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Five Before Rome
Meet the five men before they meet Bianca, their personal history, their respective parts of Italy, and why they each have a stake in the fight against organized crime. Each novella gives a deeper insight into the world and players that make the Roma Series so captivating.
These five novellas, Man of Honor, The Fallen One, Two Warriors, Dance of the Spider, and Five Before Rome, precede the first novel in the Roma Series, Roma, Underground.
These five novellas, Man of Honor, The Fallen One, Two Warriors, Dance of the Spider, and Five Before Rome, precede the first novel in the Roma Series, Roma, Underground.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2020
1 person want to read
About the author
Gabriel Valjan
37 books273 followersGabriel Valjan is the author of The Company Files, and the Shane Cleary Mysteries with Level Best Books. He has been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, Derringer, and Silver Falchion awards. He received the 2021 Macavity Award for Best Short Story and the 2024 Shamus Award forBest Private Investigator. Gabriel is a member of the Historical Novel Society, ITW, MWA, and Sisters in Crime. He lives in Boston and answers to a tuxedo cat named Munchkin.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 20, 2020
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This is my first venture into a book(s) by Gabriel Valjan. Five Before Rome is a set of novellas that serve as a prequel to his Roma series! I was delighted to learn so much history and interesting information! I've been reading a smattering of adult thrillers recently and these novellas did not disappoint! This is something that is trendy now, to release a book in a series followed by a novella or series of novellas. I am loving it!
This set of novellas follows five different men who make up five different facets of the Roma series! Each is different and each new story takes the reader deeper into the world of the Roma series. I love a classic mafia/gangster story, which is exactly what this is! It's got distinct "old world" family ties with the modern mob. I really enjoyed learning about the history of each character, from Alessandro to Silvio, Isidore to Gennaro and finally to Dante. The final narrative of the novellas takes all of the characters and combines them into a team, which was exceedingly fun! I loved all of the pop culture references and nods to the American gangster movies.
These were incredibly entertaining and so fun to read! There is so much world-building and character development here that I feel like I already know these characters going into the series. They are funny, sharp, and well written! The plot of the narratives goes quickly and I didn't have trouble reading the entire set in one sitting. Buckle up and get ready to read about the original gangsters! Having finished Five Before Rome, I am ready to start the Roma series!
Thank you to Gabriel Valjan and iRead Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first venture into a book(s) by Gabriel Valjan. Five Before Rome is a set of novellas that serve as a prequel to his Roma series! I was delighted to learn so much history and interesting information! I've been reading a smattering of adult thrillers recently and these novellas did not disappoint! This is something that is trendy now, to release a book in a series followed by a novella or series of novellas. I am loving it!
This set of novellas follows five different men who make up five different facets of the Roma series! Each is different and each new story takes the reader deeper into the world of the Roma series. I love a classic mafia/gangster story, which is exactly what this is! It's got distinct "old world" family ties with the modern mob. I really enjoyed learning about the history of each character, from Alessandro to Silvio, Isidore to Gennaro and finally to Dante. The final narrative of the novellas takes all of the characters and combines them into a team, which was exceedingly fun! I loved all of the pop culture references and nods to the American gangster movies.
These were incredibly entertaining and so fun to read! There is so much world-building and character development here that I feel like I already know these characters going into the series. They are funny, sharp, and well written! The plot of the narratives goes quickly and I didn't have trouble reading the entire set in one sitting. Buckle up and get ready to read about the original gangsters! Having finished Five Before Rome, I am ready to start the Roma series!
Thank you to Gabriel Valjan and iRead Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book! I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2020
Five Before Rome Gives a Great Opening for The Roma Series. While the books of the series are written as standalone novels--I found myself backtracking to the beginning after I read the 4th book of the series first. After reading the individual novellas within Five Before Rome, I am now ready to actually re-read the series. I love Valgan's writing style--and his ability to transport me through his settings and characters' lives. The details, historical backgrounds, and the insights into his characters' pasts are very well written to give readers just enough of each character to entice them to read the full series.
Five Before Rome Appeals to Fans of Historical Fiction and International Thrillers. I love historical fiction and I love learning more about characters' pasts and motivations. This prequel gives much depth to the remaining series and offers the perfect blend of history, setting, character development and storyline for each novella.
