Insurrectio

Roma Nova #5

by Alison Morton

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

‘The second fall of Rome?’
Aurelia Mitela, ex-Praetorian and imperial councillor, scoffs at her intelligence chief when he throws a red file on her desk.

Roma Nova has survived since the collapse of the ancient Roman Empire thanks to strong female leadership. Now in the 1980s, its ruler is afraid to rule, old laws choke reform and a nationalist movement surges under a charismatic leader who wants to destroy Aurelia on his way to power.

Horrified when her daughter is brutally attacked in a riot, Aurelia rallies resistance to the growing fear and instability. But is it too late to save Roma Nova from meltdown and herself from death at the hand of her lifelong enemy?


Part political thriller, part deadly personal rivalry, INSURRECTIO is Roman fiction brought into the 20th century through an alternate history lens with a strong female protagonist with heart and courage leading the action. If you enjoy reading mystery books for women with plenty of twists, this is for you!

– Historical Novel Society’s indie Editor’s Choice for Spring 2016
– B.R.A.G. Medallion
– Chill with a Book Awards B

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

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 12, 2016

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

[Jon Abbott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a fan of the series, which should be read in order. While it is a good work of historical fiction, it has one drawback that the others did not: a cliff-hanger! (loss of a star) If I were you, I'd wait until the next book is published. That said, the series is fully good enough that I will purchase it.

The heroine (Aurelia) is an older woman, with a barely adult daughter. There are few action heroines (and she does know how to use a weapon) in fiction; few action heroines with children. Both are positives IMHO.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we left Aurelia a lot had happened to her and I wondered how easy it would be for her to pick up the pieces.. well now we know. Some time has passed since the events with Caius Tellus and Aurelia has settled down to her role in Roma Nova well. She’s enjoying life albeit a stressful one, a daughter who is coming of age and a partner who yearns to be free of life’s constraints. She juggles this life and work balance well until she finds out Caius is due to be released!

Caius quickly worms his way into Aurelia’s life again by using his charm on the ruler of Roma Nova..Aurelia does everything in her power to rid herself of this man but he’s as slippery as they come.

There’s the added stress of the rising nationalist movement who believe men are being oppressed. I particularly loved this role reversal from what we see reported in the news today.
What I really enjoy about the authors work is that even though the story has a strong female lead and is very focused on how capable women are in general at no point do I feel it’s a dig at men at all, more a celebration of women.

This is a more brutal tale than the last, more death and at times the pain is very close to home for Aurelia. I wasn’t sure how she could continue..but push on she does.

There’s some great scenes in this book between Caius and Aurelia which leave others to wonder who’s side is Aurelia really on, but we know..she would never side with the likes of him..but she needs to earn the trust of individuals in this book which gave her some vulnerability which suited the tale perfectly and it was a joy to read.

The book definitely picks the pace up as events don’t just affect Aurelia now.. they threaten Roma Nova itself and some very powerful people have been removed..what can Aurelia do??

It’s a historical fiction/political thriller, lots of twists with brilliant development of the characters. Some of which we may not see again..or will we?? I hope so.

Morton ticks all the boxes for me, suspense, action, love, death, pain and anguish and one hell of a lead character who is very likeable.

Looking at the book in general one for the other things I love is it’s neither too short or too long for my tastes and the pacing of the tale means it develops quickly but with what feels a natural progression rather than forced.

Super tale to read. Have a look!

[Rosie Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insurrectio by Alison Morton is book #5 in the Roma Nova series. I have read several other books in the series so, recognised many of the characters and the setting straight away. Fictional Roma Nova is this author’s vision of how the Roman Empire might have survived and how it fits into today’s modern Europe. Each book has a little background to the series, explaining how a few Roman families escaped the fall of the empire and made their way to an alpine enclave in Europe. Here they continued their lineage using females to rule their nation.

Insurrectio is set in the 1980s. Aurelia Mitela, Foreign Minister and Imperial Councillor, is advised that her old adversary Caius Tellus is about to be released from prison. Returning to Roma Nova, he secretly works to gain power, undermining the current leadership.

Aurelia suspects that Caius is behind riots begun by a group calling themselves Toga Toughs who begin a national revolt. After a brutal attack on her daughter, Aurelia finds herself fleeing the country as Caius enforces his revolution.

This is a high action story; the author writes the military aspects of the book very well and the attention to detail is just right to keep the story moving forward. I also like the Roma Nova world. Each book is consistent with the chosen Roman themes; yes, you do need to get your head around Roman style names and words, but it worked for me. Readers would definitely benefit by starting with book #1 of the series to immerse themselves in the whole Roma Nova experience.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

full review is percolating :-)

I think that one day I am going to have to compile my list of favorite, fictional, evil people. When I do that Alison Morton's Caius Tellus will certainly be on that list. Insurrectio is a taut drama centering on Tellus' political ambitions...ambitions that could undo centuries of a stable form of government and supplant it with Tellus as a tyrant. Caught in the crosshairs of his ambition is Aurelia Mitela and hoo-boy does he ever hold a grudge. The story is full of the drama and tension that the author has made a trademark of the Roma Nova series and in spots steps them up even more. So, if you're looking for a political thriller this is sure to please. Strong characters, a plot with lots of twists and turns, love, betrayal, pain and loss make this a 5 star winner.

