Myths have always fascinated us from childhood, whether we heard them as bedtime stories from our parents or grandparents or read about them in our history books. Something about mythology retelling always captivates the readers with its fascinating characters, magical powers, and mysteries.
Therefore, this article is for you if you are looking for the best mythology retelling books.
#1 The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller
About the book
Title: The Song of Achilles
Author: Madeline Miller
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Ecco Press (Harper Collins)
Type: Standalone
Pages: 416
Goodreads rating: 4.4/5
Achilles was prophesied to be the strongest warrior of the Greeks after his birth. Thetis, a nymph goddess, his mother, wants the best for him and visits him often on the seashore. However, Achilles feels lonely in his father’s palace. So he chooses a companion named Patroclus, who is banished from his kingdom as a punishment and serves Achille’s family as a servant boy. Though Thetis disapproves of their friendship, they keep coming closer. Moreover, with the upcoming Trojan War, Patroclus is summoned to fight against the people of Troy. Achilles refuses to let him go alone and joins him. With the Trojan War ahead and the consequences of the prophecy told will Achilles and Patroclus be able to find the fulfillment of their relationship, or will fame destroy everything they have?
Why do we recommend this book?
With its fascinating mysteries and magical powers, this book markedly captures the attention of each reader. The characters are strong-headed and strong-willed. Solid relations and the sacrifices made for them are so clearly portrayed. The storytelling capacity of the author is authentic, keeping in mind the mythology retelling. In addition, the scenes are very descriptive and can capture the imaginative power of the reader well. Finally, it is a fine specimen of mythology retelling.
To buy/gift The Song of Achilles, click on the below link:
#2 Circe by Madeline Miller
About the book
Title: Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 416
Goodreads rating: 4.3/5
Circe, born as an insignificant and weak nymph to the god Helios and naiad Perse, seeks solace in her father’s glory and brother’s company. Unfortunately, she stays alone when her brother leaves her to find his kingdom to rule over. However, she meets a gentle, sweet-spoken man named Glaucus, falls in love with him, and makes him a sea god by feeding him some magical herbs. Circe discovers her inner ‘Pharmakeia’ when she is denied love by everyone surrounding her, and even Glaucus denies love to her. Finally, in her journey from dependence to defiance and living alone on an island as a punishment, she grows to believe that gods are not perfect beings and, in fact, they’re cunning and manipulative. Will Circe be able to live alone with her imperfections, or will she be forced to rely on being manipulative and cunning?
Why do we recommend this book?
I loved the book primarily because it breaks the myth of gods being perfect and brings out their cunning, manipulative, and cold-heartedness in front of the readers. Also, the storytelling ability is authentic and makes the tale flow effortlessly. Likewise, the author has built a bridge between the character of Circe and the modern-day woman showing that centuries have passed, but the challenges in their life are perpetual. Lastly, it is a refreshing Greek Mythological book from the view of an inferior goddess, which you shouldn’t miss out on.
To buy/gift Circe, click on the below link:
#3 Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of The Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik
About the book
Title: Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of The Mahabharata
Author: Devdutt Pattanaik
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Random House India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 372
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
When Mahabharata was written first, it came to be known as Jaya, and finally, we know it as the greatest Indian epic of all times, Mahabharata, containing 100,100 verses. The story is based on the deeds of the characters, their karma, and their consequences. The story revolves around two branches of the same family, Pandavas and Kauravas, both fighting for the throne of Hastinapura. The battle is named Kurukshetra. However, smaller stories of people living and dead are interwoven in this epic. Moreover, Krishna, the epic god, shares his views about Dharma and Karma to enlighten the warriors on the battlefield in this epic.
Why do we recommend this book?
Firstly, its imparting wisdom is the need of the hour as we keep facing our daily struggles. It has vivid descriptions of warfare and the plans made during a war to defeat the opposition party. Moreover, it speaks about values and morals that code Dharma and Adharma and their consequences. In addition, with its strong storytelling capability, it is very authentic. However, the characters’ character-building and the enlightenment brought to the readers are impressive. If Indian culture fascinates you, then this book you should read to learn about the values upheld by the religions. Finally, it is a fine specimen of mythology retelling.
