The names Romulus and Remus may be immortalized in map and stone and chronicle, but their mother exists only as a preface to her sons’ journey, the princess turned oath-breaking priestess, condemned to death alongside her children.

But she did not die; she survived. And so does her story.

Beautiful, royal, rich: Rhea has it all—until her father loses his kingdom in a treacherous coup, and she is sent to the order of the Vestal Virgins to ensure she will never produce an heir.

Except when mortals scheme, gods laugh.

Rhea becomes pregnant, and human society turns against her. Abandoned, ostracized, and facing the gravest punishment, Rhea forges a dangerous deal with the divine, one that will forever change the trajectory of her life…and her beloved land.

To save her sons and reclaim their birthright, Rhea must summon nature’s mightiest force – a mother’s love – and fight.

All roads may lead to Rome, but they began with Rhea Silvia.

In Mother of Rome, Lauren J.A. Bear has created a powerful and riveting reimagining of a Roman legend, creating a new narrative by focusing on Rhea Silvia. It is a tale of treachery, betrayal and scheming but it is also a story of love and justice, both a mother’s love but also family love. 

From the very beginning of this riveting reimagining, I loved the sharp tone of Rhea Silvia, her fiery passion and her fierce dedication to her sons and her family. I love the fascinating view of greed and the machinations of her uncle. What works well in this narrative is the way the story changes point of views from Rhea to her cousin Antho, whose quiet rebellion and strength is equally powerful in this novel. We even get insight into the views of both their fathers, giving us insight into the background characters. Ultimately, I love how justice is served in this story and how the historical aspects blend with the fantastical, how the Gods intervene and how they interact with Rhea and her sons. It is a powerful and rich story.

If you like historical fantasy, if you are fascinated by the legend of Romulus and Remus, this novel with its riveting reimagining of that narrative is for you. With passionate characters and powerful protagonists, it is a story like none other. And in the end, it is truly Rhea Silvia’s tale, her power and the power of women that is the highlight. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 wolves.