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Roma Nova #2
Perfiditas
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00K2RU8OE
Captain Carina Mitela of the Praetorian Guard Special Forces is in trouble – one colleague tries to knife her and another sets a trap to incriminate her in a conspiracy to topple the government of Roma Nova.
Founded sixteen hundred years ago by Roman dissidents and ruled by women, Roma Nova, the scene of this action adventure story, is in meltdown.
Proscribed and operating illegally, Carina risks being terminated by both security services and conspirators. Seeking help from a not quite legal friend could wreck her marriage to the enigmatic Conrad. Betrayal mounts on betrayal. Is Carina strong enough to choose between being a great criminal or a great counterspy, and between two men? And can she save her beloved Roma Nova and her own life in making those choices?
Part part conspiracy thriller, part military fiction, part a story of personal betrayal, this is Roman fiction brought up to the 21st century with a strong female character leading the action.
Captain Carina Mitela of the Praetorian Guard Special Forces is in trouble – one colleague tries to knife her and another sets a trap to incriminate her in a conspiracy to topple the government of Roma Nova.
Founded sixteen hundred years ago by Roman dissidents and ruled by women, Roma Nova, the scene of this action adventure story, is in meltdown.
Proscribed and operating illegally, Carina risks being terminated by both security services and conspirators. Seeking help from a not quite legal friend could wreck her marriage to the enigmatic Conrad. Betrayal mounts on betrayal. Is Carina strong enough to choose between being a great criminal or a great counterspy, and between two men? And can she save her beloved Roma Nova and her own life in making those choices?
Part part conspiracy thriller, part military fiction, part a story of personal betrayal, this is Roman fiction brought up to the 21st century with a strong female character leading the action.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2013
About the author
Alison Morton
32 books144 followersAlison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough, but compassionate heroines. She blends her deep love of France and Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical, adventure and thriller fiction.
"Grips like a vice - a writer to watch out for" says crime thriller writer Adrian Magson about Roma Nova series starter INCEPTIO. All six full-length Roma Nova thrillers have won the BRAG Medallion, the prestigious award for indie fiction. SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and INSURRECTIO were selected as Historical Novel Society’s Indie Editor’s Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. The Bookseller selected SUCCESSIO as Editor’s Choice in its inaugural indie review.
Alison now lives in Poitou in France, where part of her latest book Double Identity is set and is writing a sequel as well as continuing her Roma Nova series.
Sign up to Alison's newsletter for a FREE ebook: http://eepurl.com/ckNeFL
"Grips like a vice - a writer to watch out for" says crime thriller writer Adrian Magson about Roma Nova series starter INCEPTIO. All six full-length Roma Nova thrillers have won the BRAG Medallion, the prestigious award for indie fiction. SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and INSURRECTIO were selected as Historical Novel Society’s Indie Editor’s Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. The Bookseller selected SUCCESSIO as Editor’s Choice in its inaugural indie review.
Alison now lives in Poitou in France, where part of her latest book Double Identity is set and is writing a sequel as well as continuing her Roma Nova series.
Sign up to Alison's newsletter for a FREE ebook: http://eepurl.com/ckNeFL
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 23, 2014
The sequel to Inceptio continues the tale of Carina Mitela and the alternative history country of Roma-Nova. Once again , the author has given us a fast paced page turner filled with wonderful characters and intriguing plots. The main story line in the first half of Perfiditas concerns an attempted coup against the Matriarchal government of Roma-Nova and what Carina has to go through to thwart the treason. Her development continues from Inceptio as she hones her skills and abilities as a member of an elite government para-military unit.
I must confess that I was concerned about the second half of the book as I couldn’t see how the author could maintain interest after the first half treason plot. However, my concerns turned out to go for naught as plots and sub-plots emerge around the legal and political fallout of Carina’s activities in bringing the traitors to justice. One bombshell of a plot twist had me stop reading for a moment so I could exhale and exclaim, ‘Oh my, I didn’t see that one coming.’ Kudos to the author and 4 stars for Perfiditas
I must confess that I was concerned about the second half of the book as I couldn’t see how the author could maintain interest after the first half treason plot. However, my concerns turned out to go for naught as plots and sub-plots emerge around the legal and political fallout of Carina’s activities in bringing the traitors to justice. One bombshell of a plot twist had me stop reading for a moment so I could exhale and exclaim, ‘Oh my, I didn’t see that one coming.’ Kudos to the author and 4 stars for Perfiditas
October 22, 2013
Perfiditas is even better than Inceptio - and that was excellent. Roma Nova is a credible place, the characters complex and the dialogue witty and well done. If you want an action packed, edge of the seat read then I suggest you buy this book. There is a third installment of Captain Carina Mitela and her sexy husband Conradas coming next year - something to look out for.
December 10, 2013
Having enjoyed Inceptio, the first book in Alison Morton's Roma Nova alternative history thriller, I was looking forward to reading the sequel Perfiditas.
As in the previous book, this is a taut, fast-moving thriller packed with intrigue and adventure, with Carina donning different disguises and identities with alacrity to thwart would-be overthrowers of the state, which runs along the lines of ancient Roman law and society, but with the advantages of modern technology.
There is an interesting interweaving of ancient and modern, and the storyline of fundamentalists trying to overthrow the government is very relevant today. Here the conflict is between the matriarchal establishment and the patriarchist rebels, each side's case spelled out, along with shocking details of how the ancient Romans kept women and girls in check.
Carina is a strong, feisty heroine, made all the more interesting because although she embraces Roma Novan society, she is still part outsider, with the tourist's take on some of the state's customs and culture. I love the easy way in which the author weaves ancient and modern together, such as the swearing by Roman gods that is the locals' preferred vocabulary for when times are tough. Simple details like the clasping of forearms instead of shaking hands are dropped in lightly throughout to remind us just where we are, alongside the alternative technological references (no iPads or tablets here, they are el-pads, for example).
I also loved the Roman names throughout, though it made it harder to keep track of the plot when everyone is called something unfamiliar. Reading this on Kindle, I didn't spot the cast list until the end, and would have benefited from it. Though that's my fault not the author's. I'm very bad at following thriller plots.
A good, pacy read, and I'll look forward to the next one to see what she gets up to next. I'm also intrigued to find out what become of her children, who put in their first appearance in this book, with a few references to the eldest being strange and silent. We need to be told...
As in the previous book, this is a taut, fast-moving thriller packed with intrigue and adventure, with Carina donning different disguises and identities with alacrity to thwart would-be overthrowers of the state, which runs along the lines of ancient Roman law and society, but with the advantages of modern technology.
There is an interesting interweaving of ancient and modern, and the storyline of fundamentalists trying to overthrow the government is very relevant today. Here the conflict is between the matriarchal establishment and the patriarchist rebels, each side's case spelled out, along with shocking details of how the ancient Romans kept women and girls in check.
Carina is a strong, feisty heroine, made all the more interesting because although she embraces Roma Novan society, she is still part outsider, with the tourist's take on some of the state's customs and culture. I love the easy way in which the author weaves ancient and modern together, such as the swearing by Roman gods that is the locals' preferred vocabulary for when times are tough. Simple details like the clasping of forearms instead of shaking hands are dropped in lightly throughout to remind us just where we are, alongside the alternative technological references (no iPads or tablets here, they are el-pads, for example).
I also loved the Roman names throughout, though it made it harder to keep track of the plot when everyone is called something unfamiliar. Reading this on Kindle, I didn't spot the cast list until the end, and would have benefited from it. Though that's my fault not the author's. I'm very bad at following thriller plots.
A good, pacy read, and I'll look forward to the next one to see what she gets up to next. I'm also intrigued to find out what become of her children, who put in their first appearance in this book, with a few references to the eldest being strange and silent. We need to be told...
November 26, 2013
As good, if not better than the first...
Perfiditas is the clever continuation of the story which began in Inceptio, and follows the story of Captain Carina Mitela of the Praetorian Guard Special Forces as she continues her life with her family in Roma Nova. As always, the momentum of the narrative never falters and the pace continues with a fast and furious story of conspiracy, treachery and betrayal at the highest level.
