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Roma Nova #3
Successio
Roma Nova – the last remnant of the Roman Empire that has survived into the 21st century – is at peace. Carina Mitela, the heir of a leading family, but choosing the life of an officer in the Praetorian Guard Special Forces, is not so sure.
She senses danger crawling towards her when she encounters a strangely self-possessed member of the unit hosting their exchange exercise in Britain. When a blackmailing letter arrives from a woman claiming to be her husband Conrad’s lost daughter and Conrad tries to shut Carina out, she knows the threat is real.
Trying to resolve a young man’s indiscretion twenty-five years before turns into a nightmare that not only threatens to destroy all the Mitelae but also attacks the core of the imperial family itself. With her enemy holding a gun to the head of the heir to the imperial throne, Carina has to make the hardest decision of her life…
“If there is a world where fiction becomes more believable than reality, then Alison Morton’s ingenious thrillers must be the portal through which to travel. Following in Caesar’s footsteps, she came with INCEPTIO, saw with PERFIDITAS – and has well and truly conquered with SUCCESSIO!” – Helen Hollick, author and Managing Editor Historical Novel Society Indie Reviews
“Alison Morton has done it again. SUCCESSIO is the latest in her series of powerful tales of family betrayals and shifting allegiances in Roma Nova. Once again, I was gripped from start to finish.” – Sue Cook, writer and broadcaster
She senses danger crawling towards her when she encounters a strangely self-possessed member of the unit hosting their exchange exercise in Britain. When a blackmailing letter arrives from a woman claiming to be her husband Conrad’s lost daughter and Conrad tries to shut Carina out, she knows the threat is real.
Trying to resolve a young man’s indiscretion twenty-five years before turns into a nightmare that not only threatens to destroy all the Mitelae but also attacks the core of the imperial family itself. With her enemy holding a gun to the head of the heir to the imperial throne, Carina has to make the hardest decision of her life…
“If there is a world where fiction becomes more believable than reality, then Alison Morton’s ingenious thrillers must be the portal through which to travel. Following in Caesar’s footsteps, she came with INCEPTIO, saw with PERFIDITAS – and has well and truly conquered with SUCCESSIO!” – Helen Hollick, author and Managing Editor Historical Novel Society Indie Reviews
“Alison Morton has done it again. SUCCESSIO is the latest in her series of powerful tales of family betrayals and shifting allegiances in Roma Nova. Once again, I was gripped from start to finish.” – Sue Cook, writer and broadcaster
294 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2014
5 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
About the author
Alison Morton
37 books150 followersAlison Morton's award-winning thrillers feature tough but compassionate heroines. She lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her contemporary thrillers, Double Identity, Double Pursuit and Double Stakes.
Her eleven-book Roma Nova thriller series is set in an imaginary European country where part of the ancient Roman Empire has survived and is now ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache with courage and a sharp line in dialogue.
Six years’ military service, a fascinating with Ancient Rome and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction have inspired her writing. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.
Subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.alison-morton.com/newslet... and receive two short stories as a thank you gift.
Her eleven-book Roma Nova thriller series is set in an imaginary European country where part of the ancient Roman Empire has survived and is now ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache with courage and a sharp line in dialogue.
Six years’ military service, a fascinating with Ancient Rome and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction have inspired her writing. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.
Subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.alison-morton.com/newslet... and receive two short stories as a thank you gift.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 3, 2014
In retrospect, I’m not quite sure what genre Ms Morton’s book belongs in. Alternate History? Thriller? Hard core action? Ultimately, of course it doesn’t matter. What matters is that this is a book you want to read very, very quickly – things are a tad too exciting at times – while at the same time you don’t want it to end, because once you do so, this fantastic reading experience is behind you.
In this the third instalment of Ms Morton’s Roma Nova series, we yet again meet Carina Mitela, her husband Conradus Mitelus, their families and friends. In Roma Nova, power resides with the women, and it is rather interesting to note just how subtly Ms Morton presents her matriarchal society – a society Roma Nova’s men are as committed to defending as the women are. As a consequence, Carina is the head of her household, but as her husband is formally her boss – he heads the Praetorian Guard’s Special Forces where Carina is a Major – power is equally balanced between Carina and Conrad, both of whom have devoted their lives to the service of their country.
Roma Nova is a proud little country, a last remnant of the Roman Empire squished in between New Austria and Italy. Ms Morton has not only created a past for Roma Nova but also changed the course of history in general, thereby alluding to the Eastern States of America as being a smaller and rather different country than present day USA. Personally, I would love to read more about this different world, but the hints offered are tantalising enough, further enhanced by glimpses of Roma Nova culture and traditions, built on old Roman values and festivities.
As to the characters, Carina knows how to kick ass – skills she will need to rely on heavily to save her family this time round. When Conrad’s unknown daughter pops up, ostensibly to claim on her father’s love, he doesn’t quite know how to handle this angry twenty-five-year-old. He drowns in guilt that he failed her, waving away Carina’s logical comments that he hasn’t failed her, seeing as he never even knew Nicola existed. Where Conrad sees a hurting woman, Carina perceives a seriously disturbed person, intent on revenge. Her suspicions are validated when she finds out that Nicola has on purpose endangered the life of Carina and Conrad’s eldest daughter, but Conrad won’t listen, angrily accusing Carina of meddling where she shouldn’t.
Over a couple of months, Carina’s marriage is torn apart. Conrad refuses to let her in to help him, and the more excluded Carina feels, the angrier she gets. Besides, Nicola is dangerous – Carina’s gut churns in fear at what this woman can do to her loved ones, but Conrad dismisses her fears as ungrounded. He is obliged to stand by Nicola, even if it means abandoning his wife and other children.
As the plot thickens, Carina’s relationship with her husband reaches glacial levels, and as a reader one feels sorry for them both, stuck in a web of miscommunication and old, personal ghosts. It would be a disservice to future readers to reveal too much of the twisting plotline, but suffice it to say that this is at times quite the emotional rollercoaster, peppered with fast-paced action. No wonder one can’t put it down!
Throughout, Ms Morton’s writing is precise and unsentimental. Descriptions create a vivid sense of place and Ms Morton’s knowledge of military matters and all things Roman shines through on every page.
In many ways, Successio is a book that is plot driven rather than character driven. The story is full of twists and turns, gripping in itself, but as icing on the cake Ms Morton presents us with several well-developed characters. Carina and Conrad may be tough military professionals, but first and foremost they are fallible and vulnerable human beings, with their share of personal fears and less likeable traits. They are not always rational, at times they flay each other open, but when it comes to the crunch, Carina can no more walk away from her husband than she can chop off her arm – no matter that he has consistently distanced himself from her in his efforts to work things out on his own.
I've been waiting for the third in the series for a long time and was more than thrilled when I was given an early reviewer's copy. Successio more than lives up to the first two books in Ms Morton’s Roma Nova series. In fact, I hereby pronounce it my favourite of the three!
In this the third instalment of Ms Morton’s Roma Nova series, we yet again meet Carina Mitela, her husband Conradus Mitelus, their families and friends. In Roma Nova, power resides with the women, and it is rather interesting to note just how subtly Ms Morton presents her matriarchal society – a society Roma Nova’s men are as committed to defending as the women are. As a consequence, Carina is the head of her household, but as her husband is formally her boss – he heads the Praetorian Guard’s Special Forces where Carina is a Major – power is equally balanced between Carina and Conrad, both of whom have devoted their lives to the service of their country.
Roma Nova is a proud little country, a last remnant of the Roman Empire squished in between New Austria and Italy. Ms Morton has not only created a past for Roma Nova but also changed the course of history in general, thereby alluding to the Eastern States of America as being a smaller and rather different country than present day USA. Personally, I would love to read more about this different world, but the hints offered are tantalising enough, further enhanced by glimpses of Roma Nova culture and traditions, built on old Roman values and festivities.
As to the characters, Carina knows how to kick ass – skills she will need to rely on heavily to save her family this time round. When Conrad’s unknown daughter pops up, ostensibly to claim on her father’s love, he doesn’t quite know how to handle this angry twenty-five-year-old. He drowns in guilt that he failed her, waving away Carina’s logical comments that he hasn’t failed her, seeing as he never even knew Nicola existed. Where Conrad sees a hurting woman, Carina perceives a seriously disturbed person, intent on revenge. Her suspicions are validated when she finds out that Nicola has on purpose endangered the life of Carina and Conrad’s eldest daughter, but Conrad won’t listen, angrily accusing Carina of meddling where she shouldn’t.
Over a couple of months, Carina’s marriage is torn apart. Conrad refuses to let her in to help him, and the more excluded Carina feels, the angrier she gets. Besides, Nicola is dangerous – Carina’s gut churns in fear at what this woman can do to her loved ones, but Conrad dismisses her fears as ungrounded. He is obliged to stand by Nicola, even if it means abandoning his wife and other children.
