11+ of the Best Greek Mythology Books to Read After Watching Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’
So you just got done watching Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster in a sold out IMAX theater, The Odyssey, and that got you thinking about something other than the Roman Empire, so now you’re wanting to dive into some more Greek myths? I’ve got you. If you never read The Odyssey by Homer in school (I week for our education system), there are some translations worth checking out. But there are so many incredible Greek-inspired stories to add to your TBR list, depending on what you loved most from the movie (or if hearing about the movie everywhere piqued your interest in the ancient Greek world). I’ve curated the list below with various novels based on different aspects of the story you might like best: The battles? The mythology? The women’s side of the story? Or maybe you’re a comic book lover. Did you know there’s an incredible Webtoon turned bestselling graphic novel series about Hades and Persephone? What about a complete retelling of characters we thought we knew from the Trojan War? Yep. If you love magic, fantasy, and romance, I’ve got you covered there too. Basically, this list of Greek myth-inspired novels has a little something for everyone. I hope you find one or two worth reading, and it satiates your hunt for enjoying more fiction books inspired by our ancient world and their beliefs. Ultimately, I find Greek myths are all about the human condition. Even if there are gods and monsters, these stories touch on every human emotion, and most often, love. Of course, let me know if you have a favorite Greek myth retelling or recommendation in the comments.
If you don’t own a copy of The Odyssey yet:
The Odyssey by Homer (translated by Emily Wilson)
Safe to say, she wasn’t a fan of the film. But as the first woman to do an English translation of The Odyssey, her opinion holds a bit more weight than the average viewer. This translation is worth checking out.
Synopsis:
“Composed at the rosy-fingered dawn of world literature almost three millennia ago, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty, and power; about marriage and family; about travelers, hospitality, and the yearning for home.
This fresh, authoritative translation captures the beauty of this ancient poem as well as the drama of its narrative. Its characters are unforgettable, none more so than the “complicated” hero himself, a man of many disguises, many tricks, and many moods, who emerges in this version as a more fully rounded human being than ever before.
Written in iambic pentameter verse and a vivid, contemporary idiom, Emily Wilson’s Odyssey sings with a voice that echoes the epic’s music, sailing along at Homer’s swift, smooth pace.
A fascinating, informative introduction explores the Bronze Age milieu that produced the epic, the poem’s major themes, the controversies about its origins, and the unparalleled scope of its impact and influence. Maps drawn especially for this volume, a pronunciation glossary, and extensive notes and summaries of each book make this an Odyssey that will be treasured by a new generation of readers.”
The Odyssey by Homer (Penguin Clothbound Classic)
If you’re a book collector and you like pretty editions, this Penguin Clothbound Classic is a beautiful edition to add to your bookshelf.
“Homer’s classic epic of survival, revenge, and homecoming, translated by E. V. Rieu, now in a stunning clothbound edition designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, and featuring an Introduction by Peter V. Jones.”
If you love poetry + misunderstood Greek gods:
Hekate by Nikita Gill
Not only is this book absolutely stunning, but it’s written entirely in verse, so I’d highly recommend the audiobook to make it a more seamless reading experience. You can read my full review here.
Synopsis:
“Born into a world on fire, godling Hekate has never known safety. After her parents are on the losing side of the war between the Titans and Olympian gods, Hekate is taken to the Underworld, where Styx and Hades agree to raise her. Orphaned and alone, Hekate grows up, desperate to uncover her divine purpose and sense of belonging amongst the horrors and beauties that make the land of the dead.
When Hekate finally uncovers her powers and ascends as the goddess of witchcraft and necromancy, she realizes that even the most powerful Olympians fear her. But when immortal war breaks out again, threatening to destroy all everyone has ever known, Hekate finds that she's the only one who can bring the deadly conflict to an end.
In this stunningly intimate reimagining of a Greek myth, internationally renowned poet Nikita Gill showcases the underworld and its chthonic deities in all their glory, and weaves a gripping story about the young goddess Hekate coming of age within their midst.”
If you love an alternate interpretation of well known Greek myth characters:
The Song of Achilles and Circe by Madeline Miller
You honestly can’t have a list like this and not include these two magnificent stories by the master writer that is Madeline Miller. I can pretty much guarantee you’re going to cry reading these books (if you somehow haven’t read them yet). When I first started my Booktok The Song of Achilles was everywhere. And it’s such a beautifully written story. Similarly, with Circe, you’re getting a completely different take on everything we thought we knew about her in mythology.
If you’re interested in the women’s perspective of the Trojan War:
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Parker
This one shows the darker side of the Trojan War and what many of women went through, and shows Achilles in a different light than just a hero. Definitely check trigger warnings.
