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Alison Morton

JULIA PRIMA: A Roma Nova Foundation Story (Roma Nova Thriller Series) Paperback – August 19, 2022

by Alison Morton (Author)

34 ratings

Book 10 of 10: Roma Nova Thriller Series

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"You should have trusted me. You should have given me a choice."
AD 370, Roman frontier province of Noricum. Staying faithful to the Roman gods in a Christian empire can be lethal. Half-divorced Julia Bacausa is condemned to an emotional desert and a forced marriage, Lucius Apulius barely clings onto his posting in a military backwater. Strongly drawn to each other, they are soon separated, but Julia is determined not to lose the only man she will love.

Neither wholly married nor wholly divorced, Julia is trapped in the power struggle between the Christian church and her pagan ruler father.

Tribune Lucius Apulius’s life is blighted by his determination not to convert to Christianity even to save his cherished career. Stripped of his command in Britannia, he’s demoted to the backwater of Noricum – and encounters Julia.

Unwittingly, he takes her for a whore. When confronted by who she is, he is overcome with remorse and fear. Despite this disaster, Julia and Lucius are drawn to one another by an irresistible attraction.

But their intensifying bond is broken when Lucius is banished to Rome. Distraught, Julia gambles everything to join him. But a vengeful presence from the past overshadows her perilous journey. Following her heart’s desire brings danger she could never have envisaged…

Part of the foundation story of Roma Nova and prequel to the award-winning Roma Nova Thriller Series
------
"A truly exciting adventure and epic romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved this addition to the Roma Nova series and hope there is much more to come!" — Christina Courtenay

"I adored the character of Julia, strong, brave and yet vulnerable, and even when I wanted to shake her for her impulsive nature, I was rooting for her to win through. A superb page-turner bursting with passion, action and excitement. Highly recommended.” — Nicola Cornick

"Readers of JULIA PRIMA will be immediately captivated by Alison Morton’s evocative descriptive powers and strong narrative voice. Morton’s Julia is a compelling central character who knows her own mind, sexuality and power and is not afraid to express all of them. As Tribune Lucius Apulius, Julia’s love interest puts it: 'You thrust straight to the vulnerable spot, don’t you, Julia?' — Sophie Perinot

Print length

342 pages
Language

English
Publication date

August 19, 2022
Dimensions

5.5 x 0.86 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-13

979-1097310356
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a stunning historical novel set in the 4th century. Morton's descriptions of the countryside on Julia's journey are magnificent, and you feel as if you are traveling along with her." - Historical Novel Society (Editors' Choice)

"A truly exciting adventure and epic romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved this addition to the Roma Nova series and hope there is much more to come!" - Christina Courtenay

"JULIA PRIMA gripped me from the start and didn't let me go. This prequel to the Roma Nova series is fast-moving and compulsive. It drew me into a richly-imagined world that is so vivid you feel you can touch and taste it." - Nicola Cornick

"Readers of JULIA PRIMA will be immediately captivated by Alison Morton's evocative descriptive powers and strong narrative voice. Morton's Julia is a compelling central character who knows her own mind, sexuality and power and is not afraid to express all of them." - Sophie Perinot

About the Author

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her ten-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with 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 now lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her latest two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit. Oh, and she's writing the next Roma Nova story.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B8BD6VV1
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pulcheria Press (August 19, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 342 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-1097310356
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.86 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #5,456,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,213 in Ancient History Fiction (Books)
- #4,702 in Ancient World Historical Romance (Books)

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Alison Morton

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Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough, but compassionate heroines. This springs from a deep love of Roman history, France, six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, adventure and thriller fiction.

The Historical Novel Society selected SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and INSURRECTIO as Editor’s Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. SUCCESSIO featured as Editor’s Choice in 'The Bookseller'. Two novellas and a collection of short stories complete the series so far.

Alison has misspent decades clambering over Roman sites throughout Europe, especially French ones. She holds an MA History, blogs about history, social media and writing. Alison now lives in Poitou in France, where part of her new contemporary thriller Double Identity is set and is writing a sequel as well as continuing her Roma Nova series.