Would I Recommend Five Before Rome by Gabriel Valjan? Beginning the series with these novella-length stories gives readers a perfect preview of the author's writing style. I love the author's writing style and his series. This prequel is the perfect way to interest new readers to the series--and to remind series readers why we loved it so much. If you enjoy international thrillers--The Roma Series should certainly be on your reading list. The novels are not light reads--but, they are all page-turners none-the-less. I recommend this book as a wonderful starting point to the series--but, you will want to add the entire series to your reading list once you meet the characters!
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Five Before Rome Appeals to Fans of Historical Fiction and International Thrillers. I love historical fiction and I love learning more about characters' pasts and motivations. This prequel gives much depth to the remaining series and offers the perfect blend of history, setting, character development and storyline for each novella.
Would I Recommend Five Before Rome by Gabriel Valjan? Beginning the series with these novella-length stories gives readers a perfect preview of the author's writing style. I love the author's writing style and his series. This prequel is the perfect way to interest new readers to the series--and to remind series readers why we loved it so much. If you enjoy international thrillers--The Roma Series should certainly be on your reading list. The novels are not light reads--but, they are all page-turners none-the-less. I recommend this book as a wonderful starting point to the series--but, you will want to add the entire series to your reading list once you meet the characters!
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2020
Five Before Rome is my first introduction to Gabriel Valjan’s books. This one is a collection of five novellas that are prequels to his Roma series. The novellas include:
Man of Honor – It is 2001 and readers are introduced to Alessandro, who is living with his mother and needs to find a way to help take care of the family.
The Fallen One – Silvio is 19 and living with mother and grandfather, in the year 1991. He finds out unexpected secrets, meets new friends and falls in love.
Two Warriors – In 1985, Isidore Farrugla has to do what it takes to save two bronze statues of The Riace Warriors that were found in 1972.
Dance of the Spider – During the 1990s, Gennaro DiBello has been faced with a lot of tragedy in his life with the loss of his wife, Lucia, and two of his friends, Giovanni and Paolo. He has to find a way to keep his life together.
Five Before Rome – Five men have to solve a murder involving organized crime that will affect the Vatican and Rome’s government.
I enjoyed these quick glimpses into what to expect with the series. My favorite of the five is probably Five Before Rome. It had a lot of mystery and suspense that kept me engaged from start to finish.
I am giving Five Before Rome four and a half stars. After reading this book, I am looking forward to starting the first book in the Roma series, Roma, Underground, to see what happens.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Man of Honor – It is 2001 and readers are introduced to Alessandro, who is living with his mother and needs to find a way to help take care of the family.
The Fallen One – Silvio is 19 and living with mother and grandfather, in the year 1991. He finds out unexpected secrets, meets new friends and falls in love.
Two Warriors – In 1985, Isidore Farrugla has to do what it takes to save two bronze statues of The Riace Warriors that were found in 1972.
Dance of the Spider – During the 1990s, Gennaro DiBello has been faced with a lot of tragedy in his life with the loss of his wife, Lucia, and two of his friends, Giovanni and Paolo. He has to find a way to keep his life together.
Five Before Rome – Five men have to solve a murder involving organized crime that will affect the Vatican and Rome’s government.
I enjoyed these quick glimpses into what to expect with the series. My favorite of the five is probably Five Before Rome. It had a lot of mystery and suspense that kept me engaged from start to finish.
I am giving Five Before Rome four and a half stars. After reading this book, I am looking forward to starting the first book in the Roma series, Roma, Underground, to see what happens.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
July 24, 2020
I have read all the books in Valjan's Roma series (see review links above) and enjoyed every one. So I was intrigued to read the authors latest book featuring five novella prequels to the series - Man of Honor, The Fallen One, Two Warriors, Dance of the Spider, and Five Before Rome. In them he introduces us to Roma's main characters - Dante, Alessandro, Farrugia, Gennaro and Silvio.
Each novella in this compilation showcases a story from the past - sometimes not too distant, sometimes further back. We get a peek into how these men came to be the people we meet later on. Each also offers a bit of Italian history as well as a bit of background of the crime families that call it home. After the last story is finished, Valjan has included a fairly detailed set of notes for each novella. Any questions you might have about one of the stories or references in them (Italian words, history, mythology, names, and more) can be found here. It you're a lover of all things Italian, there are a lot of interesting gems for you to savor.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new offering by author Gabriel Valjan. My only regret, I would have loved to read it before the other novels. Perhaps on my next vacation I will take all six books and indulge reading them starting with this prequel and then in order from book one to book five!
