Greek Mythology has always been a favorite in the readers community, mainly because of its all in one nature. It has vengeful gods, legendary figures, extravagant romances, and evil actions.It should come as no surprise that authors keep returning to these stories for inspiration because they are transformational narratives that delve into the whole gamut of human experience.Here is a list that compiles all these beautiful tales of bravery and prowess that are sure to make you think out loud.
The Song Achilles By – Madeline Miller
Pages- 416
Publisher- Bloomsbury
It is needless to say that this book is one of the most excruciatingly painful books of the century. All the reels on instagram and tik toks have convinced all of us that this book should not just dust around in our bookshelves. It’s a story of the Trojan war from the perspective of Patroclus. With a focus on their romantic relationship, the book chronicles Patroclus’s journey with Achilles from their first meeting to their exploits during the Trojan War. The Song of Achilles won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2012.Homer’s timeless masterpiece, This tale, is masterfully reimagined in The Song of Achilles, a stunning literary achievement that tells a story of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart. Miller’s debut novel has already received overwhelmingly positive reviews from some of the biggest names in contemporary fiction.It is an action-packed adventure with an epic love story. This isn’t news to anyone that it might leave you crying your eyeballs out but it is definitely worth doing that for. This story will stay with you for way longer than you anticipated.
Pandora- Susan Stokes Chapman
Pages-416
Publisher- Harper Perennial
Pandora’s jar has been a mythical tale, something every child has been forced to believe. This myth follows Pandora , Dora,who is forcefully married and decides to open the jar of evil. It is believed in Greek Mythology that this became the reason for the existence of evil, death and disease on earth.This book follows the main protagonist, Pandora living in 1799 Georgian London.This tale sets in motion a series of events of conspiracies, mystery, revelations and romance.story starts when an ancient greek vase is delivered and Dora’s uncle starts acting suspicious about it. Dora turns to young, ambitious antiquarian scholar Edward Lawrence who eagerly agrees to help. Edward believes the ancient vase is the key that will unlock his academic future; Dora sees it as a chance to establish her own name.But what they discover instead is far beyond anybody’s imagination. It is a mix of both Greek mythology and historical fiction in the best way possible.
A Thousand Ships By-Natalie Hayens
Pages-368
Publisher-Mantle Books
Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction, a gorgeous retelling of the Trojan War from the perspectives of the many women involved in its causes and consequences—for fans of Madeline Miller. While The Song Of Achilles focused on Patroclus and Achilles and their relationship during the Trojan War , this book is about all the women who suffered and conquered. In this story, the woman wakes up with her beloved city in flames and the falling of Troy.These are the tales of the women whose lives, loves, and rivalries were forever changed by this protracted and tragic war: from the Trojan women whose fates now rest with the Greeks, to the Amazon princess who fought Achilles on their behalf, to Penelope waiting for Odysseus to return, to the three goddesses whose feud started it all. It is the greek version of Chitra Banerjee’s A palace of illusions, a women centric take on widely popular tales. Powerfully told from an all-female perspective, in A Thousand Ships Natalie Haynes puts the women, girls and goddesses at the center of the story.
Percy Jackson and The Heroes of Ollympus By- Rick Riordan
Series of Multiple Books
Publisher- Miramex Books
Percy and Athena are bound to become your favorite group friends and partners throughout this series.It is the most perfect series if you are planning to just start getting into Greek Mythology. These books will give you a perfect insight and set the scene for more complex novels. It is labeled as a children’s book but you would do yourself a favor by diving into this. It is ,to Greek Mythology, what Harry Potter is to the wizarding world , a beautiful escape into the world of Aphrodite, Zeus and Poseidon. Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is on the most dangerous quest of his life. With the help of a satyr and a daughter of Athena, Percy must journey across the United States to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction — Zeus’ master bolt and the story continues with a widespread of adventures, exploring new characters and introducing new powers in each book.
Circe By- Madeline Miller
Pages-347
Publisher-Bloomsbury
When it comes to the best retellings of Greek Mythology, Madeline Miller has outshone herself again and again. With a lot of controversy around this book and the character Circe, Miller has still managed to pen down her story and her perspective in a very eloquent manner. Circe has been shown as one of the weaker characters in the Greek Mythology world since always. Miller took it into her own hands to convert such a character into someone you can empathize with. A daughter is born into the family of the sun god and strongest Titan, Helios. Circe is an odd child; unlike her mother, who is stunning and a mercenary, her father is powerful and full of pride. Growing up in the shadows and feeling unwelcome in both the world of gods and mortals, Circe experiences rejection and scorn. But Circe also possesses a sinister ability: witchcraft. She is exiled to the island of Aiaia where she honed her occult trade, casting spells, gathering unusual herbs, and taming wild monsters after her talent threatened the gods. A woman who stands by herself, however, will never be able to live in peace for long since among the visitors to her island comes the mortal Odysseus, whom Circe will risk everything for. So Circe sets forth her tale, a vivid, mesmerizing epic of family rivalry, love and loss – the defiant, inextinguishable song of woman burning hot and bright through the darkness of a man’s world.