As the plot thickens, Carina’s relationship with her husband reaches glacial levels, and as a reader one feels sorry for them both, stuck in a web of miscommunication and old, personal ghosts. It would be a disservice to future readers to reveal too much of the twisting plotline, but suffice it to say that this is at times quite the emotional rollercoaster, peppered with fast-paced action. No wonder one can’t put it down!
Throughout, Ms Morton’s writing is precise and unsentimental. Descriptions create a vivid sense of place and Ms Morton’s knowledge of military matters and all things Roman shines through on every page.
In many ways, Successio is a book that is plot driven rather than character driven. The story is full of twists and turns, gripping in itself, but as icing on the cake Ms Morton presents us with several well-developed characters. Carina and Conrad may be tough military professionals, but first and foremost they are fallible and vulnerable human beings, with their share of personal fears and less likeable traits. They are not always rational, at times they flay each other open, but when it comes to the crunch, Carina can no more walk away from her husband than she can chop off her arm – no matter that he has consistently distanced himself from her in his efforts to work things out on his own.
I've been waiting for the third in the series for a long time and was more than thrilled when I was given an early reviewer's copy. Successio more than lives up to the first two books in Ms Morton’s Roma Nova series. In fact, I hereby pronounce it my favourite of the three!
January 8, 2015
Clearly, Alison Morton is as much a reckless risk-taker as her main character, Carina Mitela, as I will explain. In Book 3 of the Roma Nova series, the author again unleashes non-stop action galloping on the shifting sands of delicately balanced relationships and expedient loyalties. A new character explodes on the scene, toppling the careful order of Roma Nova society and chain of command with a deadly domino effect that spares no-one. She is a young female operative, trained by UK special forces, whose impressive proficiency and single-minded focus almost mirror Carina's own. However, her driving motivation is not defensive but destructively offensive and, like the legendary Trojan horse, she penetrates Conrad's and Carina's successful world, and opens a Pandora's box of guilt and repressed childhood trauma that turns powerful individuals into mere puppets in her carefully-plotted mayhem.
Now about the risk-taking: after creating one of the most fascinating heroes in my recent memory in book one, and shamefully marginalizing him in book two, the author now proceeds to dismantle the mystique piece by piece, leading us to wonder whether Conradus has not, in fact, gone mad. It seems incredible that someone in such a crucially important position can behave so irrationally without consequences and, indeed, when he finally steps over the line, the Imperatrix's retribution is swift and merciless. Carina, for her part, having lost her most precious supporting influences, starts to crack under pressure. No longer the formidable (and perhaps too super-human) heroine of many risky undercover operations, she is now at her most vulnerable, a distraught mother and wife, torn between her devotion to the highly responsible position of Head of Training and Personnel (with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel) and her tender family bonds.
I read through this thrilling sequel with a mixture of fascinated horror and impotent frustration at how ridiculously some of the characters behaved. However, it all makes for a very lively read with the constant anticipation of a staggering revelation that will make sense of all the inconsistencies.
For me this is not an ideal stand-alone book, and I would strongly advise anyone considering it to start instead at the beginning with INCEPTIO, and carry on with the equally brilliant PERFIDITAS, to get the full thrill of the evolving saga. The author excels at keeping a large cast under control, with vivid characterisation and exciting developments defining their personalities much more interestingly than just passive description. However, in this book, I feel the balance has tipped a little too much in favour of non-stop action and the characters' believability has suffered as a result. It's a personal minor criticism and in no way does this detract from the book's overall quality. After all, I don't mind a little suspension of belief in exchange for the highly-charged events that drive the storyline. The ending was a little abrupt and I would have preferred to say goodbye a bit more leisurely to some of the characters that had become so familiar over the course of three books and nearly a thousand pages.
So, well done, Alison Morton, for entertaining me on the edge of my seat for so long, but I could have used a fuller winding up of this fascinating saga. A final word should be said about the cinematic quality of the action scenes, especially the old castle sequence, which will remain in my mind as though I had watched it on film. In fact, as I said before, this whole trilogy is first-class movie material and, in the right hands, would adapt brilliantly.
Now about the risk-taking: after creating one of the most fascinating heroes in my recent memory in book one, and shamefully marginalizing him in book two, the author now proceeds to dismantle the mystique piece by piece, leading us to wonder whether Conradus has not, in fact, gone mad. It seems incredible that someone in such a crucially important position can behave so irrationally without consequences and, indeed, when he finally steps over the line, the Imperatrix's retribution is swift and merciless. Carina, for her part, having lost her most precious supporting influences, starts to crack under pressure. No longer the formidable (and perhaps too super-human) heroine of many risky undercover operations, she is now at her most vulnerable, a distraught mother and wife, torn between her devotion to the highly responsible position of Head of Training and Personnel (with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel) and her tender family bonds.
I read through this thrilling sequel with a mixture of fascinated horror and impotent frustration at how ridiculously some of the characters behaved. However, it all makes for a very lively read with the constant anticipation of a staggering revelation that will make sense of all the inconsistencies.
For me this is not an ideal stand-alone book, and I would strongly advise anyone considering it to start instead at the beginning with INCEPTIO, and carry on with the equally brilliant PERFIDITAS, to get the full thrill of the evolving saga. The author excels at keeping a large cast under control, with vivid characterisation and exciting developments defining their personalities much more interestingly than just passive description. However, in this book, I feel the balance has tipped a little too much in favour of non-stop action and the characters' believability has suffered as a result. It's a personal minor criticism and in no way does this detract from the book's overall quality. After all, I don't mind a little suspension of belief in exchange for the highly-charged events that drive the storyline. The ending was a little abrupt and I would have preferred to say goodbye a bit more leisurely to some of the characters that had become so familiar over the course of three books and nearly a thousand pages.
So, well done, Alison Morton, for entertaining me on the edge of my seat for so long, but I could have used a fuller winding up of this fascinating saga. A final word should be said about the cinematic quality of the action scenes, especially the old castle sequence, which will remain in my mind as though I had watched it on film. In fact, as I said before, this whole trilogy is first-class movie material and, in the right hands, would adapt brilliantly.
October 10, 2014
The fascinating world of Roma Nova continues to enthral in this clever alternate history which maintains the story of Carina Mitela, the leading female protagonist we have followed since the very early days of INCEPTIO. SUCCESSIO takes up the story some years after the conclusion of book II.
Threaded throughout the novel, the ever present threat of danger is the central theme, but in SUCCESSIO, darker elements are exposed and as old secrets are uncovered, the very real threat to the Mitalea forces Carina into re-evaluating everything she has ever known about her life in Roma Nova. The need to protect her family is, as always, paramount, but Carina is no longer the young idealistic warrior, she is now far more mature, with greater family responsibilities and there is no doubt that at times, she finds these obligations difficult and fraught with danger.
As always, it’s a real treat return to the vivid world of Roma Nova. The thrilling nature of the narrative brings time and place to life in quite a believable way, so that almost without you realising it, the characters take on a life of their own, and very soon Roma Nova becomes quite real in your imagination.
There is no doubt that the success of this series is down to the meticulous planning and fine attention to detail that we have come to expect from this talented author. I am sure that the series will run as long as Ms. Morton has the imagination to keep Roma Nova alive.
Threaded throughout the novel, the ever present threat of danger is the central theme, but in SUCCESSIO, darker elements are exposed and as old secrets are uncovered, the very real threat to the Mitalea forces Carina into re-evaluating everything she has ever known about her life in Roma Nova. The need to protect her family is, as always, paramount, but Carina is no longer the young idealistic warrior, she is now far more mature, with greater family responsibilities and there is no doubt that at times, she finds these obligations difficult and fraught with danger.
As always, it’s a real treat return to the vivid world of Roma Nova. The thrilling nature of the narrative brings time and place to life in quite a believable way, so that almost without you realising it, the characters take on a life of their own, and very soon Roma Nova becomes quite real in your imagination.
There is no doubt that the success of this series is down to the meticulous planning and fine attention to detail that we have come to expect from this talented author. I am sure that the series will run as long as Ms. Morton has the imagination to keep Roma Nova alive.
May 30, 2014
Having enjoyed the first two books in Alison Morton's Roma Nova series, I was very pleased to receive an early review copy of the third, which picks up Carina Mitela's story some years on when her eldest daughter Allegra is a teenager. When a new threat befalls Carina and her fascinating country, the slick thriller action familiar from her previous adventures kicks off, but this time with added depth from the continuing development of her family relationships as the next generation matures. I loved the well-drawn characterisation of both the youngest players and the oldest generation, Aurelia and Quintus, and the further development of their relationships with Carina and her husband Conrad. As ever, the action scenes were well-paced and exciting, with the castle scene towards the end especially graphic and gripping. As a Londoner, I also enjoyed the part of the action that took place in the UK. This book - and indeed the whole series - is surely just asking to be made into a movie! I was interested to see that the planned book 4 (or should I say IV?!) will focus on the wonderful Aurelia's back story - I'm really looking forward to getting to know her better. Thank you, Alison Morton, for another great read.