To buy/gift Jaya, click on the below link:
#4 Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of Ramayana by Devdutt Pattanaik
About the book
Title: Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of Ramayana
Author: Devdutt Pattanaik
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Random House India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 320
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
Ram, the scion of the Raghu Clan, has responsibilities and Dharma to uphold and is called the Maryada Purushottam. Still, his stepmother sends him away to the forest for fourteen years. However, Sita, his wife, and Lakshman, his younger brother, follow him into the woods and start living a life of the sages. Meanwhile, Bharata, another brother of Ram, is expected to sit on the throne, but he disapproves and awaits Ram’s return. Meanwhile, Ram, Sita, and Lakshman learn the ways of the forest and fight the demons, saving the yagnas of the sages and gaining wisdom from them. However, Sita is abducted by Ravana, a rakshasa, and the story takes a new turn when Ram meets his greatest disciple Hanumana, who helps in his quest for Sita. Lastly, with his wisdom and virtues, will Ram be able to save Sita without doing adharmas along the route?
Why do we recommend this book?
Firstly, its imparting knowledge teaches us patience with our daily situations. Moreover, it shows the importance of promises and upholds the honor of family and kingdom. However, guiding us in solving relationship problems teaches us to treasure relations while remembering the mythology retelling. With its strong storytelling ability, it is one of the most heartwarming tales, with losses and gains while paving the way toward Dharma and Karma. In addition, the author did the book’s illustrations by himself, giving the book a personal touch. Lastly, it is a must-read Indian epic to increase our knowledge of Indian religion and culture.
To buy/gift Sita, click on the below link:
#5 Shyam: An Illustrated Retelling of The Bhagavata by Devdutt Pattanaik
About the book
Title: Shyam: An Illustrated Retelling of The Bhagavata
Author: Devdutt Pattanaik
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Random House India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 304
Goodreads rating: 4.1/5
Shuka, the unborn son of Vyasa, a half-parrot and half-human, learns every Veda in his mother’s womb and believes that Earth is a place full of suffering and pain and becomes reluctant to take birth to live on Earth. However, to entice Shuka to take birth and live on Earth, Vyasa narrates to him the tale of Shyam in every stage. Shyam as a little son of Yashoda with the whole cosmic being in his mouth and stealing butter from the nearby houses to the cowherd of Vrindavana, or being the Kansa destroyer or the Counsel and Charioteer of Arjuna in Mahabharata Vyasa sequentially narrates all the stages. Moreover, Shyam’s or Krishna’s Avatars have been skillfully narrated. Finally, will Shuka be enticed to live on Earth, or will he leave after the narration ends?
Why do we recommend this book?
Firstly, to know about Indian religion and culture, it is essential to know about the life of Lord Krishna, from whose life lessons the Bhagavata Gita is written. The vivid descriptions in the book pick up as much of the readers’ attention. Moreover, the storytelling capacity is lovely and heartwarming. The book discusses Facts and historical events very well. However, the illustrations made by the author himself are very imaginative. Moreover, this book is a beautiful mythological joyride; you shouldn’t miss out on it. Finally, it is a fine specimen of mythology retelling.
To buy/gift Shyam, click on the below link:
#6 The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
About the book
Title: The Palace of Illusions
Author: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Picador India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 384
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5
A retelling of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata from the view of Panchaali, also known as Draupadi. Narrated by Panchaali, the novel traces her life from the beginning of her birth from fire. It follows her brave balancing act as a woman who chose to marry five brothers to maintain their integrity and uphold their mother’s words. However, Panchaali’s husbands are cheated out of their father’s kingdom, and she becomes entangled in their quest to reclaim it. Finally, from living her married life mainly in the forest with her husband to her befriending Lord Krishna and facing attraction toward her husband’s most dangerous enemy, Panchaali redefines a world of gods, warriors, and manipulating hands of fate.
Why do we recommend this book?
A retelling of Mahabharata from the view of Panchaali, these words were enough to manipulate me into reading this book. Moreover, its storytelling ability fascinates a reader to imagine the scenes giving an overview of women’s lives during that period. Its strong and clear language makes the book effortless. The story didn’t deviate from the original script of the epic, which was especially impressive. Moreover, this take on Mahabharata changes the views regarding the original epic and forces us to look from a more female-gender perspective. Recommend this book to myth lovers and anyone wanting to read something regarding women’s views. Finally, it is a fine specimen of mythology retelling.
To buy/gift The Palace of Illusions, click on the below link:
#7 The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
About the book
Title: The Penelopiad
Author: Margaret Atwood
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Random House India
Type: Standalone
Pages: 184
Goodreads rating: 3.7/5
The novel retells Homer’s famous epic, The Odyssey. the story focuses on Penelope, Odysseus’s wife, who stays at Ithaca while her husband fights in the Trojan War. Penelope spends her long days waiting for her husband to return, attempting to fend off suitors’ advances who have arrived in Ithaca. Penelope, loyal, awaits her husband’s return; meanwhile, Telemachus, her son, becomes frustrated with the suitors’ advances. Finally, Odysseus returns in disguise, challenges the suitors, and wins but, in his triumph, orders Penelope’s closest maids to be hanged. This act of killing the innocents consists much of the play’s setting in Hades, where Penelope and the maids are shown in the afterworld. Finally, with an uneasy tension of guilt and suffering among them, Penelope recounts all the events that have led them to this point.
Why do we recommend this book?
The Trojan war has always been a favorite topic in Greek literature, but the scenes behind it are sometimes neglected. The book provides a glimpse into the sufferings of the women while their husbands fought during World War I. The story explicitly portrays the robust scenes, keeping the mythology retelling in mind. However, character-building steals the show, especially when the female protagonist stands her ground despite all the miseries she confronts. Finally, it is very gripping, and you should read it if you’re searching for some elaborate scenes behind the Trojan war.
To buy/gift The Penelopiad, click on the below link:
#8 Troy: The Siege of Troy Retold by Stephen Fry
About the book
Title: Troy: The Siege of Troy Retold
Author: Stephen Fry
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Penguin Random House India
Type: Series
Number of books: 3
Pages: 432
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
This is a retelling of the epic battle of Troy, known as the Trojan War, fought over ten years. It is closely based on Homer’s Iliad. The story is about a battle to bring Helen, Queen of Sparta, back to Menelaus, King of Sparta, from the hold of the Trojan Prince, Paris. The contest is fought between The Greeks and The Trojans. Mages of jagged rocks split open, the sun beaming down the cracked tiles, and a mighty struggle greets our eyes. Moreover, the heroes are ready, and the gods have already chosen the sides to fight for in the battle. Finally, the battle begins and lasts ten years, some soldiers give up, but others stay firm. However, with bloodshed everywhere, relations start to build, and people seek solace from people living around them. But will the Greeks win over the Trojans with the consequences still on hold?
Why do we recommend this book?
It is the third book in Stephen Fry’s Greek Myths series and has a very refreshing take on account of The famous Trojan war. The book gives us a picture of the battlefield with clear and bold points. We also see the situations they face and deal with to survive long in the battle. The characters are well portrayed, including their powers. However, the vivid scenes of the fight shown are very spectacular. It is captivating and authentic, markedly keeping the actual script in mind. Finally, it is a fine specimen of mythology retelling.
To buy/gift Book 1 in Mythos, click on the below link:
#9 Lore by Alexandra Bracken
About the book
Title: Lore
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Quercus Children’s Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 560
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
Lore escapes after her family’s sadistic murder by a rival bloodline and vows to repay her parents’ sacrifice by surviving. However, for seven years, she pushes back the dark thoughts of revenge against the man responsible for their murder, a man named Wrath, who has attained unimaginable power, except for one week that comes every seven years when Wrath’s power diminishes to an extent. With that week fast approaching, Lore comes home on the first night of the Agon and finds Athena gravely wounded on her doorstep. Athena offers her an alliance against their mutual enemy, Wrath. However, with the world trembling under the force of Wrath, capable of destroying all of humanity – will Lore’s decision to join hands with Athena comes back to haunt her?
Why do we recommend this book?
Greek myths are primarily based on Trojan War, but this book is based on Lore’s life, a god-hunter-turned-fist-fighter descendant of the ancient “House of Perseus,” and her revenge and losses and gains. Reading a new story about a new persona in a mythological background is always refreshing. Its storytelling and magical elements are crafted to please the reader’s mind, keeping the mythology retelling. Furthermore, it is told from a female perspective and is very refreshing. Moreover, it is a perfect read for you if you’re seeking new characters in the Greek mythological genre. Finally, it is written simply so that even children can read it to increase their knowledge of this genre.
To buy/gift Lore, click on the below link:
#10 Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
About the book
Title: Ariadne
Author: Jennifer Saint
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
Type: Standalone
Pages: 400
Goodreads rating: 3.8/5
A remarkable retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. s Princesses of Crete and daughters of the fearsome King Minos, Ariadne and her sister Phaedra grow up hearing the bellows of the Minotaur that echos from the Labyrinth beneath the palace. The Minotaur is Ariadne’s brother and Minos’s greatest shame, demanding blood yearly. However, when Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives in Crete to be sacrificed to the beast, Ariadne falls in love with him. But if she helps Theseus kill the monster, Minotaur, she will betray her family and is thus scared to bring in the rage of the gods on her and Theseus. So will Ariadne cross Crete for Theseus to ensure her happy ending? Or will she take Crete’s side and let him die?
Why do we recommend this book?
This book has a powerful description of female Gods. Throughout the novel, their powers are described from their perspective and how they are suppressed or sacrificed. The chosen topic is refreshing, primarily unknown by readers, and quite fascinating. Moreover, the storytelling ability is effortless, showing the character’s growth from suppressing to taking her side. It is a beautiful work of fiction and a must-read by Greek myth lovers or anyone wanting to read something mythological. Finally, it is a fine specimen of mythology retelling.
To buy/gift Ariadne, click on the below link:
#11 Helen of Troy by Margaret George
About the book
Title: Helen of Troy
Author: Margaret George
Genre: Mythology, Fiction
Publisher: Berkley
Type: Standalone
Pages: 672
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
The novel brings to life Helen, a beautiful enigma from the very first with flesh and blood but also immortal, as the daughter of Zeus. She is protected from seeing her reflection as a child because of her overwhelming beauty and its dangers. However, kings and princes compete for her hand in marriage, but she marries Menelaus of Sparta. But before getting married, all suitors swear to help bring Helen back should she ever be abducted. When she falls in love with Paris, the Prince of Troy, it is assumed that he has abducted her. The suitors are obliged to honor their oath, and so the Trojan War begins, and she is to date blamed for being the direct cause of it. Finally, did she willingly go with Paris, or has she been abducted remains a mystery.
Why do we recommend this book?
This novel is such a fresh take on the views of Helen, the queen of Sparta, blamed for being directly responsible for the Trojan War. It depicts her thoughts and her decisions and the reasons behind them. However, the character building is splendid when Helen grows to take her side and chooses her feelings instead of the responsibilities she was burdened with. Moreover, it is very captivating, told from a female perspective, and is the book for all Greek mythological readers to delve deeper into the behind scenes of the Trojan war. Finally, it is a fine specimen of mythology retelling.
To buy/gift Helen of Troy, click on the below link:
That’s all for the recommendations for Old Myths Retold. Try these books; maybe you’ll love them when you satiate your quest for myths.
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, you can read these books. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
To conclude, here are the 11 Best Old Myths Retold.
| 1 | The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller | Buy Now |
| 2 | Circe by Madeline Miller | Buy Now |
| 3 | Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of The Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik | Buy Now |
| 4 | Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of Ramayana by Devdutt Pattanaik | Buy Now |
| 5 | Shyam: An Illustrated Retelling of The Bhagavata by Devdutt Pattanaik | Buy Now |
| 6 | The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni | Buy Now |
| 7 | The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood | Buy Now |
| 8 | Troy: The Siege of Troy Retold by Stephen Fry | Buy Now Full series |
| 9 | Lore by Alexandra Bracken | Buy Now |
| 10 | Ariadne by Jennifer Saint | Buy Now |
| 11 | Helen of Troy by Margaret George | Buy Now |
Read every book on this list. I am sure it won’t disappoint you.
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