Aurelia

Roma Nova #4

by Alison Morton

An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

1960s Roma Nova. Retrained as an undercover agent, ex-Praetorian officer Aurelia Mitela is sent to Berlin to investigate silver smuggling, but barely escapes a near-lethal trap. Her lifelong nemesis, Caius Tellus, is determined to eliminate her. When Aurelia is closing in on him, he strikes at her most vulnerable point – her young daughter.

A former military commander, Aurelia is one of Roma Nova’s strong women, but she doubts in her heart and mind that she can overcome her implacable enemy. And what part does the mysterious and attractive Miklós play – a smuggler who knows too much? If you enjoy reading mystery books for women with plenty of twists and a female protagonist driving the action, this is for you!

First in the Aurelia Mitela adventures, where Roman fiction is brought into the 20th century through an alternative history lens. INSURRECTIO and RETALIO follow on.

– Historical Novel Society’s indie Editor’s Choice for Autumn 2015
– B.R.A.G. Medallion
– Finalist, 2016 HNS Indie Award

Genres: Historical Fiction, Thriller, Science Fiction, Alternate History

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2015

About the author

Alison 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.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was aware of Alison Morton’s ‘Roma Nova’ series and its premise piqued my interest but I’d never had the opportunity to read any of the books….up until now.  As mentioned above, Aurelia is the fourth book in the ‘Roma Nova’ series but the first book of the ‘Aurelia’ trilogy and takes place before the events of the first three books.  So it’s the perfect place for readers new to the ‘Roma Nova’ series to start.

I went into the book expecting the alternate history element to be a strong focus of the book – as indeed it is – but I was perhaps unprepared for how much the book has the pace and feel of a modern day thriller.  The book pitches the reader right into the imagined world of Roma Nova the author has created.  There is a helpful historical note for readers who want to learn more about the background to the alternate history of the Roman Empire imagined by the author.

I really enjoyed the mixture of ancient and modern.  There are things readers may be familiar with from Roman history: imperial structures; military organisation and weaponry; celebration of festivals, such as Saturnalia; and customs, such as funeral rites and curse tablets.   Alongside these though there is cutting edge technology in the fields of forensics, communications and surveillance.

Roma Nova is a female-dominated society where it’s the men who carry the bags.  There are some nice touches of humour on that theme. For example, when Aurelia mentions the prospect of a new computer system to her boss, Plico, he responds, “The gods forbid! That’s what we have typists for.  What in Hades would we do with all the spare young men who sit in the typing pool?”

Aurelia is one tough lady who, thanks to her military training, can look after herself when the need arises.  She certainly does in this book because she’s up against a cunning, cruel and ruthless enemy in Caius Tellus, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.  Along the way, Aurelia faces attempted kidnap, false imprisonment, personal loss and is presented with difficult choices between following her heart, protecting her family and doing her duty.  Luckily she has some capable female allies, including lawyer, Galba, and second-in-command, Fabia.  And, as head of one of the Twelve Families of Roma Nova, Aurelia also has the ear of the Empress Justina. Useful.

The action moves from Roma Nova to Berlin and Vienna (with a pit-stop for some romance: cue hunky smuggler, Miklós) as Aurelia and Caius do battle – literal and intellectual.  The author’s previous military career is evident in the dramatic action scenes whether on operational manoeuvres on a snowy mountainside, in dark side streets or closer to home.  Building to a tense and gripping climax, it’s clear that even if you’ve won the battle, you’ve not necessarily won the war.

The author describes her books as being for readers who enjoy ‘mystery books for women with plenty of twists and a female protagonist driving the action’.  I have to agree.  I found the combination of alternate history, strong female characters and the pace of a thriller a compelling one.  I shall look forward to reading more of Aurelia’s adventures in Insurrectio and Retalio.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book by Alison Morton - the start of a series that actually preceded books 1-3 so features a new and interesting protagonist. I love the array of strong female characters in these books and the plot Is as always full of pace and twists that you didn’t expect
Another 5* read for me long may Roma nova continue

[Eileen Iciek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is (I think) the fourth book in the author's Roma Nova exciting alternate history series. I've read her first book, Inceptio, but not the other two - even so, I had no trouble picking this one up since it tells some of the backstory to the earlier books. This book tells the story of Aurelia, the grandmother of Carina from the earlier novels, and we begin to get a clue about how Carina's mother might have ended up in the E.U.S. The book grabbed me from the very first page - I started reading it while waiting to board a plane and I have never been so grateful for a five hour plane ride that I could devote solely to reading. The author takes us into Roma Nova, Prussia, and Austria in the 1960s as our heroine tracks silver smugglers, thugs, and assorted other criminals while trying to keep her young daughter from the clutches of her sociopathic nemesis. The author's lively writing means there is never a slow moment in this book.

If you want a fun, exciting, 'don't want to put it down' kind of book, this is the book for you.

[Shomeret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all the books in the Roma Nova series focused on Carina. With Aurelia , I begin a prequel trilogy taking place in the 20th century and centering on Carina's grandmother, Aurelia Mitela. I liked what I saw of Aurelia in Carina's books. So I was happy to receive the first book focusing on her as a gift from the author via Book Funnel, and this is my honest review.

When I compare the two protagonists in the Roma Nova series, I have to say that I prefer Aurelia. I feel that Aurelia is more level headed, and that she has better judgment than Carina. I perceive both of them as strong women with differing approaches that were shaped by their experiences.