July 15, 2014
Mitela’s life does not get any easier in this third book. Not only does she have to cope with wayward teenage children and an even more rebellious step-daughter, she is faced with an indiscretion of her husbands that comes back to haunt them all. Nicola Sandbrook, the daughter Conrad never knew he had, is not only resentful but has inherited the sociopathic tendencies of her paternal grandfather, Caius Tellus and is bent on a twisted revenge of her own imagination and determined to bring down the family she was never a part of.
One aspect I found surprising in this heavily family oriented society, was the way Conrad doesn’t present a united front with his ex-partner, wife and six children – instead, he takes Nicola’s side through guilt, misplaced loyalty and a preponderance to use his position as Legate to conceal evidence against this unspeakable and destructive girl.
Conrad’s daughters Allegra and Stella have their own voices in this story and show all the signs of being interesting characters for future volumes in the Roma Nova saga. Interestingly the two sons play a minor, almost invisible part. A worthy addition to the Roma Nova saga and one which kept me reading.
One aspect I found surprising in this heavily family oriented society, was the way Conrad doesn’t present a united front with his ex-partner, wife and six children – instead, he takes Nicola’s side through guilt, misplaced loyalty and a preponderance to use his position as Legate to conceal evidence against this unspeakable and destructive girl.
Conrad’s daughters Allegra and Stella have their own voices in this story and show all the signs of being interesting characters for future volumes in the Roma Nova saga. Interestingly the two sons play a minor, almost invisible part. A worthy addition to the Roma Nova saga and one which kept me reading.
July 28, 2015
A very enjoyable read. I really like how each book takes place years apart. In some series the books take place so close together that you feel like the characters never age. There is more human drama than action in this third installment of the Roma Nova series. Sometimes I found Conrad to be annoying in his behaviors, so it was nice to get more back story on him. Overall a good series to read.
July 31, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although I haven't read the previous two books in this series, I did find this book to be a really intriguing read. I was drawn into the world very quickly and the plot was easy to understand and follow.
It was an interesting concept to see how the world might be with modern-day Romans around. Although I wasn't given much of an opportunity to see the world outside of their civilisation... it was good to see something of their relations with countries outside.
There was a lot of tension in this book and I felt it gradually progressed; until, by the end, I was reading quickly to find out what was going to happen to the characters.
I have to be honest... I really didn't like Conrad. I felt sympathy for him, sure. And at first, I could understand why he wanted to see the potential for good in Nicola... but by over halfway through the book, all I could see was that he was keeping himself in dangerous ignorance.
I very much liked Allegra. For all that she made mistakes at the start, I felt she was given the opportunity to grow and mature by the end. She was a likable character and it would be a good opportunity to see how she grows and matures in future books. It was nice to see her relationship with her mother... and, to a lesser extent, her father.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Stella. It would have been good to see more of her and Carina interacting, but I was still able to see her as a well-rounded character... even if there were times she came across as somewhat spoiled. I would have liked to see a bit more of her development later on in the book.
The fact that this book was written in the first person enabled me, as a reader, to get to know Carina's character. It did mean that there were few instances to be surprised... for instance, by Nicola's devious nature. An outside perspective would have allowed some more instances of shock.
In the future, I'd like to read the other books in this series. The characters were intriguing and the world came across really well. It would be good to read more of their past... and see more of their future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although I haven't read the previous two books in this series, I did find this book to be a really intriguing read. I was drawn into the world very quickly and the plot was easy to understand and follow.
It was an interesting concept to see how the world might be with modern-day Romans around. Although I wasn't given much of an opportunity to see the world outside of their civilisation... it was good to see something of their relations with countries outside.
There was a lot of tension in this book and I felt it gradually progressed; until, by the end, I was reading quickly to find out what was going to happen to the characters.
I have to be honest... I really didn't like Conrad. I felt sympathy for him, sure. And at first, I could understand why he wanted to see the potential for good in Nicola... but by over halfway through the book, all I could see was that he was keeping himself in dangerous ignorance.
I very much liked Allegra. For all that she made mistakes at the start, I felt she was given the opportunity to grow and mature by the end. She was a likable character and it would be a good opportunity to see how she grows and matures in future books. It was nice to see her relationship with her mother... and, to a lesser extent, her father.
I felt a lot of sympathy for Stella. It would have been good to see more of her and Carina interacting, but I was still able to see her as a well-rounded character... even if there were times she came across as somewhat spoiled. I would have liked to see a bit more of her development later on in the book.
The fact that this book was written in the first person enabled me, as a reader, to get to know Carina's character. It did mean that there were few instances to be surprised... for instance, by Nicola's devious nature. An outside perspective would have allowed some more instances of shock.
In the future, I'd like to read the other books in this series. The characters were intriguing and the world came across really well. It would be good to read more of their past... and see more of their future.
July 24, 2015
Disclaimer: I got this book free and was asked to review it in return.
I'm actually going to add a second disclaimer here - I also received the second book in the series free in return for a review BUT, and this is a big but here folks - I would totally have paid money for these.
Now, if you don't read a lot of my reviews that might not mean a lot - but I download a load of free ... stuff... from Amazon and it is rare for me to actually buy a book these days - so saying I would buy three = high praise.
This book I have placed on par with book 2 in terms of star ratings, however I really wanted to give that book five stars but it just missed out. This one clearly didn't have that... spark to make me want to rate it higher. Still three books in a series and they all get 4-5 stars - pretty decent going. In my mind it places these books on par with The Hunger Games or the Millennium trilogy (and puts them above 'established' authors like Robin Hobb to some extent and with my rating system).
Carina is as interesting as ever, though I missed some of the 'shades of grey' viewpoint from the previous books, I've just plain given up on ever liking Conrad - again he serves his purpose but that is it.
I feel like this was a quicker read than books one and two, possibly because I am now more at ease with the writing style which threw me originally.
Plot wise... I want to say it stands up but I honestly don't recall a lot of the previous books apart from general gist (which is great as it means the books will totally have re-read value!). The villainous character was perhaps a little cardboard cut-out in comparison - I seem to recall the previous villains being more nuanced. That said this was still a decent plot.
Now, I've already said I would be re-reading this and that stands - possibly next year and I'll try and read the books in order as well! Would I recommend this - yes, and I have actually recommended the earlier books to a work colleague who was looking for something in the speculative fiction genre - I can tell her on Monday now to add this one to her list of books to read!
I'm actually going to add a second disclaimer here - I also received the second book in the series free in return for a review BUT, and this is a big but here folks - I would totally have paid money for these.
Now, if you don't read a lot of my reviews that might not mean a lot - but I download a load of free ... stuff... from Amazon and it is rare for me to actually buy a book these days - so saying I would buy three = high praise.
This book I have placed on par with book 2 in terms of star ratings, however I really wanted to give that book five stars but it just missed out. This one clearly didn't have that... spark to make me want to rate it higher. Still three books in a series and they all get 4-5 stars - pretty decent going. In my mind it places these books on par with The Hunger Games or the Millennium trilogy (and puts them above 'established' authors like Robin Hobb to some extent and with my rating system).
Carina is as interesting as ever, though I missed some of the 'shades of grey' viewpoint from the previous books, I've just plain given up on ever liking Conrad - again he serves his purpose but that is it.
I feel like this was a quicker read than books one and two, possibly because I am now more at ease with the writing style which threw me originally.
Plot wise... I want to say it stands up but I honestly don't recall a lot of the previous books apart from general gist (which is great as it means the books will totally have re-read value!). The villainous character was perhaps a little cardboard cut-out in comparison - I seem to recall the previous villains being more nuanced. That said this was still a decent plot.
Now, I've already said I would be re-reading this and that stands - possibly next year and I'll try and read the books in order as well! Would I recommend this - yes, and I have actually recommended the earlier books to a work colleague who was looking for something in the speculative fiction genre - I can tell her on Monday now to add this one to her list of books to read!
July 23, 2015
Successio is unique. It is classified as an alternate history, but it is so much more. It is a combination of genres. Filled with action and suspense, it is a must read. Carina's unknown step-daughter Nicola results in trouble in her marriage to Conrad and causes Carina to be torn between her loyalty to her family and her responsibilities to her country. Nicola is dangerous and her desire for revenge fuels her plan to bring down Conrad's family with Carina. His misplaced loyalty toward Nicola hurts all those he loves.
Roma Nova is a matriarchal society. It is what remains of the former Roman Empire. As a political thriller, you become pulled into the story. I found myself wanting to know more about politics of this alternate world and its role in global society.
If you are looking for a book series unlike any you've ever read, this is the one . Morton has a talent for drawing you into her books. Her characters are realistic, her plots are full of twists and turns, and her use of descriptive language holds you captivated. You won't be able to put this fast-paced read down.
Roma Nova is a matriarchal society. It is what remains of the former Roman Empire. As a political thriller, you become pulled into the story. I found myself wanting to know more about politics of this alternate world and its role in global society.