What I like best about this series is the author’s fine attention to detail and her uncanny ability of, not just creating an altogether alternate history, but also of maintaining the status quo in a story which abounds with excitement and enthusiasm. The characters become quite real in your mind, and even though deep down you know that Roma Nova doesn’t exist beyond the author’s imagination, there is a real temptation to hop on a plane and go find the place for yourself.
There is always the danger that the second book in a series will be a bit of a letdown, either the plot doesn’t feel as strong, or the development of the characters can seem a little insipid, however, there is no such fear with Perfiditas, if anything the plot this time is stronger and more succinct and you can sense that the author has a real emotional commitment to the characters and their lives.
I am sure that in the hands of this very capable author, the alternate world of Roma Nova will continue to go from strength to strength, and I look forward to being an enthusiastic traveller on the Roma Nova journey for quite some time.
Perfiditas is the clever continuation of the story which began in Inceptio, and follows the story of Captain Carina Mitela of the Praetorian Guard Special Forces as she continues her life with her family in Roma Nova. As always, the momentum of the narrative never falters and the pace continues with a fast and furious story of conspiracy, treachery and betrayal at the highest level.
What I like best about this series is the author’s fine attention to detail and her uncanny ability of, not just creating an altogether alternate history, but also of maintaining the status quo in a story which abounds with excitement and enthusiasm. The characters become quite real in your mind, and even though deep down you know that Roma Nova doesn’t exist beyond the author’s imagination, there is a real temptation to hop on a plane and go find the place for yourself.
There is always the danger that the second book in a series will be a bit of a letdown, either the plot doesn’t feel as strong, or the development of the characters can seem a little insipid, however, there is no such fear with Perfiditas, if anything the plot this time is stronger and more succinct and you can sense that the author has a real emotional commitment to the characters and their lives.
I am sure that in the hands of this very capable author, the alternate world of Roma Nova will continue to go from strength to strength, and I look forward to being an enthusiastic traveller on the Roma Nova journey for quite some time.
September 18, 2017
I was gifted this book by the author via Book Funnel. I have reviewed it voluntarily.
The plot is exciting. It includes suspenseful sequences of events, and reversals of fortune. It shows the fortitude of female Roma Novans from small girls to grandmothers. Perfiditas also displays the loyalty of most of the men of Roma Nova to the matriarchy. I was pleased that men in general didn't want to see the Imperatrix overthrown, and weren't interested in collaborating with misogynistic men.
For my complete review see http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2017/...
The plot is exciting. It includes suspenseful sequences of events, and reversals of fortune. It shows the fortitude of female Roma Novans from small girls to grandmothers. Perfiditas also displays the loyalty of most of the men of Roma Nova to the matriarchy. I was pleased that men in general didn't want to see the Imperatrix overthrown, and weren't interested in collaborating with misogynistic men.
For my complete review see http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2017/...
March 31, 2018
TWISTING TALE OF SHIFTING ALLIANCES
Like Alison Morton's first book, this is no ordinary thriller, but a tense and twisting tale of shifting alliances in a coup d'état. Rich with military detail (the writer has served in the British forces), this is a compelling story which kept me guessing to the end.
Like Alison Morton's first book, this is no ordinary thriller, but a tense and twisting tale of shifting alliances in a coup d'état. Rich with military detail (the writer has served in the British forces), this is a compelling story which kept me guessing to the end.
March 17, 2018
Review and rating to come!
December 15, 2014
A worthy sequel to the excellent INCEPTIO. The story continues, still narrated by our heroine, Karen Brown, who has now reverted to her birth name of Carina Mitela and has completely embraced her new life in the fascinating country of Roma Nova, where a tough matriarchial society has endured since its founding. Seven years have passed, during which Carina and her husband Conradus have both enjoyed considerable career advancement in their professional roles with the PGSF (Praetorian Guard Special Forces), an elite organization resembling a combination of the FBI, CIA and Special Forces. Conradus has just been made Legate (Chief of the PGSF) while Carina is Strategy Section Head with the rank of Captain.
Their marriage is solidly built on mutual love and respect but their working and social life is complicated, to say the least: Conrad is her boss at work, but Carina is junior head of the prominent Mitela clan, and so his social superior. With the arrival of their three children, Helena (Carina's beloved cousin) has assumed the role of private tutor, while Aurelia remains the staunch head of the family. When a fresh crisis forces Carina to resurrect her undercover persona of Pulcheria, a deadly conspiracy surfaces which threatens the very foundations of Roma Nova's power base and the Mitela family, in particular.
The strong characterisation helps with an unusually large cast of players but these are demanding books, where the reader is expected to pay attention and follow the action closely. As some time had passed, I re-read INCEPTIO just before starting this sequel, and just as well! There is so much going on, and so many twists and turns, that a casual perusal of the story would completely miss the delightful immersion that is the inevitable consequence of reading the Roma Nova saga.
As in the first book, the blend of historical background with the glorious invention of the Roma Nova world is accomplished with great skill and excellent pacing. I found myself wanting to consult a map to determine exactly where Roma Nova might be, before remembering that it exists only within these pages. Surely I'm not the only one to think that these stories would make thrilling movie material? I thoroughly enjoyed PERFIDITAS and the deep plots and convoluted adventures pushing the story forward. However, I was slightly disappointed to find that the charismatic Conradus seemed to be in a constant state of fury and frustration, while Carina's death-defying efforts on behalf of Roma Nova were consistently dismissed with churlish ingratitude by her professional colleagues. With any luck, this will change in book three, which I hope to read soon as I am now well and truly addicted.
Their marriage is solidly built on mutual love and respect but their working and social life is complicated, to say the least: Conrad is her boss at work, but Carina is junior head of the prominent Mitela clan, and so his social superior. With the arrival of their three children, Helena (Carina's beloved cousin) has assumed the role of private tutor, while Aurelia remains the staunch head of the family. When a fresh crisis forces Carina to resurrect her undercover persona of Pulcheria, a deadly conspiracy surfaces which threatens the very foundations of Roma Nova's power base and the Mitela family, in particular.
The strong characterisation helps with an unusually large cast of players but these are demanding books, where the reader is expected to pay attention and follow the action closely. As some time had passed, I re-read INCEPTIO just before starting this sequel, and just as well! There is so much going on, and so many twists and turns, that a casual perusal of the story would completely miss the delightful immersion that is the inevitable consequence of reading the Roma Nova saga.
As in the first book, the blend of historical background with the glorious invention of the Roma Nova world is accomplished with great skill and excellent pacing. I found myself wanting to consult a map to determine exactly where Roma Nova might be, before remembering that it exists only within these pages. Surely I'm not the only one to think that these stories would make thrilling movie material? I thoroughly enjoyed PERFIDITAS and the deep plots and convoluted adventures pushing the story forward. However, I was slightly disappointed to find that the charismatic Conradus seemed to be in a constant state of fury and frustration, while Carina's death-defying efforts on behalf of Roma Nova were consistently dismissed with churlish ingratitude by her professional colleagues. With any luck, this will change in book three, which I hope to read soon as I am now well and truly addicted.
September 7, 2014
Perifditas is an alternate history and science fiction novel. It is set in a country, named Roma Nova that is ruled and dominated by women. Roma Nova was created in 395 AD when Emperor Theodosius’s final decree banned all pagan religions. Romans, who are still loyal to the old religions and sought refuge, trekked out of Italy and into a country that is similar to Slovenia. Over time, women began to rule over Roma Nova and also became a matrilineal society, while the men defended the country. At the center of this novel, is Carina Mitela, who is Captain of the Special Forces. Carina must prevent a conspiracy who that not only threatens her country, but also her marriage.
At first, I found the world building of Roma Nova a bit too confusing, but over time, I soon discovered that Roma Nova is brilliantly designed. It is like how the Romans from the Roman empire would have lived today. The main language is Latin. The people have Roman names and are Latin. Some of them are interracially mixed. Carina, the main character is half Latin, and half American. There are other characters who are also Irish and Latin. I also liked how women took the roles of society and that they are the matriarch of the family. Roma Nova was a country that I would have love to visit in real life.
