Today I’m very happy to be taking part in the blog tour for Heroica! the latest book the the Roma Nova series by the wonderful Alison Morton!
It’s a double treat as not only do you get to know my thoughts but you can read an excerpt from the book too!
Here’s the blurg
Even the strongest state is vulnerable to its past.
2020, Roma Nova. Carina Mitela investigates a potential rebellion but discovers the long-buried secret that ignited the attempted uprising links directly to her own powerful family.
1683, Vienna. As Europe struggles against the Ottoman onslaught, Honoria Mitela leads her troops into the desperate battle to save besieged Vienna. The fate of Europe – and of Roma Nova itself – hangs in the balance.
1849, Central Italy. Statia Mitela’s impulsive act saves one life but jeopardises Roma Nova’s very existence and threatens her descendants with public disgrace, financial ruin and permanent exile.
Three stories of the women of the Mitela family, descendants of the founders of Roma Nova, bound by blood and courage.
Time for a little sneak peak before I share my thoughts
Excerpt from The Idealist, a story in the HEROICA collection
Outskirts of Rome, Italy, 2nd July 1849
‘Mercury be thanked,’ Statia rasped when she saw the ancient milestone ‘Roma VI’. And these would be six good Roman miles. She swallowed hard, which made her dry throat worse. Despite the broad-brimmed riding hats the four of them wore, the brutal heat of the early July sun beat down, exhausting them all. Statia reined in her mount under the shade of one of the occasional clumps of pines and patted his shoulder almost absent-mindedly. The poor horse, a hired animal, was as weary as she was. And as dusty from the road. If only the following generations had maintained the Via Valeria as it had been in the Ancients’ time, it would have been a smoother journey.
‘Domina?’ Her leading companion drew up beside her.
‘I need a drink, Ranius,’ she said and swivelled round in her saddle. The other two riders were only a few paces behind. ‘And so do the animals.’
‘The Anio below us would be best and we can rest by the bank,’ he replied.
They picked their way down to the river where Ranius supervised the two servants in watering the horses. After a few moments, he left them to it and sat by Statia on the wool rug she had pulled from her saddle pack.
‘Yes,’ she said as he stared at it. ‘I know. Well and good for the mountains we’ve come through from the Adriatic, but inappropriate for Rome in June. But even though we’re incognito, I don’t want to enter Rome with grass stains or mud on my breeches’ arse.’
Ranius laughed. The first time, Statia noted, since they’d left Roma Nova eleven days ago under the cover of darkness. She hadn’t known what a terrible sailor he was until they’d slipped out of Pula in Istria on the merchant ship. He’d kept a pale, grim, nearly green face until they’d landed safely at Aternum, or Pescara as the Italians called it now. A former Praetorian centurion, he was used to travelling fast through mountains on ramshackle cold trails. These days, he guarded her home, the Domus Mitelarum, but more than that, he gave her, informally, wise counsel almost as a father would. He’d tried to stop her mission, calling it demented, but had given in with a grunt when she said she would go with or without him. Now they were near Rome, Statia was starting to have her doubts. Perhaps she should have stayed on the farm at Castra Lucilla where she knew what she was doing.
No, she must go on, whatever the cost. She had promised and that was an end on it. She knew the consequences could be harsh, but she was sure the imperatrix would see the justice of it. Well, Statia hoped she would. Constantia Apulia’s disinclination to help the new Roman Republic created by the people of Rome themselves played on Statia’s mind. While the imperatrix and her council supported the overthrow of the bishop of Rome’s rule, they preferred to remain neutral until matters clarified. Now, unfortunately, they had.
Consulted in strictest confidence, Councillor Branca, the imperatrix’s chief advisor, had pursed her lips.
‘This self-imposed mission is beyond reckless, Statia. It cannot end well.’
‘I must save this man. He is Italy’s future. As Romans ourselves we should be supporting him.’
‘He’s a dangerous revolutionary intent on bringing in a republic.’
‘And the Gracchi, Scipio Africanus, Fabius and Cincinnatus weren’t true republicans in ancient times?’