If you are looking for a book series unlike any you've ever read, this is the one . Morton has a talent for drawing you into her books. Her characters are realistic, her plots are full of twists and turns, and her use of descriptive language holds you captivated. You won't be able to put this fast-paced read down.
September 23, 2014
In this the third volume in the Roma-Nova series the author has done her best work to date giving the reader a taut thriller from start to finish. Carina and Conrad are driven to the edge and beyond as a piece of Conrad's history in the form of a daughter he did not know about shows up in full time revenge mode. Revenge not only directed at the father who she feels abandoned her but also against anyone who he is close to including Carina, the Imperatrix and their children. Nicola, the prodigal daughter from Hades, is an example of how the bad guy/girl should be written in any good novel. Her perseverance, resourcefulness and the downright ruthlessness of her character are what good stories are made of. By the same token, those same qualities are imbued once again in the heroine making her once again occasionally act outside the purview of law and order to safeguard her family. This is definitely a page turner of the highest order and while I really enjoyed the first two books, this one captivated me even more. 5 stars and a hearty recommendation.
November 7, 2016
The third in the Roma Nova series of books takes us again into the lives of Carina and Conradus Mitela, fourteen years after the start of book I and eight years after book II. The family is growing and daughter Allegra in particular starts to appear as a distinct personality in her own right. This book is much more about family, and familial ties and loyalties, rather than state affairs, although that features too. It is the darkest of the series to date.
Once again, Alison Morton shows her level of detailed research into the minutiae of Roman life, but by skillfully weaving it into the story, she manages to avoid any hint of information dumping. A great addition to the series, Highly recommended.
Once again, Alison Morton shows her level of detailed research into the minutiae of Roman life, but by skillfully weaving it into the story, she manages to avoid any hint of information dumping. A great addition to the series, Highly recommended.
August 14, 2014
The third instalment in the author's compelling series. Well worth the wait and every bit as good as previous offerings.
October 3, 2014
We are proud to announce that SUCCESSIO by Alison Morton is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
February 15, 2021
A long lost daughter, but she doesn’t want a father, she wants revenge.
{WARNING - THIS REVIEW CONTAIN SPOILERS}
This is the third instalment of the Roma Nova series from Alison Morton. I strongly advise you to read the first two before reading this one. However, I feel you ‘could’ read the third book on its own, but it may be a little confusing.
PART: I Generations
We start off with the PGSF (Praetorian Guard Special Forces) and Carina Mitela in the UK undergoing a training exercise with the British Forces. Carian’s husband, Conradus Mitela is given a note claiming that he has a daughter, Nicola, and she tends to seek revenge for his desertion of her and her mother.
They return to Roma Nova and for a while things are normal, but Carina and Conrad’s eldest daughter, Allegra, is almost killed in an underage drinking spree led by an unknown female. As Allegra must undergo punishment for her indiscretion and is made an example of. She is given the highest punishment (a ‘Level 5’) and is ordered to do the harsh community service. Meanwhile, they catch the person who led Allegra astray, and it turns out to be Conrad’s long lost daughter. Conrad, because of his background, defends his estranged daughter, Nicola, even though she almost killed Allegra. Nicola however, is given a much softer punishment. This drives a wedge between Carina and Conrad and he leaves the family home, moving Nicola in with him.
PART: II The Furies
Conrad becomes more and more vicious towards his wife Carina, making their working relationship intolerable. Carina just wants her husband back, and tries to make him see that Nicola is out to destroy the family. But he refuses to believe it. Meanwhile Nicola sweet-talks her way into the life of Conrad’s first wife and their eldest daughter, Stella. Who in turn is tricked into dealing and selling drugs.
Once again, Carina tries to warn her husband, but he takes on the role of her Commanding Officer, rather than her husband, and ‘Orders’ her not to pursue any investigation into his daughter Nicola. Carina, of course, ignores his orders and finds the proof. Conrad is furious, takes the proof off her and it suddenly disappears.
We are led into Part III with Conrad’s elderly uncle, Quintus, fighting for his life and Nicola being the prime suspect.
PART: III The Hunt
Conrad has disappeared, along with his treacherous daughter, Nicola. Conrad has been stripped of citizenship and Carina has been ordered to find both of them and bring them back.
Part three details Carina’s hunt for both of them and the events that leads to Conrad’s arrest, imprisonment, and trial. But despite all that Conrad has done, Carina still loves her husband.
Part IV: Nemesis
The final part of Book III in the Roma Nova series, sees Carina and Conrad working together to capture the evil Nicola who is hell bent on destroying her father’s family, no matter the cost.
Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is full of action and adventure with brilliant fight scenes. The language is adult orientated with what feels is appropriate swearing (without overdoing it.)
This book, and in fact this series, is best suited to the older teenagers upwards. I do feel that both male and female readers will enjoy this book, not forgetting that the series has very strong female leads.
{WARNING - THIS REVIEW CONTAIN SPOILERS}
This is the third instalment of the Roma Nova series from Alison Morton. I strongly advise you to read the first two before reading this one. However, I feel you ‘could’ read the third book on its own, but it may be a little confusing.
PART: I Generations
We start off with the PGSF (Praetorian Guard Special Forces) and Carina Mitela in the UK undergoing a training exercise with the British Forces. Carian’s husband, Conradus Mitela is given a note claiming that he has a daughter, Nicola, and she tends to seek revenge for his desertion of her and her mother.
They return to Roma Nova and for a while things are normal, but Carina and Conrad’s eldest daughter, Allegra, is almost killed in an underage drinking spree led by an unknown female. As Allegra must undergo punishment for her indiscretion and is made an example of. She is given the highest punishment (a ‘Level 5’) and is ordered to do the harsh community service. Meanwhile, they catch the person who led Allegra astray, and it turns out to be Conrad’s long lost daughter. Conrad, because of his background, defends his estranged daughter, Nicola, even though she almost killed Allegra. Nicola however, is given a much softer punishment. This drives a wedge between Carina and Conrad and he leaves the family home, moving Nicola in with him.
PART: II The Furies
Conrad becomes more and more vicious towards his wife Carina, making their working relationship intolerable. Carina just wants her husband back, and tries to make him see that Nicola is out to destroy the family. But he refuses to believe it. Meanwhile Nicola sweet-talks her way into the life of Conrad’s first wife and their eldest daughter, Stella. Who in turn is tricked into dealing and selling drugs.
Once again, Carina tries to warn her husband, but he takes on the role of her Commanding Officer, rather than her husband, and ‘Orders’ her not to pursue any investigation into his daughter Nicola. Carina, of course, ignores his orders and finds the proof. Conrad is furious, takes the proof off her and it suddenly disappears.
We are led into Part III with Conrad’s elderly uncle, Quintus, fighting for his life and Nicola being the prime suspect.
PART: III The Hunt
Conrad has disappeared, along with his treacherous daughter, Nicola. Conrad has been stripped of citizenship and Carina has been ordered to find both of them and bring them back.
Part three details Carina’s hunt for both of them and the events that leads to Conrad’s arrest, imprisonment, and trial. But despite all that Conrad has done, Carina still loves her husband.
Part IV: Nemesis
The final part of Book III in the Roma Nova series, sees Carina and Conrad working together to capture the evil Nicola who is hell bent on destroying her father’s family, no matter the cost.
Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is full of action and adventure with brilliant fight scenes. The language is adult orientated with what feels is appropriate swearing (without overdoing it.)
This book, and in fact this series, is best suited to the older teenagers upwards. I do feel that both male and female readers will enjoy this book, not forgetting that the series has very strong female leads.
March 16, 2019
Set eight years after the end of the second book, Carina Mitela is now a major in the Roma Nova’s elite military force, the Praetorian Guard Special Forces (PGSF). She’s also the head of her powerful family now that her formerly formidable grandmother Aurelia is suffering from late-stage cancer. Carina’s husband Conrad is a legate in the military forces and therefore her commanding officer. They have managed to make it work, though, because they love each other and because they’re both committed to serving the state. They have three children.
But when they suddenly find out that Conrad has a daughter he never knew existed, their life is torn apart. The girl, Nicola, is already 25 years old and she’s in the British military. When she comes to Roma Nova, she wants everything she can get. Carina strongly suspects that the girl is manipulating Conrad but he won’t hear of it. He turns his back to his existing family, refusing any help from his wife. When Carina finds out that Nicola is a drug dealer who almost gets Carina and Conrad’s oldest daughter killed, Conrad refuses to hear of it. When Nicola gets the Roman Novan Imperial heir into trouble, Conrad still sides with Nicola, feeling guilty and that he must try to make up for the lost years.
This story is quite a roller coaster, involving the people closest to Carina. Nicola threatens not only Conrad and Carina’s relationship but also their children. Conrad siding with Nicola hurts Carina deeply but she does her best to serve the country. Also, Carina’s eldest daughter Allegra is 15 and in trouble. The imperial heir, Stella, is also a teenager. She’s unsure of what she wants to do in life and is used to being pampered. When she rebels against her mother, it’s more serious than an average teenager’s rebellion.
