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EXSILIUM: A heart-wrenching story of the search for survival at the dusk of the Roman Empire (Roma Nova Thriller Series Book 11) Kindle Edition

by Alison Morton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.9 out of 5 stars 23 ratings
Exile – Living death to a Roman
AD 395. In a Christian Roman Empire, worshipping the traditional gods is a death sentence. Three Romans, Maelia, Lucius and Galla, faithful to their beliefs in Rome’s thousand-year religion and values, must choose. Do they stay, hoping for the best, or leave Rome forever – a rupture from everything they know – to search for a safer life?

Maelia Mitela, her dead husband condemned as a pagan traitor, leaving her on the brink of ruin, grieves for her son lost to the Christians and is fearful of committing to another man.

Lucius Apulius, ex-tribune, faithful to the old gods and fixed on his memories of his wife Julia’s homeland of Noricum, will risk everything to protect his children’s future.

Galla Apulia, loyal to her father and only too aware of not being the desired son, is desperate to escape Rome after the humiliation of betrayal by her feckless husband.

For all of them, the only way to survive is exile.

Sequel to JULIA PRIMA (Historical Novel Society Editors' Choice). Set at the dusk of the Roman Empire, the origin story behind the modern Roma Nova thriller series

"EXSILIUM is a fascinating and epic historical novel that will draw the reader in, keeping them engrossed until the very last page. Highly recommended!" ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Christina Courtenay

"Briefly, EXSILIUM is brilliant. The best yet! 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and very highly recommended." – Helen Hollick

"Exsilium is an extraordinary novel, and Morton’s knowledge of the late Roman Empire is amazing. She draws the reader into this largely unfamiliar world and makes it come alive.” – Historical Novel Society

"With a thrilling historical adventure at its core EXSILIUM has a strong story-line with equally strong characters. Beautifully written, and authentically researched, the author recreates this ancient world with imaginative flair bringing time, place and people to life in glorious detail." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jaffa Reads Too reviews

"I’m not sure how Alison Morton manages to, but once again the reader is given another powerful read that builds on the fabulous Roma Nova series. What hit me straight away was the emotion..from the very first page we explore fate..destiny.. so beautifully written but so heart wrenching." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – David Baird, David's Book Blurg reviews

"EXSILIUM offers serious food for thought with this page-turning adventure of twelve determined families fighting to salvage their ancient culture in the face of a newly Christianized Roman Empire. In this origin story poised on the jumping-off point from recorded history into Morton’s Roma Nova series, Morton upends the historical novel trope of persecuted Christians in a thought-provoking look at what happens when any single religion becomes dominant over its competition." – Amanda Cockrell writing as Damion Hunter

‘Alison Morton proves she is a master of her craft with EXSILIUM, the engrossing story of two Roman families fighting for survival as the society and culture that has nurtured them for generations disintegrates before their eyes. Her research and knowledge of the period is evident on every page, but delivered with the deftest of touches. As darkness closes in and they decide to flee the all-consuming clutches of a dangerous new fanaticism, the reader is swept along with the characters every step of the way – Douglas Jackson, author of Gaius Valerius Verrens (Hero of Rome) series

“Morton skilfully threads this greater history into the personal plight of Roman families who choose exile to preserve their customs and religion. EXSILIUM concludes the gripping genesis story of the Roma Nova thrillers for new readers and established fans alike.” – Elisabeth Storrs, author of A Tale of Ancient Rome series
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  1. Book 11 of 11
    Roma Nova Thriller Series
  2. Print length
    444 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    February 27, 2024
  6. File size
    3.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 11 books in this series.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Alison Morton proves she is a master of her craft with Exsilium, the engrossing story of two Roman families fighting for survival as the society and culture that has nurtured them for generations disintegrates before their eyes. Her research and knowledge of the period is evident on every page, but delivered with the deftest of touches. As darkness closes in and they decide to flee the all-consuming clutches of a dangerous new fanaticism, the reader is swept along with the characters every step of the way. Exsilium creates the perfect foundation for the alternative history of the Roma Nova series." - Douglas Jackson


