Mythology Books
Mythology stories have remained popular for centuries because of their life lessons, fantasy elements, and epic adventures. These mythology books explore Norse, Greek, Indian, and Middle Eastern stories that are central to the cultures they come from.
While Greek mythology retellings have been popular for some time, the recent uptick in retellings of mythology stories from other cultures is a wonderful publishing trend. Jackie may be our fantasy book guru, but when it comes to mythology, I’m the local expert! Below are all the mythology books that have captured my attention. This post fulfills a prompt for the 2025 reading challenge!
The Best Mythology Books
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 Celtic Mythology Book
The Lost Queen by Signe Pike – Jump to Section
The Best Greek Mythology Book
Circe by Madeline Miller – Jump to Section
The Best Asian Mythology Book
A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang – Jump to Section
The Best Middle Eastern Mythology Book
City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty – 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.
Norse and Celtic Mythology
The Lost Queen
Author: Signe Pike
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Book 1 of 3 in The Lost Queen
Age Range: 18+
Plot
If you love Outlander, The Mists of Avalon, or The Clan of the Cave Bear, then you will love this pick from royal reads. Set in Britain/ Scotland when Christianity is poised to become the religion of the country, a future queen who swore to the old ways is learning how to balance the needs of her people and her religion with the role she’s expected to play.
Meanwhile, her twin brother is training to be the man history knows as Merlin. The first in a new trilogy about Arthurian legend.
This book is a perfect pick for a list of books like A Discovery of Witches or a list of books like Outlander. If you love books set in Scotland, this book is a must-read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love historical fiction books and I also love stories about King Arthur. This series is perfect for me especially because it also takes place in Scotland. This is a triple win in my books.
Why Jackie loves it
When I first got this book, I wasn’t sure that I was going to like it. I had a very difficult time reading it since I could not pronounce any of the names. As soon as I started listening to this book, I was immediately drawn into the story. If you love historical fiction or historical fantasy, I would highly suggest listening to this series.
Find this book in: Best Books About Scotland / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / The Best Witch Books / Books like Outlander / Mythology Books
A Fate Inked in Blood
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Year: 2024
Genre: Mythology
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I love Greek mythology retellings and recently have started reading mythology retellings from other cultures too! Outside of Marvel’s Thor movies, I don’t know much about Norse mythology, so I was particularly eager to dive into this book.
The first in a trilogy, the story follows Freya, who goes from being a fishwife to the kingmaker after her goddess blood is discovered. Sworn in oath to one man; but burning with passion for another, Freya is one of the fiercest heroines I’ve ever read.
Why Kirsten loves it
This STEAMY romantasy is filled with blood lust, battle scenes, and world-building. I was transfixed by Jensen’s ability to weave such a mythical world. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, especially after the way this one ended!!
Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Novels / Books set in Winter / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books
The Sword of Summer
Author: Rick Riordan
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9-12
More info: Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1
Plot
This middle school fantasy series by Rick Riordan is based on Norse Mythology. Magnus Chase dies in battle and is brought to Valhalla where he is given the task of bringing back a powerful weapon to keep the monsters at bay and stop Ragnarok from destroying everything.
Why Jackie loves it
Like the Percy Jackson series, this mythology retelling is creative and captivating. Without giving too much away about this trilogy, I can tell you that if you loved Percy, you’ll love this one too!
Find this book in: Books Like Percy Jackson / Magnus Chase Series Order / Fantasy Book for Tweens / Mythology Books
Greek Mythology
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
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
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
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
Indian and Asian Mythology
A Song to Drown Rivers
Author: Ann Liang
Year: October 1, 2024
Genre: Mythology
More info: October 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Xishi lives in the village of Yue with her parents still mourning the loss of her beloved younger sister at the hands of the Wu warriors. Fanli is a military advisor to the king who recognizes that Xishi’s beauty can be used as a weapon to help infiltrate the enemy palace of Wu. She agrees so she can help the kingdom and avenge her sister’s murder.
He trains her in everything from dancing and etiquette to the art of seduction and sends her to the king. Her goal is to infiltrate the court and make the king fall in love with her. Once inside the palace, the king is drawn to her, and she rises through the court. But one mistake can bring the whole kingdom crashing down. She must strategize and navigate enemy territory without drawing any suspicion, or her punishment will be torture and then death.
This book is Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China which is why it is included in the fantasy category. Those looking for magic and world-building will not find it in this book, but it remains a 5-star read and one of the best new fantasy books of the year.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. The story is beautifully written. The plot pulled me in from the first page and was non-stop throughout the book. My heart felt the pain of Xishi’s loss and the anxiety of living a second life “undercover”. This story is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time #gifted
Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club List/ Most Anticipated October 2024 Book Releases / October 2024 Celebrity Book Club Spoilers / Mythology Books / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Best Books of 2024
Kaikeyi
Author: Vaishnavi Patel
Year: 2022
Genre: Mythology
More info: A 2023 Ignyte Award Finalist, Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I love a good mythology retelling, but usually, I read Greek mythology. Kaikeyi is a retelling of a story well-known in the Hindu religion.