Also, Carina’s beloved grandmother is dying of cancer and Carina needs to step up as the leader of her extended family. All of this makes the story seem complicated but it’s written very well and I had no problem following the different plots. However, I was really very dubious about Conrad’s actions (once again) even though we do get an explanation, of sorts.
The series has a lot of secondary characters and we get to see most of them this time, too. Carina’s friends in the military play a big role but we get to see the others, as well. Stella and Allegra have their own character arcs, and while the girls could have been very similar, both reared up is rich, privileged families, they are actually quite different. I’ve enjoyed the cast of characters in the previous books and I enjoyed them a lot this time, too.
This is a great end to Carina’s story. There’s still a novella about her which I haven’t read. While “Successio” can be read as a stand-alone, I think it’s best to read “Inceptio” and “Perfiditas” first. The next book in the series “Aurelia” follows Carina’s grandmother’s story and I’m eager to read it.
But when they suddenly find out that Conrad has a daughter he never knew existed, their life is torn apart. The girl, Nicola, is already 25 years old and she’s in the British military. When she comes to Roma Nova, she wants everything she can get. Carina strongly suspects that the girl is manipulating Conrad but he won’t hear of it. He turns his back to his existing family, refusing any help from his wife. When Carina finds out that Nicola is a drug dealer who almost gets Carina and Conrad’s oldest daughter killed, Conrad refuses to hear of it. When Nicola gets the Roman Novan Imperial heir into trouble, Conrad still sides with Nicola, feeling guilty and that he must try to make up for the lost years.
This story is quite a roller coaster, involving the people closest to Carina. Nicola threatens not only Conrad and Carina’s relationship but also their children. Conrad siding with Nicola hurts Carina deeply but she does her best to serve the country. Also, Carina’s eldest daughter Allegra is 15 and in trouble. The imperial heir, Stella, is also a teenager. She’s unsure of what she wants to do in life and is used to being pampered. When she rebels against her mother, it’s more serious than an average teenager’s rebellion.
Also, Carina’s beloved grandmother is dying of cancer and Carina needs to step up as the leader of her extended family. All of this makes the story seem complicated but it’s written very well and I had no problem following the different plots. However, I was really very dubious about Conrad’s actions (once again) even though we do get an explanation, of sorts.
The series has a lot of secondary characters and we get to see most of them this time, too. Carina’s friends in the military play a big role but we get to see the others, as well. Stella and Allegra have their own character arcs, and while the girls could have been very similar, both reared up is rich, privileged families, they are actually quite different. I’ve enjoyed the cast of characters in the previous books and I enjoyed them a lot this time, too.
This is a great end to Carina’s story. There’s still a novella about her which I haven’t read. While “Successio” can be read as a stand-alone, I think it’s best to read “Inceptio” and “Perfiditas” first. The next book in the series “Aurelia” follows Carina’s grandmother’s story and I’m eager to read it.
April 30, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"Make your decisions for the family."
Nova Roma, the small but influential state in Europe which survived the fall of most of the Roman Empire, and home to Corina Mitela for nearly half of her 39 years. She has done well in her life since since leaving America to take her place in one of the ruling families, cousin and friend to Sylvia, the Imperata, married to Conradus and with children of her own, and a major in the military. But following successful excercises in England, her happy life starts to shift when she receives news that her beloved grandmother and head of the family is seriously ill and her husband gets a message of his own which will tear apart her personal relationships and threaten Roma Nova itself.
This beautifully written and well researched third book in the alternate history series reimagining what might have been if Ancient Rome had, at least in part, continued into the twenty first century, is a shere delight for everyone enjoying not just stories of Rome but also good thrillers and fully formed characters. Each book is stand alone but with reading pleasure like this, why not start at the beginning and discover Roma Nova and it's way of life with Carina.
Narrator Caitlin Thorburn reads Successio quite adequately, her speech is clear and steady, and there is understanding in her presentation. But for this reader, sadly, the voice does not match the character, being a little too 'girlie' and she has only two voices beyond that of the main character, to share amongst the other protagonists. Though by no means diminishing the book pleasure, an alternative reader could have better enhanced it and I very much look forward to hearing the next in the series, Aurelia, a taster of which follows the main story, and read by a stronger voiced narrator.
"Make your decisions for the family."
Nova Roma, the small but influential state in Europe which survived the fall of most of the Roman Empire, and home to Corina Mitela for nearly half of her 39 years. She has done well in her life since since leaving America to take her place in one of the ruling families, cousin and friend to Sylvia, the Imperata, married to Conradus and with children of her own, and a major in the military. But following successful excercises in England, her happy life starts to shift when she receives news that her beloved grandmother and head of the family is seriously ill and her husband gets a message of his own which will tear apart her personal relationships and threaten Roma Nova itself.
This beautifully written and well researched third book in the alternate history series reimagining what might have been if Ancient Rome had, at least in part, continued into the twenty first century, is a shere delight for everyone enjoying not just stories of Rome but also good thrillers and fully formed characters. Each book is stand alone but with reading pleasure like this, why not start at the beginning and discover Roma Nova and it's way of life with Carina.
Narrator Caitlin Thorburn reads Successio quite adequately, her speech is clear and steady, and there is understanding in her presentation. But for this reader, sadly, the voice does not match the character, being a little too 'girlie' and she has only two voices beyond that of the main character, to share amongst the other protagonists. Though by no means diminishing the book pleasure, an alternative reader could have better enhanced it and I very much look forward to hearing the next in the series, Aurelia, a taster of which follows the main story, and read by a stronger voiced narrator.
May 27, 2020
"you have to remember this. Make your decisions for the family...It will be hard but you must be loyal to them: whatever the heartache- Promise me"
The final words to Carina from her Nonna Aurelia on her deathbed would foretell a hard life ahead for her. The new Countess, head of the twelve families would have to make choices that could ruin any happiness she might find. But in Roma Nova, "Serve to Lead" was not an empty slogan.If it was, then the 16 centuries they had survived would be for naught.
Could the family survive attacks from the inside? Could every member betrusted? And if not, could Carina save the pieces hoping it could be repaired ?In this speculative historical thriller, Alison Morton serves up enough action to make every page equal to the one before until an extremely satisfying ending sends you on the search for more. Highly recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author. I chose to voluntarily read and review it]
The final words to Carina from her Nonna Aurelia on her deathbed would foretell a hard life ahead for her. The new Countess, head of the twelve families would have to make choices that could ruin any happiness she might find. But in Roma Nova, "Serve to Lead" was not an empty slogan.If it was, then the 16 centuries they had survived would be for naught.
Could the family survive attacks from the inside? Could every member betrusted? And if not, could Carina save the pieces hoping it could be repaired ?In this speculative historical thriller, Alison Morton serves up enough action to make every page equal to the one before until an extremely satisfying ending sends you on the search for more. Highly recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book from the author. I chose to voluntarily read and review it]
September 21, 2017
When a series is ongoing it's always number three that makes or breaks it for me. Either I've had enough of the same ol' same ol' or I'm hooked for life.
Roman Nova has got me hooked for life!
I loved that the new challenges life threw at the characters befit their older ages and yet there was plenty of the alternate history, women kicking butt and page turning thriller that drew me to the series in the first place.
Would I recommend it?
For sure! Just start with Inceptio and keep on going! As for me, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Roman Nova has got me hooked for life!
I loved that the new challenges life threw at the characters befit their older ages and yet there was plenty of the alternate history, women kicking butt and page turning thriller that drew me to the series in the first place.
Would I recommend it?
For sure! Just start with Inceptio and keep on going! As for me, I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
April 15, 2018
Alison Morton will grab you by the scruff of the neck and put you into the story. Buckle up for the ride of your life - politics, treachery, action, romance, a mother's tears... it's all there in this wonderful riot of excitement, loss and adventure. And yet it is all controlled - Morton's hand never slips on the reins as she controls her story from start to finish; it's a disciplined, tight piece of writing and I found nothing at all to criticise. A guaranteed edge-of-the-seat read from start to finish.
July 22, 2015
Morton seems to have built up a complex alternate reality where Roman Nova exist and I suspect that reading the first two books in the series would really help understand the back story, saying all that I read it without having read the first two and still enjoyed it (even though I felt a bit lost in places).
I love alternate histories, how would one change in history still affect our lives today? Morton is clearly fascinated by this as well, and has created a comprehensive world where the Roman empire exists but in a very different form. I was fascinated by the changes in this version of the Romans- becoming a matriarchal society as the women took over more of the running of the country while the me fought to defend themselves. The continued use of Latin (and how a modern evolving Latin might compare to the formal dead-language taught in school today). Although I couldn't understand why they kept referring to Hades, they used the other Roman gods names (Jupiter and Mars) but not Pluto for some reason.