I look forward to continuing to explore the differences between the way Carina responded to situations, and how Aurelia reacted to similar circumstances in the two remaining books of the Aurelia trilogy.

For the blog version of my review see http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2018/...

[Angelica Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am constantly amazed by Alison Morton's ability to produce a new spell-binding tale after what I thought was a pretty extensive exploration of the alternate reality world of Roma Nova. If you have not yet read the previous books, do yourself a favour and start with Book 1, INCEPTIO. Despite the fact that this is a prequel to the other three books, it will be so much more rewarding to follow the events from the beginning because there are many characters and much background information to assimilate for this story to be fully appreciated.

Book Four of the Roma Nova series takes us back in time two generations before Carina, to catch up with the then-young Mitela matriarch, Aurelia. She is 29 when the story begins, the doting mother of a fragile, sickly little girl of 5 (Carina's mother). Aurelia is a physically intimidating, tough army career soldier, currently serving under the rank of Major. If you thought that Carina was a formidable female character, prepare yourself for a mind adjustment. Where Carina had to play catch-up to develop her new-found skills, and struggled to reclaim her inherited role, Aurelia has grown up in a position of privilege and power, practically step-daughter of the Imperatrix and finding herself prematurely the head of the senior of the Twelve Families which founded the tiny but technologically-dominant state of Roma Nova.

Aurelia has a fierce enemy, a twisted and perverted personality, who delights in inflicting pain and will stop at nothing to destroy her. He reaches out with super-human efficacy and manages to wreak havoc in her life on several occasions. Against a background of shifting allegiances and uncertain relationships, silver trading, the lifeblood of Roma Nova, is threatened, and Aurelia's service to the state places her in mortal danger. Clearly, since we have encountered Aurelia as a mature stateswoman in the first three books, we know that she must have escaped all the attempts on her life, however, it is still brilliantly entertaining to read all about them.

As before, the pace of the action is fast and furious, characterization is impeccable and the author keeps a firm grip on a vast number of players in several geographic locations. A brilliant read! As I was approaching the last few pages, it became increasingly obvious that most of Aurelia's story is still untold. Can we hope to hear that Alison Morton is at work on a sequel to the prequel?

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can pinpoint when my fascination with ancient Rome began to the viewing of two movies, Ben Hur and Spartacus (yes dear readers, I am that old.) Nowadays I get my Roman fix through the medium of historical fiction, and there is a lot of that to choose from. However, the idea that there could still be a remnant of that ancient favorite still extant and thriving is the basis for this wonderful series by Alison Morton, Roma Nova. A modern nation still bound by many of the old traditions and thriving in the 20th century is what she has not only crafted but done so in such a way as to make you think it was possible. The fourth book, Aurelia, is a prequel to the first three and centers on the matriarch of the Mitella family and like her namesake, the mother of Gaius Julius Caesar, she is a formidable character. In the first three books, she is an older woman but still full of wisdom and strength; in the fourth she is a young woman coming into her own as she finds herself thrust into an international plot to undermine the economic stability of the nation and a plot to undermine the matriarchal society that Roma Nova has become. All of that plus the threat to her life and of that of her family makes for an intense drama built upon the imaginative characters the author has created. The action and drama is relentless; the climatic conclusion is heart-stopping stuff - in other words; I enjoyed the first three books tremendously; the fourth even more so. Kudos to the author and a well deserved 5 stars.



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[Julia Ibbotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book with its unusual premise of a version of Ancient Rome existing in the present day. I like the concept of "what if ...?"; in this case, what if the Romans didn't get crushed by the Visigoths and Germanic tribes but remained as a band of exiles keeping the faith with their ancestors' values and customs. Alison Morton has created a world that is a believable alternative history with enough of Ancient Rome and enough of present day (somewhat altered of course) to give credence to this notion. In fact this book is set in the 1960s and I believe is a prequel to the previous 3 in the series, although I haven't read books 1-3. It didn't seem to matter that it is one of a series; it appeared understandable as a stand-alone, although now I want to read the others, starting with the sequel to book 4. The story is well written and well conceived. I confess that I didn't find Aurelia Mitela a very engaging character in the first part of the story where there is much detail about Roma Nova, Roman administration and military activity, and I couldn't see where it was going, but later I could identify and empathise with her and the narrative became absorbing as she tries to outwit her nemesis Caius Tellus. One niggle is that I didn't feel captivated by the love interest Miklos, the "gypsy" wanderer, and found his behaviour and Aurelia's obsession odd; it felt a little "forced" and constructed rather than organic to the story. But an excellent and well recommended read, especially if you know something about Ancient Rome already when you can take full advantage of the references!

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurelia is the fourth book in Alison Morton’s Roma Nova series. Set in an alternative historical context, the Roman Empire survives as a matriarchal society in a semi-mountainous area north of Italy. This is the only book I have read in this series so far, but it features a different character to those used in earlier volumes and works well as a stand-alone novel.

Written in the first person, Aurelia’s bold personality and brave, active life as a Major in the Praetorian Guard Special Forces engages the reader and promises plenty of action. But she is also a mother and the daughter of the head of one of the 12 ruling families. After Aurelia’s mother is involved in a severe car accident she must give up her military life and assume family and political responsibilities.

But soon Aurelia’s talents are put to use in diplomacy and espionage in the dangerous environment of Berlin, capital of Prussia. Here she encounters an old enemy and a mysterious stranger and she needs her wits about her. From then on the pace of the book is relentless and very exciting. Aurelia is the heroine we would all like to be.

