10 Spellbinding Novels Based on Greek Myths That Will Transport You to Ancient Greece
These new takes on classic tales are guaranteed to take you on a journey
From epic journeys to powerful characters, Greek mythology has fascinated audiences and readers for centuries. With ancient adventures of gods, monsters, heroes and beyond, it’s no wonder these tales are just as thrilling today! Brimming with life lessons, moral dilemmas and captivating character arcs of legendary figures from Hades and Persephone to Medusa and Odysseus, these Greek mythology books are sure to sweep you away on an epic journey.
We compiled a list of our favorite novels based on Greek mythology so you too, can go on a thrilling quest. If you want a light and humorous read full of Greek gods, pick up The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. In the mood for a steamy Hades and Persephone retelling? Try A Touch of Darkness by “romantasy” (romance/fantasy) queen Scarlett St. Clair. Keep scrolling for our full list of recommendations, happy reading!
‘The Lightning Thief’ by Rick Riordan
The first of Rick Riordan’s beloved series follows a 12-year-old boy named Percy Jackson. Percy has always struggled to fit it, but never knew why. That all changes though, when his pre-algebra teacher turns into a monster and tries to kill him. Now Percy must travel across the country on a quest and try to prevent a deadly war from breaking out between the Greek gods. A groundbreaking, wonderful adventure.
What readers are saying: “This book was both fun and entertaining. Once I started reading it I just couldn’t stop ( which was not a bad thing ). For the longest time I refused to read it but I decided to an it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Highly recommend reading”
‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller stuns in this beautiful retelling of the witch goddess Circe from The Odyssey. The story follows Circe’s life from the halls of her father, the Sun God Helios, to her exile on the island of Aiaia, as she learns the meanings of love, loss and redemption.
What readers are saying: “I didn’t just read this book, I consumed it. Beautiful prose and storytelling, gripping characters and such richness and depth. One of the few books in my life that I’ve wanted to read again from the start the minute I finished it. Just absolutely beautifully done.”
‘Ariadne’ by Jenifer Saint
A new take on the classic Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, it focuses on the forgotten women of mythology, Ariadne and Phaedra, two princesses of Crete, without whom Theseus could never have prevailed.
What readers are saying: “I really, really loved this book. The author chooses some of the versions of Ariadne’s and Phaedra’s myths and makes them really work together – the narrative flows, clicks and the tension never leaves the reader. Beautiful writing that conjures vividly the familiar images for lovers of Greek mythology.”
‘Clytemenestra’ by Costanza Casati
Following the life of a woman raised as a princess in ancient Sparta, her story begins with a difficult but blessed life—that is, until the cruel and vicious tyrant Agamemnon takes everything away from her. However, when Clytemnestra’s path reaches its darkest point, she is able to rise to power in a world where the odds are innately stacked against her. She soon helps a suffering kingdom under tyrannical rule thrive, all while healing from her own past in the process.
What readers are saying: “I am such a huge fan of mythological retellings from the female perspective. This one is right up there with Ariadne, A Thousand Ships and my favorite, Circe. I felt Clytemnestra’s emotions toward every character in the story and her passion with each tragic loss she suffered. Revenge is sweet in this engaging read. Highly recommend the audio book!”
‘Daughters of Olympus’ by Hannah Lynn
Get to know the women of spring in Hannah Lynn’s latest Greek mythology retelling. Demeter didn’t always live in fear. The Goddess of Spring once loved humans and the world they inhabited, until a heartbreaking assault changed everything. Now, her only solace is her daughter, Persephone. Persephone doesn’t mind being her mother’s shield, but she longs to explore the mortal world. Soon enough she builds a life of her own, and catches the eye of Hades. When Persephone gets kidnapped, her and Demeter’s relationship may end crumbling.
What readers are saying: “Another dynamic retelling of Greek mythology from Hannah Lynn. I find Hannah Lynn’s approach to the stories of the goddesses & gods in the Greek pantheon to be fresh and insightful. She explores common themes & feelings like love, loss, despair, grief, and the desire to live life in a way that makes us truly happy.”
‘Lore’ by Alexandra Bracken
From bestselling author Alexandra Brackem, comes a new standalone tale of power, destiny and redemption. The Agon begins every seven years and nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals as a punishment for a past rebellion. Lore Perseous fled that brutal world long ago and turned her back on the idea of eternal glory and revenge. However, as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek out her help: Castor, and Athena. Will Lore’s decision to rejoin the hunt be enough to stop the rise of a new God?
What readers are saying: “I absolutely loved this novel!! This book is everything you could want! It is packed full of action, modernized telling of Greek Mythology, love, heartbreak, sadness, anger, jealousy, etc.”
‘A Touch of Darkness’ by Scarlett St. Clair
The first in her Hades and Persephone Saga, Scarlett St. Clair’s A Touch of Darkness, follows Persephone, the Goddess of Spring who can’t make flowers grow and masquerades as an unassuming mortal journalist, and Hades, God of the Dead. When Persephone finds herself in a contract with the god, she must create life in the underworld or lose her freedom forever.
What readers are saying: “I loved this take on Hades and Persephone. It was one of those books where I knew exactly what I was getting into and I loved the vibes. I liked the modernness of it too. Persephone was in college and worked as a journalist which I thought was cool. I thought the bargaining aspect and contracts and such were interesting and I’m excited to see how they play into future installments of the series. This was the romantasy feeling I was craving and it delivered!”
‘Lore Olympus’ by Rachel Smythe
What started as a webcomic on Webtoon, Rachel Smythe’s graphic novel, Lore Olympus: Volume One brings a fresh take to the beloved tale of Hades and Persephone. Full of gossip, scandalous parties, exciting friendships and more, this story transforms the God of the Dead and the Goddess of Spring into characters anyone can relate to.
What readers are saying: “I’m so glad this series was recommended to me because I’m already hooked. This is such a great way to do a Greek mythology retelling. The art style is awesome and I thought it fully propelled the story along. I also think this was a great balance of lightheartedness as well as some heavier topics. I really liked how all of the characters were introduced, albeit some were less likable than others. There were plenty of humorous one-liners which I loved too.”
‘The Odyssey’ by Homer
The Odyssey follows Greek hero Odysseus and all the trials and tribulations he faces on his journey home after the Trojan War. Riddled with angry gods, vicious monsters and cunning witches, it’s a nonstop adventure from start to finish.
What readers are saying: “Quite possibly one of my favorite books! It was this novel that ignited my love for Greek and Roman mythology and antiquity. I always look back on The Odyssey with fondness. I love all the monsters he faces and the gods who involve themselves with Odysseus’ trials as he makes his way home after the Trojan War.”
‘The Silence of the Girls’ by Pat Barker
Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls recounts the story of The Iliad as told through the eyes of Briseis. She’s a Trojan queen taken as a slave by Achilles as his reward for the sack of Lyrnessus. As the battle wages on for years, Briseis tries to make sense of her new life in the encampments.
What readers are saying: “For too long we’ve read the stories of ancient men. It’s such a breath of fresh air to hear a woman’s perspective. I couldn’t put it down! A story of strength and perseverance of women enslaved during war. Their perspective relates a refreshingly new experience to the often told battle of Troy.”
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