[Angelica Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in Alison Morton's Roma Nova saga, and the second part of the Aurelia prequel. If you have already had the pleasure of losing yourself in the alternate reality world of Roma Nova, this grim but gripping new instalment will be electrifying, and it will answer most of those burning questions we all had while following Carina's adventures. But if this is your first taste of this amazing series, you are in for a treat. Get yourself a copy of AURELIA and start at the beginning. You can then return to INSURRECTIO with the heady prospect of Books #1, 2 and 3 to follow in chronological order.

For a modern-day Roman like myself, this reinventing of the fate of my ancestors is truly fascinating, and I am amazed once again at how the author keeps getting better. Writing a prequel is a daunting task, but Alison Morton has succeeded with aplomb. There was so much hinted at, but still left untold, that it was a relief to finally get stuck into the guts and gore of a monumental chapter in the history of Roma Nova. All the great things about the previous books are here, if possible even more polished and refined. Characterization is excellent. Pacing and plot are breathless. Inventiveness with plausibility is flawless. The character of this daring creation is perfectly retained. Everything that you have come to expect from this author is here ... and more.

For those new to it, Alison Morton has postulated an unbroken continuation of the ancient Roman civilization through the heroic escape of a few hundred citizens, belonging to twelve leading families, who were able to flee the persecution of Theodosius and regroup in a fictitious location wedged between modern-day Italy and Austria. Roma Nova is small in size but comparatively large in wealth and influence, thanks to rich natural silver resources and world-leading technological development. Throughout Roma Nova's long struggle to establish and defend itself, women have organically assumed command and participate in every aspect of public life, even fighting alongside their men in an orderly but tradition-bound society where service to the state and high personal values are expected of the leaders, political appointees and the military, as well as of anyone of their citizens.

However, not all men are happy in this faintly outdated matriarchal regime. A cruel and cunning member of a powerful family organizes a large group of dissidents into a lethal secret movement that seeks to overthrow the imperatrix and the whole Roma Novan way of life. Aurelia Mitela, head of the senior of the Twelve Families, serving Foreign Minister, and official advisor in perpetuum to the weak and capricious imperatrix, is under attack again and, suddenly, it is impossible to know who to trust.

If you have read Books #1, 2 and 3, you already know some of the outcome, however, you will be amazed at how thrilling this story is. I completely forgot what I knew, as I was carried away by possibly the most dazzling story-telling this author has unleashed to date. I'm only waiting for the TV dramatization that must surely happen soon, and shake in my boots fearing poor casting choices and arbitrary plot revisions. Meanwhile, we can enjoy this tale, entirely deserving of the thriller designation. Some violent and disturbing content but no gratuitous gore.

I was one of the lucky readers who was offered a copy of the ARC. This book kept me happily engrossed for a couple of weeks, as I read slowly. My advice is, take your time and enjoy all the majesty and intrigue of this masterpiece of invention. I don't usually gush, but to me this series fully justifies the use of superlatives.

[Antoine Vanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always welcome to see and out-and out villain return in a new book and in her fifth Roman Nova novel, Insurrectio, Alison Morton brings back one of the most unpleasant scoundrels likely to be encountered anywhere. What makes the story so convincing – almost uncomfortably so – is that the loathsome Caius Tellus has had, and indeed has, so many counterparts in real life. “Convincing” is an adjective that has always applied to Ms. Morton’s alternate-universe creation of Roma Nova. The internal consistency of this world, and its development in technological terms in parallel with our own, makes it easy to accept it as real. Earlier books have dealt with smaller-scale crises but in Insurrectio the story concentrates on a vast nation-wide descent into tyranny and repression in the aftermath of a coup. For this reader at least, not the least of the merits of Ms. Morton’s writing is that she does not shy away from recognition that history is indeed made with blood and iron, and that power ultimately comes from the barrel of a gun. The crisis in Insurrectio stems from the reluctance of a well-meaning government to nip evil in the bud and the relative ease with which forces it is unwilling to confront effectively bring about its downfall is both frightening and realistic. The starkly-portrayed mobilisation of ignorance and prejudice in support of a new totalitarian regime has close analogies with events in our own time as well as in the 1930s. The sense of uncertainty as to what is actually happening during a coup, and of where it may lead, makes for marked realism – I have lived through two (one farcical) and my most abiding memory is of doubt and confusion as to what was actually happening. It’s always the sign of a good writer that they can arouse anger as well as sympathy. I was therefore struck by depiction of the moves made by this new regime against women and it brought back uncomfortable memories of seeing women marginalised and casually degraded in Iran in the early 1990s. Ms. Morton’s heroines and heroes are left in no doubt that the price of liberty is the willingness to fight back with a ruthless efficiency equal or greater than that of their oppressors.