Carina was a strong-willed character. She is smart, brave, and at times, cunning. She is also serious and cares deeply about her job, and the duties it consists. Carina is seen as a protector. She loves her country, her children, and her husband. This makes her a perfect heroine because she makes her actions that is based on her desire to protect everything she loves and values.
Overall, the novel is about betrayal, love, family, friendship, and overcoming challenges. It is also a mystery, a thriller, and a romance. The plot is fast-paced, and the characters and setting are well-developed. I have not read Book one, but I felt that this book is a stand-alone novel. Perfiditas would be great for marriages because it is about overcoming the challenges to make their marriage stronger. I recommend this novel to history, science fiction, and mystery. I also recommend this to anyone who are interested in reading about strong heroines and a feminist society.
(Note: this book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
At first, I found the world building of Roma Nova a bit too confusing, but over time, I soon discovered that Roma Nova is brilliantly designed. It is like how the Romans from the Roman empire would have lived today. The main language is Latin. The people have Roman names and are Latin. Some of them are interracially mixed. Carina, the main character is half Latin, and half American. There are other characters who are also Irish and Latin. I also liked how women took the roles of society and that they are the matriarch of the family. Roma Nova was a country that I would have love to visit in real life.
Carina was a strong-willed character. She is smart, brave, and at times, cunning. She is also serious and cares deeply about her job, and the duties it consists. Carina is seen as a protector. She loves her country, her children, and her husband. This makes her a perfect heroine because she makes her actions that is based on her desire to protect everything she loves and values.
Overall, the novel is about betrayal, love, family, friendship, and overcoming challenges. It is also a mystery, a thriller, and a romance. The plot is fast-paced, and the characters and setting are well-developed. I have not read Book one, but I felt that this book is a stand-alone novel. Perfiditas would be great for marriages because it is about overcoming the challenges to make their marriage stronger. I recommend this novel to history, science fiction, and mystery. I also recommend this to anyone who are interested in reading about strong heroines and a feminist society.
(Note: this book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
March 15, 2015
Disclaimer: I got this book free and was asked to review it in return.
This was very very close to being a five star review and I regret not being able to give this book that rating.
I'll start with the negative and the reason this has gotten four stars, at times the writing was confusing - I would read and re-read the sentence and not be sure whether it was the fact that I didn't know what happened in the first book that made the sentence confusing or whether it was the sentence structure. That aside this is a very good book.
This is the second in a series and apart from the odd moment when I found myself wondering if events would be clearer had I read the first book on the whole you can read this as a stand alone which I approved of (I dislike book in a series that mean you need to read the entire series to make sense of things).
Our heroine - Carina - was interesting. I must admit her name was the reason I wanted to read this book, I can only think of one other book with a character with the same name as myself! Her actions seemed realistic and her struggles with what was morally and legally right and when it was applicable to work outside the law were well presented. Some of the other characters I did find confusing at times - their emotions and actions seemed to change depending on what way the wind was blowing sometimes but again this could be down to this being book two and not book one and I didn't find them confusing enough to warrant the loss of another star.
The villains of the piece... I found myself a little disappointed with the first one but the disappointment I felt at the almost stereotypical bad guy here was more than made up with the second villain.
I really liked the fact that the author included a description of how Roma Nova came about at the beginning of the book. I found the idea behind it to be interesting and helped in my understanding of the plot.
I get the feeling that this book will have real re-read value both with the twists and turns being in your mind (to see how well they are set up) and with them being forgotten.
I don't know about reading the third book in the series but I will certainly be checking out the first book at some point in the near future.
This was very very close to being a five star review and I regret not being able to give this book that rating.
I'll start with the negative and the reason this has gotten four stars, at times the writing was confusing - I would read and re-read the sentence and not be sure whether it was the fact that I didn't know what happened in the first book that made the sentence confusing or whether it was the sentence structure. That aside this is a very good book.
This is the second in a series and apart from the odd moment when I found myself wondering if events would be clearer had I read the first book on the whole you can read this as a stand alone which I approved of (I dislike book in a series that mean you need to read the entire series to make sense of things).
Our heroine - Carina - was interesting. I must admit her name was the reason I wanted to read this book, I can only think of one other book with a character with the same name as myself! Her actions seemed realistic and her struggles with what was morally and legally right and when it was applicable to work outside the law were well presented. Some of the other characters I did find confusing at times - their emotions and actions seemed to change depending on what way the wind was blowing sometimes but again this could be down to this being book two and not book one and I didn't find them confusing enough to warrant the loss of another star.
The villains of the piece... I found myself a little disappointed with the first one but the disappointment I felt at the almost stereotypical bad guy here was more than made up with the second villain.
I really liked the fact that the author included a description of how Roma Nova came about at the beginning of the book. I found the idea behind it to be interesting and helped in my understanding of the plot.
I get the feeling that this book will have real re-read value both with the twists and turns being in your mind (to see how well they are set up) and with them being forgotten.
I don't know about reading the third book in the series but I will certainly be checking out the first book at some point in the near future.
December 23, 2014
It’s alternative history…so based on the Roman empire but with social norms etc being completely reversed. I don’t recommend this book as a standalone read though.
Though the Roma Nova world is ‘familiar’ it is still complex and complicated if you are picking up this second book as a standalone. The previous book sets us up nicely for this one and reading it out of sequence isn’t something I would recommend. Though everything was wrapped up in the first book, there is still the complexity of the world and society that would make reading this book as a standalone difficult in my opinion.
If you like thrillers and politics, this novel is for you. It is heavy on the covert ops, spying, and intrigue….light on the romance part which is kind of refreshing since I have just come off of a bodice ripper romance binge! But there is enough romance and love for readers who are looking for that….but it isn’t the focus.
The plot is fast paced, similar to the first book. I was glad the author kept up with the pace she set in the first book….sometimes the second book in a series can lose momentum but that was not the case for this book. Well done!
The quality of writing was also sustained….I never felt like there was a low in the plot or writing style. The plot was suspenseful and well constructed and the characters were developed, demonstrated growth and change.
All in all, this is a great installment to an exciting series. I love that it has a strong feminist perspective and that the world is unique. I haven’t read a lot of alternative history, but if you love history and thrillers with a twist….then this is a great series to dabble in.
See my full review here
Though the Roma Nova world is ‘familiar’ it is still complex and complicated if you are picking up this second book as a standalone. The previous book sets us up nicely for this one and reading it out of sequence isn’t something I would recommend. Though everything was wrapped up in the first book, there is still the complexity of the world and society that would make reading this book as a standalone difficult in my opinion.
If you like thrillers and politics, this novel is for you. It is heavy on the covert ops, spying, and intrigue….light on the romance part which is kind of refreshing since I have just come off of a bodice ripper romance binge! But there is enough romance and love for readers who are looking for that….but it isn’t the focus.
The plot is fast paced, similar to the first book. I was glad the author kept up with the pace she set in the first book….sometimes the second book in a series can lose momentum but that was not the case for this book. Well done!
The quality of writing was also sustained….I never felt like there was a low in the plot or writing style. The plot was suspenseful and well constructed and the characters were developed, demonstrated growth and change.
All in all, this is a great installment to an exciting series. I love that it has a strong feminist perspective and that the world is unique. I haven’t read a lot of alternative history, but if you love history and thrillers with a twist….then this is a great series to dabble in.
See my full review here
April 16, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
In the spirit of full disclosure I think it important to note I started Alison Morton's Perfiditas four times before actually finishing the novel. I'd no experience with the series, but had been told familiarity was of no consequence and naively jumped into book two without a second thought.
Unfortunately, my information wasn't as accurate as I'd been led to believe and I quickly felt overwhelmed by the material. Aware my lack of understanding was negatively impacting my experience, I went back to the drawing board, returning to Perfiditas only after I'd finished Inceptio. Overkill? Perhaps, but the tactic worked better than I'd hoped.
Despite the rumors, Perfiditas is in many ways an extension of its predecessor. Picking up seven years after the initial installment, book two reunites readers with Karen Brown, now Captain Carina Mitela, inside Roma Nova and though the plot is in and of itself an independent adventure, it is heavily reliant on the relationships and background information illustrated in book one.