Each novella in this compilation showcases a story from the past - sometimes not too distant, sometimes further back. We get a peek into how these men came to be the people we meet later on. Each also offers a bit of Italian history as well as a bit of background of the crime families that call it home. After the last story is finished, Valjan has included a fairly detailed set of notes for each novella. Any questions you might have about one of the stories or references in them (Italian words, history, mythology, names, and more) can be found here. It you're a lover of all things Italian, there are a lot of interesting gems for you to savor.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new offering by author Gabriel Valjan. My only regret, I would have loved to read it before the other novels. Perhaps on my next vacation I will take all six books and indulge reading them starting with this prequel and then in order from book one to book five!
July 7, 2020
I loved the Roma series and the way that Gabriel writes his stories. The stories keep you on your toes, always guessing what would happen next and the characters are well developed and realistic. I couldn’t wait to pop open this book to see how these five men began their careers fighting organized crime. I love to learn about that turning point in a persons life that sets them down their current path and this novel does not disappoint.
Gabriel packs a lot of background and history into each of the five novellas, which is no easy feat. Sometimes I worry when I read a novella that it would feel rushed and have gaps but these ones were perfect. The novellas introduce us to slightly younger versions of our favourite characters and their exposure to organized crime. We follow along in these novellas as they solve the crimes in each of their regions. We learn more about their personal history and how they came to their current region, their family life and more.
Five Before Rome is an excellent read that is not overwhelming but weaves a great story around organized crime, murder, lies and more. The novellas are well written and engaging, and are a great prelude to the Roma series.
Gabriel packs a lot of background and history into each of the five novellas, which is no easy feat. Sometimes I worry when I read a novella that it would feel rushed and have gaps but these ones were perfect. The novellas introduce us to slightly younger versions of our favourite characters and their exposure to organized crime. We follow along in these novellas as they solve the crimes in each of their regions. We learn more about their personal history and how they came to their current region, their family life and more.
Five Before Rome is an excellent read that is not overwhelming but weaves a great story around organized crime, murder, lies and more. The novellas are well written and engaging, and are a great prelude to the Roma series.
August 6, 2020
I have read the previous books in this series. I was happy to get the chance to read the pre-quel which gives the reader background into the characters and events in the previous books.
This entire series is well written. It is fast paced and full of
intrigue.
The characters are well developed and it is easy for the reader to develop a bit of a bond with the characters which makes Five Before Rome a great read for the Roma series followers.
I enjoyed the return to this series it has been a few years since I
read the series.
A print copy of Five Before Rome is on my Christmas wish list
to add to the rest of the series on my shelf.
If your a fan of suspense you'll want to check out this series.
I enjoyed that Five Before Rome was published after the series for me it made a great ending to the series bringing the characters back to visit them and all the events that developed them in the original series.
I was encouraged to go back and read the series again from the beginning.
I received a compliment electronic copy for the purposes of reading this book for the I Read Book Tour.
This entire series is well written. It is fast paced and full of
intrigue.
The characters are well developed and it is easy for the reader to develop a bit of a bond with the characters which makes Five Before Rome a great read for the Roma series followers.
I enjoyed the return to this series it has been a few years since I
read the series.
A print copy of Five Before Rome is on my Christmas wish list
to add to the rest of the series on my shelf.
If your a fan of suspense you'll want to check out this series.
I enjoyed that Five Before Rome was published after the series for me it made a great ending to the series bringing the characters back to visit them and all the events that developed them in the original series.
I was encouraged to go back and read the series again from the beginning.
I received a compliment electronic copy for the purposes of reading this book for the I Read Book Tour.
July 23, 2020
This was an interesting book… it held five novellas that shared a history and background of the main characters that are featured in a bigger series. I liked that instead of jumping into a series with a bunch of characters we know nothing about; the author wrote this prequel to let us get to know the characters and their story.
I can’t lie, I did struggle with some of the vocabulary. I am as white can be and a language other than English is difficult for me so I guarantee I was pronouncing things incorrectly. Many times, the translation was written with the Italian word (thank goodness) but there were a few instances where they weren’t so I was a little confused, but it wasn’t anything that I felt took away from the story. It just took me a little longer to read those portions.
I enjoyed being able to read about the background of the characters and enjoyed the story line. This is the first I have read this author and I look forward to starting the Roma Series and seeing where the series takes these characters.