This is no comfortable story in which the cause of liberty succeeds at little cost. Brutality, rape and terror are unflinchingly described. The story moves at a spanking pace and it would be unfair to reveal the ending – it is however one that makes one look forward eagerly for the next volume. As with previous books in the series there are witty touches that lighten the mood. I was especially amused by a popular newspaper being entitled the Sol Populi and the delicious observation “Bit too soft, the Prussians. They’re into rehabilitation and re-education.” Hoodwinked by a clever villain, it is this Prussian benevolence that triggers the tragedies to come. One suspects that in the alternate world of Roma Nova both Frederick the Great and Otto von Bismarck succumbed in infancy to illness!

Insurrectio is another splendid read from Ms. Morton – but please, please, can she let us know soon what happened next?

[Marcel Bollmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book of the Roma Nova series and of Alison Morton, which I won in a Goodreads giveaway. I normally don't enter giveaways for books in the middle of a series, but in this case I simply overlooked the fact.

Insurrectio is the second part of a 3-book story arc and the 5th in the Roma Nova timeline, where a part of the ancient Roman culture survives to the present day in a small country where women rule and Roman Religion is ubiquitous. The book tells the story of Aurelia, an imperial councillor, trying to stop an evil guy at the head of a nationalist movement from overthrowing the government and turning the whole country (and also her personal life) inside out. Also, it is told in a way that doesn't necessarily require you to have read any of the previous books - any important story events that happened before are adequately explained.

I found this book a rather light, but enjoyable read. That is to say I read through it very quickly on two 4-hour train rides, and you will not find many literary intricacies here, but rather a streamlined plot focused on the action. This, however, is executed really well - at no point did I find the writing shallow or the plot boring. Also, "light read" is certainly not referring to the contents of the story, which includes multiple accounts of rape, murder, and other acts of violence.

The alternate Roma Nova timeline I found, on the whole, believable, although the story could have unfolded in a similar way in nearly any other country on earth. Maybe that is kind of the point, however, the most prominent feature reminding me I was in Roma Nova, I found, was the ubiquitous use of names of Roman Gods in exclamations and swearing, to the point where it felt a bit forced to me, as if to forcefully remind me which alternate universe I'm in. Maybe this impression, though, is clouded by the fact that I started right in the middle of a series.

So, did the book convince me to read the others in the series? A fair warning: if you read Insurrectio, you will want to read the sequel, which is hinted at in the book's back matter but is not released at the time of writing. I will probably read it when it comes out, since I did overall enjoy the suspenseful ride this book provided. I'll maybe pick up the immediate prequel as well. I'm less convinced I will pick up other books of the Roma Nova timeline - it didn't quite feel unique or special enough to make me want to know everything about this place, but it does provide a good backdrop for a gripping thriller story.

[Shomeret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those who have read the Carina books have seen references to the events of this novel. So I pretty much knew what would happen in a general way. Readers will wonder how a prequel in a thriller series can be suspenseful.

Believe me, nothing in the Carina books can prepare you for Insurrectio. This was a true catastrophe for Roma Nova as a society and for Aurelia as an individual. I realized that the endangerment to the matriarchy in Perfiditas was less severe precisely because of the calamity that had occurred in the 20th century. Relatively few people were willing to allow Roma Nova to go there again. For women like Aurelia, having lived through Insurrectio must have functioned like an inoculation against a deadly plague. It stiffened their resolve in Perfiditas because they were very aware of the potential consequences.

Insurrectio may be taking place in the 20th century, but I feel that this powerful thriller speaks to our times, and that Aurelia is a strong survivor who can inspire us all.

For my complete review see http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2018/...

[Cathy Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever wondered what the world might have been like had the Ancient Roman Empire’s military force and values survived into our modern world, INSURRECTIO is the book for you. Ms. Morton’s acute attention to detail with military and state police practices makes this book completely plausible – I believed every word as if Roma Nova was indeed real. The brutality and utter ruthlessness of a calculated government takeover is the theme of this book told in vivid detail through the eyes of Aurelia, head of one of the twelve families that rose from the ashes of Ancient Rome. Gripping and nail-biting all the way through. A must read for anyone that likes to dig their teeth into a real political yarn.