This observation aside, I liked the complex conspiracies a lot more this go round. Less straightforward than those seen in Inceptio, Morton's outdid herself, weaving a tangled web of intrigue that quite literally had me on the edge of my seat.
Also of note, Morton's application of Roman culture. Though unmistakable in Inceptio, the scope of Perfiditas allowed her to delve deeper into Roma Nova's roots and in so doing, produce stronger historical themes than those recognized in the previous installment.
In the spirit of full disclosure I think it important to note I started Alison Morton's Perfiditas four times before actually finishing the novel. I'd no experience with the series, but had been told familiarity was of no consequence and naively jumped into book two without a second thought.
Unfortunately, my information wasn't as accurate as I'd been led to believe and I quickly felt overwhelmed by the material. Aware my lack of understanding was negatively impacting my experience, I went back to the drawing board, returning to Perfiditas only after I'd finished Inceptio. Overkill? Perhaps, but the tactic worked better than I'd hoped.
Despite the rumors, Perfiditas is in many ways an extension of its predecessor. Picking up seven years after the initial installment, book two reunites readers with Karen Brown, now Captain Carina Mitela, inside Roma Nova and though the plot is in and of itself an independent adventure, it is heavily reliant on the relationships and background information illustrated in book one.
This observation aside, I liked the complex conspiracies a lot more this go round. Less straightforward than those seen in Inceptio, Morton's outdid herself, weaving a tangled web of intrigue that quite literally had me on the edge of my seat.
Also of note, Morton's application of Roman culture. Though unmistakable in Inceptio, the scope of Perfiditas allowed her to delve deeper into Roma Nova's roots and in so doing, produce stronger historical themes than those recognized in the previous installment.
November 25, 2017
After reading Inceptio, I was especially eager to read its sequel and learn more about the world of Roma Nova. I found this book to be good, but not quite as good as the first one. Why?
I didn't learn as much about the Paterfamilias as I wanted to. In Inceptio, Ms. Morton mainly stuck with the first-person POV of Carina Mitela/Karen Brown. However, every once in a while she inserted a bit of POV (third person) from Renschmann, the main antagonist of the first novel.
In this book, the entire story is from Carina's POV. We do not get anything from Petronax, or Superbus, which I feel would have benefited this book greatly as a first-person POV is limited to that one person. I would have loved to see a few chapters from the POV of members (or even just one) of the Paterfamilias, so that we got a deeper understanding of the organization and their attempts to bring down the matriarchal order of Roma Nova.
We do get a good story from Carina's POV, but we don't get as much of the story as we need to know, regarding the Paterfamilias. In Inceptio, we got to go into Renschmann's head and get a feel of how bad he was, we don't get the same for Perfiditas with Petronax or Superbus, so the story felt a bit lacking and as such, I was unable to give it 5 stars. Nonetheless, the book is still a good read, and I am definitely eager for the next book, Successio.
I didn't learn as much about the Paterfamilias as I wanted to. In Inceptio, Ms. Morton mainly stuck with the first-person POV of Carina Mitela/Karen Brown. However, every once in a while she inserted a bit of POV (third person) from Renschmann, the main antagonist of the first novel.
In this book, the entire story is from Carina's POV. We do not get anything from Petronax, or Superbus, which I feel would have benefited this book greatly as a first-person POV is limited to that one person. I would have loved to see a few chapters from the POV of members (or even just one) of the Paterfamilias, so that we got a deeper understanding of the organization and their attempts to bring down the matriarchal order of Roma Nova.
We do get a good story from Carina's POV, but we don't get as much of the story as we need to know, regarding the Paterfamilias. In Inceptio, we got to go into Renschmann's head and get a feel of how bad he was, we don't get the same for Perfiditas with Petronax or Superbus, so the story felt a bit lacking and as such, I was unable to give it 5 stars. Nonetheless, the book is still a good read, and I am definitely eager for the next book, Successio.
January 29, 2015
Perfiditas is book 2 in the Roma Nova series and is a mystery thriller. I really enjoyed book 1 Inceptio and the concept of the Roman nation continuing thousands of years later and being run by the female lines of families. The second book continues with lots of characters from the first book and takes place approximately 7 years later.
Captain Carina Mitela works for the military, but is also the junior head of her Roman family. She must wear many hats of duty in her everyday life. When a secret token makes it's way to Carina, she realises that a friend is in trouble and a organises a quick military rescue. It soon becomes obvious that a much deeper plot is afoot and Carina must go to extreme lengths to save her nation.
The writing is filled with Roman names, traditions and words which make the world of Nova Roma seem all the more genuine and believable. There are a lot of characters to get your head a round and many have several alias which makes it all a bit more complicated. It's a very good storyline and to get the best from it I would strongly suggest reading the first book in the series prior to this just so you understand the whole scenario and can immerse yourself fully in modern Roma Nova.
Captain Carina Mitela works for the military, but is also the junior head of her Roman family. She must wear many hats of duty in her everyday life. When a secret token makes it's way to Carina, she realises that a friend is in trouble and a organises a quick military rescue. It soon becomes obvious that a much deeper plot is afoot and Carina must go to extreme lengths to save her nation.
The writing is filled with Roman names, traditions and words which make the world of Nova Roma seem all the more genuine and believable. There are a lot of characters to get your head a round and many have several alias which makes it all a bit more complicated. It's a very good storyline and to get the best from it I would strongly suggest reading the first book in the series prior to this just so you understand the whole scenario and can immerse yourself fully in modern Roma Nova.
August 30, 2017
Years have passed since the events in Inceptio but our main character Carina is no less awesome for it.
It's possible she's quite a bit more awesome, or maybe it was because this book dives a bit deeper into the culture of Roman Nova (the society founded by Ancient Romans and ruled by women ever since) but regardless I enjoyed this book even more than the first.
Carina continues to overcome obstacles by being a general kick-ass lady, and yet stays remarkably human and even, dare I say, feminine when dealing with controversy as she finds herself thrown into the middle of a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Would I recommend it?
This book certainly earned the "thriller" in it's series title (Roman Nova Thriller Series). I had a terrible time walking away from it once I was a few chapters in. Which is basically the best problem one can have with a book. But, of course, start with book one. Starting midway through a series has the potential to upset the natural order of the universe. Consequences can be dire, don't risk it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book because I’m a proud member of Rosie’s Book Review Team!
It's possible she's quite a bit more awesome, or maybe it was because this book dives a bit deeper into the culture of Roman Nova (the society founded by Ancient Romans and ruled by women ever since) but regardless I enjoyed this book even more than the first.
Carina continues to overcome obstacles by being a general kick-ass lady, and yet stays remarkably human and even, dare I say, feminine when dealing with controversy as she finds herself thrown into the middle of a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Would I recommend it?
This book certainly earned the "thriller" in it's series title (Roman Nova Thriller Series). I had a terrible time walking away from it once I was a few chapters in. Which is basically the best problem one can have with a book. But, of course, start with book one. Starting midway through a series has the potential to upset the natural order of the universe. Consequences can be dire, don't risk it!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I discovered this book because I’m a proud member of Rosie’s Book Review Team!
January 2, 2014
Opening Sentence:
‘Captain Carina Mitela?’
Alison Morton takes us straight into the continuation of Carina’s tempestuous career in the second novel of her alternative history series in which Ancient Rome has survived to the present time as independent state, Roma Nova. These are fast-paced detective thrillers in their own right, and the fascinating invention of the setting provide a real icing on the cake. This is a sequel but the book stands perfectly well alone and will appeal to anybody who enjoys regular thrillers, anybody who enjoys ‘Roman’ novels (this one is endorsed by Simon Scarrow) and also, I suspect, by anybody who enjoys the sort of fantasy adventures by authors like Raymond Feist. You may even pick up a bit of Latin in the process. Salve!
Favourite paragraph:
‘The intimacy of unrestrained sensuality unnerved me. Not for itself, but because it conflicted with the mature, controlled man standing behind me.’
‘Captain Carina Mitela?’
