Greek mythology has long captivated readers with its tales of gods, monsters, and heroes. If you’re a fan of this timeless mythos, then you’ll love these ten fantasy books that draw inspiration from Greek mythology.
From modern retellings of classic myths to original stories set in the world of the gods, these books offer something for every reader. There are many fantastic books that draw on this ancient body of stories. Whether you’re looking for romance, action, or a bit of both, you’ll find it in this list.
Here are 10 fantasy books based on Greek mythology that you won’t want to miss:
- Circe by Madeline Miller
- The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
- Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Ilium by Dan Simmons
- Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews
- Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
- Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen
- To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
- The Siren by Kiera Cass
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Now that we’ve shared our top ten picks for fantasy books based on Greek mythology, let’s delve into each one in more detail. From tales of powerful goddesses and demigods to retellings of classic myths, these books offer something for every fan of Greek mythology.
So without further ado, here are our top 10 fantasy books based on Greek mythology.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Circe is a retelling of the Greek myth of the titular character, a sorceress who famously turned her lovers into beasts.
In this novel, Circe grapples with her powers and her relationships with the gods and mortals as she journeys from her island home to the heart of the ancient world.
Miller’s writing is lyrical and immersive, bringing the ancient world to life in a way that is both familiar and fresh. The novel delves into themes of power, identity, and femininity, making it a thought-provoking and deeply moving read for fans of fantasy and mythology.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
Circe is a beautiful and captivating retelling of the story of the famous Greek sorceress. It is perfect for readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction, mythology, and strong female protagonists.
This book is sure to delight anyone who enjoys a beautifully written, captivating story with a touch of magic. So if you’re a fan of Greek mythology, or just love a good character-driven story, Circe is definitely worth checking out!
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades, set in the contemporary world.
In the novel, seventeen-year-old Kate is offered a deal by the god Hades: if she passes his seven tests, she will become a goddess and be able to bring her mother back from the dead.
As Kate navigates the challenges set before her, she must also confront her feelings for the enigmatic Hades and decide what she is willing to sacrifice for the people she loves. Carter’s writing is fast-paced and engaging, making The Goddess Test a perfect choice for fans of Greek mythology and romance.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter might be a great pick for someone who enjoys retellings of Greek myths with a modern twist. It is written in a compelling and engaging voice, with relatable characters and a captivating plot. If you’re into romance, mythology, and coming-of-age stories, you might really enjoy this one!
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.80
Most Common Rating: 5
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a fantasy novel inspired by Greek mythology. It follows the story of Alex, a demigod who is the daughter of a human and a Greek god. As she navigates the dangerous world of the demigods, she must confront her own identity and the secrets of her past.
Along the way, she discovers the truth about her own powers and the role she is meant to play in the ongoing battle between the gods. The novel combines elements of Greek mythology with a modern, young adult setting, making it a unique and captivating read for fans of both genres.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a great pick for fans of Greek mythology and romance. If you’re looking for a thrilling and emotional read with a strong, kickass protagonist, this book is for you! It’s also great for those who enjoy a bit of action and intrigue in their fantasy stories. If you’re a fan of stories about forbidden love, family secrets, and fighting for what you believe in, you’ll definitely enjoy Half-Blood.
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.11
Most Common Rating: 5
Ilium by Dan Simmons
Ilium by Dan Simmons is a science fiction novel that retells the story of the Trojan War through the eyes of two immortal beings – one a clone of Homer, the other a reanimated Achilles.
Set in the future, the story follows these characters as they navigate the complex politics and rivalries of their time, while also dealing with their own personal demons and the weight of their own legendary histories.
As they fight for survival and redemption, they must also confront the harsh realities of war and the nature of their own immortality. Overall, Ilium is a unique and thought-provoking twist on Greek mythology that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the meaning of legacy.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
If you’re a fan of science fiction and epic fantasy – or are intrigued by the idea of Greek mythology with futuristic elements – you may enjoy Ilium. The book also explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read for those who enjoy these themes in their fantasy books.
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.03
Most Common Rating: 4
Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews
Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews is a young adult fantasy novel that retells the story of the Greek hero, King Leonidas, through the eyes of his daughter, Princess Artemesia. As the only child of the king, Artemesia is expected to marry a powerful suitor and bear sons to continue the royal line.
But Artemesia has other plans – she wants to be a warrior like her father and prove her worth on the battlefield. When the Persians threaten to invade Sparta, Artemesia seizes the opportunity to prove herself and fights alongside her father in the Battle of Thermopylae.
Along the way, she must confront her own biases and prejudices, as well as navigate the complex relationships within her royal family.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
Anyone who is a fan of Greek mythology and strong, badass female characters would likely enjoy Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews. The same applies if you’re into action, adventure, and fierce female protagonists!