[Juliet Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I wanted to kill a fictional character as much as I wanted to kill Caius Tellus, a man who might as well be a Hitler Expy. The story was fast paced and dark. I really felt for both Aurelia and her daughter Marina. We get to see some familiar faces, ie. Conrad, and the future imperatrix.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The back story to the modern day Roma Nova books continues with this one, set in the 1980s and even though we know what's going to happen ultimately, that doesn't spoil the suspense. Aurelia continues to battle with her deadliest enemy. Some of the echoes of 21st Century Europe were chilling. Another great read; I'm looking forward eagerly to Book 6.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that INSURRECTIO (ROMA NOVA #5) 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!

[ChillwithabookAWARD With · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insurrectio has been honoured with a Chill with a Book READERS' Award
Insurrectio has been honoured with Book of the MONTH Award
www.chillwithabook.com

[Mervi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth book, and the second in the second trilogy, in the Roma Nova alternative reality action/thriller series.

The book is set at the beginning of 1980s. Roma Nova was founded by refugees from Roman Empire and has thrived during the centuries. However, it’s not a democracy. Power is in the hands of the heads of the twelve families, all women, and the imperatrix who is always a woman.

Aurelia Mitela is in her forties and at the height of her career. She’s the foreign minister and the head of the twelve families who together advice the imperatrix. 13 years ago, she set Caius Tellus to prison in Germany after he assaulted her and killed people. However, now he’s served his sentence and is back. Aurelia tries to fight it, but to her horror, outdated laws let Caius walk. He manages to influence the head of the Tella family and eventually even the impratrix herself to worm his way to the highest levels of government.

At the same time, some people are rioting. Aurelia suspects that Caius is behind it but can’t find any proof. When her 19-year-old daughter is attacked, she takes her and flees to her farm but even that place has been attacked. When riots continue, led by Roman Nationalist movement which calls for return to the “natural” male leadership, the Roman Novan government itself is in danger.

For some readers, the beginning is slower because it’s focused on Aurelia’s personal life, her alienation from her daughter, and fears of Caius. Of course, if you’ve read the previous book (which I recommend) you know just how dangerous Caius is so it’s great foreshadowing. But when the action starts, it’s relentless. It also felt like the darkest book in the series so far.

This was a great book in the series. The characters are great and it’s so rare but wonderful to see a woman over 40 as the main character of an action book. Aurelia is a former special forces Major so she’s more than capable of fighting with both hand-to-hand and weapons.

Aurelia a passionate character; she cares deeply for the people in her life and also for Roma Nova itself. The current ruler Severina is a weak person and therefore a bad ruler but Aurelia tries her best to guide her, even when Severina doesn’t want that guidance. Severina is more than a plausible character and so is Aurelia’s daughter who is becoming increasingly uncomfortable of her mother’s protection.

While the main plot of overthrowing the matriarchal leaders of the nation is very similar to the plot in the second book of the series, Perfiditas, the execution was completely different. The revolutionaries take advantage of the people’s prejudices and ignorance in addition to lazy or corrupt government officials, set in their ways. It’s all frighteningly realistic.

The book ends in a cliffhanger so I’m going to get the next book soon.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Sometimes we have to do undignified or dishonorable things for the best reasons. We can only make the choices available to us at the time.”

Aurilea Mitela: imperial councilor in Roma Nova, last province of the old Roman Empire, is frustrated at the ruler who is afraid to govern, and the rest of the ruling families for not stepping up to help, as if she was the only one who promised guidance. These cracks in the centuries old government allow for the inevitable overthrow as the bureaucracy is replaced with a nationalism headed by Aurilea’s nemesis: Casius Tellas; a man determined to humiliate her and the women-run government.

Marina,Aurelia’s daughter, is captured and tortured before she is secreted away from Roma Nova. Casius has Aurelia taken and abused in exchange for the safety of people she cares about. Forced into servitude under Casius, her honor in shambles, she knows she must escape this unstable tyrant. Who can she trust?

Although I have followed Alison Morton for years, this is the first book of hers I have actually read. Morton writes consist edge-of-your-seat thrillers deeply rooted in history and rebellion. Here’s to reading the rest of the series (I have actually just gotten the first book of Roma Nova recently). Highly recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author who gifted it to me. I have chosen to read/review it]

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read my only wish is that I’d read the Aurelia series first as there are some spoilers if you read carinas story arc before Aurelias - having said that I’m such a Roma nova fan I don’t care and I’m enjoying getting the details of events from a different viewpoint. These books are smart, sassy and full of action and I am a huge fan of them :) 5*from me

[Pam Keevil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating idea and well thought out concept of Ancient Rome alive and well in Europe. The pace of the plot cracks along but it wasn't for me as there were too many incidents following one from another and I really wanted more scene setting and world building.

[Julia Ibbotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, what a roller coaster ride Alison Morton has given us in the 5th of the Roma Nova series! I very much enjoyed this book: authoritatively written and exciting. Well recommended.