To get the latest news, subscribe to her newsletter (https://alison-morton.com/newsletter/) and receive 'Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’, a FREE eBook, as a thank you gift when you sign up to Alison’s monthly email newsletter.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5

34 global ratings

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Anna B

A road-trip in Roman times

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 28, 2022

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Many years ago, I got my hand on the first book about Roma Nova, Inceptio. A present-day thriller, Inceptio is set in a country that doesn’t exist. In Ms Morton’s world, Roma Nova was founded in the very late fourth century, as a small surviving enclave of the Roman Empire when everything else collapsed under the pressure of the huge migrations that so defined the future European map.
In Julia Prima, Ms Morton takes us back to that restless time. She depicts an empire that is fraying badly at the edges, partly due to external pressure but just as much because of internal divisions. Since some years back, Christianity has become the dominating religion, thereby increasing intolerance against the “pagans”. To hold to the old Roman gods in these the last few years of mighty Rome is to be ostracised and persecuted. But with a breach in beliefs comes an erosion of values, and former Roman virtues are no longer held in quite as high esteem—something which our male protagonist, Lucius Apulius, has first-hand experience of.
Ms Morton gives us a vivid portrayal of a civilisation sliding down an increasingly steep slope. Roads are no longer repaired, travel is unsafe, legionaries are recruited among foreigners and lower classes, the senate has expanded into a huge, vociferous body no one listens to. Only a fool emerges on the streets of Rome without a guard or two at their back.
Julia Prima is a Roman citizen, but she is essentially a Celt, born in Virinum, present day Austria. Her father is a local prince who balances on a swaying tightrope between the demands of the power-hungry Christian bishop, the Roman governor, and the needs of his own people. It is a complex world, one Julia has been raised to manoeuvre. At present, her manoeuvring is restricted by the fact that she was foolish enough to marry the bishop’s nephew—according to Roman rites. Since, she has divorced him, but as she agreed to be baptised after the marriage, her ex insists theirs is still a valid marriage, and divorce is not an option for a Christian.
So when Lucius enters her life, he is a complication. A welcome complication, according to Julia, who more or less immediately recognises the stern Roman as her soulmate. Not quite so welcome from her father’s—or the bishop’s—perspective (but for very different reasons). What follows is to some extent a classic story of separated lovers who will do anything to be reunited.
As always, Ms Morton delivers a well-written pacy adventure, driven by her excellent dialogue and crisp prose. Set against Ms Morton’s well-researched background, Julia Prima is an engaging read, inviting the reader to travel along with the protagonists through the landscapes of the past. Warmly recommended, and I already looking forward to the next book!

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J.E. Crocker

The Roma Nova books don't disappoint

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 21, 2022

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I've been reading all of Alison Morton's Roma Nova books. This one was every bit as good as I expected. Morton does an incredible job with her research when writing these books that involve a country that doesn't exist, but could.
Julia's adventure to escape her fate with an ex-husband who won't accept that it is all over takes time and covers a lot of territory. She is brave, and finds her lost love in the process. If you haven't read any of the Roma Nova books, this makes a good one to start the process.
Alternative history that is well researched is always rewarding.

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A Reader

Late Roman adventures

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 7, 2022

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I've been a fan of Alison Morton's alternate history and thrillers for years, and this book continues a winning streak! This novel begins the story of the establishment of the Roma Nova country with Julia Prima, a young woman staunch in her pagan beliefs trying to disentangle from her failing marriage to the nephew of a local bishop. An intimate encounter with a Roman soldier, Lucius Apulius, from an ancient noble family in Rome sets her on an adventure where she begins to live her true destiny.

The author's portrayal of the Roman Empire in this era shows how it had deteriorated from its glorious time 200 years earlier. Julia's journey from the empire's hinterlands into Rome, down through the mountains of central Europe, to the Adriatic, by horseback, ship and foot allows Morton to describe in vivid detail the failing systems of governing that had once ruled a vast part of the world. The kind of storytelling that enlightens like Morton does is the best of historical fiction.

Highly recommended.

One person found this helpful

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Captivating tale of a young Celtic woman striving for independence in a Christian Roman empire.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 11, 2022

Set in the Roman frontier province of Noricum in 370 AD, JULIA PRIMA by Alison Morton is an ancient historical fiction novel with elements of suspense and romance. The prologue immediately hooked me when an unnamed character tells the backstory from the first-person point of view. The tale begins when Julia Bacausa, the daughter of a powerful pagan ruler, encounters a Roman tribune, Lucius Apulius, in the marketplace. He mistakes her for a whore, but she does not resist his advances. After learning about Julia's noble status at a banquet held by her father, he confronts her about their initial encounter. They both admit their irresistible attraction for each other and begin to form a strong bond.