Alison Morton takes us straight into the continuation of Carina’s tempestuous career in the second novel of her alternative history series in which Ancient Rome has survived to the present time as independent state, Roma Nova. These are fast-paced detective thrillers in their own right, and the fascinating invention of the setting provide a real icing on the cake. This is a sequel but the book stands perfectly well alone and will appeal to anybody who enjoys regular thrillers, anybody who enjoys ‘Roman’ novels (this one is endorsed by Simon Scarrow) and also, I suspect, by anybody who enjoys the sort of fantasy adventures by authors like Raymond Feist. You may even pick up a bit of Latin in the process. Salve!
Favourite paragraph:
‘The intimacy of unrestrained sensuality unnerved me. Not for itself, but because it conflicted with the mature, controlled man standing behind me.’
June 9, 2016
I gave up studying history in my early teens and rarely read historical novels. But I make an exception for Alison Morton's Roma Nova series of alternative histories. I love the mix of ancient Roman traditions with twenty-first century technology. Book 2 in the series continues the story of Carina Mitela, military officer, senior member of one of the Twelve Houses - and inveterate rule-breaker. She is now married to Conrad and they have three children. The family, their friends and colleagues are caught up in a plot to overthrown the ruling regime and turn the ethos of Roma Nova on its head. Carina must decide where her loyalties lie. There are so many plot twists in this book, it had my head spinning but I couldn't put it down. Gripping; highly recommended.
March 25, 2018
The second book in the alternate world thriller Roma Nova series. I strongly recommend reading the first book, Inceptio, first because the characters and their relationships are introduced there.
Perfiditas starts seven years after the end of Inceptio. Karen Brown is now a Roma Nova citizen and has fully embraced her life as a member of the highly politically powerful Mitela family, as Carina Mitela. She’s also a captain in Roma Nova’s elite military force, the Praetorian Guard Special Forces (PGSF). She’s also married to Conrad(us) and they have three kids. Their life is complicated by the fact that Conrad is Carina’s boss in work but otherwise as a member of the Mitela family, Carina is Conrad’s social superior. Conrad has also other children from his previous union with none other than the Imperatrix herself.
Someone shows Carina’s emergency token to the Guard and when Carina hurries to meet her, for her surprise she finds out Mossia who is extremely worried about an employee, Aidan, whom she’s also been sleeping with. Aidan has apparently left her leaving behind a strange note. Both Mossia and Aidan are behaving very strangely, and Carina starts to investigate Aidan. The clue leads her on the trail of a plot to overthrow the Nova Roman way of life. Meanwhile, Conrad has just been promoted to legate and the boss of the whole PGSF. This makes him a target for the conspirators, too.
Most of the book centers on a plot to overthrow the matriarchal leaders of the Roma Nova. They also threaten the Imperatrix’s and Conrad’s children. A couple of PGSF members are apparently part of the plot: one tries to stab Carina and another frames her. Carina realizes that she has far better chance of catching the plotters when she returns to her previous role as an underworld figure Pulcheria. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know whom she can trust so she doesn’t tell anyone at the PGSF. From the guards’ point-of-view, she has really turned traitor and while some of the criminal contacts still trust her, some are very suspicious.
The end of the book deals with the aftermath of Carina’s decisions. They threaten not only her career and professional relationships but her marriage and her family, as well.
The bad guys are frustrated because they’re denied political influence because of the gender and have decided to take over. However, the majority of the male characters in the book don’t feel that way, thankfully. This was a nice reversal of the trope of an entire gender rising up against the other. The plot is mostly fast paced with schemes and counterschemes following each other very quickly. In fact, I found them a bit confusing although that could be because I listened an audio book and didn’t concentrate on it fully. Politics also play a big part.
I was disappointed with Conrad. I expected him to trust Carina and support her fully. Instead, he’s suspicious of her motives and character. Indeed, it felt to me that he doesn’t really know her even after seven years together. At times, it felt to me that he (and some other officers) were more concerned with following regulations than getting the bad guys. In fact, Carina’s long-time friend Flavius (who was part of the same criminal organization as Pulcheria and now is also a PGSF officer) was the one who supported and helped Carina fully. He accompanied her back to the criminal world and faces the same charges as her. This actually perfectly fits their characters in the first book and creates more tension to Carina’s life, so I understand why Morton chose to write that.
Carina herself is an excellent character and action heroine. She’s smart and flexible in her thinking and isn’t afraid to bend the rules and take chances when needed. This is something that Conrad doesn’t do well and can sour their relationship.
Still, this was a very good continuation to the series and I’m definitely reading the next book, Successio.
Perfiditas starts seven years after the end of Inceptio. Karen Brown is now a Roma Nova citizen and has fully embraced her life as a member of the highly politically powerful Mitela family, as Carina Mitela. She’s also a captain in Roma Nova’s elite military force, the Praetorian Guard Special Forces (PGSF). She’s also married to Conrad(us) and they have three kids. Their life is complicated by the fact that Conrad is Carina’s boss in work but otherwise as a member of the Mitela family, Carina is Conrad’s social superior. Conrad has also other children from his previous union with none other than the Imperatrix herself.
Someone shows Carina’s emergency token to the Guard and when Carina hurries to meet her, for her surprise she finds out Mossia who is extremely worried about an employee, Aidan, whom she’s also been sleeping with. Aidan has apparently left her leaving behind a strange note. Both Mossia and Aidan are behaving very strangely, and Carina starts to investigate Aidan. The clue leads her on the trail of a plot to overthrow the Nova Roman way of life. Meanwhile, Conrad has just been promoted to legate and the boss of the whole PGSF. This makes him a target for the conspirators, too.
Most of the book centers on a plot to overthrow the matriarchal leaders of the Roma Nova. They also threaten the Imperatrix’s and Conrad’s children. A couple of PGSF members are apparently part of the plot: one tries to stab Carina and another frames her. Carina realizes that she has far better chance of catching the plotters when she returns to her previous role as an underworld figure Pulcheria. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know whom she can trust so she doesn’t tell anyone at the PGSF. From the guards’ point-of-view, she has really turned traitor and while some of the criminal contacts still trust her, some are very suspicious.
The end of the book deals with the aftermath of Carina’s decisions. They threaten not only her career and professional relationships but her marriage and her family, as well.
The bad guys are frustrated because they’re denied political influence because of the gender and have decided to take over. However, the majority of the male characters in the book don’t feel that way, thankfully. This was a nice reversal of the trope of an entire gender rising up against the other. The plot is mostly fast paced with schemes and counterschemes following each other very quickly. In fact, I found them a bit confusing although that could be because I listened an audio book and didn’t concentrate on it fully. Politics also play a big part.
I was disappointed with Conrad. I expected him to trust Carina and support her fully. Instead, he’s suspicious of her motives and character. Indeed, it felt to me that he doesn’t really know her even after seven years together. At times, it felt to me that he (and some other officers) were more concerned with following regulations than getting the bad guys. In fact, Carina’s long-time friend Flavius (who was part of the same criminal organization as Pulcheria and now is also a PGSF officer) was the one who supported and helped Carina fully. He accompanied her back to the criminal world and faces the same charges as her. This actually perfectly fits their characters in the first book and creates more tension to Carina’s life, so I understand why Morton chose to write that.
Carina herself is an excellent character and action heroine. She’s smart and flexible in her thinking and isn’t afraid to bend the rules and take chances when needed. This is something that Conrad doesn’t do well and can sour their relationship.
Still, this was a very good continuation to the series and I’m definitely reading the next book, Successio.
June 7, 2019
{Contains Spoilers}
This is the second instalment of Alison Morton’s world of Roma Nova. A country run by women, what’s more, they are Romans.
Once again, Alison Morton introduces her characters at the beginning of the book in a Dramatis Personae, and a historical note relating to her Roma Nova creation.
Part I: Conspiracy
Carina Mitela is now a Captain in the Praetorian Guard Special Forces (PGSF). She has been called to speak to someone regarding a ‘token’ which has been handed in, bearing her name. This token is classified as a priority and a call for help. Carina does not believe the person who has handed in the token, she refuses to help. However, as the token belong to a friend she does some snooping and realises that the friend is in danger.
