Mastodon The Writing Desk: Book Review: HEROICA by Alison Morton

19 May 2026

Book Review: HEROICA by Alison Morton


Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Even the strongest state is vulnerable to its past: Three stories of the women of the Mitela family, descendants of the founders of Roma Nova, bound by blood and courage.

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.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her twelve-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but use a sharp line in dialogue. She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history. Alison lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity, Double Pursuit and Double Stakes For the latest news, subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/ and receive 'Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’ as a thank you gift.  Connect with Alison on her World of Thrillers site: https://alison-morton.com and Alison’s writing blog https://alisonmortonauthor.com/. You can find Alison on FacebookInstagram, BlueSky @alisonmorton.bsky.social and Twitter/X: @alison_morton



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