"EXSILIUM offers serious food for thought with this page-turning adventure of twelve determined families fighting to salvage their ancient culture in the face of a newly Christianized Roman Empire. In this origin story poised on the jumping-off point from recorded history into Morton's Roma Nova series, Morton upends the historical novel trope of persecuted Christians in a thought-provoking look at what happens when any single religion becomes dominant over its competition." - Amanda Cockrell writing as Damion Hunter


"EXSILIUM gives a fascinating insight into lesser traversed Roman history. Christian martyrs have become zealots intent on destroying the sacred institutions of the once mighty western empire. Morton skilfully threads this greater history into the personal plight of Roman families who choose exile to preserve their customs and religion. EXSILIUM concludes the gripping genesis story of the Roma Nova thrillers for new readers and established fans alike.

EXSILIUM gives a fascinating insight into lesser traversed Roman history. A gripping genesis story of the Roma Nova thrillers for new readers and established fans alike." - Elisabeth Storrs

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 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. The latest, EXSILIUM, plunges us back to the late 4th century, to the very foundation of Roma Nova.

Six Roma Nova full-length novels have been awarded the BRAG Medallion. SUCCESSIO, AURELIA, INSURRECTIO and JULIA PRIMA have been selected as Historical Novel Society's Editors' Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the HNS Indie Award. The Bookseller selected SUCCESSIO as Editor's Choice in its inaugural indie review.

A 'Roman nut' since age 11, Alison has misspent decades clambering over Roman sites throughout Europe. 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. She continues to blog about Romans and writing.

Now she continues to write thrillers, cultivates a Roman herb garden and drinks wine in France with her husband.

Social media links
Connect with Alison on her Roma Nova site: http: //alison-morton.com
Facebook author page: https: //www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor
X/Twitter: https: //twitter.com/alison_morton @alison_morton
Goodreads: https: //www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CS9Q1BLF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pulcheria Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 27, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 444 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-1097310370
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 11 of 11 ‏ : ‎ Roma Nova Thriller Series
  • Best Sellers Rank: #1,980,904 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 23 ratings

About the author

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Alison Morton

Alison Morton

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Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. She lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her latest two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit.

Her eleven-book Roma Nova thriller 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

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.

For the latest news, subscribe to her newsletter and receive 'Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’ as a thank you gift.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
23 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • A.M. Swink
    5.0 out of 5 stars EXSILIUM Review
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
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    Usually, if you are reading a book that involves followers of Christianity in the Roman era, they are portrayed as a persecuted minority. But what about the last hundred years of the Roman Empire, when Christianity was the dominant, state-mandated religion? This book highlights the religious intolerance of Christian zealots at the end of the fourth century and really gives you a window into just how they managed to destroy all manner of classical thought, relics, and innovations, which plunged western Europe into the "Dark Ages."

    Exsilium tells the story of Maelia Mitela and her struggle to secure her children's futures amidst the precarious politics of the day. I was very interested in seeing how a woman, a single mother no less, in the late Roman empire would navigate such a restrictive environment. The shift in perspective to Lucius Apulius, who pays witness to the rise in religious intolerance in Rome, illustrates the growing divide between the old, ancient ways and the new. When he can stand it no longer, he devises a plan to move several like-minded families to his late wife Julia's old home in Virunum to begin a new settlement. We then see the journey through the eyes of Galla Apulia, Julia's oldest daughter, as she and the families enact a reversal of Julia's journey in 'Julia Prima.' The story concludes with the founding of Roma Nova, the fictional new Rome that managed to survive into the 21st century.

    Though the story diverges from history during the last part, laying the foundations for Morton's alternative universe for her Roma Nova thrillers, there is so much grounded in historical basis here. The anxious political situation in the fourth century, in which Romans were torn between an emperor in the east and a lesser one in the west (one that was more often than not a child being controlled by a powerful entity), the ancient ways and the new, the old religion and the new, was fascinating. It also recounts the last gasps of the Roman senate's power, the end of the Vestal Virgins (in Rome at least), and the breakdown of city public works. The growing threat of barbarian tribes and the weakening of the Roman army only heightens the growing threat - you can feel the end of the empire is nigh. The history makes for a thrilling background against which the characters must struggle. And Morton's characters are compelling - I found myself struggling to put the book down as I followed the trials and tribulations of the Mitelus and Apulius households. I was highly invested in the romance between Maelia and Marcellus Varus, while my heart broke over the dissolving of Galla's family. Her hardened heart, however, sets her up well for the challenges she comes to face.