During her investigation an attempt is made on her life. The PGSF discovers that her husband has been under surveillance and his ever move has been watched. The Guard and Carina do not know by whom or why. Carina and her husband, Conrad, are now worried for their three children. The entire hierarchy of Roma Nova comes under attack and Carina must flee.
Part II: Pulcheria Redux
Life for the matriarchal hierarchy is threatened in Roma Nova, including female children who are threatened with murder. Now back as Pulcheria, Carina must go back to her former ‘cook life’ in order to save her beloved home and country. She is forced to meet to her former compadres in a heart-wrenching Goodbye.
Part III: Endgame
With Carina Mitela’s career now on the brink of being in tatters, she must face her final nemesis. After putting two and two together Captain Mitela realises who betrayed her, her family and her country. Now completely alone she face face not only them, but possible death as well.
Once again Alison Morton has crafted a well-written tale of conspiracy, a modern-day Roman Empire and a life in the military. Captain Carina Mitela is a true heroine and an asset to the Roma Nova Empire.
This is the second instalment of Alison Morton’s world of Roma Nova. A country run by women, what’s more, they are Romans.
Once again, Alison Morton introduces her characters at the beginning of the book in a Dramatis Personae, and a historical note relating to her Roma Nova creation.
Part I: Conspiracy
Carina Mitela is now a Captain in the Praetorian Guard Special Forces (PGSF). She has been called to speak to someone regarding a ‘token’ which has been handed in, bearing her name. This token is classified as a priority and a call for help. Carina does not believe the person who has handed in the token, she refuses to help. However, as the token belong to a friend she does some snooping and realises that the friend is in danger.
During her investigation an attempt is made on her life. The PGSF discovers that her husband has been under surveillance and his ever move has been watched. The Guard and Carina do not know by whom or why. Carina and her husband, Conrad, are now worried for their three children. The entire hierarchy of Roma Nova comes under attack and Carina must flee.
Part II: Pulcheria Redux
Life for the matriarchal hierarchy is threatened in Roma Nova, including female children who are threatened with murder. Now back as Pulcheria, Carina must go back to her former ‘cook life’ in order to save her beloved home and country. She is forced to meet to her former compadres in a heart-wrenching Goodbye.
Part III: Endgame
With Carina Mitela’s career now on the brink of being in tatters, she must face her final nemesis. After putting two and two together Captain Mitela realises who betrayed her, her family and her country. Now completely alone she face face not only them, but possible death as well.
Once again Alison Morton has crafted a well-written tale of conspiracy, a modern-day Roman Empire and a life in the military. Captain Carina Mitela is a true heroine and an asset to the Roma Nova Empire.
December 15, 2017
This series keeps getting better! As the characters are more fully developed, and the story continues, the books just keep improving. PERFIDITAS is fast-paced, with rich details, plot twists, and memorable characters. I could not put it down & can't wait to read the next one! This series should appeal to fans of Lindsay Davis's "Falco" series (street-smart, independent private detective in ancient Rome), and to those who enjoy David Weber's "Honor Harrington" series (strong female lead in military sci-fi), as well as fans of alternate-history (modern nation base on Roman roots, set in the present day, with 21st century technology and issues). I believe fans of Dick Francis and Lee Child will also enjoy this series, with its clear lines of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, and its strong, independent main character who is willing to do "whatever it takes" and risk all to defend the weak and bring justice to Roma Nova. I recommend reading these books in chronological order, beginning with INCEPTIO, but if you want to start with a shorter tale, choose CARINA (novella set between INCEPTIO and PERFIDITAS). Enjoy!
April 14, 2018
If possible, I enjoyed Perfiditas even more than the first book in the series. Such a rich field of intrigue, like a labyrinth, and there's enough action to make it really exciting without going over the top. The characters are relatable, there's a little garnish of romance, and there's plenty of cloak and dagger spy-type stuff. Honestly, I don't think I've taken to a new author so much since I read Rogue Male by Geoffrey Household, and like Household, Morton stays in firm control of her material, never letting any one element take over the reins. It's a fine piece of work, and one I'm sure I'll read again and again.
September 22, 2018
I was worried when I started this book that Alison Morton wouldn’t be able to sustain the machine gun pace of Inceptio, the first in the series. I needn’t have worried. I literally could not put this down and ended up doing nothing but read it; I read it in a day! The author has found a plot that builds on that of the first book, raising the stakes both for the imaginary state of Roma Nova and the personal lives of our protagonists. Again, I found the characters compelling and sympathetic, but not perfect.
August 30, 2018
Another enjoyable read, be prepared for brutal things to happen to some of your favourite characters and in this novel rather than several intertwining plots there is more of one single huge plot line that makes for a really gripping read, I wholeheartedly recommend this series.
November 17, 2019
This is an excellent series of books and this one does not disappoint. The characters are beautifully drawn and very real. The alternative history is viable, well thought out and believable. I recommend this book highly.
November 26, 2017
Maybe because I didn't read the first one I felt a little lost. By the midpoint though I was wrapped up in all the conspiracies and different characters.
February 13, 2022
A fabulous and exciting book in this original and well written series.
May 31, 2015
In the second book of the trilogy Perfiditas, the reader once again meets with Karen Brown, in her new and transformed state as Captain Carina Mitela of the Praetorian Guard Special Forces. Carina finds herself once more at the receiving end of an attempt on her life, which throws her full force into the depths of an extensive underground conspiracy to topple the government of Roma Nova. Taking matters into her own hands, as usual, Carina calls on some old acquaintances known for operating outside of the law to aid her in her quest to uncover the perpetrators and save her beloved homeland, a move which threatens to ruin both her credibility, and her marriage. The plot thickens, as Carina finds herself at risk, not only from the conspirators who seem determined to ruin her, but also from the very government she strives to protect.
Perfiditas picks up several years after the end of Inceptio, allowing for a more intense storyline, and less settling in. Morton is able to build up more of a storyline, and focus less on background and character development. This gives way to a really gripping plotline. Several times throughout the book things are completely turned upside down, adding a whole new dimension to story and prying a surprised gasp from the mouth of the reader at the end of each chapter.
One of the things I think I liked most about Morton’s second book, though, was the group she created to overthrow the government of Roma Nova. The PFPP – Paterfamilias Patria Potestas are most simply described as ‘a fundamentalist group, believing literally in the original Roman tribal values’. The group want to overthrow the matriarchal system that Roma Nova is founded upon, and are dismissed as living in the past, with one character describing their values as ‘only two and a half thousand years out of date’. The realistic nature of this group really spoke to me; in any society there are those who are anti-establishment, so such groups are bound to arise in some form or another. In a society founded on gender, this seems even more inevitable, as modern times bring forward the desire for equality or, the call for an overhaul of traditional gender roles.
Love once again comes into play in Perfiditas, but in a very different way to Inceptio. When Carina is forced to go undercover after having been framed as a conspirator she is initially devastated at having to distance herself from her family:
‘Normally, I relished the buzz of going undercover on an operation. But no adrenaline raced through my body now. I had no doubt I’d been on the brink of being arrested as a conspirator; I’d been trapped into deserting my post so would be pursued; I was cut off from my family, my children and my love. A cold wave washed through me. Deep down, I had never felt so alone.’
This image of Carina mourning her lost family is not a regular occurrence, however, and she does slip into her undercover role, a little too comfortably, and quickly falls back into allegiance with a group of old, less than legal, acquaintances. As she spends more and more time undercover, Carina becomes increasingly aware that she is developing feelings towards one of her criminal friends, feelings which, when resigned to, threaten to completely overwhelm her.
This aspect of the novel came as quite a surprise. Given the intensity of the relationship between Carina and Conrad in Inceptio, I did not expect her to ever look at anyone else. However, the fact that she does makes her all the more real in my mind. Carina is a person like everyone else; despite the things she achieves, she is not infallible. When this aspect of Carina comes out in the book, it seems almost inevitable that something will slip out of place. In admitting to herself her feelings, Carina lets her guard down, allowing herself to become blind to that which is right in front of her. When the reality of the situation comes to light, Carina is left not only knowing that she missed something, but with a feeling of betrayal so deep it is hard to shake, even as a reader.