However while a fascinating world has been created we don't really see that much of it, the story is more about Carina and her life in Roma Nova and while her world is unique her life is not all that different from any other western society other than a few Latin names and a few Roman features but the society itself didn't feel very different. In all fairness there's no reason why a modern Roman society would be vastly different, a lot of Europe did descend from the Romans anyway but I was hoping for the Roman aspect to play a bigger part, it's definitely a crime story more than a story about an alternate world.
I feel like I missed out a lot of the background between Carina and her colleagues, It didn't ruin the story but I feel like the military/police people were for the most part were fairly interchangeable, I think knowing more of their background could have helped add some depth to their characters. The whole story was pretty plot driven rather than character driven and there were times when I didn't understand the motivation behind characters' actions.
Carina seemed a bit lost in her relationship with others in the novel. I felt like she was just drifting through, doing the first thing that came to mind rather than really thinking through what would actually be a good idea. She was pretty upset by what was going on in her private life though so I can understand why she might act without thinking but it did make me want to shout at her, I wish she's been a smarter character.
I really liked how Stella and Allegra progressed through the novel, at the beginning Stella was a fairly typical rebellious, sulky young adult while Allegra was young and sweet but both of them grew up in very different ways into their own unique characters.
I found myself getting really annoyed with Conrad- I know that he has issues from his past that impact on his view of his children but Nicola is 25, she's not a child any more and she was horrible to Stella and Allegra (who is a child at just 14). He seems to pretty much throw out his current family- yes he's mad with Carina, I could understand him blocking her out but he doesn't seem to care about his other 6 children either. Nicola is manipulative but he's already siding with her against Allegra before they've met in person.
It also seems like he's determined to let her lie to him- surely a basic background check would prove that she was raised by her mum- a teacher, and anyone with any sort of history in military intelligence would want to do a background check.
He also seems to go against the duty of his position- when Silva realises what Stella's done she know that she has to face the law even though she's the child of the Imperitrix but Conrad has evidence of Nicola and Stella conducting an illegal drug deal and covers it up even though he has to know that Carina will take it higher (because she wants to protect her children and Stella), it's both corrupt and stupid, he has to know that hiding the problem won't make it go away. Most people who could be called honourable do the right thing even if it personally costs them.
I don't really understand how Carina could trust him again and why she would think it was a good idea to take him back immediately, either he doesn't value her and their children or he's mentally broken/lost in some way. He destroyed their family, actually siding against Allegra and that must have really traumatised their children (all of them) so welcoming him back into their family immediately doesn't seem like a good idea. Kids get angry when they feel like a parent has betrayed them, they expect unconditional love and want their parents to take their side, they wouldn't understand the deep psychological issues affecting Conrad, just that he'd chosen another family over them. I can't believe that Carina and Conrad's kids weren't furious with him.
I also found it frustrating that the book started by emphasising just how great their military was but then when it came to the crunch Carina decided that she was the only one who could possibly deal with the situation and that she had to go it alone as a unauthorised operative. It just seemed like a terrible plan from the start.
*I was given and ARC copy in exchange for a review.*
I love alternate histories, how would one change in history still affect our lives today? Morton is clearly fascinated by this as well, and has created a comprehensive world where the Roman empire exists but in a very different form. I was fascinated by the changes in this version of the Romans- becoming a matriarchal society as the women took over more of the running of the country while the me fought to defend themselves. The continued use of Latin (and how a modern evolving Latin might compare to the formal dead-language taught in school today). Although I couldn't understand why they kept referring to Hades, they used the other Roman gods names (Jupiter and Mars) but not Pluto for some reason.
However while a fascinating world has been created we don't really see that much of it, the story is more about Carina and her life in Roma Nova and while her world is unique her life is not all that different from any other western society other than a few Latin names and a few Roman features but the society itself didn't feel very different. In all fairness there's no reason why a modern Roman society would be vastly different, a lot of Europe did descend from the Romans anyway but I was hoping for the Roman aspect to play a bigger part, it's definitely a crime story more than a story about an alternate world.
I feel like I missed out a lot of the background between Carina and her colleagues, It didn't ruin the story but I feel like the military/police people were for the most part were fairly interchangeable, I think knowing more of their background could have helped add some depth to their characters. The whole story was pretty plot driven rather than character driven and there were times when I didn't understand the motivation behind characters' actions.
Carina seemed a bit lost in her relationship with others in the novel. I felt like she was just drifting through, doing the first thing that came to mind rather than really thinking through what would actually be a good idea. She was pretty upset by what was going on in her private life though so I can understand why she might act without thinking but it did make me want to shout at her, I wish she's been a smarter character.
I really liked how Stella and Allegra progressed through the novel, at the beginning Stella was a fairly typical rebellious, sulky young adult while Allegra was young and sweet but both of them grew up in very different ways into their own unique characters.
I found myself getting really annoyed with Conrad- I know that he has issues from his past that impact on his view of his children but Nicola is 25, she's not a child any more and she was horrible to Stella and Allegra (who is a child at just 14). He seems to pretty much throw out his current family- yes he's mad with Carina, I could understand him blocking her out but he doesn't seem to care about his other 6 children either. Nicola is manipulative but he's already siding with her against Allegra before they've met in person.
It also seems like he's determined to let her lie to him- surely a basic background check would prove that she was raised by her mum- a teacher, and anyone with any sort of history in military intelligence would want to do a background check.
He also seems to go against the duty of his position- when Silva realises what Stella's done she know that she has to face the law even though she's the child of the Imperitrix but Conrad has evidence of Nicola and Stella conducting an illegal drug deal and covers it up even though he has to know that Carina will take it higher (because she wants to protect her children and Stella), it's both corrupt and stupid, he has to know that hiding the problem won't make it go away. Most people who could be called honourable do the right thing even if it personally costs them.
I don't really understand how Carina could trust him again and why she would think it was a good idea to take him back immediately, either he doesn't value her and their children or he's mentally broken/lost in some way. He destroyed their family, actually siding against Allegra and that must have really traumatised their children (all of them) so welcoming him back into their family immediately doesn't seem like a good idea. Kids get angry when they feel like a parent has betrayed them, they expect unconditional love and want their parents to take their side, they wouldn't understand the deep psychological issues affecting Conrad, just that he'd chosen another family over them. I can't believe that Carina and Conrad's kids weren't furious with him.
I also found it frustrating that the book started by emphasising just how great their military was but then when it came to the crunch Carina decided that she was the only one who could possibly deal with the situation and that she had to go it alone as a unauthorised operative. It just seemed like a terrible plan from the start.
*I was given and ARC copy in exchange for a review.*
March 31, 2018
FABULOUS FINALE TO THE 1ST SERIES
"Successio" is a fabulous finale to the first series of thrillers set in fictional Roma Nova. It is every bit as tense and twisting as the others, with the younger members of the family stepping up as Carina and Conrad fight for their lives.
"Successio" is a fabulous finale to the first series of thrillers set in fictional Roma Nova. It is every bit as tense and twisting as the others, with the younger members of the family stepping up as Carina and Conrad fight for their lives.
March 5, 2017
This series is very engaging.
September 12, 2018
Wow I’m so glad I won one of these in the recent ukcbc charity auction, I love all the shades of grey the characters have and the pacy plots, once you’ve entered this world you never want to leave
January 14, 2017
Having read Alison Morton’s Inceptio, I’ve now read the second and third books in her Roma Nova series, Perfiditas and Successio. Unlike many book series where the original’s not bad, these follow–ups are better.
The series is really military science fiction, or at least alternative history, with a special forces bent. Unlike many military stories, the characters are well developed. They are human with human failings, strengths and weaknesses. They grow in power, they make mistakes, they learn. They have depth. You share their adventure. You care for them, somewhat (well, they can be a little anal). The author’s habit of occasionally killing key supporting characters keeps the dynamic fresh.
The third book, Successio, has an exploration of insanity, both temporary and permanent. I found the temporary insanity in particular to be fascinating. The setup, the development, the way it progressed, and the resolution, both for the character who goes insane and those around him, made valuable fiction. The setting gave me a distance which allowed me to understand the experience of temporary insanity without the discomfort of reality blocking the learning with shock.
The author is clearly developing too. For example, in Perfiditas, the second book, there is a political scene which, bluntly, had to have been written by someone rather naïve about the way oratory and belief work. The heroine passionately presented a set of facts to demolish Mr. Nasty, and the audience promptly changed their opinion to accept the facts as stated. That simply doesn’t happen in reality. Most people, when their beliefs are challenged by inconvenient facts, dismiss the facts. (Indeed, Successio’s exploration of insanity covers this very topic, if from a different angle.)
In Successio, the heroine is making small–p political decisions and the descriptions of the process are realistic. Now, these are politics that are not much more than glorified administration, the bread and butter stuff of the practical leader: there’s no grand political thought expressed in the story. The point, though, is the author has done her work and has covered the daily political processes believably.
Actually, of course, the series is full of politics, but as setting, not exposition. Like many novels, the Roma Nova series is an exploration of small–c conservatism. The heroine is trying to understand, develop, and maintain her position, her family and her country, to keep order, and to defeat the baddies who threaten the political system and so the state. The hierarchy, and the heroine’s eventual near-dominant position in it, is at the core of the plot. But this is the story’s setting, not the book’s underlying purpose. Many fantasy books with their fantasy about governance are similar, but Successio does it well. Furthermore, unlike most fantasy novels, Successio allows the grey of modern governance to gently colour the story. It only seems to offer a simplistic black and white world.
I had hoped, when I started to read Successio, that it would explore in greater detail the historical background of the alternative world that Morton has created, the one where a Roman state survived into the modern day. Unfortunately, beyond a few details, it’s hardly touched. Now, in terms of storytelling, that’s the right approach: the history supports, and never interrupts, the novel. I’m disappointed because I’m just a bit of an alternative world geek.
So when I doubt that the early history of Roma Nova developed by Morton could have actually worked, I can’t really criticise it because it’s only mentioned in a few lines, and then those lines are really the culture’s myth, rather than the historical reality. Still, that I wanted more from a book series is a good sign.
Caitlin Thorburn, the sweet–voiced narrator, is expressive, comprehensible and clear. Unfortunately, she has a limited set of effects. It’s bad enough hearing regular doses of breathy nervousness before a tense reaction by one female character, it’s far more annoying that the same effect is used for all of them. If she must use effects, she really should individualise them for each character. That, or buy her dog a nose–warmer.
Furthermore, the narration editing had issues. It was very clear where short bursts of revised reading were patched in: the original and its replacement were not properly balanced. This didn’t interfere with the clarity of the narration, but the stories are too good to deserve such lackadaisical production. I don’t think the audiobook producers have realised that these books go beyond what I suspect is the original female coming of age target audience. The characters are too well developed, and the setting too intriguing, to let the book series lie forever in that pigeonhole.
Overall, I’m glad I decided to read these books, and will follow up with Morton’s next novel, Aurelia, set in an earlier Roma Nova.
The series is really military science fiction, or at least alternative history, with a special forces bent. Unlike many military stories, the characters are well developed. They are human with human failings, strengths and weaknesses. They grow in power, they make mistakes, they learn. They have depth. You share their adventure. You care for them, somewhat (well, they can be a little anal). The author’s habit of occasionally killing key supporting characters keeps the dynamic fresh.
The third book, Successio, has an exploration of insanity, both temporary and permanent. I found the temporary insanity in particular to be fascinating. The setup, the development, the way it progressed, and the resolution, both for the character who goes insane and those around him, made valuable fiction. The setting gave me a distance which allowed me to understand the experience of temporary insanity without the discomfort of reality blocking the learning with shock.
The author is clearly developing too. For example, in Perfiditas, the second book, there is a political scene which, bluntly, had to have been written by someone rather naïve about the way oratory and belief work. The heroine passionately presented a set of facts to demolish Mr. Nasty, and the audience promptly changed their opinion to accept the facts as stated. That simply doesn’t happen in reality. Most people, when their beliefs are challenged by inconvenient facts, dismiss the facts. (Indeed, Successio’s exploration of insanity covers this very topic, if from a different angle.)
In Successio, the heroine is making small–p political decisions and the descriptions of the process are realistic. Now, these are politics that are not much more than glorified administration, the bread and butter stuff of the practical leader: there’s no grand political thought expressed in the story. The point, though, is the author has done her work and has covered the daily political processes believably.
Actually, of course, the series is full of politics, but as setting, not exposition. Like many novels, the Roma Nova series is an exploration of small–c conservatism. The heroine is trying to understand, develop, and maintain her position, her family and her country, to keep order, and to defeat the baddies who threaten the political system and so the state. The hierarchy, and the heroine’s eventual near-dominant position in it, is at the core of the plot. But this is the story’s setting, not the book’s underlying purpose. Many fantasy books with their fantasy about governance are similar, but Successio does it well. Furthermore, unlike most fantasy novels, Successio allows the grey of modern governance to gently colour the story. It only seems to offer a simplistic black and white world.
I had hoped, when I started to read Successio, that it would explore in greater detail the historical background of the alternative world that Morton has created, the one where a Roman state survived into the modern day. Unfortunately, beyond a few details, it’s hardly touched. Now, in terms of storytelling, that’s the right approach: the history supports, and never interrupts, the novel. I’m disappointed because I’m just a bit of an alternative world geek.
So when I doubt that the early history of Roma Nova developed by Morton could have actually worked, I can’t really criticise it because it’s only mentioned in a few lines, and then those lines are really the culture’s myth, rather than the historical reality. Still, that I wanted more from a book series is a good sign.
Caitlin Thorburn, the sweet–voiced narrator, is expressive, comprehensible and clear. Unfortunately, she has a limited set of effects. It’s bad enough hearing regular doses of breathy nervousness before a tense reaction by one female character, it’s far more annoying that the same effect is used for all of them. If she must use effects, she really should individualise them for each character. That, or buy her dog a nose–warmer.
Furthermore, the narration editing had issues. It was very clear where short bursts of revised reading were patched in: the original and its replacement were not properly balanced. This didn’t interfere with the clarity of the narration, but the stories are too good to deserve such lackadaisical production. I don’t think the audiobook producers have realised that these books go beyond what I suspect is the original female coming of age target audience. The characters are too well developed, and the setting too intriguing, to let the book series lie forever in that pigeonhole.
Overall, I’m glad I decided to read these books, and will follow up with Morton’s next novel, Aurelia, set in an earlier Roma Nova.
August 4, 2014
This is the last of the Roma Nova saga. I can't say much about the cover other than it's similar to the last two books, and although I found the covers dull, together they make an impressive collection.
The title Successio, in Latin, means
descent, inheritance, succeeding etc so I think this book could focus on the main protagonist's family life. Maybe the grandmother, Aurelia Mitela (Nonnie), elderly in the last book, has died and Carina inherits? Shall have to read to find out.
The blurb nicely includes a first line hint at the troubles of the previous episodes before drawing me back into Carina's life. The blurb also reinforces my belief that this book will concentrate on troubles brewing in the Mitela household.
The look inside is again (almost) the same as the others--background story--which because I commented on before I shan't do so here.The only difference was the illustration of Carina. A nice touch.
Straight into the review of the story...
The beginning hinted at friction between Carina and her stepdaughter, Stella, which was nicely done. Nothing heavy handed. Then Conrad received a mysterious letter where Carina, instead of asking him about its contents, decided to be sneaky and follow him.I've always come away feeling that Conrad and Carina aren't a strong match for one another. They seem to mistrust the other, and in Book 1 and 2 I felt it was because he'd picked up on the sexual spark between Carina and Apollodorus--maybe he'll just never forgive her. Maybe I read too many romances!
Anyway, instead of asking her husband what the hell is going on Carina follows him and discovers he has a daughter from a past relationship laying claim to his affections. Nicola Sandbrook is resentful of Conrad's other family (Carina and her children) but worse, she is now the heir to the throne after the beloved death of Grandmother Nonnie (I came to love this character, and it was a sad moment when she passed).
Nicola is a nasty, flawed character, and intent on destructing the entire foundations of the Mitela household. She first causes trouble by trying to lead Carina and Condrad's oldest daughter, Allegra, astray, but then settles on Stella (another daughter from Condrad's past) and uses Stella's jealously over her stepmother Carina to worm her way into the Mitela household.
Then her destruction gets steadily worse as Carina and Condrad drift even further apart.
Successio, like the others in the series, is a plot driven book rather than character but I preferred Successio to the others because in this one, Carina seems more human and less of a superwoman. Conrad was allowed emotions as well, but so much so, I began to think he was a wimp! Neither could I understand why he was blind to Nicola's evilness and turn his back on Carina and their other children.
Subtly, Morton had dropped into the story that Conrad had had an accident and although recovered physically I felt his mental state was still in rehabilitation (because of his eagerness to side with his villainous daughter), but whether this was intended or not, I wasn't sure.
Even so, Carina was cruel to break the news in front of others about the activities of this bad daughter. She should have waited until they were alone. Their massive bust-up over it could still have happened, but the reader would have been more in Carina's court. Instead, I lost sympathy for her a little.
It's a tight read, tighter than the others, which seemed to have many little sub-plots feeding through. I did think that Carina would have had more respect at work by now, and the constant put downs she received was unnecessary because she'd proved herself time and again that she was an effective solider.
Successio is probably the only book out of the three that you could read as a stand-alone novel. It's genre is an alternative history (and well thought out) but first it's a crime story with a strong emphasis on thriller.
Very well done. Another strong 4/5.
Read more at http://wisewords-bookreviews.blogspot...
The title Successio, in Latin, means
descent, inheritance, succeeding etc so I think this book could focus on the main protagonist's family life. Maybe the grandmother, Aurelia Mitela (Nonnie), elderly in the last book, has died and Carina inherits? Shall have to read to find out.
The blurb nicely includes a first line hint at the troubles of the previous episodes before drawing me back into Carina's life. The blurb also reinforces my belief that this book will concentrate on troubles brewing in the Mitela household.
