A powerful and fierce reimagining of the founding of the Roman empire and the legend of Romulus and Remus-and the mother whose sacrifice made it all possible. The twins Romulus and Remus may be known as the mythical founders of Rome, but history is silent in regards to their mother, Rhea Silvia. If she is remembered at all, it is as a preface to her sons' journey, the princess turned priestess-and a victim of rape-condemned to death alongside her children. But that is not the full story. Though born into royalty, when Rhea's family is beset by tragedies and her father loses his kingdom in a treacherous coup, 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. Alone, ostracized, and facing the gravest punishment, Rhea forges a dangerous deal with the divine to protect what she loves, one that will forever change the trajectory of her life...and her land. All roads may lead to Rome, but they began with Rhea Silvia. A powerful and fierce reimagining of the founding of the Roman empire and the legend of Romulus and Remus-and the mother whose sacrifice made it all possible.

Lauren J.A. Bear was born in Boston and raised in Long Beach. After graduating from UCLA and LMU, she taught middle-school for over a decade. She is a teaching fellow for the Holocaust Center for Humanity, and lives in Seattle with her husband and three young children. Medusa's Sisters is her debut novel.