Overall, I found that Perfiditas followed nicely in the footsteps on Inceptio, while succeeding in standing on its own two feet. The book has a fast paced and exciting storyline, in which it is easy to become absorbed. Morton grants the reader access to Carina’s inner thoughts, allowing the reader and Carina to puzzle though the mysteries and come to the same conclusions at exactly the same time. I felt breath catch in my throat when I read the lines ‘”I’ll never forget those black eyes.” She caught her breath, “They bored into me. I don’t think I’ve ever been so frightened in the whole of my life”’. Morton ensures that the reader known exactly to whom the black eyes belong, and that you are just as surprised, and heartbroken, as Carina.
Originally posted on Jade the Obscure
Perfiditas picks up several years after the end of Inceptio, allowing for a more intense storyline, and less settling in. Morton is able to build up more of a storyline, and focus less on background and character development. This gives way to a really gripping plotline. Several times throughout the book things are completely turned upside down, adding a whole new dimension to story and prying a surprised gasp from the mouth of the reader at the end of each chapter.
One of the things I think I liked most about Morton’s second book, though, was the group she created to overthrow the government of Roma Nova. The PFPP – Paterfamilias Patria Potestas are most simply described as ‘a fundamentalist group, believing literally in the original Roman tribal values’. The group want to overthrow the matriarchal system that Roma Nova is founded upon, and are dismissed as living in the past, with one character describing their values as ‘only two and a half thousand years out of date’. The realistic nature of this group really spoke to me; in any society there are those who are anti-establishment, so such groups are bound to arise in some form or another. In a society founded on gender, this seems even more inevitable, as modern times bring forward the desire for equality or, the call for an overhaul of traditional gender roles.
Love once again comes into play in Perfiditas, but in a very different way to Inceptio. When Carina is forced to go undercover after having been framed as a conspirator she is initially devastated at having to distance herself from her family:
‘Normally, I relished the buzz of going undercover on an operation. But no adrenaline raced through my body now. I had no doubt I’d been on the brink of being arrested as a conspirator; I’d been trapped into deserting my post so would be pursued; I was cut off from my family, my children and my love. A cold wave washed through me. Deep down, I had never felt so alone.’
This image of Carina mourning her lost family is not a regular occurrence, however, and she does slip into her undercover role, a little too comfortably, and quickly falls back into allegiance with a group of old, less than legal, acquaintances. As she spends more and more time undercover, Carina becomes increasingly aware that she is developing feelings towards one of her criminal friends, feelings which, when resigned to, threaten to completely overwhelm her.
This aspect of the novel came as quite a surprise. Given the intensity of the relationship between Carina and Conrad in Inceptio, I did not expect her to ever look at anyone else. However, the fact that she does makes her all the more real in my mind. Carina is a person like everyone else; despite the things she achieves, she is not infallible. When this aspect of Carina comes out in the book, it seems almost inevitable that something will slip out of place. In admitting to herself her feelings, Carina lets her guard down, allowing herself to become blind to that which is right in front of her. When the reality of the situation comes to light, Carina is left not only knowing that she missed something, but with a feeling of betrayal so deep it is hard to shake, even as a reader.
Overall, I found that Perfiditas followed nicely in the footsteps on Inceptio, while succeeding in standing on its own two feet. The book has a fast paced and exciting storyline, in which it is easy to become absorbed. Morton grants the reader access to Carina’s inner thoughts, allowing the reader and Carina to puzzle though the mysteries and come to the same conclusions at exactly the same time. I felt breath catch in my throat when I read the lines ‘”I’ll never forget those black eyes.” She caught her breath, “They bored into me. I don’t think I’ve ever been so frightened in the whole of my life”’. Morton ensures that the reader known exactly to whom the black eyes belong, and that you are just as surprised, and heartbroken, as Carina.
Originally posted on Jade the Obscure
July 14, 2014
The cover is in line with the rest of the books in the series. I haven't changed my opinion on the cover, I still dislike it. But this time I looked up what Perfiditas means: faithlessness and treachery. Oooh, piqued my interest instantly!
The blurb gives a little from the previous book, which acts as a nice reminder for those who have read it. Perfiditas begins seven years after the first, and Carina has got it together with love interest, Conrad, and is now a mother of two. I'm disappointed that I wasn't privy to their 'coming together'. In book one, they'd split up and I'd have loved to have seen them make up. But that's a romance reader talking. I have to remind myself that this is a thriller.
The look inside was all taken up with the same intro that had appeared in the first book, which I thought unnecessary, but these books could possibly be read as stand-alone reads (not something I'd recommend because there is a LOT going on with characters carrying on their role from the previous instalment), so the author probably thought it was needed for that reason.
Perfiditas opened with Carina discovering the 'entrapment' of Aidan, seemingly, he had disappeared after dipping his hand into the cash drawer at work. It seemed trivial, and Carina was ready to dismiss it as such, but a hunch made her pursue it. Aidan was under surveillance from several minders: at home and work.
The build to his 'kidnap' was a brilliant hook and held my attention as Carina took charge, taking on many disguises to discover what was going on, so I was disappointed when I was just told that he had been liberated.
That wasn't the end though, Carina needed to find out why he'd been held and why she, are all those held dear to her, were being slandered. The plot thickens... but like the first book Morton tends to have her characters plan and discuss the tactics to be used instead of having actions. It is a little disappointing (for me), but it's the author style, and in no way 'wrong'.
I'd have liked Conrad to be her sidekick, instead of being pushed to one side. Other men are listed as 'dangerous' and 'exciting' instead, and I feel this should have been Conrad's role. Anyway, Carina finds herself in the middle of a plot to overthrow the government (her family) and kidnap her children and herself (to possibly kill them) so no female heirs can carry the 'throne'.
She goes on the run, seeking out her old villainous friends, whom we become acquainted with again, it was good to meet them, but Carina's children, and the rest of her family, seemed like mere observers in her exciting life.
I could understand that she wanted to separate her dangerous working life from that of her family but maybe, slowing down, and allowing the reader into this calmer life would turn this into an amazing thriller. As it stands, it felt like something was missing--a spark--emotion--can't quite put my finger on it.
I just wish they'd been more of this: Normally, I relished the buzz of going undercover on an operation. But no adrenaline raced through my body now. I had no doubt I'd been on the brink of being arrested as a conspirator; I'd been trapped into deserting my post so would be pursued; I was cut off from my family, my children and my love. A cold wave washed through me. Deep down, I had never felt so alone.
And less emotionless planning to bring down her enemies or sudden 'Oh, I have children/a husband' mentions. Because of this I couldn't feel much empathy for Captain Carina Mitela.
Also, the revelation that Renschman had died was placed into the story so matter-of-factly I almost missed it. I know I described him as a pantomime villain in the first book, but felt his character was a waste to just kill him off in a sentence.
Over all, this story focuses on a treason plot on her family (the government), and the fallout of Carina’s attempt to put things right. I was disappointed with Conrad for not understanding her reasons for getting things done quickly (illegally) but the sexual tension between Carina and Apollodorus was so strong I knew why.
And Alison Morton can do emotional; the ending actually made me go awwww. So I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series: Successio.
The blurb gives a little from the previous book, which acts as a nice reminder for those who have read it. Perfiditas begins seven years after the first, and Carina has got it together with love interest, Conrad, and is now a mother of two. I'm disappointed that I wasn't privy to their 'coming together'. In book one, they'd split up and I'd have loved to have seen them make up. But that's a romance reader talking. I have to remind myself that this is a thriller.
The look inside was all taken up with the same intro that had appeared in the first book, which I thought unnecessary, but these books could possibly be read as stand-alone reads (not something I'd recommend because there is a LOT going on with characters carrying on their role from the previous instalment), so the author probably thought it was needed for that reason.
Perfiditas opened with Carina discovering the 'entrapment' of Aidan, seemingly, he had disappeared after dipping his hand into the cash drawer at work. It seemed trivial, and Carina was ready to dismiss it as such, but a hunch made her pursue it. Aidan was under surveillance from several minders: at home and work.