    This sequel was a perfect follow-up to 'Julia Prima' and perfectly roots the Roma Nova series within a deeply historical foundation. I highly, highly recommend it!
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  • Anna B
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping read!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
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    We are late in the 4th century, and the formerly so strong Roman empire is cracking at the edges.
    In Rome, traditional Roman values are under siege—the Christian faction grows ever stronger, and we all know just how the Christians, throughout history, have excelled at persecuting those who do not share their beliefs. But it isn’t only about faith: it is about a rise in crime and violence, a collapse of hitherto functioning infrastructure, all of this overlaid by complex political machinations. At times, the parallels between the Rome Ms Morton depicts and out own time is somewhat disconcerting. . .
    Lucius Apulius is a Roman of the traditional sort. He is also a grieving widower and the father to four daughters, and the uncertainties of the time have him worried. He is not the only one to be concerned, and when he suggests that maybe it is time to move elsewhere to a group of friends, he suddenly finds himself the leader of an expedition that will transport well over 400 people from Rome to Noricum (present day Austria/Slovenia) where his father-in-law can offer them all land. A lot of land.
    Told through the POVs of Lucius, of a contemporary to his dead wife, Maelia, and of his eldest daughter, Galla, Exsilium presents us with a vivid depiction of a decaying state—and of the determined men and women who have every intention of salvaging their values, no matter at what cost.
    Exsilium is a foundation story for Ms Morton’s fabulous Roma Nova series—eventually, Lucius and the twelve families who accompany him will found a colony called Roma Nova, and in Ms Morton’s alternative world this little colony will flourish through the centuries. But in Exsilium, that future state Roma Nova is as yet only a dream, and our protagonists have multiple challenges to overcome along the way.
    Ms Morton’s depiction of everything Roman is vivid and detailed, and I particularly enjoy the insights she offers into the troubled political situation and the intricacies of Roman law. Her characters are well-rounded—I am especially fond of Galla—and Exsilium offers recurring moments of tension. There is a lot of travelling in Exsilium—it sort of comes with the territory—but Ms Morton definitely enlivens the long treck north from Rome..
    All in all, Exsilium is an interesting and engaging read that effectively reminds us of the fact that nothing is really new under the sun: the concerns and fears we experience today as our “safe” world disintegrates into populism and open conflict are very much those of Lucius Apulius and his companions. A great read!
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  • A Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Roma Nova Foundation #2
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024
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    This was the second in the foundation story series of Roma Nova. I have so enjoyed these books that show a different side of what was going on in the Roman Empire in the 4th century. I do wonder how different the world would have been if something like this had happened.

    The heroine of the first foundation story, Julia, has died in childbirth. As time goes on, her four daughters and her husband, Lucius Apulius, come to realize that Rome has changed in ways that cannot and will not be corrected. They decide, with other families, to try to continue their lives far from Rome, so that they can adhere to the traditional Roman values and religious practices that their ancestors practiced. Their journey to that new world, both mentally and physically, is what this exceptional novel shows us.

    If you have enjoyed the author's previous novels, you will love this one! I know that I did!

    Highly recommended!
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  • AJ Norton
    5.0 out of 5 stars History and fantasy woven well
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
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    This engaging tale deftly blends history and fantasy into a memorable, triumphant odyssey. As Rome crumbles, as the new religion of the Christos-followers gains ascendancy, the old religion of Rome is forbidden, the temples are shut and the pagan statues are removed from their places of honor. Those who do not accept the new religion are denied advancement, threatened and shunned. Finally, one man decides to do something unthinkable - he will take his family and like-minded friends, and leave Rome, to make a new home in the barbarian wilderness to the north and east. This is the long-awaited saga of the founding of Roma Nova. Don't miss it!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Freyalyn
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another cracking story!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2024
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    Another excellent chronicle in the alternate history of Roma Nova, written just as well as you'd expect from the pen of Alison Morton.

