DNF 15%

I liked the premise of this book as it is one of the lesser retold mythology stories. However, the writing style, the volume of characters and their points of view, and the regular flashbacks and foreshadowing are coming across chaotic to me. I believe this book will find its audience, I just don’t believe I am it. I may pick it up later and try again, but for now this is a DNF for me.
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Thank you Berkley, Ace, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review! 📚
Publishers release date 1/7/2025

GORGEOUS, AMAZING, WONDERFUL! I loved this book!!!!! I'm so totally on the "rewritten myth" trend that has been a thing for a few years now, and this one is definitely a stand out.

Mother of Rome is about the mysterious woman who mothered Remus and Romulus--who went on to found the great city of Rome. The myth itself is amazing in its most basic form, and this fleshing out of the myth was such a joy to read!

The author wove a complex and creative story with a beautiful main character who is not exactly relatable and yet easy to connect with on the page. Her strange romance with a god was swoon-worthy and yet tragic, and the whole portion of the book about the wolf was pure ART. The characters were soooo well done! The story is very dark where it ought to be so, and delicate, poignant, and heartfelt where it ought to be as well.

As per the myth, there are s3xual encounters in the book; nothing so explicit as much as it's stated to have happened. But some is brutal and tragic to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for an e-arc to read and review honestly and voluntarily.

Lauren J.A. Bear’s “Mother of Rome” offers a captivating and enlightening retelling of the legendary tale of Romulus and Remus. This novel breathes new life into the ancient myth by shifting the focus to Rhea Silvia, the mother of Rome’s legendary founders.

“Mother of Rome” is a moving narrative that explores the indomitable spirit of its protagonist, Rhea Silvia. Bear skillfully weaves a tale of a woman who finds strength and purpose in a mother’s love despite facing overwhelming adversity and tragedy. The author’s portrayal of Rhea’s journey is both poignant and inspiring, offering readers a fresh perspective on a story often dominated by male figures.

One of the novel’s most compelling aspects is the relationship between Rhea and her cousin, Antho. Their unwavering love and loyalty for each other form a touching subplot that adds depth to the narrative. In a world rife with political machinations, where women are often treated as mere commodities, both Rhea and Antho demonstrate remarkable strength, intelligence, and resilience.

Bear’s narrative skillfully illustrates how these two women navigate and ultimately outmaneuver the powerful men in their lives, showcasing their mettle and intellectual prowess. This portrayal adds a layer of complexity to the story, challenging traditional narratives and offering a more nuanced view of power dynamics in ancient Rome.

“Mother of Rome” is an engaging and satisfying read for those familiar with Roman mythology and newcomers to the subject. Bear’s storytelling entertains and educates, shedding light on a lesser-known perspective of this foundational myth.

Thank you, Ace and NetGalley, for my free book for review.

This book shows how fierce both feminine rage and a mother's love can be! This was absolutely fantastic and I’m not surprised being a big fan of Lauren J.A. Bear’s debut. I love how the author takes characters from mythology who have been over looked and gives them a dignified story.

This is filled with politics, romance, adventure, and sisterhood. Rhea was such an incredible character who I won't be forgetting anytime soon. I loved her relationship with Antho and their growth through the book.

The blending of history and mythology was fantastic and the writing was beautiful. The story was emotional and empowering and solidified Lauren J.A. Bear as a favorite author.

In a world where a lot of sophomore efforts fall flat, Bear’s MOTHER OF ROME is an outstanding second outing from the author of an excellent debut (MEDUSA’S SISTERS). Telling the story of Rome’s founding through the lives of women (yes, we do sometimes think about the Roman Empire, people) is a revelatory way to explore not only history but mythology and legend as well. So often, our roles are minimized, if not outright eliminated for the sake of male self-glorification and chest-thumping. Newsflash: there would be neither Romulus nor Remus nor Nemitor nor anyone else WITHOUT women (as Bear so deftly reminds us in the context of fiction), women willing to sacrifice, to take risks, to learn, to break the rules, and to fight and I love having had the opportunity to read a version of this story that focuses on what’s usually shoved into a corner and told to be quiet and look pretty (talking to YOU, Claudia).
I just got a new fencing foil and after finishing MOTHER OF ROME, I’ve decided to name her Rhea Silvia.

