Here are some of my favorite books that are based on Greek mythology!
- Circe by Madeline Miller
This is probably one of my favorite books, both Greek mythology based and in general! The first glimpse I got of Circe was from the 2nd Percy Jackson book, where she is written as a minor antagonistic character. This was backed up by other Greek mythology books, but this book put it in a totally new perspective.
Circe has never been pretty or melodious, like her siblings, but when she meets a fisherman and falls in love, then everything else falls away. She realizes he doesn’t reciprocate those feelings, instead loving Scylla. Seized by jealousy, she uses her knowledge of the plants that grow by her home to transform her, then steals away to live her own life. I loved this book and how it was beautifully written. I totally recommend this book to you! - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This was another great novel written by Madeline Miller! Patroclus’ name means “glory of the father” which is ironic, since he’s anything but. When he accidentally kills a child of noble birth, his father exiles him to Phthia, where he meets Peleus and his son, Achilles. Achilles and Patroclus instantly form a bond when they’re kids, and become lovers when they’re older. Achilles, one day, receives a prophecy that he will kill Hector, but then die himself. Achilles doesn’t believe this, but prophecies always come true… This was such a great book and I totally recommend it to you! - Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
This was such an interesting book! Unlike the 2 previous books, this one is less of a retelling and more of what was actually done, but this time, through Ariadne’s perspective. Ariadne’s life has been stifling, to say the least. So when a handsome man shows up and promises to take her away, she believes him and helps him do whatever it takes. But when he abandons her, she has to learn how to live by herself and create her own life. I really enjoyed this book and how, even though it stuck more to the original myth, it was just as enthralling! I totally recommend it to you! - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
This was such an interesting take on The Odyssey. In this retelling though, we get Penelope’s perspective, using choruses from the maids and a unique form of storytelling. In The Odyssey, there’s always been one unanswered question- What led to the hanging of the maids? This book answers that question in such a refreshing way and I loved how the book continued to flow. This is such a great book and I totally recommend it to you! - Lore by Alexandra Bracken
This was a Hunger Games- like story, with Greek Mythology based characters. Every year, 9 of the Greek Gods are forced to wander the Earth, danger at every step, since they could easily be killed and their immortality taken by the killer. Lore left that life many years ago when her family was killed. But when a childhood friend and Athena, the goddess of wisdom, come to her, looking for help, she decides to get revenge. I really enjoyed this book and the way that the story was written. I totally recommend this book to you!
What are some of your favorite books based on mythology?