‘You are foolish, Statia, and foolhardy. But like all the Mitelae, you are made in the heroic mould, I admit. If you insist on going ahead, you must carry it out in the utmost secrecy. If you succeed, then well and good.’
Statia had paused and tried to read Branca’s expression. Despite their friendship since childhood, a running dispute over land near the Mitela estate at Castra Lucilla had soured the relationship between them. Branca desperately wanted back the spelt fields that had been sold by her ancestor to Mitela in the fifteenth century. However, despite their bickering they’d kept on civilised terms.
Statia had felt obliged to consult Branca as she was the imperatrix’s closest advisor and one used to exerting power and influence. Had that been the wisest course of action? But Branca was a Roman from one of the original Twelve Families, and a public servant of proven loyalty. Statia was sure the councillor would act honourably and support her if there were repercussions.
As the two servants, Bellania and Tetrio, brought the horses back to the bank, Statia let out a deep sigh. If anything did happen to her, her daughter Leonia, now eighteen, would be safe and secure and was perfectly capable of leading the Mitela family into the future.
Review
We are back in the wonderful Roma Nova world, Rome never fell and flourishes at the hands of powerful families, and in particular powerful women.. but that doesnt mean they don’t have their own problems to solve.. it’s not all easy sailing.
Firstly I’m always amazed how the author manages to keep the series fresh and interesting.. the longevity of this series should be celebrated, credit where it’s due the author keeps things fresh, plays with the format and flow of the tales so there;s never a dull moment.. you could pick up at this stage and enjoy the book no problem but each book just enriches the series.
The flow and format of this offering really wet the taste buds, three stories about courageous Roma Novan women as they face down the threats that could lead to the end of Roma Nova!
I have a real soft spot for Carina Mitela and I know I’m not the only one, so imagine how pleased I was when she pops up in the first story!
Oh and what a story it is as Carina investigates a potential rebellion that has much deeper ramifications.. . Paced perfectly and hooked instantly.. plenty of time for Carina to shine. I hate to say it but this was certainly my favourite.. it’s not just Carina but the plot, it plays with the readers mind.. and if I’m honest mirrors my worries of events we witness today..who really is pulling the strings? does power mean untouchable? or is there more to it? Morton never disappoints and keeps me engrossed!
Time shifts and we are now with Honoria Mitela as she leads her troops into the desperate battle to save besieged Vienna, for me the gritter, darker of the three tales. Honoria is very likable and you warm to her instantly as she navigates religious tensions.
As time shifts again we now with Statia Mitela as an impulsive act ends up risking not only the family name but Roma Nova itself. Each story is unique but together they make something greater, stronger together..but this one screams grit and determination.
I couldn’t be happier that that this series seems to go from strength to strength.. each offering complements the series.. builds on the established roots and continues to see the Roma Nova world grow.
The real reason I love this series.. Roma Nova isn’t just one person but Morton shows you the damage one person can make, but also that one person is all it may take to right those wrongs… the importance of family.. fighting to keep the world on the right track… to keep going.. and that history matters.. learn from mistakes and support/challenge those in power and we can see live thrive.
5/5 Stars
My thanks to the author for having me on the tour, while I received a ARC of the book this in no way influenced my review.. I bought my own copy on release, I love this series.. the ARC just allowed me to start my journey back to Roma Nova sooner!
Tempted?
Buying links for HEROICA
Amazon: https://mybook.to/HEROICA_RomaNova
Other retailers: https://books2read/HEROICA
Want to know mor about the author?
Alison Morton bio.
Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her twelve-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but use a sharp line in dialogue.
She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.
Alison lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her three contemporary thrillers, Double Identity, Double Pursuit and Double Stakes.
For the latest news, subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/ and receive ‘Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’ as a thank you gift.
Social media links
Connect with Alison on her World of Thrillers site: https://alison-morton.com
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor
Alison’s writing blog: https://alisonmortonauthor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonmortonauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton
Alison’s Amazon page: https://Author.to/AlisonMortonAmazon
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@alisonmortonauthor
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Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/alison_morton @alison_morton
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David's Book Blurg 