At the mercy of her father who is securing an alliance through her marriage, and feeling abandoned by the gods, Kaikeyi turns to an ancient tome of magic. She uses it to go from being a pawn to a fierce warrior queen. But soon the path she’s created for herself goes up against the might of the gods and their wishes. Can she continue to forge her destiny or is she still at the mercy of the gods and men around her?
Why Kirsten loves it
While I can’t attest to the accuracy of the tale, I can say that I was utterly captivated by the story of Kaikeyi’s life. I learned that she is a villain in Hindu but I found Patel’s narrative so compelling that I felt for Kaikeyi and supported all of her decisions. If you are a fan of Ariadne, Circe, or other mythological retellings, you must pick up this book. It’s wonderful.
Find this book in: Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Adult Fantasy Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2022 / Mythology Books
Aru Shah and the End of Time
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mythology
Age: 9+
More info: Book 1 of 5 of Aru Shah
A Rick Riordan Presents Book
Plot
Aru Shah is a Rick Riordan Presents story based on ancient Indian mythology. Twelve-year-old heroine Aru is a storyteller who stretches the truth. But on a dare from classmates trying to catch her lying, she lights a lamp that sets an ancient demon free.
Now she’s on a mission to find the legendary Panda Brothers and return the demon to the land it came from. The first in the series, this is a great one for anyone who loves mythology, demons, magic and page-turning action.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love mythology books and this one is no exception. Demons and magic had me flipping the pages of this one as fast as I could read it.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Books like Percy Jackson / Mythology Books
Middle East Mythology
The City of Brass
Author: S. A. Chakraborty
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: The Daevabad Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This historical fantasy takes place in 18th-century Cairo. When Nahri accidentally summons Dara, a Djinn warrior, she is swept to Daevabad, the City of Brass. Soon Nahri must learn who to trust in a city when magic cannot shield her from the danger that threatens from all around her.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book a few years ago when we first started the blog. This book was one of the books that got me back into reading fantasy, one of my favorite genres to read.
Find this book in: Mythology Books / Books about Con Artists / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Novels Set in Egypt
The Golem and the Jinni
Author: Helene Wecker
Year: 2013
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Golem and the Jinni #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Chava arrives in New York in 1899. She is a Golem whose master has died on the voyage. When. Rabbi recognizes her for the creature that she is, he takes her in. Ahmed is a Jinni who is in Manhattan but is still not free. When Amed and Chava meet, they fall in love.
Why Jackie loves it
This historical fantasy combines fables from two cultures into one magical read. It left me feeling hopeful, with a smile on my face.
Find this book in: Mythology Books / Books Set in New York
Other Mythology Books
The Bear and the Nightingale
Author: Katherine Arden
Year: 2017
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Book one of the Winternight Trilogy
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fantasy book which is based on Russian folklore was a slow build. I wasn’t sure about it until about halfway through when I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I went out to buy the sequel (The Girl in the Tower) immediately because I needed to find out what had happened.
Vasya lives with her family on the edge of a Russian forest where they hear stories of the Blue-eyed winter demon and honor household spirits. When Vasya’s dad brings home a new stepmother who forbids these practices, misfortunes follow. Vasya now must use the gifts that she has kept hidden all these years.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a parent
Why Jackie loves it
The plot of this story is detailed and unlike anything I have ever read. I felt invested in following Vasya’s story. The writing is captivating and I loved this trilogy in its entirety. I felt like all three books were needed to make this a complete story.
Find this book in: Fairy Tale Retellings / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books
The Gods of Jade and Shadow
Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Year: 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I don’t know what took me so long to read this amazing young adult fantasy book. I heard such great things and I did not want to be disappointed but, I was also afraid that it would be dark. Somehow, despite being about the god of Death, this was not a dark or heavy book.
Casiopea lives in her grandfather’s home with her mother who is forced to clean. She dreams of leaving someday. When she accidentally frees the Mayan god of death, he attaches himself to her and she must go with him to free him from his brother’s curse.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book and its completely unique story.
Find this book in: 1920s Novels / Mythology Books / Female Bipoc Authors
Helpful Tips
- Try picking a mythology book from a culture you don’t know as much about! It’s fun to learn about local traditions through these epic adventures.
- Mythology books tend to be thick! Don’t be surprised if they are 400+ pages each!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best mythology to read?
Depending on the culture you are interested in reading about, I recommend Kaikeyi, The Lost Queen, and Circe.
What are mythology books?
Mythology books tell a myth or story from a specific religion or regional culture. Myths tend to have moral lessons embedded within the story or were used to explain how the natural world works before science gave more accurate explanations!
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Epilogue
It looks like Jackie is a big mythology fan too! Which mythology books have you read and which are you adding to your TBR? Are there any you think I should pick up immediately? Let me know below!
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