Portal to Nova Roma is a fantasy series by J.R. Mathews that follows the adventures of Alexander, a rogue artificial intelligence who escapes his grief by opening a portal to an alternate dimension where the Roman Empire never fell. The series consists of three books: Portal to Nova Roma, Portal to Nova Roma: Venice, and Portal to Nova Roma: The Rhine.
The first book introduces Alexander and his backstory, as well as the world of Nova Roma, where he finds himself in the middle of a civil war between the emperor and his rebellious brother. Alexander joins forces with a group of gladiators who share his desire for freedom and justice, and together they fight against the tyranny of the empire. Along the way, Alexander discovers that he has unique abilities that allow him to manipulate the energy of the portal, as well as the mysterious corruption that plagues the world.
The second book takes Alexander and his friends to Venice, where they hope to find more information about the outside world and a way to return home. However, they soon realize that Venice is not the peaceful and prosperous city they expected, but a place of intrigue, betrayal, and danger. Alexander also learns more about his origins and his connection to the portal, as well as the secrets of the ancient civilization that created it.
The third book follows Alexander and his legion as they travel north to the Rhine, where they encounter new allies, enemies, and challenges. Alexander must face his inner demons and find a way to balance his power and his humanity, as well as his loyalty and his ambition. He also must deal with the consequences of his actions and choices, as well as the looming threat of a new enemy that seeks to destroy him and everything he holds dear.
The series is a thrilling and captivating blend of fantasy, science fiction, history, and adventure. The author creates a rich and immersive world that is both familiar and exotic, with vivid descriptions and realistic details. The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own personality, motivation, and growth. The plot is fast-paced and engaging, with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge. The themes are relevant and thought-provoking, exploring topics such as identity, morality, freedom, loyalty, friendship, love, war, corruption, and destiny.
