From The Writing Desk (Tony Riches) – May 2026
https://tonyriches.blogspot.com/2026/05/book-review-heroica-by-alison-morton.html
Alison Morton’s latest book HEROICA is a masterclass in alternative history and grounded world-building, a sweeping epic that serves as an entry point for new readers and a welcome return for long-time fans of her Roma Nova series.
In HEROICA, Alison explores three eras to highlight the enduring spirit of her fictional nation. Each of these stories and could have formed part of a trilogy, but the economy of storytelling is effective and compelling.
What makes HEROICA insightful is its exploration of continuity. For me, the the central idea is that while technology and fashions evolve, the core values of a society, such as loyalty and resilience are the threads that endure.
Whether you prefer Alison Morton’s meticulously researched Roman culture or a well-paced mystery, HEROICA delivers an entertaining narrative. This is a world that feels like it should have existed.
From Anna Belfrage – May 2026
https://www.annabelfrage.com/2026/05/15/heroica-ms-mortons-troika-of-courageous-ladies/
There is something titillating about the notion of a country where women have ruled since the dawn of time. Add to this a nice Roman twist, and you have a little country called Roma Nova, a remnant of the Roman Empire that has somehow managed to survive through the centuries—very much due to their strong women and a firm belief in gender equality.
Over the years, Ms Morton has created her own little alternative history universe, one in which the global map doesn’t quite look like it really does, but where political tensions are just as prevalent. For a very, very small country, it is paramount to balance these tensions to survive—and this is something Roma Nova excels at. But sometimes, this leads to conflict between what is politically the right thing to do and what is the most moral thing to do—as Statia Mitela discovers in the third of the short stories included in this little collection.
The three stories all have a strong female lead in common. I have a particular fondness for Carina Mitela, our present day heroine, and always enjoy just how action-packed things become when she is around. Revolution?, the first story, is no exception, but as always, Ms Morton tempers the thrills with vivid descriptions, creating a strong sense of place. She also has me reading up on Publius Clodius Pulcher—an IRL ancient politician that happily enticed the masses to cause chaos.
In the second story, Honoria’s Battle, Ms Morton has us witnessing the battle of Vienna in 1683. Skilfully, she weaves her invented Roma Novans into the real history of the event, in which the Polish king John Sobiesky and his forces play a central role. Honoria Mitela is there to help, but Roma Novans are viewed askance by the Christians—they’re pagans, after all—and so a certain level of caution needs to be exerted. For all Honoria’s tough-as-boots persona, she is not immune to a sudden coupe-de-foudre, making her very relatable.
The Idealist has us accompanying Statia Mitela to Italy—more precisely to Rome. She thinks she has silent approval for what she is planning to do, but greed can make monsters even out of senior Roma Novans—as Statia will come to discover. This last story is a dual timeline story, allowing Carina to do some research into her own family’s darker secrets.
All in all, Ms Morton has yet again delivered an enjoyable read set within her Roma Nova universe. Personally, I am looking forward to more books about this little republic!
From Elizabeth St.John – May 2026
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8639854378
Heroica is a thoroughly engaging, perfect summer read, combining strong storytelling with genuinely fascinating history that makes each era feel vivid and accessible. Alison Morton has a real gift for shaping compelling characters who feel grounded in their own worlds while belonging to a much larger historical continuum, and the three interlinked stories carry real emotional momentum alongside their historical insight. Rather than reading as separate tales, the timelines unfold as one evolving family narrative, with Carina’s 2020 storyline acting as the contemporary expression of long-established Roma Nova identity, duty, and inherited tension.
That sense of continuity becomes even more gripping in the 1683 Vienna siege, where Honoria Mitela is placed directly into one of Europe’s defining conflicts. Morton’s brilliance lies in her research and restraint, integrating her fictional Roma Novans seamlessly into real historical events without ever undermining their authenticity. The stakes feel both personal and political in equal measure, giving the history real immediacy through character and consequence.
In the 1849 Risorgimento section, Statia’s story continues this thread of inherited responsibility meeting historical upheaval, family loyalty tested against the demands of revolution and national change. Each narrative builds on the last, so the reader follows a single lineage as it adapts, survives, and is reshaped by history itself — all supported by Morton’s deep historical understanding and strong storytelling instincts.
I discovered real historical events I had no knowledge of, and enjoyed a happy return to Roma Nova to reacquaint myself with old friends. Whether new to the Roma Nova world or already a devoted reader, Heroica is bound to delight.
Alison Morton is the author of Roma Nova thrillers – INCEPTIO, CARINA (novella), PERFIDITAS, SUCCESSIO, AURELIA, NEXUS (novella), INSURRECTIO and RETALIO, and ROMA NOVA EXTRA, a collection of short stories. JULIA PRIMA and EXSILIUM, set in the late 4th century, tell the story of Roma Nova’s foundation. Audiobooks are available for four of the series. Double Identity and Double Pursuit start a new contemporary thriller series. The third, Double Stakes is now out.
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