“Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence.”
Democracy, science, theatre, maths and mythology – it’s clear to see why Ancient Greece has so much romanticism attached to it. Whether it be the real-life historical events or the myths and legends that surround them, Ancient Greece has been an era that has inspired fiction authors for thousands of years now. And with the influence and legacy of Greek culture still, as relevant today as it ever has been, the heroes, villains and tragedies are still providing plenty of stellar reads. Join us here at What We Reading as we run you through some of our favourite Ancient Greek historical fiction books!
Circe – Madeline Miller
A Goodreads Choice Award winner, Madeline Miller’s Circe is an adaptation of various Ancient Greek myths and legends set during the Heroic Age. In it, readers follow the witch Circe. Having turned to the mortal world for companionship, Circe discovers her power to transform her enemies into monsters, able to challenge the Gods themselves.
Banished to a desert island by a threatened Zeus, she encounters iconic figures from Greek mythology such as the Minotaur, Daedalus and Odysseus. A tale of a woman standing alone against men, monsters and Gods themselves, Circe’s tale is one of self-discovery that takes readers to the heart of one of Ancient Greece’s most underrated characters.
The Silence Of The Girls – Pat Barker
The Siege of Troy is one of the most legendary tales in Ancient Greek mythology. However, Pat Barker offers a uniquely fresh perspective on the Trojan War with the first entry in the Women of Troy series with her Greek historical fiction book, The Silence of the Girls. Briseis was living in one of Troy’s rivals when the Greeks sacked her city, with the hero Achilles taking her as his prize. Readers follow Briseis as she navigates the Greek camp, filled with slaves, nurses and thousands of other women in the camp struggling through daily life in the heart of the war.
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Arcadian Days – John Spurling
Award-winning playwright and historical novelist John Spurling pays homage to the most legendary Greek poets in his anthology, Arcadian Days. The book is made of five retellings of classic Greek myths centred around male-female couplets:
- Prometheus and Pandora.
- Jason and Medea.
- Oedipus and Antigone.
- Achilles and Thetis.
- Odysseus and Penelope.
Capturing the triumph and tragedies of ancient Greek mythology, Arcadian Days is one of the most unique retellings for those looking for a fresh take on some of its most classic tales.
The Shadow Of Perseus – Claire Heywood
Claire Heywood’s The Shadow of Perseus is an imaginative retelling of the great hero Perseus, and the three women who have traditionally been left in the shadows of the story. Danae, his mother, Medusa, his trophy, and Andromeda, his wife – all are given the spotlight by Heywood to showcase how Perseus’ tale might not be as heroic as what history would have readers believe. One of the most significant female-led contemporary Ancient Greek historical fiction books, The Shadow of Perseus is certainly one for the ages.
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Daughter Of Sparta – Claire M. Andrews
On female-led Ancient Greek books, the Daughter of Sparta series is one of the most popular in the young adult genre. The original debut entry introduces readers to seventeen-year-old Daphne, a determined woman who has dedicated herself to strengthening her body and mind, aspiring to gain acceptance from the ancient kingdom of Sparta.
However, when nine powerful items vanish from Mount Olympus, she is tasked with bringing them all back and preventing the mortal world from descending into chaos. With the Gods holding her brother as ransom, her adventure takes her from the riddle-spinning Sphinx of Thebes to the labyrinth of the Minotaur.
Daughter of Sparta retells the classic tale of Apollo and Daphne, immersing readers in an action-packed exploration of Greek mythology. This captivating story takes a fresh perspective by empowering a female lead, breaking away from the traditional male-dominated approach.
Gates Of Fire – Steven Pressfield
The Battle of Thermopylae is one of the most famous battles in ancient history. The story of how a small band of 300 Spartan warriors held their lines in a suicide mission to the death against a Persian force totalling as many as 300,000, Thermopylae has become the definitive example of strength and bravery against all adversity. Steven Pressfield takes readers into the heart of the battle in his acclaimed work of historical fiction, Gates of Fire.
In it, readers follow a sole Spartan squire, the sole survivor from this famous last stand, and his efforts to explain the heroism of his countrymen to the shaken King Xerxes.
The Song Of Achilles – Madeline Miller
The legend of Achilles is one of the most iconic in Ancient Greek mythology, with an influence that is still palpable even in contemporary society.
However, it is his inseparable friendship with the shy and awkward Patroclus that author Madeline Miller focuses on in her book, The Song of Achilles. As readers embark on their journey, they witness the inseparable bond between the pair as they navigate the challenges of growing up. However, their harmonious existence is soon disrupted by the alarming news of Helen of Sparta’s abduction by Prince Paris of Troy. Greece urgently summons its heroes to take up arms, placing Achilles in a difficult predicament. He must make a daunting choice: abandon his dear friend or expose him to the perils of a treacherous conflict.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