I can’t lie, I did struggle with some of the vocabulary. I am as white can be and a language other than English is difficult for me so I guarantee I was pronouncing things incorrectly. Many times, the translation was written with the Italian word (thank goodness) but there were a few instances where they weren’t so I was a little confused, but it wasn’t anything that I felt took away from the story. It just took me a little longer to read those portions.
I enjoyed being able to read about the background of the characters and enjoyed the story line. This is the first I have read this author and I look forward to starting the Roma Series and seeing where the series takes these characters.
July 27, 2020
A series not to miss
My very first book of the author Mr. Gabriel Valjan and boy I am already become a new fan. Where have I been? This prequel of the series is very interesting, intriguing and nerve backing to read. The first book of the prequel I am already addicted. It is like going into the real mafia, their secrets, enemies and how only not people afraid of them but the entire community. Corruption and its finest.
I cannot wait to read the entire book of the series. I know that I will not put my Kindle down. The series is one of the kind and this reader blows her mind with so much thrill, action and vengeance for the victims and their families.
The prequel to the series is just a tease and it is very addicting. Once yo start reading the stories, you cannot do anything but enjoy, relax and be captivated of how amazing the stories and heroes that will put justice to its tragedy they're experienced.
My very first book of the author Mr. Gabriel Valjan and boy I am already become a new fan. Where have I been? This prequel of the series is very interesting, intriguing and nerve backing to read. The first book of the prequel I am already addicted. It is like going into the real mafia, their secrets, enemies and how only not people afraid of them but the entire community. Corruption and its finest.
I cannot wait to read the entire book of the series. I know that I will not put my Kindle down. The series is one of the kind and this reader blows her mind with so much thrill, action and vengeance for the victims and their families.
The prequel to the series is just a tease and it is very addicting. Once yo start reading the stories, you cannot do anything but enjoy, relax and be captivated of how amazing the stories and heroes that will put justice to its tragedy they're experienced.
May 21, 2021
Where Dan Brown scratches the surface in the Da Vinci Code, Gabriel Valjan immerses the reader into a culturally rich series of stories examining the complex relationship between Italian organized crime and the ordinary citizen. The use of setting is especially well-crafted. As you read the passages you’ll feel the Southern Italian sun on the back of your neck as the characters move through the ancient streets and piazzas.
Valjan deftly takes the reader deep into the world of Italian organized crime in this collection of five novellas. Steeped in culturally and historically accurate detail, FIVE BEFORE ROME delivers evocative, poignant, heart-rending stories of loss, love, and living with the pervasive influence of crime.
The stories will appeal to fans of organized crime fiction with an Italian flair, with echos of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri. A well written and highly recommended prequel to the author’s ROMA series.
Valjan deftly takes the reader deep into the world of Italian organized crime in this collection of five novellas. Steeped in culturally and historically accurate detail, FIVE BEFORE ROME delivers evocative, poignant, heart-rending stories of loss, love, and living with the pervasive influence of crime.
The stories will appeal to fans of organized crime fiction with an Italian flair, with echos of Donna Leon and Andrea Camilleri. A well written and highly recommended prequel to the author’s ROMA series.
July 19, 2024
I loved this collection!
Although I haven't read the Roma series, this collection of short stories shares the backstories of the characters that you've come to love. Maybe I did it backwards, but I love Gabriel's writing and wanted an afternoon break so I picked this up, then proceeded to devour each of the stories.
Though this isn't a time period or setting that I had previous experience with, Gabriel made each of these stories so real it was like sitting with my Grandfather and hearing the stories directly from him. Loads of nostalgia, brimming with emotion - love and regret, and always a mystery.
Each of these stories took me a while to get over - I was thinking about the characters and the events for days. One I even had to re-read right away because I realized I'd read it to quickly.
Trust me - read this and savor the experience!
Although I haven't read the Roma series, this collection of short stories shares the backstories of the characters that you've come to love. Maybe I did it backwards, but I love Gabriel's writing and wanted an afternoon break so I picked this up, then proceeded to devour each of the stories.
Though this isn't a time period or setting that I had previous experience with, Gabriel made each of these stories so real it was like sitting with my Grandfather and hearing the stories directly from him. Loads of nostalgia, brimming with emotion - love and regret, and always a mystery.
Each of these stories took me a while to get over - I was thinking about the characters and the events for days. One I even had to re-read right away because I realized I'd read it to quickly.
Trust me - read this and savor the experience!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews