Review: HEROICA by Alison Morton
Today, I'm delighted to welcome back a dear author friend and writer of brilliant alternative history and fast-paced thrillers, Alison Morton. I'm sharing my review of her three-story collection, HEROICA. Linked to her fabulous Roma Nova series – of which I've read all books and short stories – I couldn't wait to read it.
Check out my reviews of the two origin novels in the series, JULIA PRIMA and EXSILIUM. Now read on!
HEROICA is currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Check out enticing excerpts and more lovely reviews HERE!
HEROICA:
Three women, three centuries, three reckonings
Roma Nova
by Alison Morton
Review:
As a fan of Roma Nova – the alternative country Ms Morton has created with her compelling series, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this collection of three short-ish stories about three Mitela women.
The stories feature women of the powerful Mitela clan, the leader of the twelve original families who arrived in the area, exiled from Rome, in the 4th century. The Mitela women are traditionally strong, capable, intelligent – and fully aware of their status. But they're also aware of their responsibility towards fellow Roma Novans, and those less fortunate.
The first story, Rebellion?, sees Carina Mitela going undercover again, as rumours of sedition have reached the higher echelons of the legislative. Legate Conradus Mitelus – Carina's husband – sends her and her trusted Centurion sidekick, Flavius, on a recce trip to Brancadorum, a town in the east of the country.
Arriving there, she quickly realises that not all is well in the city, and, surprisingly, she finds her cover blown quickly. Events soon escalate, leading to discoveries no one had expected – and way too close to home.
In Honoria's Battle, the second story, we go back in time to the Ottoman Empire's siege of Vienna, their presence disconcertingly close to the borders of Roma Nova. So far the country stayed out of the war. But when a Tatar spy is caught, Honoria sees a chance to help the Austrians and Poles against the Ottomans. It's risky, but worth a try to eliminate a threat to Roma Nova itself. So Honoria heads to Vienna...
In the third story, The Idealist, Carina must uncover a threat to her family's position after discovery of old documents during research uncover an ancestress of hers, Statia Mitela, accused of treason. With the help of the family's recorder, Dalina, she begins to uncover Statia's story, and it seems the accusations were accurate. But there is a twist...
The adventures in HEROICA – both in the past and the present – make for riveting reading. I've always liked Carina's character – not a born Roma Novan, but one who has to work her way through the system, even though she is from the most prominent of the Twelve Families. She's no-nonsense, and with a strong sense of justice. And she has even learned over the years when to withdraw from potential danger. It was great to catch up with her.
Honoria is a woman whose loyalty to Roma Nova is exemplary. But she doesn't know for certain if her plot would work, so there's always a risk – one she deems worth taking.
Statia is – as the story's title suggests – an idealist. Not content with Roma Nova's alliance with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, she sees it her duty to help Italian 'rebels' escape their clutches, even against the Imperatrix's own orders. Only too late does she discover that those she trusted are not on her side. And she faces the ultimate punishment – death – with courage.
These stories are full of political intrigues, which Ms Morton has researched very well. Drawing from contemporary world events and historical records, she has managed to create three compelling tales, with engaging heroines and intriguing plots. In their own ways, Carina, Honoria, and Statia stay true to their family's values, even if it doesn't always mean agreement with those in power. They always stay true to themselves.
If you enjoy thrilling adventures with political plots, personal ambitions, and feisty heroines, do check out HEROICA.
Welcome to Roma Nova! You won't want to leave...
~~~
Blurb:
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.
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Three stories of the women of the Mitela family, descendants of the founders of Roma Nova, bound by blood and courage.
Praise for HEROICA:
“All three stories in this collection deal with honour and the question of being true to oneself, especially if this entails running the risk of coming into conflict with the state and the status quo. All three central women are physically and morally brave, even rash. Their strength of spirit is never in doubt.”
~ Lorna Fergusson, Fictionfire
~ Lorna Fergusson, Fictionfire
“For anyone who has read and enjoyed the Roma Nova stories before, this collection of novellas is a must. And if you haven’t, then please start from the beginning with INCEPTIO – you’ll be hooked!”
~ Christina Courtenay, bestselling author of romantic time-travel fiction
~ Christina Courtenay, bestselling author of romantic time-travel fiction
Buy Links:
Alison Morton
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.
Connect with Alison:
Thank you so much for hosting HEROICA on her launch blog tour and that you especially for the lovely review. I'm delighted you enjoyed HEROICA
ReplyDeleteYou're most welcome, Alison. I'm always looking forward to reading new Roma Nova stories...
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