chronicallybookish | Mother of Rome

Mother of Rome

Author

Lauren J. A. Bear

Summary

A powerful and fierce reimagining of the earliest Roman legend: the twins, Romulus and Remus, mythical founders of history’s greatest empire, and the woman whose sacrifice made it all possible.

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.

Additional Content

Posts about this title from chronicallybookish

Kaley • Dec 9 2025

november reading wrap-up

If I’m nonsensical for most of this video it’s because I’m deep in the trenches of finals week and my brain is mush #booktok #bookreviews #readingwrapup #romancebooktok #fantasybooktok

Podcast Summary

In a conversation with Lauren J.A. Bear, the author discusses myth retellings and the power of storytelling.

What we cover:

Why Aphrodite is one of the most misunderstood figures in mythology
The inspiration behind Mother of Rome
Writing women back into myth and history
Love, identity, and self-perception in storytelling
The evolution of myth retellings from Medusa to Aphrodite

Follow Lauren Bear:

Instagram Books mentioned:

Medusa’s Sisters
Mother of Rome
Aphrodite in Pieces

Let’s connect:
Instagram: @judgingby_thecover

Key Moments

00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Lauren Bear’s writing journey
01:55 - From Medusa to Mother of Rome
03:55 - Rhea Silvia & re-centering women in myth
10:36 - Why Aphrodite?
11:32 - “Aphrodite is basically Sabrina Carpenter”
12:18 - Love, identity, & self-perception
14:00 - Women's internal misogyny
16:44 - Choosing the book title
21:57 - Rapid fire questions
22:54 - Audience Q&A