Mother of Rome

In this epic reimagining of Rome’s origin, Bear (Medusa’s Sisters) tells the story from the perspective of Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romulus and Remus. Rhea is a princess of Alba Longa, daughter of King Numitor and Queen Jocasta. Tragedy after tragedy befalls her family, leaving King Numitor distraught and unable to rule. When he retreats into his grief, he leaves his daughter unprotected from the machinations of his treacherous brother, Amulius, who seizes the throne. Amulius sends Rhea away to join the Vestal Virgins, hoping the vow of virginity will keep her from ever producing an heir who would threaten his claim to the stolen throne. But the ever-rebellious Rhea hatches a plan of her own, taking advantage of the desire that Mars, the god of war, harbors for her. The two enter a steamy affair and Rhea gets pregnant. When word gets back to Amulius, she is hunted by his men and only manages to survive with help from the gods and goddesses themselves. Bear brings her strong heroine to life with compassion and skill. The result is a must-read for fans of mythology retellings. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Jan.)