbarian peoples who consider themselves to be Roman. They are relatively few in number and lacking in equipment but, retain the martial zeal of old Rome. Constantinople is basically a Greek city, falling apart at the seams but its leaders maintain the pretence that they alone carry the torch for all that was great about the Roman way of life. Our tale follows the progress of a young barbarian boy, from slave to decorated military commander. A fantastic tale and well recommended!
This was an epic tale of Rome's eastern empire, valiantly fighting for it's very existence. In the 6th century AD, Rome has fallen, the western empire is no more and the legions of old, long gone. The army is made up of mainly barbarian peoples who consider themselves to be Roman. They are relatively few in number and lacking in equipment but, retain the martial zeal of old Rome. Constantinople is basically a Greek city, falling apart at the seams but its leaders maintain the pretence that they alone carry the torch for all that was great about the Roman way of life. Our tale follows the progress of a young barbarian boy, from slave to decorated military commander. A fantastic tale and well recommended!
March 9, 2021
Solid work of historical fiction
Tho book is the first instalment in a series set on the backdrop of the campaigns led by Flavius Belisarius, one of the most successful generals of all ages, although not as famous as historical figures such as Gaius Julius Caesar or Alexander of Macedon.
Extremely well written and well researched, the tale is told through Varys, a slave of barbarian origin who, granted freedom by his master, the emperor Justin, embarks on military career in the Roman army that will put in close contact with Belisarius.
A fascinating tale set in a fascinating, and often forgotten period of our history.
Tho book is the first instalment in a series set on the backdrop of the campaigns led by Flavius Belisarius, one of the most successful generals of all ages, although not as famous as historical figures such as Gaius Julius Caesar or Alexander of Macedon.
Extremely well written and well researched, the tale is told through Varys, a slave of barbarian origin who, granted freedom by his master, the emperor Justin, embarks on military career in the Roman army that will put in close contact with Belisarius.
A fascinating tale set in a fascinating, and often forgotten period of our history.
August 25, 2020
I received an Advance Reading Copy in return for a fair review. Wow, I was really blown away by the history and storytelling. There are so few books about the end of the Roman Empire, historical or otherwise . It's a dark and unknown time, which Havelock dives right into. The accuracy and detail is amazing . The story is fascinating engaging.
Havelock paints a masterpiece of life during this era and couples it with an adventure you'll never forget. The characters are like old friends you'll want to see again.
Havelock paints a masterpiece of life during this era and couples it with an adventure you'll never forget. The characters are like old friends you'll want to see again.
November 9, 2020
This book was absolutely gripping, rarely do you see an author with such a command of historical fact who is capable of weaving an entertaining and educational tale so gracefully. Last Dying Light has the beauty of an Ovidian poem and the conscientiousness of Livy’s histories. The combination used the best of poetry and history to bring the epic tale of Rome to life in the written word. Tackling such an indelible time period that sits on the shoreline between myth and history in the modern psyche is nothing short of spectacular.
October 1, 2021
Didn’t want to stop listening and ended up buying the Kindle version to look up names and places
Beautifully written and narrated! Truthfully, I knew nothing about the people, events or the world they inhabited and was completely captivated! I not only admired, but liked Varus and many of the primary characters. The plot and characterization were so well-crafted that I read and listened to the story without stopping. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Beautifully written and narrated! Truthfully, I knew nothing about the people, events or the world they inhabited and was completely captivated! I not only admired, but liked Varus and many of the primary characters. The plot and characterization were so well-crafted that I read and listened to the story without stopping. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 27, 2022
The author has excellent knowledge of the history of Eastern Roman Empire of that period and the barbaric tribes that threatened it. It was well written in the beginning, but I felt it became wordy as the story progressed. The protagonist Varus appeared often to be indecisive and full of self doubts, bordering on timidity, hardly a trait of a good leader. Perhaps he will grow out of it in the series.
December 10, 2022
While im a fan of the genre, I have often struggled to find authors of Historical Fiction who write their stories in such a way that I struggle to put the book down. G.A. Henry was the last historical fiction author I can think of that kept me hooked, despite being quite dated. I am delighted to have found this new series by William Havelock. I was gripped by his story and the historical setting he chose. I will definitely be picking up the second novel in the series soon.
September 25, 2024
A good first entry to a series, especially for someone’s first book. It’s not terribly historically accurate. The way the Pannonian Avars fight is nonsensical. They caught like every other steppe tribe of the era and beyond; light horse archers armed with a recurve bow and heavy cavalry armed with lance, sword and small shield. They likely didjt do any of that spear attached to the saddle none sense.
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August 18, 2021Page turning unputdowmable good read.
This book brings a clarity to a time of history where there has always been a gap. The human side and details of the day bring characters to life. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and have now found a new author to add to the greats. I eagerly wIth for further books.
This book brings a clarity to a time of history where there has always been a gap. The human side and details of the day bring characters to life. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and have now found a new author to add to the greats. I eagerly wIth for further books.
September 10, 2021
A great find, a great read, a great book !
As a reader not a writer , expressing my thoughts on a book doesn't come naturally easily. This is very simple though ...... Fantastic read from beginning to end, great characters, a great story and hard to put down. The biggest complaint I had is that the next in the series identity out !
As a reader not a writer , expressing my thoughts on a book doesn't come naturally easily. This is very simple though ...... Fantastic read from beginning to end, great characters, a great story and hard to put down. The biggest complaint I had is that the next in the series identity out !
May 4, 2022
great story telling backed up by tremendous research
My interest in ancient history, Rome and Balisarius led me to this book, but the obvious research that was disclosed in the very well told story kept me enthralled and turning the pages. I learned a lot about writing historical fiction from this work. Learning and fun…what more can one ask for in a book?
My interest in ancient history, Rome and Balisarius led me to this book, but the obvious research that was disclosed in the very well told story kept me enthralled and turning the pages. I learned a lot about writing historical fiction from this work. Learning and fun…what more can one ask for in a book?
May 7, 2022
Best Read Book For Sometime
This read marks my fist for this author. And I am grateful to have crossed paths with William Havelock. Everything about this book floated around in my head like a gentle whispering wind. The characters and battle scenes were well developed and tickled my imagination. Well done Havelock!!!!
Mr T
This read marks my fist for this author. And I am grateful to have crossed paths with William Havelock. Everything about this book floated around in my head like a gentle whispering wind. The characters and battle scenes were well developed and tickled my imagination. Well done Havelock!!!!
Mr T
December 4, 2022
Outstanding!
I liked everything, all of it. This is an edge of the seat page turner despite the fact that I’ve never had an inclination toward war stories, the characters bring it to a rich and vibrant life that I’m super glad has more to go. 100% recommend. Beautiful job, Mr. Havelock.
I liked everything, all of it. This is an edge of the seat page turner despite the fact that I’ve never had an inclination toward war stories, the characters bring it to a rich and vibrant life that I’m super glad has more to go. 100% recommend. Beautiful job, Mr. Havelock.
May 14, 2023
A fun and fascinating read
This book was a delight. I loved learning about a prior in time that I didn’t know much about before reading the book. I’m quite familiar with the Western Roman Empire and am a fan of authors such as Simon Scarrow. Havelock writes like some of the best historical fiction authors. I’m excited to read the next in the series.
This book was a delight. I loved learning about a prior in time that I didn’t know much about before reading the book. I’m quite familiar with the Western Roman Empire and am a fan of authors such as Simon Scarrow. Havelock writes like some of the best historical fiction authors. I’m excited to read the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews