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Roma Nova #7
Roma Nova Extra
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07HH6R9HX
Suppose Roma Nova, the last remnant of the old Roman Empire, had struggled through to the 21st century – a tough little country with tough, resourceful people?
Apulius, a young tribune sent to a backwater in 370 AD for having the wrong religion, encounters the fiery Julia.
What does his lonely descendant, Silvia, labouring in the 1980s to rebuild her country, make of the Italian architect supervising the reconstruction?
Can imperial councillor Galla stop the Norman invasion of England in 1066?
And will Allegra, her 21st century Praetorian descendant fighting her emotions, find her way to her own happy ending?
Readers of INCEPTIO, PERFIDITAS, SUCCESSIO, AURELIA, INSURRECTIO, RETALIO and CARINA will be familiar with many of the characters in these short stories. But if you are new to Roma Nova, enjoy these eight ‘behind the scenes’ short stories and perhaps feel curious about exploring the longer novels…
Suppose Roma Nova, the last remnant of the old Roman Empire, had struggled through to the 21st century – a tough little country with tough, resourceful people?
Apulius, a young tribune sent to a backwater in 370 AD for having the wrong religion, encounters the fiery Julia.
What does his lonely descendant, Silvia, labouring in the 1980s to rebuild her country, make of the Italian architect supervising the reconstruction?
Can imperial councillor Galla stop the Norman invasion of England in 1066?
And will Allegra, her 21st century Praetorian descendant fighting her emotions, find her way to her own happy ending?
Readers of INCEPTIO, PERFIDITAS, SUCCESSIO, AURELIA, INSURRECTIO, RETALIO and CARINA will be familiar with many of the characters in these short stories. But if you are new to Roma Nova, enjoy these eight ‘behind the scenes’ short stories and perhaps feel curious about exploring the longer novels…
200 pages, ebook
Published October 19, 2018
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Alison Morton
39 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 14, 2018
The world of Roma Nova comes alive in this wonderful compilation of short stories. It takes an exceptional author to combine the ancient world, in this case - Rome - and the modern, into a cohesive and believable story set in the modern era, but Morton achieves this brilliantly. One reason I believe she does this so well, is that she really knows Roman history, not only it's military might, but the arts and social structure in general. Combined with this knowledge and exceptional writing, and the country of Roma Nova, set in a place where the Roman legions once ruled, becomes a place you can imagine yourself in. Like her earlier novels, the writing is fast paced and the plots well thought out. What I particularly enjoyed about Roma Nova Extra, was the added background into the people and the country of Roma Nova. Vignettes are so masterfully worked, that even the sculptures take on a life of their own. Highly recommended.
October 19, 2018
This is a wonderful collection of vignettes that give the reader the chance to continue to immerse themselves in the world of Roma Nova. There are some fascinating insights into the past of this country, its history, and the characters of the main families through the ages, giving background details and additional information. Although I admit I don't normally like short stories much, I thoroughly enjoyed these. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has read some or all of the Roma Nova series as they complement them perfectly. You will find yourself wishing there were more!
October 19, 2018
One of the reasons I am enthralled with the Roma Nova series (aside from the skilfully written plots, excellent writing and professional standard of production) is the concept of the whole thing.
For Roma Nova Extra we meet some new characters – those from the past – and some familiar ones from the twentieth and twenty-first century setting of the main series of novels. The stories are short, I’d say a train journey to work or one story at bedtime length, but they are intended as quick glimpses into the years between the rest of the series – vignettes into a different world of highly interesting fictional characters. And the intention works perfectly.
Well done Ms Morton... Bravo!
Helen Hollick Founder of Discovering Diamonds
This novel will be reviewed by Discovering Diamonds in November
shortlisted for Book of the Month
For Roma Nova Extra we meet some new characters – those from the past – and some familiar ones from the twentieth and twenty-first century setting of the main series of novels. The stories are short, I’d say a train journey to work or one story at bedtime length, but they are intended as quick glimpses into the years between the rest of the series – vignettes into a different world of highly interesting fictional characters. And the intention works perfectly.
