Mother of Rome by Lauren J.A. Bear

Book Review

Mikaela Silk

Rhea Silvia was born a Latin princess, until grief and greed stripped her of her title and saw her transformed into a priestess. She then became a mother and, by association, a condemned woman. And finally, in the most unexpected of transformations, she became a wolf. And that wolf became the Mother of Rome. This is the story of how Rome was founded and how it could never have happened without one brave woman who refused to be controlled and who put her sons above all else.

This book follows the original legend of Romulus and Remus very closely. It features all the political details of Amulius’s plot against his brother, King Numitor, as well as the mythical involvement of Mars and the she-wolf who were respectively responsible for begetting and raising the twins. The biggest variation is the magical transformation of Rhea Silvia into the wolf. Rhea Silvia and the wolf are two important figures in the legend of Romulus and Remus; by combining them into one character Lauren J.A. Bear makes an inspiring statement about the power of motherhood. She also creates an impressive female protagonist whom readers can both admire and pity.

Throughout the book, Rhea Silvia’s various transformations create space for a lot of character development. She learns how to survive, how to listen, and how to step back from the spotlight and help others. However, her particular circumstances limit the ways in which she can utilise these lessons in the world. This makes the character of Antho all the more important. She also undergoes a dramatic character development, driven by her own change in circumstances and her own challenges, but she is able to interact directly with the world around her. It gives us a glimpse into what Rhea Silvia’s life could have been like, as well as portraying the strength a woman can have even without mythical intervention.

The romance in this book is more of a subplot than the main focus, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting. The theme is forbidden love, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Antho plays the long game, continually risking her and her lover’s life on the longshot of a better future. In the meantime, they both face immense suffering and long absences, enough to challenge even the truest of loves. This adds an undercurrent of tension throughout the book and sets the stage for a number of heart-wrenching moments.

Overall, ‘Mother of Rome’ is bursting at the seams with high stakes, high emotions, and high drama. I read it in one sitting and challenge any reader not to do the same.