The build to his 'kidnap' was a brilliant hook and held my attention as Carina took charge, taking on many disguises to discover what was going on, so I was disappointed when I was just told that he had been liberated.
That wasn't the end though, Carina needed to find out why he'd been held and why she, are all those held dear to her, were being slandered. The plot thickens... but like the first book Morton tends to have her characters plan and discuss the tactics to be used instead of having actions. It is a little disappointing (for me), but it's the author style, and in no way 'wrong'.
I'd have liked Conrad to be her sidekick, instead of being pushed to one side. Other men are listed as 'dangerous' and 'exciting' instead, and I feel this should have been Conrad's role. Anyway, Carina finds herself in the middle of a plot to overthrow the government (her family) and kidnap her children and herself (to possibly kill them) so no female heirs can carry the 'throne'.
She goes on the run, seeking out her old villainous friends, whom we become acquainted with again, it was good to meet them, but Carina's children, and the rest of her family, seemed like mere observers in her exciting life.
I could understand that she wanted to separate her dangerous working life from that of her family but maybe, slowing down, and allowing the reader into this calmer life would turn this into an amazing thriller. As it stands, it felt like something was missing--a spark--emotion--can't quite put my finger on it.
I just wish they'd been more of this: Normally, I relished the buzz of going undercover on an operation. But no adrenaline raced through my body now. I had no doubt I'd been on the brink of being arrested as a conspirator; I'd been trapped into deserting my post so would be pursued; I was cut off from my family, my children and my love. A cold wave washed through me. Deep down, I had never felt so alone.
And less emotionless planning to bring down her enemies or sudden 'Oh, I have children/a husband' mentions. Because of this I couldn't feel much empathy for Captain Carina Mitela.
Also, the revelation that Renschman had died was placed into the story so matter-of-factly I almost missed it. I know I described him as a pantomime villain in the first book, but felt his character was a waste to just kill him off in a sentence.
Over all, this story focuses on a treason plot on her family (the government), and the fallout of Carina’s attempt to put things right. I was disappointed with Conrad for not understanding her reasons for getting things done quickly (illegally) but the sexual tension between Carina and Apollodorus was so strong I knew why.
And Alison Morton can do emotional; the ending actually made me go awwww. So I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series: Successio.
May 15, 2014
With an efficient, professional writing style, the author delivers a thriller filled with cleverly laid-out strategy and well-crafted characters.
First reviewed on Tower of Babel http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
Centuries ago, a group of families fled to settle away and a new Rome was founded. In order to survive, men fought and woman took to economics and ruling. An equilibrium was reached with an Emperatrix, twelve noble families and a high technology army comprised of men and women alike.
After seven years of training, risky missions and double identities, former accountant Karen is fully adjusted to Roma Nova as Captain Carina Mitela.
However, disruption never rests, and a still surviving undercurrent of old times is boiling and ready to burst.
When Carina is proscribed and her family falls in disgrace, she will have to resort back to old tricks to save the day. Even if she wins, there will be consequences to pay, both political and personal.
Snappy dialogues and a multi-layered line of events are the novels main assets, whereas the emotional tension between Conrad and Mitela add a pinch of frustration to the lot. Conrad was too hard on Mitela for my liking, but it's part of his Roman upbringing, I suppose. Despite everything, I must say that my favourite character is Apollodorus. He's elegant, smart and runs a dubious but extremely effective empire under the radar. Very engaging to read about him.
The plot relies heavily on politics, conspiracies and family connections. One of the things that stand out is how well old and modern elements blend. there is a distinct feeling of Ancient Rome in the social customs, the latin names and the hierarchy despite it being reversed. It all combines in the most surprising and stimulating way with cutting edge technology and espionage gadgets.
I think the thorough evolution of the plot may not thrill readers who are seeking shocks and jumps, though it has is fair share of action. Still, it will delight those who are more into intelligent, well thought-out, strategic and political mysteries steeped in alternate History and high on covert operations.
There is an interesting assortment of characters, but ultimately the sole and great hero is a heroine. Captain Carina Mitela is a powerful, driven, smart and tough-as-nails woman who would beat Bond and Bourne put together in a jiffy.
I think the story is superbly designed, even though a bit dense for my liking. When the crisis is apparently solved, there is still hell to pay and lots of issues spring up. And dramatic surprises too. All in all, an interesting read with a couple of fantastic characters, a good twist on Roman History and a lot more to tell.
First reviewed on Tower of Babel http://torretadebabel.blogspot.com
Centuries ago, a group of families fled to settle away and a new Rome was founded. In order to survive, men fought and woman took to economics and ruling. An equilibrium was reached with an Emperatrix, twelve noble families and a high technology army comprised of men and women alike.
After seven years of training, risky missions and double identities, former accountant Karen is fully adjusted to Roma Nova as Captain Carina Mitela.
However, disruption never rests, and a still surviving undercurrent of old times is boiling and ready to burst.
When Carina is proscribed and her family falls in disgrace, she will have to resort back to old tricks to save the day. Even if she wins, there will be consequences to pay, both political and personal.
Snappy dialogues and a multi-layered line of events are the novels main assets, whereas the emotional tension between Conrad and Mitela add a pinch of frustration to the lot. Conrad was too hard on Mitela for my liking, but it's part of his Roman upbringing, I suppose. Despite everything, I must say that my favourite character is Apollodorus. He's elegant, smart and runs a dubious but extremely effective empire under the radar. Very engaging to read about him.
The plot relies heavily on politics, conspiracies and family connections. One of the things that stand out is how well old and modern elements blend. there is a distinct feeling of Ancient Rome in the social customs, the latin names and the hierarchy despite it being reversed. It all combines in the most surprising and stimulating way with cutting edge technology and espionage gadgets.
I think the thorough evolution of the plot may not thrill readers who are seeking shocks and jumps, though it has is fair share of action. Still, it will delight those who are more into intelligent, well thought-out, strategic and political mysteries steeped in alternate History and high on covert operations.
There is an interesting assortment of characters, but ultimately the sole and great hero is a heroine. Captain Carina Mitela is a powerful, driven, smart and tough-as-nails woman who would beat Bond and Bourne put together in a jiffy.
I think the story is superbly designed, even though a bit dense for my liking. When the crisis is apparently solved, there is still hell to pay and lots of issues spring up. And dramatic surprises too. All in all, an interesting read with a couple of fantastic characters, a good twist on Roman History and a lot more to tell.
May 13, 2014
PERFIDITAS is a thriller set in the alternate timeline of Roma Nova.
The story follows Captain Carina Mitela of the Praetorian Guard Special Forces as she works to thwart an attempted coup. The unknown conspirators have cleverly ensured that she herself is incriminated, and so she is sought by her own people and unable to trust anyone. In addition to protecting her country and a way of life she has come to love, she has to prove her innocence.
The plot is fast paced from the start, and there is never dull a moment. There are several unexpected developments. It is a convincing story, with interesting characters and plenty of tension as well as humour.
The heroine, Carina, is skilled, stubborn and determined, as heroes usually are. But she also makes mistakes and is sometimes very unsure of herself. She was not born in Roma Nova, so sometimes reacts to the society and its customs in a way that resonates with the reader.
In this alternate timeline, Roma Nova was established by Roman dissidents many centuries ago, somewhere in Central Europe (in an area similar to modern Slovenia). Some authors break the flow of a story in order to provide background information, but Alison Morton succeeds in building her characters and their setting succinctly and effectively. A brief outline of the history of Roma Nova is given in a Historical Note at the beginning of the book before the story proper starts. At first I thought that the female-led society might be difficult to pull off, but it worked very well.
Although PERFIDITAS is the second book in the series about Carina Mitela, it can be read as a stand-alone story; I certainly didn’t feel that I was missing essential background. However, having enjoyed this book, I will also be reading its predecessor, INCEPTIO.
The cover designer also deserves to be complimented on the attractive design work.
Note: I received a free copy of PERFIDITAS through Goodreads First Reads, with the request to write a review when I’d finished.
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