Well done Ms Morton... Bravo!
Helen Hollick Founder of Discovering Diamonds
This novel will be reviewed by Discovering Diamonds in November
shortlisted for Book of the Month
October 19, 2018
As a disclaimer, I must issue this warning. After reading Roma Nova Extra, you may experience some side effects; such as, the overriding compulsion to reread the Roma Nova series. Oh yes, my peeps and fellow travelers, this collection of short stories is that compelling.
I have always found history to be more than just interesting, even if it’s the history of an alternative/fictional world, and in this volume of stories, the author fills in some gaps, provides insight as to how Roma Nova came into being. One such story, Victory, is a perfect example of the Roma Nova adherence to their past; to their beliefs – their passion for keeping the old ways alive and to not succumb or submit to those who would see their downfall.
The stories, a mixture of historical perspective with some more personal tales give the reader a further glimpse into this amazing fictional country – it’s past, and it’s future. An enjoyable collection that is sure to delight the faithful readers of the Roma Nova series.
5 stars
I have always found history to be more than just interesting, even if it’s the history of an alternative/fictional world, and in this volume of stories, the author fills in some gaps, provides insight as to how Roma Nova came into being. One such story, Victory, is a perfect example of the Roma Nova adherence to their past; to their beliefs – their passion for keeping the old ways alive and to not succumb or submit to those who would see their downfall.
The stories, a mixture of historical perspective with some more personal tales give the reader a further glimpse into this amazing fictional country – it’s past, and it’s future. An enjoyable collection that is sure to delight the faithful readers of the Roma Nova series.
5 stars
November 8, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable
I expected nothing less, but each of these stories both kept me enthralled, and fleshed out the Roma Nova universe. More, please!
I expected nothing less, but each of these stories both kept me enthralled, and fleshed out the Roma Nova universe. More, please!
November 4, 2018
"There is no such thing as can't, only won't."
Alison Morton's re-imagining of history to a world where the old Roman empire did not completely die out but instead continued into the present day as a small but powerful break away state in Europe, is always a pleasure to read. Her characters burst with energy and life and the stories are imaginative and exciting. These might be modern day Romans but they lack none of the spirit of their creative and military predecessors. Each book in the series is a little gem.
Roma Nova Extra is as elegantly written as the novels but, whilst these shorts and snippets are enjoyable and add to the characterisation of several of the main protagonists, the brevity of the pieces failed to satisfy fully. There were exceptions, notably two fully formed short stories and, in particular, one in which Legate Conradus Mitelus and his wife Carina Mitela, travel disguised as Mr.and Mrs.Charles Miller to recover a small silver statue. Of course, what should have been a simp!e exchange becomes complicated - and dangerous. Great stuff.
Readers who are already familiar with the Roma Nova world will naturally want to add to their knowledge with this book of snippets. And it's well worth it. But for anyone who has not yet started the acquaintance, don't buy this book yet. Instead read at least one of the novels: they are sequential but each will stand alone. Then come back to Roma Nova Extra for the fill-ins.
Alison Morton's re-imagining of history to a world where the old Roman empire did not completely die out but instead continued into the present day as a small but powerful break away state in Europe, is always a pleasure to read. Her characters burst with energy and life and the stories are imaginative and exciting. These might be modern day Romans but they lack none of the spirit of their creative and military predecessors. Each book in the series is a little gem.
Roma Nova Extra is as elegantly written as the novels but, whilst these shorts and snippets are enjoyable and add to the characterisation of several of the main protagonists, the brevity of the pieces failed to satisfy fully. There were exceptions, notably two fully formed short stories and, in particular, one in which Legate Conradus Mitelus and his wife Carina Mitela, travel disguised as Mr.and Mrs.Charles Miller to recover a small silver statue. Of course, what should have been a simp!e exchange becomes complicated - and dangerous. Great stuff.