Synopsis:
“Queen Briseis has been stolen from her conquered homeland and given as a concubine to a foreign warrior. The warrior is Achilles: famed hero, loathed enemy, ruthless butcher, darkly troubled spirit. Briseis's fate is now indivisibly entwined with his.”
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
This is one on my own physical TBR that I’m so excited to read!
Synopsis:
“Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, this gorgeous mythological retelling of the Trojan War explores the conflict from the perspectives of the many women involved in its causes and consequences—for fans of Madeline Miller.
This is the women’s war, just as much as it is the men’s. They have waited long enough for their turn . . .
This was never the story of one woman, or two. It was the story of them all . . .
In the middle of the night, a woman wakes to find her beloved city engulfed in flames. Ten seemingly endless years of conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans are over. Troy has fallen.
From the Trojan women whose fates now lie in the hands of the Greeks, to the Amazon princess who fought Achilles on their behalf, to Penelope awaiting the return of Odysseus, to the three goddesses whose feud started it all, these are the stories of the women whose lives, loves, and rivalries were forever altered by this long and tragic war.
A woman’s epic, powerfully imbued with new life, A Thousand Ships puts the women, girls and goddesses at the center of the Western world’s great tale ever told.”
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Villainous Queen? Or completely misunderstood?
Synopsis:
“She's been called a murderer, a monster, a villain. But the truth was never hers to tell―until now.
Born a Spartan princess. Married to a tyrant. Forced to watch her child sacrificed to appease the gods. In a world where women are used, silenced, and discarded, Clytemnestra does not mourn―she waits. And when her moment comes, she rises not as a consort, but as a force of reckoning.
This stunning debut offers a radical reimagining of a woman long cast as villain. With immersive, poetic prose and a vividly rendered ancient world, Clytemnestra delivers a fierce, emotionally charged portrait of a heroine who reclaims her story from myth, fate, and the men who tried to write it for her.
For anyone who's ever been told to sit still, stay silent, or play nice―this is the story of what happens when a woman says no.”
If you love Graphic Novels:
Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
Don’t let the pretty colors and design fool you—this story is dark. But it’s beautifully done, and I guarantee you won’t be able to stop reading. I believe the ninth volume comes out later this Fall.
Synopsis:
“Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love—witness what the gods do after dark in this boxed set containing the first three hardcover volumes of the Eisner Award–winning webcomic Lore Olympus, a stylish and contemporary reimagining of one of the best-known stories in Greek mythology
An ingenious take on the Greek Pantheon, Lore Olympus is a modern update on the story of Hades and Persephone. Follow the propulsive love story of two Greek gods, told with lavish artwork and contemporary sensibilities.”
If you want to read a Greek god love story:
This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint
Enemies to lovers, but make them Greek gods?!
Synopsis:
“From the moment Aphrodite emerges fully formed from the sea, she is devastatingly beautiful and imbued with ancient power. Driven by passion yet strategic in how she moves through the halls of Olympus and the earthly realm alike, the free-willed goddess wields unparalleled influence over every living being.
When fate brings her face to face with Ares, she bristles at this surly, hot-tempered warrior who’s seemingly her opposite: disliked by everyone and devoted to stirring up conflict. Yet these gods are no more immune to the dizzying highs and lows of love and loss than anyone else, and soon, they are irresistibly drawn to one another.
As their love affair spans mortal lifetimes, Aphrodite begins to question the gods’ games and her role in them. But there’s only so much room for fire and passion in Zeus’s kingdom. Before long, she must test her devotion to her own divine purpose—and to a love that can only lead to ruin.”
If you want to read more mythical fantasy books (not Greek):
Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
One of my favorite reads last year, and this is perfect if you’re feeling tired of the same ole Greek gods and want to explore and entirely new pantheon of gods that are heavily inspired by Greek gods. The writing is stunning, and yes, there is romance. P.S. this is the prequel to Divine Rivals, one of my favorite books of all time.
Synopsis:
“Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic. But in a land where gods often kill each other to steal power and alliances break as quickly as they are forged, Matilda must come of age sooner than most. She may be known to carry words and letters through the realms, but she holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest of allies to ensure her survival. And to complicate matters . . . there is a mortal boy who dreams of her, despite the fact they have never met in the waking world.
Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life―begging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. When his request went unanswered, Vincent moved on, becoming the hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda. That is, until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.
As Fate would have it, Matilda and Vincent were destined to find each other beyond dreams. There may be a chance for Matilda to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, but at immense sacrifice. She will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: to be vulnerable, and to allow herself to finally be loved.”
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