The Leaning Pile of Books is a feature in which I highlight books I got over the last week that sound interesting—old or new, bought or received in the mail for review consideration. Since I hope you will find new books you’re interested in reading in these posts, I try to be as informative as possible. If I can find them, links to excerpts, author’s websites, and places where you can find more information on the book are included, along with series information and the publisher’s book description.
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I’m a couple weeks behind, but I’m catching up today with the latest book added to my TBR: a reimagining of a legend.
Mother of Rome by Lauren J. A. Bear
This novel focusing on Rhea Silvia, the mother of Roman founders Romulus and Remus, will be released in the US on January 7 (hardcover, ebook, audiobook read by Zura Johnson and Caleb Summers). Mother of Rome will be released in the UK on January 14.
The author will be doing at least one event for its release, celebrating its launch in Seattle, Washington, on January 13.
This is Lauren J. A. Bear’s second novel, following her 2023 debut, Medusa’s Sisters. A few months before its release, she was also here for Women in SF&F Month to share about discovering hope through fantastical literature in “Finding Fantasy, My Postpartum Power.”
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.
