Mother of Rome by Lauren J. A. Bear is a great historical fiction that gives a woman traditionally overlooked her own story.

I will be honest and say I am playing catchup in regard to a lot of books that focus on ancient Rome and also mythology that was an essential element within that time and culture, so I came upon this book with no idea what I would be reading…sometimes you just have to go for it, you know?

Well from this novel I was introduced to Rhea Silvia and her sons, Romulus and Remus, and the fierceness that she possessed. This story was fascinating. What a bold, impressive, and passionate woman. It was so great to learn about her and her story.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Berkley Publishing Group for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/7/25.

Due to my love of both the Latin language and Roman culture, which I studied in high school, I requested this ARC so fast when it hit NetGalley. The story of Romulus and Remus is one of my favorites, so I was keen to read Bear’s retelling.

Did I tell Berkley about seeing the resting place of Rome’s mythical founders in person as part of my appeal for this ARC? You bet I did. Carpe diem, my friends!

Bear gave Rhea Silvia the story she deserved in this epic retelling of a brave woman with fierce love for her sons. An intoxicating blend of magic, mythology feminism, and history, this is an unforgettable reimagining of a beloved tale.

The cover is brilliant, and I will be adding a finished copy of this book to my shelf once it is released.

I loved Medusa's Sisters, but I absolutely ADORED this book. The characters. The writing. The setting. I had no idea what to expect when I started it because I knew next to nothing about the founding of Rome, but this made me want to know more. It absolutely blew me away and is going down as one of my absolute favorites of all time.

Interesting, very interesting! A fresh look at a mythology that in large part has only focused on the male perspective, it was very engaging and well written.

📖 Book Review 📖 Somewhere floating in the back of my memories of Latin class is the myth of Romulus and Remus and when I had the chance to dig deep into the retelling of this amazing story from Roman mythology from Rhea’s lens, I could not let the opportunity pass by. Heartache, symbolism, and an unparalleled connection with the natural elements combine for one powerful story. History is remembered for the men in power. But behind every man with influence and prestige, is a strong and resilient woman. Lauren J.A. Bear shares the origin of the greatest empire of all times, the nearly forgotten, and untold story of a woman and her fierce love for her sons that laid the groundwork for an ancient civilization that paved the way for our modern world.

Review is on Goodreads and will be on instagram close to publication and on Amazon when published!

Huge Lauren fan here. Medusa’s Sisters might be my all time favorite book. MOR is a gorgeous, sprawling, innovative retelling of Rhea, the oft forgotten matriarch of Rome and mother of Romulus and Remus. I had zero background on Rhea— I only knew the twins of Rome had been cared for by a wolf. I love that the author made the myth her own and injected a fiercely feminist take—one that gives agency back to Rhea. It was, at times, a little hard to follow. I couldn’t always keep track of characters…but that’s probably just me. Overall, I loved it.

Mother of Rome retells the story of Rhea Silvia and the birth of her sons, Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.

I really enjoyed Bear’s Medusa’s Sisters, and this is a fantastic second novel from the author. In a world of Persephone, Medea and Medusa retellings, I’ve enjoyed Bear’s take on lesser-known but just as exciting myths.

I appreciate that Bear writes women who are unapologetic about their desires and take ownership of their path, even as they are constrained by society and the men in their lives.

I look forward to reading more from Bear. Thank you, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group, for the ARC.

When Rhea’s uncle seizes the throne, he sends Rhea to the vestal virgins. Determined to live her life, she has an affair with Mars, breaking all of her vows. When she falls pregnant, she is sentenced to die. On death’s door, she makes a deal with the gods, one that changes her into a wolf. As a wolf, she looks over her twins, Romulus and Remus, until they can grow and survive.

This was a fascinating book. I enjoyed reading about the birth of Rome and the people involved in its lore. Rhea was extremely well developed and well rounded. The book was nicely paced, and did a great job weaving in the Roman Gods with everyday life. I look forward to reading more from this author!

Mythology retelling is all the rage right now and Nother of Rome does not disappoint. You feel for the characters. I read long past my bedtime because I couldn't put it down. What starts as a story of two young cousins becomes a story of women and motherhood and its immense responsibility and love. And of course throw in some family backstabbing and vengeance for an exciting read.

This was an enjoyable tale of ancient Rome. It was interesting to see the myth of Romulus and Remus and their she-wolf from a different perspective. Rhea Silvia and her cousin Antho were strong female characters and I would like to read more by this author.

Medusa's sisters blew me away so i immediately HAD to get this one. I have zero qualms about this book. It was perfection. I read it a week ago and am still thinking about it.