    Good characterisation, natural dialogue, and a good chunk of the past of Roma Nova filled in after the references and hints we've had in previous books.

    Really can't recommend the entire series more - every book is a really good read. In order to write good 'alternate history', the writer has to know the real history well, and Morton succeeds well.
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  • Elizabeth Ducie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Right Back To The Start
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2024
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    I've been reading the Roma Nova books from the start and have always enjoyed them. In Exsilium, we go right back to the beginning and see the founding families as they face growing jeopardy in the original Rome and gradually realise their own chance of maintaining their way of life and traditions is to make themselves voluntary exiles. There's a huge amount of historical detail, but it never overburdens the reader, as it is skillfully woven into the plot. A very good read. Highly recommended.
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  • Helen Hollick
    5.0 out of 5 stars Briefly. Exsilium is brilliant.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2024
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    Briefly. Exsilium is brilliant.

    I think I say this for each new episode of Alison's Roma Nova novels - each one outdoes the previous, each going from strength to strength in author's confidence, plot, plausible adventure, believable characters, immaculate research and that essential 'give us more' enthusiasm at the end. Each new release I think: 'Surely she can't do it again? The series must tire, she must run out of ideas.' And each time I am 100% wrong!

    The good guys have that right amount of human believability about them - not all-out 'goody-goodies' but they have a sense of honour and trustworthiness mixed with the ability to get things wrong, but the sense to put things right - just like real people. The baddies are bad enough for the reader to not mind when (if) they get killed, but not so bad that you can't stand reading about them.

    I so enjoyed finding out about the 'history' of the characters in this novel, in particular, having 'met' many of them before by name in other novels of the Roma Nova series. Each character comes vividly to life and each book is perfectly OK to read as a stand alone - this one included - as back stories and future stories are skilfully intertwined within Alison's more than capable creative ability of story telling.

    Exsilium is brilliant.
    The Best Yet!
    5 stars and very highly recommended.
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  • David Baird
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exsilium fits is superbly and builds on what is already a strong and established series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2024
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    I’m not sure how Alison Morton manages to, but once again the reader is given another powerful read that builds on the fabulous Roma Nova series.

    What hit me straight away was the emotion..from the very first page we explore fate..destiny.. so beautifully written but so heart wrenching.

    If you’ve read the rest of the series you’ll know about the strong characters and a very plot driven tale, what Exsilium offers the reader is a bit more history.. the beginnings of this fabulous place the author has envisaged, it builds on the humanity of the time and the characters.

    The author tackles very real issues such as religious intolerance within the pollical landscape and while set in a different time period you can’t help but see similarities with the world we live in.. there’s a realness to the characters and their depth just pours off the page but in typical style for the author the overall message is positive.. we all deal with the bad side of the world but we need to keep striving for better.. it might not change our world as we know it but we can create positive changes for future generations…that’s what Roma Nova is for me.. a bastion shining in the dark.

    I never like to spoil books but what I can say is Exsilium fits is superbly and builds on what is already a strong and established series. To manage to do this.. wow..Morton continues to do justice to the series and the dream of Roma Nova.
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  • P. C. Fenton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Epic!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 27, 2024
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    EXSILIUM is a tale of strong men and women, strong will and strong beliefs, with characters who refuse to be dictated to in any way. When the very foundation on which they’ve built their lives is threatened, they make a monumental decision – to head into exile rather than conform. They set out on an epic journey across the northern part of what is now Italy, and into the mountains, and thanks to the author’s impeccable research, I felt I was with them every step of the way. Details of Roman life are sprinkled into the narrative, making their world come alive for the reader. Everyday life, politics and social mores are all depicted with superb authenticity, and there is tragedy and sorrow, as well as happiness and hope for the future. EXSILIUM is a fascinating and epic historical novel that will draw the reader in, keeping them engrossed until the very last page. Highly recommended!
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