Greek mythology has captivated readers for centuries with its epic tales of gods, heroes, and legendary battles. From the tragic love of Orpheus and Eurydice to the mighty quests of Hercules, these ancient stories continue to inspire modern retellings that breathe new life into timeless myths.
Whether you love fresh perspectives on well-known legends or enjoy diving into lesser-explored myths, this list offers 20 incredible books that reimagine Greek mythology in fascinating ways.
1. The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
This beautifully written novel tells the story of Achilles through the eyes of Patroclus, his closest companion. As they grow from childhood friends to inseparable warriors, their bond is tested by destiny, war, and the gods themselves. A moving and poetic retelling of The Iliad, this book explores love, fate, and the cost of heroism.
2. Circe – Madeline Miller
Circe, the infamous witch from The Odyssey, takes center stage in this novel that follows her life from an overlooked nymph to a powerful sorceress. Cast away on a deserted island, she hones her magic, crosses paths with legendary figures, and discovers her own strength. A rich, character-driven story about self-discovery, independence, and resilience.
3. Ariadne – Jennifer Saint
This novel follows Ariadne, the Cretan princess who helps Theseus defeat the Minotaur, only to be abandoned on an island. Her journey from betrayal to self-determination is intertwined with the fate of her sister, Phaedra, offering a fresh and emotional perspective on the well-known myth. A story of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the struggle for agency in a world ruled by gods and men.
4. Elektra – Jennifer Saint
Told from the perspectives of Elektra, her mother Clytemnestra, and Cassandra, the doomed Trojan princess, this novel explores the themes of revenge, fate, and justice. Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War and its aftermath, it brings the often-overlooked women of Greek mythology to the forefront. A gripping, dramatic retelling filled with tragedy and ambition.
5. The Silence of the Girls – Pat Barker
This novel reimagines The Iliad from the perspective of Briseis, the enslaved Trojan woman given to Achilles as a prize of war. It sheds light on the experiences of women during the Trojan War, offering a haunting and powerful retelling of an often-romanticized conflict. A deeply human story about survival, resistance, and the hidden voices of history.
6. The Women of Troy – Pat Barker
A sequel to The Silence of the Girls, this book continues Briseis’ journey after the fall of Troy. As the captive women of Troy await their fates, the novel explores grief, resilience, and the struggle to reclaim dignity in the face of devastation. A powerful exploration of the aftermath of war through the eyes of those often forgotten.
7. Pandora – Susan Stokes-Chapman
A historical and mythological retelling set in Georgian London, this novel follows Dora Blake, an aspiring artist who stumbles upon a mysterious ancient vase linked to the myth of Pandora. As secrets unravel, she is drawn into a world of intrigue, danger, and fate. A beautifully crafted story that blends mythology with historical fiction.
8. Atalanta – Jennifer Saint
Atalanta, the only female Argonaut, finally gets her own epic tale in this novel that reimagines her legendary journey. Raised by bears and favored by Artemis, she joins Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece, determined to prove herself among the greatest heroes. A thrilling adventure of defiance, ambition, and destiny.
9. Ithaca – Claire North
This novel offers a fresh take on Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, who rules Ithaca in his long absence. While the world sees her as a quiet, patient queen, she is secretly shaping the future of her kingdom. A clever, political retelling that highlights the power of women in the shadows of myth.
10. The Penelopiad – Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood reimagines The Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope and her twelve doomed maids. Told in a unique, often darkly humorous style, the novel questions traditional heroism and justice in Greek mythology. A thought-provoking and witty exploration of one of myth’s most enduring female figures.
11. Daughters of Sparta – Claire Heywood
This novel tells the stories of Helen of Troy and her sister Clytemnestra, exploring their lives beyond their roles in myth. From their forced marriages to their struggles for agency, it humanizes these legendary women and reexamines their choices in a world controlled by men. A deeply emotional retelling filled with intrigue and drama.
12. For the Most Beautiful – Emily Hauser
A retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of two overlooked women, Krisayis and Briseis, this novel explores love, ambition, and survival. As they navigate the war’s chaos, their fates become entwined with the gods and heroes of legend. A compelling take on a well-known myth from a fresh point of view.
13. The Wolf Den – Elodie Harper
This novel follows Amara, a once-free woman who is sold into a brothel in Pompeii. Though not a direct retelling of a single Greek myth, it weaves themes from classical mythology into a historical setting, exploring survival, defiance, and the role of women in the ancient world. A powerful, immersive read for mythology and history lovers alike.
14. Stone Blind – Natalie Haynes
Medusa, one of mythology’s most misunderstood figures, gets her story told in this novel. Instead of a monster, she is portrayed as a girl turned into a legend by fate and cruelty. A beautifully written exploration of victimhood, power, and the myths that define us.
15. A Thousand Ships – Natalie Haynes
This novel tells the story of the Trojan War from the perspectives of the women affected by it, from queens and goddesses to slaves and survivors. Inspired by The Iliad, it gives voice to those who were often mere footnotes in epic poetry. A powerful, multi-layered retelling that reclaims women’s narratives in Greek mythology.
16. Gods of Jade and Shadow – Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Though primarily inspired by Mayan mythology, this book has elements that resonate with fans of Greek mythological retellings. It follows a young woman who embarks on a quest with the god of death, blending fate, adventure, and ancient lore in a compelling fantasy setting.
17. The Shadow of Perseus – Claire Heywood
This novel reimagines the story of Perseus through the perspectives of the three women central to his myth: Danae, Medusa, and Andromeda. It removes the magic and gods, offering a historically grounded take on the legendary hero. A fascinating retelling that questions the traditional narratives of heroism.
18. Orpheus and Eurydice – Alice Oswald
A poetic reimagining of the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice, this book explores loss, music, and the power of storytelling. It breathes new life into one of mythology’s most heartbreaking tales.
19. The King Must Die – Mary Renault
A historical retelling of the life of Theseus, this novel blends mythology with historical fiction. It explores his journey from a young prince to the slayer of the Minotaur, offering a more realistic take on his legendary feats. A must-read for those who enjoy mythology with a historical twist.
20. The Bull from the Sea – Mary Renault
The sequel to The King Must Die, this book continues Theseus’ story as he faces new challenges, from war to betrayal. A rich and immersive read that brings Greek myths to life in unexpected ways.