The retelling of any story can be difficult and I would imagine the retelling of Greek myths could be even more daunting. But Lauren Bear did a quite masterful job of this retelling of Rhea and her twin sons that created Rome. This story is told from a few different points of views but not in a way that made it confusing but in a way that just made this story that much better. I loved all the characters and how the story progressed I honestly didn’t want to stop reading. This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mother of Rome is the gripping, poignant, and thoroughly spellbinding tale of Rhea Silvia, the fierce and formidable woman who gave birth to Remus and Romulus. Lauren J. A. Bear brings the legend to life with elegant prose and emotional intelligence, merging myth with a powerful tale of womanhood in all its forms. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. Utterly superb.

I love reading retellings of Greek myths, but this was my first retelling of a Roman myth, and it was EXCELLENT. The pacing was great; I was never bored and even sections that didn't capture my attention as much were worth reading. I knew vaguely of Romulus and Remus, but didn't know they were sons of Mars or who Rhea was. I loved how Bear added the idea that Rhea was the wolf that nursed the twins. I also enjoyed the scenes with Antho and her plottings. All in all, excellent book that I would recommend to any lover of Greek or Roman myths.

Thank you to Lauren J.A. Bear, Berkley, and NetGalley for this ARC!

3.5 stars

This is another mythology retelling, but I'm here for it. It's nice to get different retellings from varied mythologies. I enjoyed the Roman-origin retelling and having different gods that I'm not as familiar with. Rhea is an independent and strong-willed young woman who does everything she can to fight for herself and her family. There are other POVs that I wasn't expecting, but they were definitely needed to move the story along.

The story was enjoyable, and I was entertained. I liked the secondary characters and their plight, as well as Rhea's. Antho's POV helped us see the political maneuvers that were happening while Rhea was banished. I did like the twist of Rhea becoming the wolf who nurtures Romulus and Remus. I also like how Bear dealt with her relationships with the gods.

The pacing was a little slow at times, and there were moments when I just wanted the plot to move forward. The writing felt more YA than adult, though there are adult scenes. The spiciness is all fade-to-black moments, and Rhea's maturity makes this feel less adult than it should.

I enjoyed Mother of Rome, and I have seen great reviews for Bear's other book, so I'm going to check that one out, too.

Thanks, Netgalley, for the ARC.

*Full review to be added closer to publication!*
I loved Lauren J.A. Bear's previous release, Medusa's Sisters (it actually became a new favorite book of mine!), and I knew I had to read her next release. I was excited to see that this was a book centered on Rhea because I don't think I've come across another one that really focuses on her and Romulus/Remus and their story. I was again floored by Bear's incredibly characterization and her ability to convey so much emotion and personality in all of her characters. She captured the setting perfectly and was able to fully transport me back to this world and time. Bear's writing is absolutely exquisite and I loved every second of it; it's truly some gorgeous prose. If you're a mythology or historical fiction fan, you will absolutely want to add this one to your TBR.

While I've always been fascinated by Greek mythology, historical fiction isn't a genre I normally read, so I wasn't sure how invested I would be in the story.
I found the beginning to be a bit slower, as we are meeting Rhea and learning about what led to her becoming a Vestal Virgin. However, once they found her to be pregnant I felt like the pacing did pick up for me. I loved how strong Rhea was throughout with the sacrifices she had to make, and how she was treated by her uncle as well as being as good as forgotten by her father.

I enjoyed the way Lauren Bear was able to bring this story to life, and I would check out other books by her in the future.

I studied Latin in high school for four years and adore the mythology. However, I have never given much thought to the mother of the twins, Romulus and Remus.
Bear crafts a retelling of Rhea’s story in an imaginative twist based on the legends of the Roman writers.
I think anyone who loves ancient Roman history and mythology will want to read this creative take on a mother’s love and the founding of not only a city but an empire.

First, can we talk about this cover? Stunning. I love anything having to do with Greek mythology, and I love how this was a take on characters that I haven’t seen done before. I read Bear’s previous release, Medusa’s Sisters, last year and loved her prose, so I had high hopes for this one. I’m happy to report it delivered. I loved how the story focused on Rhea, the mother of Romulus and Remus, rather than the legendary twins themselves. Their story is so widely known, so it was interesting to dive into their origins. Bear did a wonderful job crafting Rhea’s story, and I was engaged the whole time. Rhea was such a strong, determined, and ambitious main character, and despite her flaws, I couldn’t help rooting for her. Her journey throughout the story is both painful and powerful to watch. My favorite thing about retellings is seeing how the author makes a character’s story their own, I thought Bear did a beautiful job, and I can’t wait to read more from her.

“All roads lead to Rome, but they began with Rhea Silvia.” This story was entertaining and powerful, there would be no Rome without the influential and strong women who made it so. This story shifted the focus from Romulus and Remus to their mother. I think that it can be difficult to write a historical fiction story, especially from such an ancient time period, without making it feel too dry, but Bear did a fantastic job of moving the plot along without it becoming to textbook like. From the story of Rhea’s loss and her subsequent growth, I was entirely captivated. Antho and Leandros were a nice romantic touch, and I enjoyed the different perspectives. Watchjng Rhea grow and understand she deserves love like what she receives from Tiberinus compared to how she was loved by Mars (or not) was a powerful storyline as well. Women throughout history have been overlooked and undermined, but Bear says no more. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

All the stars for Mother of Rome ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read (and loved) Medusa’s Sisters and was beyond thrilled to receive an advance copy of Mother of Rome. I loved this story, it pulled me in immediately and still hasn’t let go. The writing is transportive and visual and I watched this one in my imagination as I read.

I’m a retired homeschooler and my education style was classical, and heavily featured history, classic books and art - the story of Remus and Romulus is one of my favorites and Bear’s take on the tale is utter feminist perfection.

I finished this one days ago and have had a difficult time writing this review since; I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the story.

Pre-order this one or grab it once it’s available on January 7, 2025, Rhea Silvia’s story begs to be read.




Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC

𝑵𝒐 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅, 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒏'𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚; 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍-𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒍𝒅.

I wish the Roman myths were as well-known and accessible as the Greek myths in our schools. Before I became a teacher of mythology, I had only a beginner's knowledge of the Roman myths and had only read the most rudimentary myths about Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome. As with most ancient stories, they are read through the lens of the male experience, and I think what I love so much about these modern retellings is bringing the female point of view front and center.

Rhea Silvia, a young woman of beauty and wealth, was daughter of Numitor Silvius, king of Alba Longa. Her existence was blessed by the gods until, in a shocking display of treachery, Numitor's brother Amulius murdered Numitor's sons and forced Rhea to become a Vestal Virgin, thereby seizing the throne for himself. In the classical myths, most of the attention is placed on the rivalry and violence between the brothers, but in this tale, Rhea takes front and center.

Cast away from everything and everyone she knew and loved, she is visited by a god. When she becomes pregnant, she is shunned, ostracized, and hidden away in a cave, left to die. What follows is a tale of strength and survival when Rhea makes the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of the twin boys she is carrying.

Rome may have fallen because of its corruption and invasion by Germanic tribes, but with women like Rhea at the throne, Rome would have flourished. This is my second read from this author, who also penned MEDUSA'S SISTERS, and I will read anything she writes. Thank you so much to Berkley/Ace Publishing for this stunning early read. At the time this review was written, this title was expected to publish on January 7, 2025.

Mother of Rome has some nice twists on the Rome founding myth. Rhea's story is a fascinating one, and Lauren J.A. Bear has her seeping with independent personality. The modern take on the myth is pretty cool and gets all the stars. That said, I felt like the writing was a little more YA than I was expecting and the story lost steam in the middle. I wasn't eager to pick up the book after a while, so there are some pacing issues for me.

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.