Ancient Egypt is filled with fascinating myths of gods, pharaohs, and legendary creatures, making it the perfect inspiration for incredible stories. Whether you’re drawn to epic battles between deities, thrilling adventures through hidden tombs, or modern reimaginings of ancient legends, these books bring Egyptian mythology to life in new and exciting ways.
From young heroes discovering their divine lineage to historical figures reinterpreted through fantasy, this list of 10 mythological retellings will transport you to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure.
1. The Red Pyramid – Rick Riordan
The first book in The Kane Chronicles, The Red Pyramid follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their connection to Egyptian gods. After their father accidentally unleashes the powerful god Set, the siblings must embrace their hidden abilities and navigate a world filled with magic, danger, and divine conflicts. Packed with humor, adventure, and mythology, this book is a great modern introduction to Egyptian legends.
2. Servant of the Jackal God – Keith Taylor
This dark fantasy novel is inspired by the myths of Anubis, the jackal-headed god of the afterlife. When an ancient curse is unleashed, a warrior and a priestess must navigate treacherous tombs and sacred temples to prevent chaos from spreading. With atmospheric world-building and deep ties to Egyptian mythology, this book offers an immersive experience.
3. The Mask of Ra – Paul Doherty
Blending historical fiction with a murder mystery, this novel follows Pharaoh Tuthmosis II’s mysterious death. As his court descends into suspicion and chaos, a detective must uncover the truth behind the assassination. With vivid depictions of ancient Egyptian life and a plot full of intrigue, this book is perfect for fans of both history and mythology.
4. The Chaos of Stars – Kiersten White
This unique retelling follows Isadora, the teenage daughter of Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris, who wants nothing to do with her divine heritage. When she moves to the human world to escape the expectations of her immortal family, she discovers that the myths she left behind are far from over. A mix of romance, humor, and mythology, this novel offers a fresh, modern take on Egyptian legends.
5. Reawakened – Colleen Houck
Lily, a wealthy New York teen, stumbles upon Amon, an ancient Egyptian prince who has been awakened to fulfill his duty of protecting the world from evil. As she is drawn into his quest, she finds herself in a race against time to stop dark forces from rising. Combining romance, adventure, and Egyptian mythology, this novel is a captivating journey through both ancient and modern worlds.
6. The Book of Chaos – Jessica Renwick
When a hidden book containing the secrets of ancient Egyptian magic falls into the wrong hands, it’s up to a young heroine to prevent a disaster. As she deciphers cryptic symbols and faces mystical enemies, she learns more about her own connection to the gods. This fast-paced novel combines Egyptian mythology with mystery and adventure.
7. The Shadow Prince – Bree Despain
Inspired by the myth of Osiris and Set, this book follows Haden, a prince of the underworld, who is sent on a mission to retrieve a mortal girl named Daphne. But as he defies his destiny and falls for her, they uncover secrets that could change both their worlds forever. A mix of mythology, romance, and adventure, this novel reimagines Egyptian myth in a compelling way.
8. Sons of the Sphinx – Cheryl Carpinello
This time-travel adventure follows Rosa, a modern teen who discovers she has a connection to the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. Guided by the spirit of King Tut himself, she is sent on a mission to solve a historical mystery and prevent a terrible fate. Combining historical fiction with fantasy elements, this novel is perfect for readers fascinated by Egypt’s past.
9. The Anubis Gates – Tim Powers
This classic fantasy novel weaves Egyptian mythology into a thrilling time-travel adventure. The story follows Brendan Doyle, a literary scholar who is transported back to 19th-century London, where he encounters ancient Egyptian magic, dangerous sorcerers, and a plot that could alter history. With elements of mythology, mystery, and historical fiction, The Anubis Gates is a must-read for fans of intricate, mind-bending stories.
10. The Buried Pyramid – Jane Lindskold
This historical fantasy novel follows an adventurous archaeologist and his niece as they embark on a quest to find the lost tomb of Neferankhotep, an ancient Egyptian ruler shrouded in mystery. Along the way, they face rival treasure hunters, cryptic hieroglyphs, and supernatural forces guarding the tomb’s secrets. Blending historical detail with Egyptian mythology and an action-packed storyline, The Buried Pyramid is a thrilling read for those who love ancient legends mixed with adventure.