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this storyline but I tried it out of curiosity. This alternative world, familiar to us and yet so different is a unique backdrop to a thriller which would make a wonderful film.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given the title, it will come as no surprise to devotees of the Roma Nova series that Alison Morton now takes us back forty odd years to the 1960s, to meet Carina Mitela’s grandmother Aurelia at a much earlier stage in the life. Widowed, with one daughter, she is trying to reconcile motherhood, duty to family, and her role in the public life of the state. We see the beginnings of the history referred to in books I to III and meet both Aurelia’s nemesis and her one great love.

In earlier books, much has been made of Carina’s similarity to Aurelia, both in character and looks. This comes across in the way Aurelia’s voice is close to that of Carina, yet subtly different so the reader doesn’t forget this is a different character; a different time; and a different narrative; but the same great story-telling. Recommended reading for lovers of history and/or thrillers.

[Jim Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! I was a little knocked off balance at first by seeing a character (Aurelia) as a young girl, when I last saw her in the earlier books as a very old woman. I got over that in a hurry and enjoyed a good read!

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that AURELIA 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!

[Dylan Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, a disclaimer: I wrote a blog entry comparing Roma Nova with Luxembourg, and the author reposted it on her blog (with my happy consent).

Anyway, onto Aurelia. This is Morton’s fourth Roma Nova novel. The first three are a sequence set in the modern day. In the first book, the heroine, Karina Mitela, meets her maternal grandmother, Aurelia Mitela. This book, and the two that follow it (which I have not yet, but will, read) tell Aurelia’s story. Yup, the following books precede the preceding books.

First of all, this is a very good book. Alison Morton is getting better as she writes more novels, and this one is satisfying. It’s not without fault, but the faults are the more the faults of the modern novel rather than any particular problem with Aurelia.

In some respects, Morton painted herself in a corner before she wrote this novel. Her first set of Roma Nova novels described some markéd events from decades earlier, and these books explore those events. Thus I already know the broad plot, and what apparently happens to the key characters. Then again, perhaps I’m thinking too much like a science fiction fan: the Roma Nova novels are based on (ancient) history, the author is fascinated by history, so I presume is quite used to creating ideas within the limitations of known events.

The plot works a treat. Aurelia really describes events that lead onto those events described as history in her earlier novels Perfidas and Successio. Knowing what’s (apparently) going to happen doesn’t spoil the treat. Instead, I felt a greater contrast, as though the foreknowledge added cragginess to the tale.

But the plot isn’t the best bit, it’s the characters. The evil genius is a classic baddie of the old school, self–centred, manipulative, ambitious, and not at all sane. He’s not the psychopath who’s too dim to work out how to play the system, he’s the psychopath clever enough not to need to do so. But … ha ha … no spoilers.

The heroine, Aurelia, shares a great deal in common with the heroine of the first set of books, her granddaughter Karina. Now, I don’t mean the bloodline, although that’s important to the first books, and I don’t mean the experiences, which although there’s a lot in common, there’s also a great deal of difference too. No, the one thing too much that they have in common is personality. They’re too similar. Now, both women, despite disadvantages, despite quite different youthful misjudgements, and because of opportunities, are deeply competent, and that deep competence is core to the stories. But I like to think there’s more to deep competence than personality, although perhaps I’m biased because I don’t have that personality and am too lazy to be even mildly competent (or not lazy enough, if software engineering mythology is to be believed).

The thing is, though, stories about deeply competent heroes are not rare. Well plotted stories about deeply competent heroes are fairly rare. Even so, there is a common personality to many of them, a very believable personality, and I feel that personality is here too.

But let me emphasize here, the characters are not mildly dimensional, these are women who suffer, who overcome fear, who face down adversity, who make mistakes, who love: these are real people.

The similarities don’t end there. Three of the four baddies in Morton’s books have been insane. Now, this is perfectly valid, and she paints those characters well. But, the insanity of the current evildoer is rather similar to that of Successio (as its characters pointed out). All the similarities make aspects of the story a little too familiar.

The only sane baddies were those in the second book, who suffered more from the kind of social defect that is quite successful in modern politicians and in rather too many evil historical figures. I agree with the author that these characteristics are bad, but these are the things believed wrong by a liberal democracy, and I believe in liberal democracy, so …. But I like to read novels that challenge my ideas of good and bad, and much else (which is one reason I like to read science–fiction). These novels do not do that.

Really, though, I’m being unfair. Morton has written a book that fits the concept of a good contemporary novel well, whereas I’m looking for an else. I am not her obvious audience. What I want to find in characterisation is something rare, especially nowadays. The book that always jumps out at me with deeply competent, and many other brilliantly explored, characters; which distinguished them beautifully and precisely; just happens to be the best novel ever written, an impossible comparison for any contemporary author to match. It’s not even a real book, but my memory of a real book, my memory of Tolstoy’s War & Peace, which I read in my youth. My impossible want is that depth of characterisation, which, given it’s not really in any modern novel I’ve read (I’m badly read), so I’m being unfair on Morton. Morton does do plot, she does good characterisation, and she’s got a lot more books in her, and that’s much better than far too many authors.

But then we have the other thing, which is a little unusual: the setting, the invented Roma Nova. Aurelia, both the book and the character, explores some neighbouring countries, and their cultures. Fun is had pulling stuffy moustaches, tweaking presumptive noses, bending spikes on helmets.

As an aside, which has nothing directly to do with the book but illustrates the richness of the alternative history setting, there’s something that struck me about the Roma Novan religion. Like much of the rest of Europe, the religion is tolerated, some traditions are followed, but the core of the religion seems to have no power over many of the characters. It’s the old Roman Pantheon, recast in modern times, not Christianity. As we indulge in Christmas presents and Easter bunnies, so Roma Novans indulge in Saturnalia—the religious aspect of the festivals has little force in many real or imaginary modern lives. Yet, this Roman pantheon must have survived the aggressive Christianisation of Europe, it survived the crusades, it survived the reformation and protestantism, it survived the Ottoman empire, so I suspect there’s some interesting stories to be told, which are given not a hint of a hint in Aurelia. The thing is, though, the alternative history setting is rich and consistent enough for me to want to know how it happened: I see no contradictions, I see no bloopers, I have no doubt the Roma Novan history could have happened. I felt the same, with a different focus, when I read the earlier novels.

I listened to Aurelia as an audiobook. I found the the reading by Julie Teal, and the production, to be fine. I followed everything without a problem, nothing interrupted my enjoyment of the novel. Actually, there was one fault, which is simply that the next books in the series haven’t been recorded. I will be buying them, either as audiobooks, dead trees, or electrons.

[Lisl · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her Roma Nova series, Alison Morton engages the query of What if, and world-building on the possible answers or results. Combining this with her own military experience and consideration of Roman women playing a more significant role than actual history shows, an installment such as Aurelia is born.

Growing Aurelia, of course, requires the possession of its own history, and Morton deftly provides this. Following Theodosius’s 395 (AD) ban on all pagan religious observation, some four hundred Romans depart, setting up an infant society, Roma Nova, on the family-owned land of its senator, who leads the new colony’s twelve prominent clans.

In her brief but fascinating historical note—wisely positioned at the start of the novel—Morton reminds us via Davies’s Vanished Kingdoms that any fledgling state requires certain elements to ensure its survival, amongst them defense, naturally, but also a diplomatic force, revenue system and, the author adds, adaptability.

The Roma Nova of Aurelia, set in the 1960s and populated by the descendants of the Twelve Families, has indeed looked after these interests: silver is their major export and they possess a hardy diplomatic corps, both of which come into play when Aurelia Mitela is sent abroad to investigate the price manipulation of this precious metal.

Aurelia, mother to a sickly child and who also recently lost her own mother under suspicious circumstances, travels to a Berlin different in two major ways, one for her and one for us.

Unlike the rest of Europe in this era, where women generally continue to embrace traditional roles, Roma Novan females are accustomed to being able to move into positions of power; indeed, Aurelia has a successful army career only recently put on hiatus. So she encounters a society unused to her authority and assertive demeanor, though without the fallout of an infamous Austrian-born corporal’s rise to terrible power, which in this alternate history never occurred.

Bringing a reader from the opening of this conception to the point at which Aurelia embarks on her investigation is no mean feat. Morton packs many centuries of history into the backstory and narrative without overwhelming us, but allowing Aurelia to develop a rapport with us as we read. She is a “mere soldier,” though proud of her service. She understands her tiny country has always had to work hard and remain vigilant to overcome their vulnerability. She is embarrassed at her weight gain and worries about her small daughter, and that she cannot fill her late mother’s shoes and keep up with her new duties.

Aurelia is sensitive but practical and as such, I didn’t entirely expect poetic-style passages in this first person narrative. Not that Aurelia isn’t intellectually capable; her character simply seems too no-nonsense. In that respect I was not disappointed for Aurelia’s voice makes sense; it fits perfectly with who she is … even when Morton tosses in a treat here and there.

He opened a glazed door at the far end of the glass wall. A narrow ledge protected by a waist-high glass wall with a curled edge metal top rail extended out about a metre from the wall. He was right; the view was spectacular. The sky glittered like a net of white diamonds on navy velvet. At times like this, you wondered if there really were gods on Olympus who could have created such beauty.

It wasn’t exactly a surprise to read such a lovely passage, as Aurelia indeed is brilliant, without a doubt. In fact, its sparing placement is in keeping with her personality and realistic presentation of her as a character. Morton’s dialogue is smooth and rhythmic, economic and directed.

The author also knows how to keep balance: Aurelia doesn’t run the risk of becoming too perfect because she does, in her worry and fatigue, occasionally overlook crucial bits that lead to new circumstances, for both better and worse. Further character development also occurs as events play out, and Aurelia grows in her awareness, a clever route for Morton to pursue as it lends greater tension to the story as we follow it.

I heard a gasp from Mercuria. Numerus came up beside me and stared at Tella with contempt. Before he could do anything, I stalked over to the older woman. My ribs were hurting, my arm aching and my tiredness was making me irritable. But more than anything, fury raced through me at her unreasonable attitude. She’d made a career out of being obnoxious but it was going to stop here. I halted within centimetres of her, almost touching her clothing.[…] As I turned my back on her, I was trembling, but I walked away in what I hoped was a dignified way.

As fourth in the Roma Nova series, Aurelia nevertheless may be read as a stand alone, and in fact it is prequel to the first three installments. It is easy to see why this is an award-winning novel, action-packed as it is, with Aurelia having to battle just to keep her investigation from being stymied and herself killed as she navigates her way through determination of allies and enemies. We see events through the eyes of Aurelia, gaining insight into the Twelve Families and their relationships with one another, as well as a love interest for Aurelia.

Morton’s familiarity with the inner workings of the military as well as solid research and a fabulously imagined Roman-descended culture—and the rich details provided—make this novel a page turner that not only will inspire readers to finish it in one go, but also take themselves back to Inceptio, number one in the series, and have at it from the beginning.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure, danger and crime, a historical and fantasy state, all led by a resourceful and determined woman make this a terrific read. Subtly creating a female led country set in a twentieth century Europe that has endured just one Great War, the details of daily life are fascinating and well thought though by the author. This book is part of a series set in Roma Nova, where the royal family and inheritance runs through the females, though it is completely standalone in terms of character and plot. Elements of the characters run through the novels, and the mature and confident way in which the plot, characters and setting are handled make it a wonderful read. Fast paced and with plenty of twists, this book tells the story of Aurelia Mitela, a young woman who has served in the military, who has a young daughter, and is suddenly thrust into a world of diplomacy and espionage. To add to the tension, a long term and cunning enemy is determined to attack Aurelia in any way possible. This is a thoroughly enjoyable novel and I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this excellent book.

The book begins with a section called “Duty”, as Aurelia gets ready to go on a military manoeuvre on the borders of the independent state of Roma Nova. Despite or perhaps of her extreme closeness to the ruler of the state, Imperatrix Justina, she is horrified that her mother and daughter are in the company of Caius Tellus, a distant relative who has always been jealous of Aurelia as he has lived a life of a gambler and waster. Nevertheless she departs for the border, in bitter weather, with her unit, and almost immediately there is an attack. She is wounded, but fights on as some of her fellow soldiers are in danger. She is dramatically called back as there is a family crisis, and she soon finds herself immersed in the daily running of the family estate and business interests. As she collapses from her obsessive dedication to the work she is given orders to go the Germanic state, where she discovers that being a delegate with a royal connection gets her a lot of attention and not all of it pleasant. Her liberty is put in doubt, as she has to make every effort to survive on any terms. It is fortunate that she is skilled in self defence and extremely quick witted, as it seems that everything is against her returning home to her little girl. As she seizes the chance to find some affection or even love, she is placed in an impossible position. With a determined man targeting her, can she fight her way through?

This is definitely a novel for those who enjoy action and a fast paced read. Yet also admirable are the small details, the young men who are the typists, the realisation that in this historically based fantasy women are truly in control, without necessarily dismissing all men as worthless. Morton has again succeeded in creating a world that makes perfect sense, with rules and laws that are logical, that feature the frustrations and other emotions that are familiar, and gives a new perspective on the abilities of women. Aurelia is a wonderful character, tough and forthright, quick and realistic. I recommend this powerful novel which maintains a strong pace throughout and has so many twists and turns, surprises and incidents that I struggled to put it down.

[Mervi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the second Roma Nova trilogy. It can be read without reading the other books first. In fact, if you don’t like spoilers, I recommend starting with this book because it’s a prequel to the first trilogy.

It’s 1960s and Aurelia Mitela is one of the elite Praetorian guards in Roma Nova. Her mother, the leader of the politically powerful Mitela family, is trying to make her to contract with Caius Tellus whose family is also politically powerful. Contracting is sort-of like marrying except that the man doesn’t own the woman’s property and the man joins the woman’s family. Aurelia has known him from childhood but she also knows that he’s not a good man; in fact he might be a psychopath. So, she firmly tells her mother no.

Aurelia’s assigned to a training exercise at the mountains bordering Prussia and Roma Nova. By accident, her group almost catches a group of smugglers but the last of the smugglers gets away, leaving only derisive laughter echoing behind him. Aurelia is notified that her mother, Felicia, was in an accident. It leaves Felicia mentally incapable of doing much at all. Aurelia tries to take over for her, but when she exhausts herself trying to do everything, she pretty much retires to do just the family paperwork. However, imperatrix of Roma Nova sends her to Berlin. She’s sent to find out who is behind a silver smuggling ring and to generally spy on the Germans.

In Berlin, the pace quickens and the plot has many twists and turns.

If you already like Morton’s style, you’re also going to love this one. It’s terrific alternate history thriller where Aurelia must fight for her own life on several occasions. It’s also full of interesting female characters, from Roma Nova’s empress to various soldiers. Most of the action happens outside Roma Nova in the 1960s, so Aurelia and the women around her are subjected to quite a lot of sexism, too.

Aurelia is actually quite similar to Carina because they’re both soldiers dedicated to the nation and they’re also both tough, competent, and (most of the time) sure of themselves. However, Aurelia has lived her whole life on Roman Nova and in a very wealthy and privileged family and she has a complex relationship with her mother Felicia who isn’t a soldier and can’t understand that world. Aurelia already has a 5-year-old daughter but her father isn’t seen in the book. There’s just a mention that he was unsatisfactory partner. Her daughter is also ill a lot. Aurelia encounters the love of her life in this book, but that aspect doesn’t take over. In fact, he isn’t seen much and remains a very distant character. Also, Aurelia doesn’t have any criminal contacts and isn’t tempted to go outside the system the way that Carina often does.

Her main enemy is similarly very intimidating and competent at playing havoc in Aurelia’s life. We find out some more about Roma Novan economy where silver seems to play a large part. While the previous books had some futuristic equipment, this one has 1960s technology.