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.82
Most Common Rating: 4
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks follows the story of Emma, a human girl who discovers that she is a mermaid princess.
When she meets Galen, a merman prince, she learns that she is part of a prophecy that could save or destroy their underwater kingdom.
As Emma navigates the dangerous politics of the mermaid world and falls in love with Galen, she must also confront the dark forces that threaten to tear them apart. This book combines elements of Greek mythology with a thrilling romance and coming-of-age story.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
“Of Poseidon” by Anna Banks is a great read for anyone who loves fantasy and romance. If you’re a fan of stories about mermaids and other underwater creatures, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. It’s a great adventure that’s full of action, suspense, and of course a touch of romance.
Moreover, if you’re looking for a heartwarming story that explore the themes of identity and self-discovery, this might be the book for you!
Average Goodread Rating: 4.00
Most Common Rating: 5
Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen is a young adult fantasy novel that tells the story of Nic, a slave who is chosen to be the host for the spirit of the god Hades.
When Hades possesses Nic, he gains access to all the god’s magical powers and becomes a target for other gods and demigods who seek to use his powers for their own gain.
As Nic struggles to control his new powers and navigate the dangerous world of Greek mythology, he must also confront the truth about his past and his own identity.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
Mark of the Thief by Jennifer A. Nielsen would be a great pick for readers who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed fantasy stories with a touch of ancient Greek mythology.
Fans of Percy Jackson and the Olympians or The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan might especially enjoy this book, as it features similar elements of mythological creatures and ancient civilizations.
This book is also well-suited for readers who enjoy a good underdog story, as the main character, Nic, starts out as a lowly slave but eventually becomes a hero in his own right. Overall, Mark of the Thief is a thrilling and enjoyable read for anyone who loves a good fantasy adventure.
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.95
Most Common Rating: 4
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo is a young adult fantasy novel that retells the story of the Little Mermaid from the perspective of the mermaid princess, Lira, and the prince she falls in love with, Prince Elian. In this version, Lira is known as the “heartless” princess because she has the ability to steal hearts and give them to the Sea Queen in exchange for magic and power.
Elian, on the other hand, is a prince with a reputation for killing sirens – mythical creatures who lure sailors to their deaths with their beautiful singing. When Elian and Lira meet, they are immediately drawn to each other, but they also know that they are enemies.
As they navigate their complicated feelings and the dangers that threaten their respective kingdoms, they must also confront the dark secrets of their pasts and the real reason behind their animosity. Will they be able to overcome their differences and find a way to be together, or will their loyalty to their families and their kingdoms keep them apart?
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
To Kill a Kingdom is a fantasy novel that would likely appeal to readers who enjoy stories with complex characters, fast-paced action, and a mix of romance and adventure.
It may also be of interest to readers who enjoy retellings of classic stories, as it is a loose retelling of the Little Mermaid. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology and enjoy reading about fierce, independent female protagonists and complex, layered love interests, then you might really enjoy this book.
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.78
Most Common Rating: 4
The Siren by Kiera Cass
In The Siren, fantasy and romance collide when seventeen-year-old Emma learns that she is the reincarnation of a mermaid princess and is tasked with saving her mermaid homeland from an ancient curse.
Along the way, she meets a boy named Galen who is hiding his own mermaid secret and the two form a strong connection as they navigate the dangerous waters of their new identities and try to defeat the curse.
The book follows Emma as she struggles to come to terms with her mermaid heritage and finds herself caught between two worlds – the land and the sea – as she tries to save her people and find love.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
This book would be a great choice for readers who enjoy fantasy stories with a dash of romance and a unique twist on mythological creatures.
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.71
Most Common Rating: 4
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a retelling of the classic Greek myth of the Trojan War, focusing on the relationship between Achilles, the greatest warrior of the age, and Patroclus, his closest companion.
The novel explores the complex bond between the two men and their roles in the fateful events that led to the fall of the city of Troy. It is a beautifully written and emotionally powerful tale that brings the myth to life in a fresh and engaging way.
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
People who enjoy historical fiction, retellings of Greek myths, and romance stories would likely enjoy The Song of Achilles. It explores themes of loyalty, love, and fate, and has been praised for its beautiful prose and emotional depth. Fans of Miller’s other work, such as Circe, may also enjoy this book.
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.37
Most Common Rating: 5
Conclusion
These ten fantasy books offer a diverse range of stories and themes, all inspired by the rich tradition of Greek mythology. Whether you’re a fan of modern retellings or original stories set in the mythical world of the Greek gods, you’ll find something to love on this list.
So if you’re ready to dive into the world of Greek mythology, start with one of these amazing fantasy books and let the adventure begin!
