Ayoh - Shop now
$12.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, May 30 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or Prime members get FREE delivery Wednesday, May 28. Order within 4 hrs 41 mins.
In Stock
$$12.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$12.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day refund/replacement
30-day refund/replacement
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Alison Morton
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Retalio (Roma Nova Thriller Series) Paperback – April 27, 2017

by Alison Morton (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars 41 ratings
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$12.99","priceAmount":12.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"VXzco4feVv2LwqTlKjBfYDNE7pJvr76tycheWcrU4Vm2aiM%2BoKxMf98PYq2pBVg4ePArXOkfGdUZyWhc5j4h5ZQu7pmYAxTV%2FNXel9gXrVKZimhYxCw%2B9%2FA2b9ww%2BP%2FWpKM4M1Zgl%2FjwBXRJMNAyJg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

“A classic tale of resistance and resilience – the only regret is when the action stops.” – Douglas Jackson
Early 1980s Vienna. Recovering from a near fatal shooting, Aurelia Mitela, ex-Praetorian and former foreign minister of Roma Nova, chafes at her enforced exile. She barely escaped from her nemesis, the charming and amoral Caius Tellus who grabbed power in Roma Nova, the only part of the Roman Empire to survive into the twentieth century.

Aurelia’s duty and passion fire her determination to take back her homeland and liberate its people despite her lover Miklós's desire to protect her. But Caius’s manipulations have isolated her from her fellow exiles, leaving her ostracised and powerless . But without their trust and support Aurelia knows she will never see her beloved Roma Nova again.

Then Caius sends a hit squad to murder her...

Part political thriller, part deadly personal rivalry, part military adventure, this is Roman fiction brought up to the 20th century and delivers noble ideals, passionate love, desperate choices, sacrifice, constant twists and turns and snappy dialogue with a dash of humour in a timeline not so different from our own...

If you enjoy reading thriller books for women driven by female protagonists wit heart and courage, this could be for you!

– B.R.A.G. Medallion, October 2017
– Discovered Diamond April 2017
– Bookmuse Recommended Read
– Historical Novel Society reviewed
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 8 of 11
    Roma Nova Thriller Series
  2. Print length
    336 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 27, 2017
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.84 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-13
    979-1097310004
Next slide of product details
Amazon Editors' favorite summer reads Amazon%20Editors%27%20favorite%20summer%20reads

Editorial Reviews

Review

"RETALIO is a classic tale of resistance and resilience as an exiled Aurelia Mitela leads an army of the dispossessed to free Roma Nova from the clutches of the despicable Caius. As always Alison Morton's alternative world feels utterly authentic. RETALIO reaches an explosive climax and the only regret when the action stops is that this is the final book of a remarkable trilogy." - Douglas Jackson, author of Gaius Valerius Verrens series

"Alison Morton's RETALIO is an international thriller, full of intrigue and espionage, set against an imaginative retelling of a history that feels authentic and real. The fight-back for Roma Nova has begun, and what an entertaining ride it is!" - Matthew Harffy, author of The Bernicia Chronicles

"Tense, thrilling and incredibly timely, this is what happens when women fight back. When a progressive society is taken over by an egomaniacal despot, women can succumb or retaliate. Morton shows alarming prescience. RETALIO is a terrific concept engendering passion, love and loyalty. I actually cheered aloud." - J J Marsh, author of the Beatrice Stubbs series

"RETALIO is an engrossing read from the very first page with a cast of characters who grapple with their situation and loyalties. Aurelia is a tough but principled heroine you'll root for over the course of every twist and setback she faces as she heads towards the finale and a meeting with her arch nemesis. An exciting, gripping and page turning read." - L J Trafford, author of The Four Emperors series

About the Author

Alison Morton writes the award-winning Roma Nova thriller series featuring modern Praetorian heroines. She blends her deep love of Roman history with six years' military service and a life of reading crime, adventure and thriller fiction. 

All six Roma Nova full-length novels have been awarded the BRAG Medallion. SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and INSURRECTIO were selected as Historical Novel Society's Indie Editor's Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. SUCCESSIO was selected as an Editor's Choice in The Bookseller. CARINA is a novella set between INCEPTIO and PERFIDITAS. ROMA NOVA EXTRA brings together eight short stories. 

A 'Roman nut' since age 11, Alison has misspent decades clambering over Roman sites throughout Europe. She holds an MA History, blogs 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: //facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor
Twitter: https: //twitter.com/alison_morton @alison_morton
Goodreads: https: //goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0722LXQZN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pulcheria Press
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 27, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-1097310004
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.84 x 8.5 inches
  • Book 8 of 11 ‏ : ‎ Roma Nova Thriller Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 41 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Alison Morton

Alison Morton

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

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
41 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Mervi Hämäläinen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent ending to the series
    Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The third book in the Aurelia Mitela alternate reality thriller trilogy.

    A year ago, Aurelia Mitela was secure and happy in her life. She was the foreign minister of Roma Nova, a former special forces major, and as a Countess she was also the head of her family. Her daughter has married and moved to EUS. But after Caius Tellus usurped the throne of Roma Nova and ruthlessly pursued everyone in the legitimate government, Aurelia barely escaped with her life. Now, she’s officially an exile and thanks for Caius’ very public lies, even the small group of other Roman Novan exiles think that she’s betrayed her country and her honor. They want nothing to dow with her. Even her former friends have turned away from her which breaks her heart. Only her lover Miklos still believes in her.

    Aurelia is still recovering from a near fatal shooting but she must stand up to the other exiles and convince them that even with their small resources, they must start a plan to retake Roma Nova. But Caius sends both assassins and legal teams after her. She turns to her old allies, both political and personal. But many won’t help her, at least publicly.

    The final book in the trilogy continues shortly after the end of the previous one, Insurrectio. It’s mainly political intrigue but Aurelia has assassins after her and she goes on a scouting mission to Roma Nova.

    Caius was a smooth manipulator in the previous books. Now, he shows his ruthless side. He believes that women are too emotional to lead and enacts laws that force women not only to step down as business owners and soldiers, but make them legally beholden to a man; husband, father, or brother. Not surprisingly, the independent Roma Novan women loath this and Caius’ soldiers enforce the laws brutally. Aurelia sees this from a distance but it’s still quite disturbing. Of course, many men are against these laws, too.

    This is set in 1980s so it’s also historical fiction. It’s fast-paced and entirely from the first-person POV from Aurelia. This was an excellent ending to the series.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Anna B
    5.0 out of 5 stars A most satisfying conclusion
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    After a long, impatient wait, I was more than delighted at finally getting my hands on this the last book in Ms Morton’s second Roma Nova trilogy. As always, it is with deep regret I remind myself that Roma Nova does not exist outside Ms Morton’s books, but I must admit that while reading, I am totally transported to this surviving remnant of the Roman empire, complete with modern Latin, old Roman traditions and powerful women.

    Not that the women are all that powerful in the opening scenes of this book: the previous instalment ended with the Caius Tellus successful coup, whereby the matriarchal structures which had ruled Roma Nova since the 4th century were smashed to pieces and replaced with…Caius.
    Obviously, our heroine Aurelia Mitela is not about to accept this turn of events, and as the name implies, this is a book about retaliation. But things rarely come for free in life—nor do they necessarily turn out as one wants.

    As always, Ms Morton delivers a fast-paced adventure, very much driven by the excellent dialogue. The descriptions are vivid, the plot is compelling, and the main characters are easy to relate to, even if few of us would have the fortitude and courage of these Roma Novan ladies. My one little gripe is that the last few chapters felt a bit rushed—but that may just be me.

    It is with regret I close the book, hoping, of course, that Ms Morton will continue developing her Roma Nova world!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars RETALIO is the best yet. Riveting.
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Aurelia Mitela and her Roma Novan exiles match wits, weapons, and statecraft with autocratic usurper Caius Tellus. Full of clever alternative-history details, this convincing novel of treachery and honor cries out for a film adaptation, with enough military craft to lure war-movie fans as well as admirers of strong female leaders.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tracey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoy the books from this series well written with a good pace of action.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ersatz Expat
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Fitting End To The Series
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2017
    For the past few years I have eagerly awaited the publication of the next instalment in the Roma Nova series, looking forward to finding out what happens to Carina, Aurelia and their family. The danger with looking forward to things too much is that they can end up being disappointing and letting you down. Given that we knew exactly what was going to happen (Aurelia 1 Caius 0) Retalio had the potential to be stale, disappointing and dull. Thankfully it fell into none of those traps.

    Morton excels at writing multifaceted and believable characters and difficult twisting plot lines. Typically her books fall into the 'can not put down' category and I find that I make every excuse possible to read them as fast as possible. A secondary read is then both necessary and rewarding as the many sub plots come to the surface that end up being missed on an initial fast read. The plot line of Retalio is not as complicated as some of the other novels but the tension is high and Morton managed to keep me on the edge of my seat right to the very end. It is a worthy end to the series and drew a lot of disparate stories together.

    I am sorry that this is the last in the series, what do I have to look forward to next spring? Hopefully some further stories will be on their way from Roma Nova or the EUS, I would love to find out what really happens to Marina and does the young Hartenwijk have something to do with it? Perhaps we will hear more from Conrad's point of view or even Quintus or maybe something completely different.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Antoine Vanner
    5.0 out of 5 stars The splendid climax of the second ROMA NOVA trilogy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    With RETALIO, Alison Morton brings to a satisfying conclusion her second trilogy of her Roma Nova novels. They have been set from the start in the most convincing and internally consistent universe I’ve encountered in fiction. RETALIO delivers the riveting combination of intrigue and hard-boiled action that we’ve come to expect from Ms. Morton and it engages the reader from the first page to the last. The characters are well developed – and by this last novel in the trilogy we’ve come to know them very well – and they react to extreme circumstances in ways which are wholly credible. I was particularly impressed by the portrayal of feuding, faction-forming and distrust in the exile community which the heroine must weld into a coherent and effective force if she is to restore peace and justice to her county. As with all the previous novels there is a strong streak of realism – not just as regards specific incidents but in the acceptance – too rare in fiction – that life is brutal and unfair and that very bad things indeed happen to the weak and worthy unless there is a strong commitment to resisting oppression.

    The six Roma Nova novels so far are grouped in two trilogies which are set in different decades, though with continuity links between them. The format has worked very well indeed. So far, we have encountered the challenges facing the nation in the 1960s and in the early 21st Century. The wider European and Global contexts in which these scenarios are set are also outlined. One hopes therefore that there will be another trilogy, set perhaps in a different era (early 20th Century? Or maybe even before?). Please don’t keep us waiting too long!
    Report
  • Carol Westron
    5.0 out of 5 stars A superb final book in an excellent trilogy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 1, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I have been fortunate enough to review all three books featuring Aurelia Mitela and it is a trilogy that has grown stronger and more compelling with each book - and it was exceptionally good to start with. At the start of Retalio, Aurelia is wounded and in exile, while her arch enemy, Caius Tellus, has taken power in Roma Nova and is destroying all that is good about the country that Aurelia loves. To make matters worse, Caius has so poisoned Aurelia's reputation that the other Roma Novan exiles, living in poverty in Austria, despise her. Aurelia has to regain the trust of her fellow exiles and find a way of saving her suffering country before the damage done by Caius is irreparable. But Aurelia is well aware that no victory can be won without personal sacrifice.
    Retalio is a superb book, fast moving and tense and yet with a rich and cohesive historical background. Although it is alternative history, Alison Morton has created an authentic and convincing country and society. Aurelia is a wonderful heroine, courageous, honourable and strong but also vulnerable, passionate and loving. Retalio is a compelling final book in an excellent trilogy.
    Report
  • Helen Hollick
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic concept - skilfully written
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
    "A fantastic concept, skilfully written, utterly believable and one of my favourite books of the year." so says our #DDRevs reviewer - and I couldn't have put it better myself!
    Ms Morton is a fantastic writer, who produces engrossing stories and a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining series.
    Helen Hollick
    founder #DDRevs

    For myself - it is often difficult to keep a series going, bringing in new ideas, maintaining the excitement and impetus, but my goodness Ms Morton is one heck of a brilliant writer, not only is this episode well written, a real page-turner and one of those books you keep saying 'just one more chapter' until you realise its the early hours of the morning, I think I'd add that book VI is the best yet! No easy task for a series - bravo!
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Have read most of series and look forward to ordering other novels
    Report
  • chris torrance
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely brilliant!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is an exciting, enthralling read which I found very hard to put down. The entire series has been fantastic - everything about Roma Nova is so real and believable. I was gnashing my teeth in places at the utter vileness of Caius Tellus and the hideous treatment meted out by his regime. Aurelia is a tough heroine but at the same time very human. I won't describe the story as others have already given an outline, I will just say do read the whole series!
    Report