Another very enjoyable Roma Nova book. Since the events are in Carina’s past, we already know how things are going to end up but we don’t know any of the details, just the broad strokes. It can be read as a stand-alone book.

[Carole Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series, but worry-not, this does well as a stand alone.

This book would not relent! I could hardly put it down, because I needed to know what was next. I would have finished this book within a day, but I could not keep my eyes open, so I was forced to go to sleep and resume in the morning. When it ended...I was not happy.

1) It ended and I wanted more.
2) The ending was a cliff-hanger and I do not approve of those (even though I am the queen of those when I write...hahahaha)
3) AND WHAT!? I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH AURELIA IN DOING WHAT SHE DID!!! NOOOOOO! HE DOES NOT DESERVE YOU OR YOUR FORGIVENESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

Okay...I am done. But yes, I adore Aurelia....however....her decision at the end was not to my liking and I am not happy with her. >_>

Anyways, this was an interesting world. Imagine if a piece of Rome lived into this century. When Rome fell a group of its people left and rebuilt a small piece of Rome. It's an interesting concept and I honestly wish this country existed. It would be interesting to visit and learn about. Me...being the nerd I am....want the author to write a book about the history of this country of Roma Nova. This parallel universe is so interesting and it is a great "what-if" story. I do love my WIs.

I do have many questions about this world that I wished was further explained in he book. Maybe they are in the earlier books? I'll have to read the other ones I suppose to learn more about this world and culture.

ANYWAYS....

Poor Aurelia. She is in for a long and dangerous journey that is not kind to her. Damn Caius...he certainly is a great baddie. He is very complex, manipulative, and certainly a crazy person. Ah, kuddos for a great baddie! They are hard to find in some of these novels lately. However, I do hope to see him later on, because the "conclusion" with him was not satisfying for me.

This was a really good book! Lots of action, drama, mystery, and a kick-ass heroine! The ending was the weak spot for this novel. It was a cliff-hanger, which I get because this is a series, but I was not happy with it. I am curious to see what happened BEFORE and what is going to happen AFTER. This seems like a fun series and I plan on reading more! I love the world and I loved the characters. I totally recommend this to those that like WIs and a good story. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 4 stars.


Favorite Character(s): Aurelia (loved her even tho she upset me at the end), Caius (a great baddie), and Justina
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Aurelia's mom, the "gypsy" (>_> I get it, but I don't like it), & Caius' aunt (mmmmmm).

[Paula Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurelia Mitela is the protagonist in this book, who lives in Roma Nova. Roma Nova is a fictitious land - the descendant of ancient Rome – that never encountered the “fall of ancient Rome”; thus, survived into the 1960s. This is the fourth in a series of novels by Alison Morton, about Roma Nova and its progeny. I haven’t read the other books leading up to this one, but I found Aurelia to be very interesting and enjoyable as a stand-alone book.

Ms. Morton does a masterful job of describing this version of history, using older weapons and colloquialisms - new terms and technology - blending them with believability and authenticity. There are old Roman swords, newer rifles and guns, state-of-the-art audio and video, old Roman fighting techniques, as well as newer combat methods, mainframe computers, and first-generation personal computers and/or laptop computers.

Very interesting is the hierarchy of the lives of Roma Nova’s citizens, the hierarchy of the Praetorian Guard, and the local police force. Women in Roma Novan society are heads of the families and, many times, the military officers who lead the most important operations. Even with women having been in high positions for 1,500 years (the matriarchal system), female officials still encounter sexism, bigotry and chauvinism. Laws and rights of the inhabitants are somewhat different from democracies in America and other democratic nations. Interrogation techniques are more stringent but similar. The most important resource in Roma Nova is silver.

Aurelia hails from the silver-rich Mitela family and is heir to the head (her mother) of the first twelve families of Roma Nova; however, living in a society where “everyone” is expected to contribute, she is also a well-educated, fit Major in the Praetorian Guard. She is one tough lady, in combat as well as daily life. She has some issues, but is likeable – if being likeable is important to readers in a main character.

This is a story of money, mystery, romance, and action. Aurelia is sent on a secret mission to Berlin to investigate problems with the silver industry, where she encounters an enemy she’s known since childhood. Without giving away the story line, Aurelia gets into trouble and must literally and figuratively fight for her life and the life of her young, delicate daughter -- and save the Roma Novan silver industry. There is danger and romance.

I recommend this book to everyone who likes a good mystery/thriller/romance novel. If you like alternate history, this is for you. It is worth the money and reading time.

Note: I received this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurelia is book 4 in the Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. The good thing is if like me you’ve come to this series late you don’t need to have read the first 3 books to enjoy this one as the book is a prequel.

I loved the pace of this book, it’s so fast paced and easy flowing that you can’t help but sucked in.

The character Aurelia was well-developed. She has a military background and is very motivated and driven by her need to show just how much a woman can do without the need of a man. She’s strong and while a lot of people respect a woman in a powerful position some still believe a woman beneath them..and she’s loves to wind these people up..some hold grudges.

When we first meet Aurelia we learn of her military background but after some family misfortune she must leave the profession behind..family come first.

She’s soon recruited to be a spy of sorts, with her background and position in power she’s the perfect agent.

Silver is being smuggled and Aurelia soon stumbles upon the person responsible.. but she’s can’t prove it yet.

What happens after that is that we are treated to some very interesting twists. We have great characters such as a potential love interest who helps Aurelia..but he’s got his own secrets. There’s the jealous suitor who Aurelia despises and the biggest treat for me was the military contacts she makes throughout the book in her previous military role and her new role. Each very clearly defined, straight-laced but each intriguing in their own right.

