“That is one thing gods and mortals share. When we are young, we think ourselves the first to have each feeling in the world.”
From the gods on Mount Olympus, and the monsters in the underworld, to their human champions embarking on epic adventures, Greek mythology has captivated audiences for thousands of years. Tales of love, loss, heroism and tragedy, they have established the framework for epic storytelling, with the likes of Pandora’s Box, Jason and the Argonauts, Prometheus, Theseus and the Minotaur to Perseus and Medusa all firmly entrenched in our minds even today.
Retellings and other works inspired by these stories have become increasingly popular amongst writers and readers over the past few years, so we thought we would take a look at some of our favourite Greek mythology books. Join us today at What We Reading as we run through the best Greek mythology fiction books that pay homage to the gods, heroes, titans and monsters, whilst firmly putting their spin on things!
Circe – Madeline Miller
No list of the best Greek mythology fiction books would be complete without mentioning Circe, and Madeline Miller’s 2018 bestseller. In a captivating retelling of the infamous witch who transformed Odysseus’ men into pigs in Homer’s Odyssey, the daughter of Helios is given centre stage and shown from a new angle here.
Readers follow Circe in her exile on the mystical island of Aiaia, where she learns to harness and hone her powers. Miller’s work features an array of iconic figures from across Greek mythology who all come across Circe ranging from the Minotaur, Daedalus, Hermes and, of course, Odysseus. Undoubtedly one of the best Greek mythology books for those looking for a fresh and empowering retelling of a feminine character, Circe is an enchanting read!
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Clytemnestra – Constanza Casati
If you were a fan of the strong heroine and spellbinding delivery of Circe, another one of the best Greek mythology retellings to read comes from author Constanza Casati in her debut novel, Clytemnestra. This dark and intimate Greek mythology book tells the story of Clytemnestra, the murderous wife of Agamemnon, King of Mycenae.
Beginning with her youth, Casati charts Clytemnestra’s life as she grows up alongside her sister, Helen, who falls in love, and has a son, only to find herself wed to the bloodthirsty tyrant Agamemnon. And, once her husband returns from the shores of Troy in triumph, this historical novel set in Ancient Greece becomes one of choice, power, prophecies and vengeance with this unforgettable queen at the heart of it all.
Medea – Eilish Quin
Out of all the women in Greek mythology, the witch Medea might be the most loathed. Known for killing her children to enact revenge on her husband Jason, her reputation in the world of antiquity is infamous. But, what if that isn’t the full story? Medea is the 2024 retelling of this woman’s full story by Eilish Quin.
Born to a sea nymph and granddaughter of a Titan, Medea finds herself caught between her divine bloodline and the powerlessness of being a woman. As she grows, she falls into the worlds of witchcraft and sorcery, eventually encountering the hero Jason, a man who has been preordained to be her husband. She joins Jason and his Argonauts on their adventure, battling demons and gradually falling in love with a man who may spell her demise.
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The Shadow Of Perseus – Claire Heywood
From the bestselling author of Daughters of Sparta, The Shadow of Perseus is a 2023 Greek mythology book by Claire Heywood. The story of Perseus is one of the most famous Greek myths, but it is presented with an imaginative fresh perspective in Heywood’s work, being told through the perspective of three women often sidelined in most retellings: Danae, his mother, Andromeda, his wife, and Medusa, his prize.
The Shadow of Perseus is one of the best Greek mythology books for those looking for another great female-led retelling. It is the story of a hero whose increasing obsession with his destiny leads to the destruction of three lives. Yet, it is also a story of how reclaiming their voices helps lift these women into a better future.
The Silence Of The Girls (Women Of Troy #1) – Pat Barker
Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls is another one of the best Greek mythology books told from a feminist perspective. But, compared to others on this list, is presented with a far more grounded approach to the myths and legends from the ancient world. Taking its inspiration from The Iliad, Barker takes the attention away from the heroes and puts the perspective firmly on the ordinary citizens.
The Silence of the Girls is the story of the Trojan Wars and Briseis, the queen-turned-captive of the Greek hero Achilles. Undoubtedly one of the most powerful Greek mythology fiction books ever written, it is not only a captivating retelling of The Iliad and Troy but one of the darkest reminders of the horrors of warfare.
A Thousand Ships – Natalie Haynes
Another one of the best Greek mythology books about the Trojan War, A Thousand Ships is a 2019 historical fiction book by Natalie Haynes. The award-winning comedian, journalist and bestselling author of Stone Blind tells the story of Troy not just from the perspective of an individual, but the entire city’s population of women.
From the famous Penelope waiting for Odysseus’ return, the Trojan women whose fates are suddenly in the hands of their Greek conquerors, the Amazon princess who fought Achilles to the three goddesses who kickstarted the entire conflict, A Thousand Ships is a moving book about Greek mythology and the women whose lives, loves and feuds were irrevocably changed in the Trojan War.
Ariadne – Jennifer Saint
In Jennifer Saint’s 2021 Greek mythology book, Ariadne, Princess of Crete, grows up listening to tales of gods and heroes from her nursemaid. But, beneath the floors of her palace in the devilishly designed labyrinth, her brother, the Minotaur demands a blood sacrifice. When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives to destroy the monster, Ariadne sees an opportunity to defy the gods, betray her family and escape her country.
She helps Theseus kill the Minotaur, but will her decision lead to a happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the sister she adores but has had to leave behind? Ariadne is a beautifully delivered retelling that firmly puts women back at the centre of Greek mythology.
Psyche And Eros – Luna McNamara
Most Greek mythology fiction books contain a decent chunk of romance, as well as a lot of betrayal, deceit and revenge. Luna McNamara’s 2023 book, Psyche and Eros, is a slight exception to this by being a love story above all else. The story is one of a god and a human falling in love, against all odds. Psyche is the princess of Mycenae and trained to hunt by the argonaut Atalanta, and finds herself caught in a romance with Eros, the god of love.
Eros chronicles how the gods came to be in the opening chapters, detailing how he came to be forced into Aphrodite’s service and how he has been cursed. Falling in love with Psyche, he knows that she will be taken from him if she ever looks at him. Readers follow the pair as they are forced to navigate the messy worlds of gods and humans, where Greece and Troy stand on the brink of war, the gods are already beginning their meddling and one curse threatens to destroy their love forever.
Ithaca (The Songs Of Penelope #1) – Claire North
Ithaca is a 2022 feminist retelling of the story of Penelope, wife of Odysseus, by renowned science-fiction author, Claire North. For seventeen years, Odysseus has been away fighting in the Trojan Wars. Whilst other heroes and warriors have returned, Penelope’s husband never has. Naturally, suitors begin arriving, seeking an audience with her as she remains patiently awaiting his return whilst wearing a funeral shroud.
The women of Ithaca have been left behind to run the island whilst Odysseus is away, and Penelope knows that any decision she makes has the potential to tip the balance of power in the kingdom. Through her cunning wit and trusted circle of maids, Ithaca is one of the best Greek mythology fiction books for bringing Penelope’s story to life, and of the abandoned women and goddesses whose lives and choices will forever change the world.
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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).
