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.