As I’ve said the book is fast paced but the plot was great, I didn’t think anything was missing and it worked well. I particularly liked the historical edge to the tale, bringing the idea of Praetorian’s and such to a modern-day tale, It really gave it the unique feel.

I’m certainly going to pick up the previous 3 books and the series and look forward to more from the author. Her writing style is energetic and purposeful, the characters are always on the move and I loved how things played out.

This is a mystery with a historical edge, twists come out of nowhere.

I really fell for Aurelia..she has so much to deal with but she’s strong, she will persevere.

Most of all I loved how the author managed to make this mystery fun and serious at the same time, at times it’s light hearted at others very poignant. Loved it.

My thanks go to the author for the chance to read and review their work in exchange for an honest review.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Format : audiobook )
"Eyes and ears open, and mouth shut.""
A small part of the Roman Empire survived and prospered into present day, retaining much of the mores of the old society. Roma Nova, however, is far more matriarchal and when her mother dies, Aurelia becomes head of the Metelli, first of the twelve original leading families. Previously a major in the Praetorian guard, she is sent to Germany on a diplomatic mission - to spy. And it does not go smoothly ...

This, the fourth in the Roma Nova series, is an exciting adventure featuring a fully three dimensional powerful woman and set in the cleverly constructed alternative historical world of the 1960s. A prequel to the previous three books, it is completely stand alone with no previous knowledge required. It is told in the first person so that the listener is right there inside Aurelia's head, experiencing the action as it happens as well as her emotional reactions as it occurs. The whole carries a feeling of authenticity throughout, both in Aurelia herself and the other characters encountered as well as in her world.

Julia Teal's narration is impeccable, her pronunciation crystal clear, the pace brisk but never rushed. She is Aurelia. There is some differentiation of voice, or accent, for other protagonists, but not much, making this more a reading than a performance, and one which is pleasant on the ear. However, for this listener, there was something missing: more than the sometimes odd emphasis in certain Latin words which led to an odd pronunciation, the entire reading never quite came alive, never spoke directly to me. But this is simply personal preference: in no other way can she be faulted.

As someone who has loved tales of ancient Rome and all things Roman since reading, The Eagle of the Ninth, as a child, I heartily salute this innovative series which brings old Rome into the present day. So skillfully is it done, it would be easy to forget that Roma Nova exists only in the minds of author and reader and cannot be located on a modern map. It is also peopled with real, life-like characters and the exploits and adventures are, likewise, exciting and realistic. Great idea, great series, excellent book and a most enjoyable listen. Highly recommended.

[Cassandra MADEUP BookBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second venture into the Authors work, and having enjoyed “Inceptio” immensely I was excited when offered a chance to read this as well.

Getting stuck into this was certainly an easy thing to do! The Author creates gripping scenes from start to end that leave the reader feeing like they’ve taken a trip through time and space. Several times while reading somebody would speak to me and I sat for a moment staring at them in incomprehension because I had to take the time to get my brain out of the scene. Certainly a talent from the author, though perhaps not always convenient 🤣

I love the fact that this Author created strong, individual female Characters that are not counterbalanced by fussing over their appearance or regularly needing to be saved. So many ‘strong’ females are written in such a way and it never ceases to irritate. That’s not to say there is anything wrong with femininity, but sometimes it’s refreshing to have a character who doesn’t need to giggle and sigh to be female.

The story is quick paced with a vast variety or scenes and scenarios to keep the reader guessing, while maintaining an air of plausibility and consistently building tension and excitement. If you haven’t read a book from Roma Nova yet, you really should.


The Characters are powerfully memorable and the stories relaxingly complex. Yes, seems an odd thing to say doesn’t it? I get that. But it’s the only way I can think to describe this book. The story goes in unexpected directions, and yet it’s easy to read to the point you intend a chapter and realise you’ve read 3/4 of the book. Yup. And have a cold coffee.... perhaps drink cold drinks with this one 🤣

If you haven’t yet discovered Roma Nova... WHY NOT?!

[Keyla Damaer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurelia Mitela is a mother and a soldier in Roma Nova, what remains of the Roman Empire in an alternate timeline. She loves her job and her family, but an accident forces her to leave her job and take the reins of her family. Once settled into her new role, the Empress of Roma Nova offers her a temporary assignment as a diplomat in Berlin, where, through her family connections, she will have to investigate on a delicate matter. Many things will happen in Berlin, good and bad. Plot twist after plot twist, Alison Morton takes the readers to the final pages without disappointing them.

As an alternate history novel, Aurelia by Alison Morton throws the reader into a dimension where the roman culture never died. The story takes place in Roma Nova in an alternate timeline where the Roman Empire didn’t fall. Roma Nova citizens though, live in a modern era, like ours. They drive cars, fly planes, and misbehave like we do. In this alternate timeline women are not second citizens, but rule like men. and they do it in a matriarchal society. I love books with strong women, but where the female character is not a man with a woman's name. Ms Morton knows how to write a woman lead character without falling into the trap of making her a male character with a woman’s name. The book is in first person, therefore we see the story through Aurelia's eyes and only hers. This is a style I usually dislike, but Alison Morton has mastered it. All in all, I loved this book.

Reviewed for Readers' Favorite

[Lel Budge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurelia is #4 in the Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. I haven’t read the previous novels, but I had no problems reading this as a stand-alone..