However, they are caught in the midst of a political struggle between the Christian church and the pagan religion. By Roman law, Julia considers herself divorced from her first Christian husband, the son of a powerful bishop. The Christian religion does not recognize her divorce because she made the mistake of being baptized to help her marriage work. Lucius's determination to stay faithful to the Roman gods in a Christian Roman empire blights his reputation. He is first stripped of his command in Britannia and then banished to Rome for his pagan beliefs. She gambles everything to reunite with Lucius in Rome. Risking their lives, her body servant, Asella, and household fresco painter, Aegius, accompany her on a journey full of danger, unexpected twists, and dark secrets that will haunt her.

Author Alison Morton has masterfully written a captivating story that immediately draws you in and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens next. The tale vividly describes a decaying Roman empire caught in a political whirlwind of Christian leaders striving to counter Roman law and culture established during the time when pagan beliefs were accepted. Though Julia is a Roman citizen, she embraces her Celtic heritage. Fiery and independent, she is an engaging character who is determined to choose her own way. Still, she recognizes the tightrope that her father is walking to appease a power-hungry Christian bishop, the Roman governor, and the needs of his own people. Unexpected twists, keeping me on the edge of my seat, ultimately tied back to the prologue.

Surprisingly, I was most engaged with the secondary characters of Aegius and Asella. As the story unfolds, their backstories connect directly with the dangers they encounter on their journey with Julia. Throughout Julia's life, they have influenced the decisions she has made. The relationship between Julia and Lucius is not as well developed as her friendship with Aegius and Asella. The story emphasizes Julia's pathway to independence and not romance.

JULIA PRIMA is a captivating, suspenseful tale of a young Celtic woman striving for independence to follow her heart in the constraints of the Christian Roman empire.

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Top reviews from other countries

David Baird

Wonderful writing with an easy flowing exciting plot. What more could I ask for!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 19, 2022

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Julia Prima is book 10 in the wonderful Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. It’s a foundation story so you don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy it but it could hurt to get them all if you haven’t already 🙂 .

We meet Julia, trapped in a system that allows a female little independence, and at a time when family honour was held above all.

Julia is legally divorced but stuck in an environment with battling religious system.

When the eye-catching Lucius arrives Julia finally finds what she’s been after, a natural attraction that builds, emotions, the kind that will make you do anything.

Word soon spreads and as Julia’s ex husband holds some sway Lucius soon has his orders to pack his bags.. he has to follow orders even if he doesn’t want to but does he really know how Julia feels?

Now, Julia’s father is clever.. he knows she can’t be a spinster for the rest of her life and he finds her a match he hopes will work.. it’s not for love.. it would be convenience for both.. but Julia isn’t one for letting a man tell her what she can and can’t do in life and she sets out to find Lucius.. a long and hard journey.

Along the way religious beliefs at the time play a big part.. she’s a young woman.. while she’s not alone she really needs to be careful and story is soon thought of to keep her identify unknown but how long can they last without someone finding her…. Or have they already found her?

Now to the nitty-gritty.. plot.. FANTASTIC. I’ve read a lot of the authors work and I really felt this one just packed an extra punch.. it’s more emotional.. a desperate journey which I found more intense and gritty.. LOVED IT!

Development wise everything is paced well and as always the author manages to mix plot and romance seamlessly. If you are a follower of my reviews you’ll know I’m not a fan of romance when it feels forced into a story but Alison Morton adds these aspects naturally allowing the story to feel real… you feel the connections between the characters.

While I loved the character of Julia and her shear strength & determination I also fell in love with Aegius and Asella who accompany Julia on her journey. I’m not one for spoilers but these 3 together are what makes this book work.

Wonderful writing with an easy flowing exciting plot. What more could I ask for!

A spectacular 5*

One person found this helpful

Hevpais

Excellent

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 5, 2022

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As expected by Alison Morton, a delightful story, full of plot twists and turns and a bit of edge of the seat stuff thrown in. Great to hear a bit more of the origins of Roma Nova, written in Alison's masterful, entertaining style. Well written characters and well developed plot. A must for all Roma Nova fans, but will stand alone for anyone new to the series.

One person found this helpful

chris torrance

Absolutely super!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 3, 2022

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I loved this book. I've enjoyed all of the Roma Nova series and it was good to read about the characters who were at the beginning back in ancient Rome.

One person found this helpful

Kindle Customer

Great fun

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 10, 2023

Verified Purchase

Nice to see a description of the difficulties of travelling around the empire, that wasn't over romanticized. Good plot and interesting characters too.

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