Readers who are already familiar with the Roma Nova world will naturally want to add to their knowledge with this book of snippets. And it's well worth it. But for anyone who has not yet started the acquaintance, don't buy this book yet. Instead read at least one of the novels: they are sequential but each will stand alone. Then come back to Roma Nova Extra for the fill-ins.
November 11, 2018
Wow! This is a collection of Roma Nova short stories for those of us who have go5 hooked on Alison Morton’s world and characters. I devoured this during a flight across the Atlantic - I can’t think of a better way to pas the time!
October 17, 2018
In which the reader struggles to articulate how much she enjoyed this short story collection. Julia is a badass who gives up everything to be with the man she loves, Silvia's budding feelings for the Italian architect were cute, I found myself shipping Allegra and her guy really hard, and I loved the whole Conrad and Carina go on a whacky Roman holiday.
December 17, 2018
The origins of Alison Morton's Roma Nova go back to ancient times. I'd been hoping that she would one day reveal the details of Roma Nova's founding. She has chosen to deal with how Roma Nova was established in the format of short stories within an anthology that spans Roma Nova's history called Roma Nova Extra. I can't say that the entire history of Roma Nova is covered in this collection. There could conceivably be Roma Nova stories set in the Renaissance or the 18th and 19th centuries, but for now I will be content with what we've been given.
I pre-ordered this anthology on Amazon, but had to wait until I had sufficient time to read it between review commitments.
My favorite story in the anthology was "Victory Speaks" which was from the perspective of the statue of the Goddess Victory which stood in the Senate of ancient Rome. It was slated for destruction by Christians. Perhaps the decline and fall of the Roman Empire was caused by the Goddess Victory withdrawing her support. I considered this a powerful story and was very moved by the ending.
Of the modern stories, the one that most interested me was "Carina and Conrad's Roman Holiday". This was actually an undercover operation on behalf of the Roma Novan Imperatrix. The reason why it interested me is a spoiler.
I normally don't read every story in an anthology, but the only story I skipped in Roma Nova Extra was one I'd already read in the alternate history anthology 1066 Turned Upside Down. All the remaining stories held my attention which makes Roma Nova Extra a superior collection.
For the blog version of this review see https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2018...
I pre-ordered this anthology on Amazon, but had to wait until I had sufficient time to read it between review commitments.
My favorite story in the anthology was "Victory Speaks" which was from the perspective of the statue of the Goddess Victory which stood in the Senate of ancient Rome. It was slated for destruction by Christians. Perhaps the decline and fall of the Roman Empire was caused by the Goddess Victory withdrawing her support. I considered this a powerful story and was very moved by the ending.
Of the modern stories, the one that most interested me was "Carina and Conrad's Roman Holiday". This was actually an undercover operation on behalf of the Roma Novan Imperatrix. The reason why it interested me is a spoiler.
I normally don't read every story in an anthology, but the only story I skipped in Roma Nova Extra was one I'd already read in the alternate history anthology 1066 Turned Upside Down. All the remaining stories held my attention which makes Roma Nova Extra a superior collection.
For the blog version of this review see https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2018...
November 29, 2018
There's something quite intriguing about reading a set of short stories which have links to a book series which has really captured my imagination. Roma Nova Extra does all that is good in short story writing, which is to share enough information so that new readers can be lured in and encouraged to find out more, whilst at the same time allowing those who are familiar with the novels, to find something new to enjoy.
There is no doubt that this author has made the complicated world of Roma Nova come alive, from its original concept in the novel, INCEPTIO and now through to ROMA NOVA EXTRA this set of short stories cleverly combines a blend of past, present and future. The power and inherent danger of ancient Rome combined with an altogether alternate way of looking at history captures the imagination with both clever story-telling and wonderful characterisation.
It’s always a real treat to scurry back to the Rome of this author’s imagination, and in the first short story, of ROMA NOVA EXTRA, I was delighted to find myself in AD 370, an innocent bystander at the meeting of Roma Nova’s founders, in a clever little story about a girl in a marketplace. Throughout the collection, there are lots of lovely touches, and I won’t give any of the game away by recounting too much, however, I was delighted to find that the author’s alternative 1066 story, which was previously published in a collaboration with other historical fiction writers, 1066 Turned Upside Down, also finds its worthy place in this collection.
Roma Nova Extra is a new venture into the world of short story writing by this clever author and I am sure that it will act as a tantalising taster into the fascinating world of Roma Nova.
There is no doubt that this author has made the complicated world of Roma Nova come alive, from its original concept in the novel, INCEPTIO and now through to ROMA NOVA EXTRA this set of short stories cleverly combines a blend of past, present and future. The power and inherent danger of ancient Rome combined with an altogether alternate way of looking at history captures the imagination with both clever story-telling and wonderful characterisation.
It’s always a real treat to scurry back to the Rome of this author’s imagination, and in the first short story, of ROMA NOVA EXTRA, I was delighted to find myself in AD 370, an innocent bystander at the meeting of Roma Nova’s founders, in a clever little story about a girl in a marketplace. Throughout the collection, there are lots of lovely touches, and I won’t give any of the game away by recounting too much, however, I was delighted to find that the author’s alternative 1066 story, which was previously published in a collaboration with other historical fiction writers, 1066 Turned Upside Down, also finds its worthy place in this collection.
Roma Nova Extra is a new venture into the world of short story writing by this clever author and I am sure that it will act as a tantalising taster into the fascinating world of Roma Nova.
December 16, 2018
This enjoyable collection of short stories round out so much of the Roma Nova alternate world - going back to its origins in the 4th century and into the near future. The author's fascinating characters pull you into their situations so much that you don't want to put the book down. All of the stories were great, from the first one about Lucius Apulius and the founding of Roma Nova, to the romantic end with Allegra and Macro. Like all of the Roma Nova books, it was fun from the first page. Highly recommended.
June 20, 2023
The collection is split into historical stories with new characters and modern stories that have characters familiar from the two Roma Nova thriller series. Most of the stories are fast-paced adventures but two are romances. The first story is a mix of adventure and romance. The collection can be read without reading the other books.
“The Girl from the Market”: In AD 370, Lucius Apulius is a young military tribune. To his dismay, he’s sent to the back end of the empire to defend the river Danube from barbarian hordes. Lucius is a follower of old gods, and the followers of the new faith, the Christians, don’t like him. However, Lucius meets a beautiful barbarian woman Julia and the world isn’t the same.
“Victory Speaks”: Set in AD 395, we follow the Altar of Victory from the POV of the statue. Christians want to destroy the statue but the twelve families who will create Nova Roma take the statue and flee with it.
“A Roman Intervenes”: Set in 1066, Galla Mitela one of Roma Nova’s Imperatrix’s councilors, and her young cousin Claudia are sent to Duke William, who will be known as the Conqueror. They try to stop the Duke from invading England.
“Silvia’s Story”: Set in 1987, after the events of Retalio. Young Imperatrix Silvia is doing her best to rebuild Roma Nova. But she’s still mourning her mother and she’s exhausted and lonely. Her cousin Aurelia sends her to a spa for a short vacation. Reluctantly, Silvia goes there and meets a fascinating Italian architect.
Modern times:
“Games”: set in 2011, just after the end of Inceptio. Carina and her buddy Daniel Stern love challenges. They engage in dangerous, sometimes even illegal games, such as dueling while a two-meter chain binds their left wrists together. They’re caught and given a duty they think will be boring.
“Carina and Conrad’s Roman Holiday”: Set in 2019: Carina and her husband Conrad are sent to Rome for a mission that she feels is far too easy for them. But the mission turns deadly.
“Saturnalia Surprise”: set in 2027: Gillius is a 16-year-old boy who loves to do experiments and invent gadgets. When he almost blows himself up (again), his father Conrad decides to send him to Sextinus Gavro, Conrad’s ”mad inventor” cousin. Carina is dubious but agrees. Gillius doesn’t want to go but has no choice. The visit has unexpected results.
Allegra and Macrinus: the second romance story set in 2029. It stars two secondary characters from the first series. Allegra is Carina and Conrad’s eldest child, an introverted young woman dedicated to her military career. She has feelings for Macrinus but doesn’t know what to do about it. Macrinus is the Mitela household’s understeward. He has had a crush on Allegra for years but knows that she’s far beyond his reach. Or is she?
These were all enjoyable glimpses into this alternate world. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical stories and modern stories are very good, too.
“The Girl from the Market”: In AD 370, Lucius Apulius is a young military tribune. To his dismay, he’s sent to the back end of the empire to defend the river Danube from barbarian hordes. Lucius is a follower of old gods, and the followers of the new faith, the Christians, don’t like him. However, Lucius meets a beautiful barbarian woman Julia and the world isn’t the same.
“Victory Speaks”: Set in AD 395, we follow the Altar of Victory from the POV of the statue. Christians want to destroy the statue but the twelve families who will create Nova Roma take the statue and flee with it.
“A Roman Intervenes”: Set in 1066, Galla Mitela one of Roma Nova’s Imperatrix’s councilors, and her young cousin Claudia are sent to Duke William, who will be known as the Conqueror. They try to stop the Duke from invading England.
“Silvia’s Story”: Set in 1987, after the events of Retalio. Young Imperatrix Silvia is doing her best to rebuild Roma Nova. But she’s still mourning her mother and she’s exhausted and lonely. Her cousin Aurelia sends her to a spa for a short vacation. Reluctantly, Silvia goes there and meets a fascinating Italian architect.
Modern times:
“Games”: set in 2011, just after the end of Inceptio. Carina and her buddy Daniel Stern love challenges. They engage in dangerous, sometimes even illegal games, such as dueling while a two-meter chain binds their left wrists together. They’re caught and given a duty they think will be boring.
“Carina and Conrad’s Roman Holiday”: Set in 2019: Carina and her husband Conrad are sent to Rome for a mission that she feels is far too easy for them. But the mission turns deadly.
“Saturnalia Surprise”: set in 2027: Gillius is a 16-year-old boy who loves to do experiments and invent gadgets. When he almost blows himself up (again), his father Conrad decides to send him to Sextinus Gavro, Conrad’s ”mad inventor” cousin. Carina is dubious but agrees. Gillius doesn’t want to go but has no choice. The visit has unexpected results.
Allegra and Macrinus: the second romance story set in 2029. It stars two secondary characters from the first series. Allegra is Carina and Conrad’s eldest child, an introverted young woman dedicated to her military career. She has feelings for Macrinus but doesn’t know what to do about it. Macrinus is the Mitela household’s understeward. He has had a crush on Allegra for years but knows that she’s far beyond his reach. Or is she?
These were all enjoyable glimpses into this alternate world. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical stories and modern stories are very good, too.
January 1, 2019
Having read all seven books comprising the Roma Nova saga, I was very curious about this collection of “side stories” focusing on characters featured or mentioned in the main books. I was delighted to lose myself in these juicy slices of historical intrigue. Of the eight short stories, three are set at crucial points in the past, pre-dating the events of the series, and the last five fit into the existing storyline, slotting in at various points and featuring familiar faces, as well as new ones. Although short, they successfully complement the events of the main books and read more like chapters than stand-alone stories. Reading them prompted me to go back to the relevant books, to revisit some of the related storyline which, I think, proves the effectiveness of these additional episodes.
My favourites are “The Girl from the Market”, “Silvia's Story”, and “Carina and Conrad's Roman Holiday”. The romantic tension is a small part of the overall narrative, but it proves to be the spice in these delicious excursions, overlaying the human interest aspect on to the heroic historical deeds. I also loved the quirky “Victory Speaks” wherein we are given a fascinating glimpse into the epic journey of the beleaguered founders of what will become Roma Nova.