Set in the 1960’s, BUT, the Roman Empire had not ended and still continues as a matriarchal society.

It starts with Aurelia being head of a praetorian guard special forces unit on an operation, but one of their suspects escaped…..

Aurelia’s mother is then injured in a hit and run accident and unfortunately she eventually dies. Aurelia ‘retires’ from her unit to run the family business and take care of her daughter , Marina. She is constantly badgered by the odious Caius Tellus, who wants to marry her to join their two families….but she’s not interested….will it end here?

When the Silver markets are in trouble, someone is affecting supply and demand, she is called out of retirement and sent to Berlin, undercover to find out more.

Here she comes across an old adversary and is smitten by the enigmatic Miklos…..Caius raises his ugly head again in this exciting, well plotted, unique thriller with incredible world building and characters your will love and hate in equal measure…..I loved it and will be reading more of the series now.

Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

If women were in control, the world would be a whole different place, and in the Roma Nova series of alternate history books, Alison Morton sets out to prove this theory.

In this latest instalment we go back in time to the Roma Nova of the 1960s and follow the story of Aurelia Mitela, a young woman who has suffered devastating loss. Thinking that her career in the Praetorian Guard is over, Aurelia is sent to Berlin, ostensibly to track down those responsible for syphoning away Roma Nova’s life blood; its silver reserves. What then follows is a tight and well controlled mystery which takes the reader on a roller coaster of a journey through the politics and procedures of an alternate reality which feels as completely realistic as the world we stand in today.

Aurelia is a feisty protagonist, full of the steel and determination we have come to expect from Roma Nova heroines. The scoundrels are villainous to the point of complete nastiness and, in this novel, Aurelia needs to keep all her remarkable wits about her as she negotiates both a political and personal minefield.


Drawn into this remarkable alternate world from the beginning, Aurelia is a worthy addition to the Roma Nova catalogue of work and I am sure that this latest story will continue to enthrall fans who are as immersed in this series as I am.

[Inge Borg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Winner in the True Sense of the Word

Starting a series with Book 4 may not always be a good thing – except when the content is laid out by a writer like Alison Morton. No wonder, Aurelia, Book 4 of the Roma Nova Series, is a Finalist for the 2016 Historical Novel Society Indie Award. Furthermore, Aurelia is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree for excellence in writing. (“Honoree” having nothing to do with “honorable mention.” This is the real deal.)
While there was plenty of action, the language flowed easily yet was intelligent; it didn’t need grisly detail or expletives to make you sit up a little straighter and hold your breath, wondering what was to come next. Toward the end, I actually became worried I might run out of pages before the story ended – I did not. But I was sorry to have come to the end of such an interesting speculative fiction premise.
Thank you, Alison Morton, for the enjoyable hours I spent reading Aurelia.
Inge H. Borg, Author of the “Legends of the Winged Scarab” Series.

[Lissa Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could remember how this book came to my attention. It's in the middle of a series, but I never felt like I didn't know what was going on. It was very self-contained.

Aurelia is a very enjoyable read for a couple of reasons. One: the author did a great job creating a 20th century iteration of ancient Roman culture and tradition. It was subtle (substituting several of the Roman gods as mild expletives rather than using God/god is one of many examples) but effective. Two: the book is very female-centric. The author has created a world in which women run the show, which of course I liked very much LOL. In addition, there are several instances where gender is ignored (using 'partner' rather than 'husband' or 'wife') or situationally flipped on its head (an admin wondering what will be come of the pool of male typing clerks once computer technology replaces them).

Great idea for a unique genre niche. This history nerd who signed on for four years of Latin in high school enjoyed the Hades out of this book.

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurelia is book #4 in the Roma Nova series of books about an alternative Europe, one where the Roman empire lives on under the rules of the maternal family lines. What if Rome didn't fall in AD395 and loyal Romans formed a new colony in a mountainous region north of Italy.

This book is set in the 1960's and is the story of Aurelia, a Praetorian soldier, after her mother has a bad car accident she finds herself head of one of the 12 families, but she finds there are those who wish to undermine everything they have worked for and so she goes to Berlin as a member of a silver delegation, but underneath she works as a spy, to find who is threatening the vital Silver trade of Nova Roma.

I enjoyed this book because I have read others in the series and know the Roma Nova background, I do think readers will benefit from reading the previous books before tackling this one.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a series. If you haven't started this series yet, you are really missing out. Here, author Alison Morton presents a thrilling prequel in the alternative history of the Roma Nova series, the fourth book to be precise, and keeps up all the great momentum and thrill from the first three books. If you've read any of the first three books then you know what to expect, and what you get is exactly what you'd hoped for.

[Juliet Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go back a couple of generations, and experience the adventures of Aurelia, Carina's grandmother. This was an action packed thriller set in a 1960's Prussia (Germany never unified). While the plot was a little bit predictable, Aurelia's strong relationship with her sickly daughter Marina, and determination made up for it.

[Mal Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had this book for a while then picked up an arc version of the next book Nexus so thought I'd better get reading.
I am a fan of alternative reality fiction the what if factor and really enjoyed reading Aurelia good characters and a great plot nothing too far fetched just a little altered history just to make you think can't wait to read the next one

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what is there not to like about an Alison Morton Roma Nova novel? I guess only one thing - the wait for the next novel to be written and published!

Helen Hollick
Aurelia is a Discovered Diamond
Discovering Diamonds Review Blog