The look inside is again (almost) the same as the others--background story--which because I commented on before I shan't do so here.The only difference was the illustration of Carina. A nice touch.
Straight into the review of the story...
The beginning hinted at friction between Carina and her stepdaughter, Stella, which was nicely done. Nothing heavy handed. Then Conrad received a mysterious letter where Carina, instead of asking him about its contents, decided to be sneaky and follow him.I've always come away feeling that Conrad and Carina aren't a strong match for one another. They seem to mistrust the other, and in Book 1 and 2 I felt it was because he'd picked up on the sexual spark between Carina and Apollodorus--maybe he'll just never forgive her. Maybe I read too many romances!
Anyway, instead of asking her husband what the hell is going on Carina follows him and discovers he has a daughter from a past relationship laying claim to his affections. Nicola Sandbrook is resentful of Conrad's other family (Carina and her children) but worse, she is now the heir to the throne after the beloved death of Grandmother Nonnie (I came to love this character, and it was a sad moment when she passed).
Nicola is a nasty, flawed character, and intent on destructing the entire foundations of the Mitela household. She first causes trouble by trying to lead Carina and Condrad's oldest daughter, Allegra, astray, but then settles on Stella (another daughter from Condrad's past) and uses Stella's jealously over her stepmother Carina to worm her way into the Mitela household.
Then her destruction gets steadily worse as Carina and Condrad drift even further apart.
Successio, like the others in the series, is a plot driven book rather than character but I preferred Successio to the others because in this one, Carina seems more human and less of a superwoman. Conrad was allowed emotions as well, but so much so, I began to think he was a wimp! Neither could I understand why he was blind to Nicola's evilness and turn his back on Carina and their other children.
Subtly, Morton had dropped into the story that Conrad had had an accident and although recovered physically I felt his mental state was still in rehabilitation (because of his eagerness to side with his villainous daughter), but whether this was intended or not, I wasn't sure.
Even so, Carina was cruel to break the news in front of others about the activities of this bad daughter. She should have waited until they were alone. Their massive bust-up over it could still have happened, but the reader would have been more in Carina's court. Instead, I lost sympathy for her a little.
It's a tight read, tighter than the others, which seemed to have many little sub-plots feeding through. I did think that Carina would have had more respect at work by now, and the constant put downs she received was unnecessary because she'd proved herself time and again that she was an effective solider.
Successio is probably the only book out of the three that you could read as a stand-alone novel. It's genre is an alternative history (and well thought out) but first it's a crime story with a strong emphasis on thriller.
Very well done. Another strong 4/5.
Read more at http://wisewords-bookreviews.blogspot...
June 11, 2015
I read this book with a mixture of shock and awe. It was hard to watch Carina and Conrad go from this power couple to watching their marriage crumble. But at the same time, Morton wrote it so well that you had to appreciate her story telling skills!
I feel like I’ve become so attached to these characters over the last three books and I really feel like I’ve been on a ‘journey’ with them so I acutely feel their trials and tribulations. Bravo to Morton on making characters the audience can connect with so strongly!
The story itself and premise are so unique which captured my imagination from the word go. I love that Roma Nova is a matriarchal society, so often in books it’s the opposite so having this book be based in a world of strong women leaders makes story unique and memorable.
I don’t want to give away too much about the plot for those of you who are thinking about picking up this series but let’s just say this installment is an emotional ride mixed with quite a bit of action so the plot moved along very very quickly. I read this book fairly fast based no how busy I’ve been lately.
I love books that are a little outside the norm and this book fits the bill. It is not just an alternative history novel, it’s a bunch of other genres in one made up to make this a political thriller, romance novel, and fantasy read all in one!
I also wanted to on the cover, because I don’t think I’ve talked about the cover before……I love it! All the covers are eye catching and give the audience a ‘military-ish’ feel. Which is so fitting because Roma Nova is rather militant like so I thought this cover art captured the essence of the series. The jewel tones also work well as they suggest ‘strength’ to me.
This series is innovative and refreshing! This series is action packed and completely ‘off the beaten path’. If you want something different with strong characters and an innovative plot, then look no further!
See my full review here
I feel like I’ve become so attached to these characters over the last three books and I really feel like I’ve been on a ‘journey’ with them so I acutely feel their trials and tribulations. Bravo to Morton on making characters the audience can connect with so strongly!
The story itself and premise are so unique which captured my imagination from the word go. I love that Roma Nova is a matriarchal society, so often in books it’s the opposite so having this book be based in a world of strong women leaders makes story unique and memorable.
I don’t want to give away too much about the plot for those of you who are thinking about picking up this series but let’s just say this installment is an emotional ride mixed with quite a bit of action so the plot moved along very very quickly. I read this book fairly fast based no how busy I’ve been lately.
I love books that are a little outside the norm and this book fits the bill. It is not just an alternative history novel, it’s a bunch of other genres in one made up to make this a political thriller, romance novel, and fantasy read all in one!
I also wanted to on the cover, because I don’t think I’ve talked about the cover before……I love it! All the covers are eye catching and give the audience a ‘military-ish’ feel. Which is so fitting because Roma Nova is rather militant like so I thought this cover art captured the essence of the series. The jewel tones also work well as they suggest ‘strength’ to me.
This series is innovative and refreshing! This series is action packed and completely ‘off the beaten path’. If you want something different with strong characters and an innovative plot, then look no further!
See my full review here
December 21, 2015
*I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review*
Alison Morton’s Successio is the third in the Carina and Conradus saga set in an alternate time line where a modern day Roman state thrives in the Alps. Although, part of a series, Successio can easily be read as a standalone. Not having read Perfiditas, the second in the series, didn’t hinder getting into this latest volume.
Once again, Ms. Morton delivers a wonderful and inventive tale of adventure, conspiracy, romance and intrigue. Well-crafted and well-paced, the story weaves together multiple plot lines and character relationships without confusing or overwhelming the reader. At the center are forty-something Carina Mitela is a smart, kick-ass military officer juggling duty to her profession, her imperatrix and her family with the inevitable conflicts and disasters. Her military officer husband, Conradus, remains as compelling as ever. In fact the only flaw in the story is that the author does such a superb job illustrating their long-standing love and commitment, that some of their conflict is difficult to accept. On the other hand, their reconciliation is completely believable.
It appears the next novel in Ms. Morton’s Nuova Roma series will be a throw-back featuring Carina’s grandmother Aurelia as a young woman. As much as I look forward to getting know Aurelia better, I will miss Carina and Conradus.
Alison Morton’s Successio is the third in the Carina and Conradus saga set in an alternate time line where a modern day Roman state thrives in the Alps. Although, part of a series, Successio can easily be read as a standalone. Not having read Perfiditas, the second in the series, didn’t hinder getting into this latest volume.
Once again, Ms. Morton delivers a wonderful and inventive tale of adventure, conspiracy, romance and intrigue. Well-crafted and well-paced, the story weaves together multiple plot lines and character relationships without confusing or overwhelming the reader. At the center are forty-something Carina Mitela is a smart, kick-ass military officer juggling duty to her profession, her imperatrix and her family with the inevitable conflicts and disasters. Her military officer husband, Conradus, remains as compelling as ever. In fact the only flaw in the story is that the author does such a superb job illustrating their long-standing love and commitment, that some of their conflict is difficult to accept. On the other hand, their reconciliation is completely believable.
It appears the next novel in Ms. Morton’s Nuova Roma series will be a throw-back featuring Carina’s grandmother Aurelia as a young woman. As much as I look forward to getting know Aurelia better, I will miss Carina and Conradus.
February 1, 2017
Another heart-pounding book in the Roma Nova series that you won't want to put down. This novel opens with Carina Mitela on exchange exercises in Britain when her husband, Conradus, receives a threatening letter that upends the entire family. Carina instinctively recognizes the danger they are in, while Conradus refuses to admit it even as the menace grows.
Family history, good intentions, naïveté, and evil are entwined into this compelling novel. The author also deftly weaves in Roman history and traditions that most of us will be unfamiliar with. I listened to the audio version while on my daily commute and almost wished it was longer so I could hear more of Carina's brave efforts to save her family.
A truly enjoyable book that will leave you eager for more stories of Roma Nova.
Family history, good intentions, naïveté, and evil are entwined into this compelling novel. The author also deftly weaves in Roman history and traditions that most of us will be unfamiliar with. I listened to the audio version while on my daily commute and almost wished it was longer so I could hear more of Carina's brave efforts to save her family.
A truly enjoyable book that will leave you eager for more stories of Roma Nova.
May 1, 2017
In the finale of the Roma Nova trilogy, Carina confronts a dark, sinister specter from her husband Conrad's past. Morton really upped the stakes on this one. Some of the moving moments include Carina being confronted with her grandmother Aurelia's battle with cancer, something she can't defeat. The ending is a little bit too tidy, but apart from that this is an excellent foray into the world of Roma Nova.
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