It was interesting to see the author experiment with different POVs, departing from the first-person narration so compellingly used throughout the saga. It worked beautifully in “Silvia's Story”, but not so well in the last tale, “Allegra and Macrinus” which missed the mark with me principally because I thoroughly dislike alternate-voice narrative style, but also because I find grown-up Allegra annoying. I think the author excels at the “sandals-and-dagger” military-adventure thriller side of things. She brings the strict discipline of the Pretorians to life and weaves gripping action into the many field operations and spying sorties, especially those set abroad. Compelling reading for fans of the Roma Nova series.
My favourites are “The Girl from the Market”, “Silvia's Story”, and “Carina and Conrad's Roman Holiday”. The romantic tension is a small part of the overall narrative, but it proves to be the spice in these delicious excursions, overlaying the human interest aspect on to the heroic historical deeds. I also loved the quirky “Victory Speaks” wherein we are given a fascinating glimpse into the epic journey of the beleaguered founders of what will become Roma Nova.
It was interesting to see the author experiment with different POVs, departing from the first-person narration so compellingly used throughout the saga. It worked beautifully in “Silvia's Story”, but not so well in the last tale, “Allegra and Macrinus” which missed the mark with me principally because I thoroughly dislike alternate-voice narrative style, but also because I find grown-up Allegra annoying. I think the author excels at the “sandals-and-dagger” military-adventure thriller side of things. She brings the strict discipline of the Pretorians to life and weaves gripping action into the many field operations and spying sorties, especially those set abroad. Compelling reading for fans of the Roma Nova series.
June 13, 2019
I’m a huge Roma nova fan so I’m sad to have read this as it’s currently the last in the series - here’s hoping for more to come - this is one for the fans with stories spanning the centuries and adding more depth to the character arcs all the stories are fabulous, a huge 5* read from me
September 13, 2019
Great addition to the ROMA NOVA series -- fills in some gaps, adds more depth and dimension to several characters, and each story is a well-written stand-alone tale. Enjoy!
Read
March 4, 2019This is the perfect companion volume to The Roma Nova series. But even if you'd not read one of these alternative history books, you'd enjoy this as a standalone.
A selection of short stories which go off at a tangent from the novels, or fill in some of the gaps. Each has its own identity, characters and narrative arc, while nestling comfortably under the overarching premise of a Roman empire that never died, but run by men and women as equals.
The stories are divided into two sections - Glimpses from the Past, and Modern Times. The author's grasp on historical and imagined detail from AD 370 to the present and into the future of 2029 are convincingly grounded, allowing the reader a privileged insight into another world.
I was expecting intrigue, powerful women, action and excitement as an avid reader of the Roma Nova series, but the romantic element took me by surprise. Here is love: for one's family, country, potential partner and even a statue. It is touching and moves you when you least expect it.
One of the elements I enjoyed most was the connections between each tale. The reader recognises physical and personality traits through the generations, relishing how the protagonist of one tale becomes an influential ancestor in another. It is like being privy to a dynasty that never existed.
But you really wish it had.
A selection of short stories which go off at a tangent from the novels, or fill in some of the gaps. Each has its own identity, characters and narrative arc, while nestling comfortably under the overarching premise of a Roman empire that never died, but run by men and women as equals.
The stories are divided into two sections - Glimpses from the Past, and Modern Times. The author's grasp on historical and imagined detail from AD 370 to the present and into the future of 2029 are convincingly grounded, allowing the reader a privileged insight into another world.
I was expecting intrigue, powerful women, action and excitement as an avid reader of the Roma Nova series, but the romantic element took me by surprise. Here is love: for one's family, country, potential partner and even a statue. It is touching and moves you when you least expect it.
One of the elements I enjoyed most was the connections between each tale. The reader recognises physical and personality traits through the generations, relishing how the protagonist of one tale becomes an influential ancestor in another. It is like being privy to a dynasty that never existed.
But you really wish it had.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews