Greek Mythology Retellings
Greek myths are filled with magical creatures, imposing Gods and Goddesses, legendary heroes, and epic adventures. Past down for centuries, these stories have resonated with every generation since their original tellings in ancient Greece. Today, writers have taken those beloved stories and written dozens of Greek mythology retellings to bring the tales to modern audiences.
The Odyssey is one of my top 10 favorite books. The Gods, Goddesses, and monsters captivated me years ago and ever since reading it, I’ve been obsessed with Greek mythology retellings.
Now, I’ve rounded up all the best Greek mythology retellings and put them in one place, so that I could share my love for these books with you!
The Best Greek Mythology Retellings
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Greek Mythology Retelling Featuring Women
Circe by Madeline Miller – Jump to Section
The Best Greek Mythology Retelling Set in Ancient Rome
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara – Jump to Section
The Best Modern-Era Greek Mythology Retelling
The Lost Sisterhood by Anne Fortier – Jump to Section
The Best Multi-Narrator Greek Mythology Retelling
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes – Jump to Section
The Best Greek Mythology Retelling for Tweens
Percy Jackson and The Olympians by Rick Riordan – Jump to Section
The Best Original Greek Mythology Story
The Odyssey by Homer – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Greek Mythology Retellings about Women
Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Year: 2018
Genre: Mythology
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Circe, the nymph, is a footnote in mythology and gets overshadowed in The Odyssey. She does not possess power like the other goddesses but she does have witchcraft. Zeus has banished her to a deserted island where she meets many characters from mythology, and in particular, the book The Odyssey”. It was fascinating to see this goddess get her moment in the sun. I can’t believe I knew so little about her before this story.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
The Odyssey is one of my all-time favorite books and I think I read Du’Laires Book of Greek Myths more than any other book when I was in middle school. I ADORED Circe because it has all my favorite things about Greek mythology but for adults!
Why Jackie loves it
I am not a huge mythology buff like Kirsten is so I loved this book without ever reading the Odyssey. I will pause so you can gasp. It is true, I have never read the Odyssey and loved this book for Miller’s fantastic storytelling ability.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology / Books Set at the Beach / Classic Book Retellings / Best Books 2018 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books
The Shadow of Perseus
Author: Claire Heywood
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The Shadow of Perseus is a multi-narrator Greek mythology retelling told from the perspective of the women in Perseus’s story. Heywood examines how facts can be manipulated into folklore, making everyday stories into monster-filled legends. Ultimately, the females in the story cast Perseus in a much different, and darker, light than traditional mythological depictions.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
I love it when mythology retellings turn a well-known story on its head – and this one does it exquisitely! I was riveted by Medusa, Andromeda, and Danae’s version of events.Â
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2023 / Boat Books / Greek Mythology Retellings
Plot
Ariadne is the child of the king of Crete who goes on to become the wife of the god, Dionysus. The story tells her story, as well as the stories of Theseus, the Minotaur, and Phaedra, all big names in mythology.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m such a huge fan of historical fantasy stories about the Greek Gods. I find the mythology to be captivating, so it’s not a surprise that I loved Saint’s take on Ariadne’s story. If you loved The Odyssey or A Thousand Ships, pick up this pick from adult fantasy novels!
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retelling
Ithaca
Author: Claire North
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Song of Penelope #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Told by Hera, this story looks at Penelope as a woman and ruler in the years her husband, Odysseus, was missing. Many of us are familiar with the story of Odysseus’s journey in the Odyssey, but I love that this book looks at what happened in Ithaca while he was away.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love this trend of Greek mythology retellings focusing on the females in the stories. It’s about time the unsung heroes of Greek myth had a turn in the spotlight.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings
Greek Mythology Retellings Set in Ancient Greece
Psyche and Eros
Author: Luna McNamara
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Eros, the god of desire, is cursed to fall for the mortal woman, Psyche, but the minute she looks directly at his face, they will be cursed to be apart forever. As they fall in love, they trigger the curse. Instead of ending the story there, readers are taken on a journey as they try to reconnect.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the way Psyche was portrayed as a fearless woman, fierce in her quest to reunite with her love. McNamara succeeded in centering Psyche in this Greek mythology retelling while creating a compelling love story. I adored it!
Find this book in: Mythology Books / Greek Mythology Retellings
Stone Blind
Author: Natalie Haynes
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This Greek mythology retelling is centered on Medusa’s life and how it ultimately relates to Perseus’s tale. While the story of Troy captured authors for many years, it seems that Perseus and his travels have taken over in popularity. This is the second book published this year that deals with Perseus.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore the way Natalie Haynes frames her stories to show the darker side of famous Greek heroes. The ending of this one created such a stunning visual that I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings
Song of Achilles
Author: Madeline Miller
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Orange Prize Winner, New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The story of Achilles and his heel is well-known across the globe, but Miller brings fresh light to the tale in this epic retelling. It examines the unlikely friendship between Achilles and Patroclus, the exiled Prince, and their role in the Trojan War. Epic in scale, well-researched, and immensely readable, this is one of the best Greek Mythology stories you’ll ever read.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
This retelling of Homer’s The Iliad is filled with adventure and an epic love story that will not soon be forgotten.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Best Love Stories / LGBTQ Books
Modern Greek Mythology Retellings
In the Garden of Monsters
Author: Crystal King
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I had the pleasure of reading a fascinating retelling of the Persephone and Hades story, which included Salvador DalĂ!!!
In this version of the famed Greek mythology tale set in Sacro Bosco, a young model and aspiring artist, Julia, has been hired by DalĂ to model for his painting of Persephone. The artist, his muse, his wife, and various employees settle into a grand palazzo whose gardens will be captured in the painting.
But Julia’s time at the palazzo has her in upheaval as she finds herself drawn to Ignazio, the owner, despite the enigmatic events that unfold over the week. DalĂ tries to convince her to eat the pomegranate seeds to return to her king while she has dreams that make little sense to her.
Why Kirsten loves it
The epic meals were described with such accuracy that I could taste them while reading. The garden with its various stone statues (look it up – it’s a real place) was the perfect setting for this literary retelling. I’ve never read a book quite like it. It felt like a DalĂ painting in written form! #Gifted by Mira Books
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Mythology Books
Neon Gods
Author: Katee Robert
Year: 2021
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Dark Olympus #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Persephone is a socialite in the Olympus scene where she routinely mingles with the 13 gods. But she was not preparing to be betrothed to Zeus, so she hatches a plan and runs to Hades for help in stopping the wedding. Set in a modern city, the Gods in this story are not like those in Greek myth.
Why Kirsten loves it
WHEW… this was one STEAMY story! I wasn’t quite prepared for how devious Hades was in this version. I did love seeing Olympus in a modern setting and I really enjoyed how Hades and Persephone outwitted the rest of the 13. I was expecting a modern retelling of Hades and Persephone’s love story from the description – I was not expecting a book like Fifty Shades of Grey! While I liked the story a great deal, if you aren’t into erotica, you won’t want to pick up this adult fantasy novel.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Greek Mythology Retellings / Grumpy-Sunshine Romance Books
Multi-Narrator Greek Mythology Retellings
A Thousand Ships
Author: Natalie Haynes
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I loved this take on the traditional Greek stories surrounding the Trojan War. They are all told by the women in the mythology which is certainly a perspective that doesn’t get much play. From Amazonian warriors to Queens like Penelope, each of the famous female figures in Greek mythology gets their own moment in the son in this epic tale.
Why Kirsten loves it
Penelope’s chapters in particular had me laughing out loud. I highly recommend this classic retelling to Greek mythology lovers and lovers of adult fantasy books.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Classic Book Retellings
Phaedra
Author: Laura Shepperson
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I’ve been binge-reading Greek mythology retellings recently, particularly those stories that reimagine the roles of women. Phaedra’s tale is one that is traditionally told to make the woman out to be the evil seductress, ultimately responsible for destroying the stepson she seduced and being murdered for it.
Instead, Shepperson takes a look at the more likely scenario – that Phaedra was manipulated by her family, her husband, and her new city – ending in her pregnancy and a trial for her life.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
I was captivated by this Greek tragedy until the last page. It was eye-opening to read the realities of what probably would have happened to Phaedra.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings
Elektra
Author: Jennifer Saint
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Elektra is told from the perspective of three women linked to the famed ruler Agamemnon. His wife, Clytemnestra, his daughter, Elektra, and the Troy princess, Cassandra.
Starting with the Agamemnon sacrificing one of his daughters to the gods of war, we see how these three women’s lives are impacted by his involvement in the Trojan War and how trauma can have a profound impact on those who experience it.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s official. I will read anything that Jennifer Saint writes because she nails it every time! In Elektra, Saint once again weaves a masterful tale. She’s the modern-day Homer and I can’t wait to read whatever greek mythology retellings she writes next!
Find this book in: Mythology Books / Greek Mythology Retellings
Greek Mythology Retellings for Tweens and Teens
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2005
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age:9-13
More info:
Percy Jackson and The Olympian Book #1
Currently a Series on Disney Plus
Plot
This first Percy Jackson book is about our beloved Percy, who discovers he is a demi-god and must recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt. He travels into the underworld to locate the lightning bolt and, at the same time, try to save his mother.
His amazing adventures with Annabeth and Grover along the way create the foundation for all the books that follow in this amazing and epic series.
Why Jackie loves it
I don’t think anyone has read this middle grade fantasy series and not loved it. It’s a contemporary Greek mythology retelling for the ages. It is fun and exciting!
Adaptation Information
While the original films based on the books are generally considered to be flops, the show adapted on Disney+ is fantastic! Season 2 is currently being filmed and will follow the second book in the series.
Find this book in: Percy Jackson Books in Order / Rick Riordan Books / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Books like Keeper of the Lost Cities / Tween & Teen Fantasy Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
Lovely War
Author: Julie Berry
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In this novel, Aphrodite is telling the story of 2 wartime couples who show that love can thrive no matter the obstacles in their path. Pianist Hazel meets new solider James at a party in London before he’s off to the battlefields of war. Meanwhile, Audrey is a gifted musician off to fight in the 15th New York Infantry, an all-Black regiment sent to Europe to help win World War 1. There, he meets Colette, a Belgian singer whose life has already been devastated by the war.
Over the course of the story, both couples navigate the complexities of a wartorn romance while Aphrodite tries to use their tale to get out of a pickle involving her husband, Hephaestus, and her lover, Ares during WWII.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, PTSD, War
Why Kirsten loves it
This book’s premise had me a little skeptical, Greek Gods telling a love story set in WWI? I didn’t think it was up my alley. I must have had it recommended to me almost a dozen times now, and now I’m the one recommending this young adult fantasy novel. It was two, sort of three, love stories in one historical romance book, but it touched on racism, PTSD, and the sacrifices of war. It was so well handled that I was sad to see it end.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings/ YA Historical Fiction / YA Fantasy Books / Historical Romances / Fun Books for Teens / Best YA Romance Books
The Trials of Apollo
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9-12
More info: The Trials of Apollo #1
Plot
The Greek god Apollo, transformed into a mortal, is sent on a quest to regain his immortality. He sets off with his Demi-god master to free the Oracles from the Triumvirate. Along the way, they battle Roman emperors, make new friends, and get stuck in many deadly situations.
Why Jackie loves it
The first in a 5-part series, this is one Greek mythology retelling you won’t have read before. And while this is technically middle grade, if you love YA fantasy novels, you will love this book at any age.
Find this book in: The Trials of Apollo Books in Order / Books like Percy Jackson / Greek Mythology Retellings
The OG Greek Stories You Have to Read
Plot
This is the classic tale of Odysseus’s struggle to leave the Trojan War and return to his beloved wife, Penelope, and his homeland of Ithaca. Homer’s original tale has spawned countless retellings, movie adaptations, and literary scholars. From epic monsters to vengeful gods this book is filled with iconic legends and stories within stories.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is a reason this boat book is one of my favorite books of all time. I find this classic tale to be so entertaining. Â It’s a classic for a reason. Odysseus’s struggle to get home to his family is truly epic. Those Greeks sure knew what they were doing.
Find this book in: Literary Classics / Long Books / Boat Books / Greek Mythology / Kirsten’s Favorite Books
D’aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths
Author: Ingri d’Aulaire and Edgar Parin d’AulaireÂ
Year: 1962
Genre: Picture Book Anthology
Age Range: 10+
Plot
Each myth is only a page or two and has gorgeous illustrations to accompany it. It’s worth reading if you want to get a broad knowledge of the famous myths.
Why Kirsten loves it
D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths introduced so many kids to Greek Mythology. I discovered my love of the myths from this book as a child and my own children love this classic now.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retelling
More Greek Mythology Retellings
Helpful Tips
- If you are unsure of which book to read first, check out a retelling of your favorite myth!
- You also need to decide if you want a retelling set in ancient times or a modern update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many Greek myth retellings?
The original Greek myths have stood the test of time for their ability to entertain while teaching a moral lesson or explaining a natural phenomenon. Because they have remained so popular, authors have enjoyed updating the stories for modern audiences.
Can you recommend any good books that tell the Greek myths in a new way?
Yes! I highly recommend Song of Achilles, Stone Blind, and The Shadow of Perseus.
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