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The Best Mythology Retellings to Read Right Now
Mythological retellings are a great way to immerse yourself in an ancient world. Perhaps you’ve read The Odyssey, or The Iliad, but what about the lesser-known figures from the past? These fresh takes on the classics offer a bit of redemption for the legendary names who never got their own moment to shine and breathe new life into these classic tales. Whether you’re looking for a recommendation or just want to make sure you haven’t missed anything, here are our picks for the best mythological retellings and adaptations to read right now.
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With multiple renditions of a story, starting with the source material is a must. Explore Homer's Odyssey in this edition of the renowned epic. Follow Odysseus and his crew as they outsmart a Cyclops, resist the Sirens' deadly song, and confront the mythical creatures that stand between them and home.
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Start with a classic. For centuries, The Odyssey has enthralled readers with its unforgettable tale of adventure, and Emily Wilson's translation is a must-read for anyone looking for a fresh retelling. Told in beautiful verse, this enduring epic invites you to embark on the legendary voyage back to Ithaca.
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Wedding bells are ringing in the tenth volume of Lore Olympus, but the honeymoon will have to wait. With a hostage situation unfolding and plenty of chaos, Persephone’s powers may not be enough to save the day in this mythological retelling. Explore the full series here.
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night (Barnes & Noble YA Book Club Edition)
Amélie Wen Zhao
4.2
BN Exclusive
$19.99
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Amelie Wen Zhao’s sophomore series begins with Song of Silver, Flame Like Night, a thrilling fantasy inspired by ancient Chinese folklore. Fans of Six Crimson Cranes won’t want to miss this pulse-pounding tale of dangerous magic and dark secrets.
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Miller’s retelling of The Iliad draws attention to Achilles the man rather than the hero, looking at his intimate relationship with the tragic figure Patroclus. The story of The Song of Achilles will stay with you long after you put the book down.
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A journey to self-discovery of epic proportions, Circe is a retelling from the queen of mythology herself: Madeline Miller. A lyrical, action-packed dive into the origin of an unforgettable and unparalleled woman, Circe cements herself in the pantheon of stories that must not be missed.
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A sapphic fantasy for fans of Greek mythology, Sarah Underwood’s Lies We Sing to the Sea is great for anyone who enjoyed Circe and The Song of Achilles. With love, tragedy, and lies all intertwined, this story of death, sacrifice, and vengeful gods will captivate readers, taking them along for this journey.
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A Booker Prize-winning author shares her own interpretation of The Iliad as experienced by the women living through the final weeks of the Trojan War
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Clytemnestra has spent her whole life waiting…and now she is ready to tell the full truth. This is an emotionally charged portrait of a woman who attempts to reclaim her story from the men who tried to write it for her.
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A story of power and politics, monster and myth, this is the spellbinding tale of a historically misunderstood figure, Medusa, known in this story as Meddy, a young but powerful heroine.
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This sparkling debut will lure readers in as it reimagines Pandora’s myth while it vividly takes us all on a journey to London in 1799. Appealing to both fans of historical fiction and mythology, this exhilarating novel explores themes like fate and hope, secrets and deception, and even has a hint of romance mixed in.
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Perfect for fans of Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes, a feminist take on mythology is coming our way with Phaedra. Picking apart the misogynistic narratives of women’s weakness, conniving nature, and duplicity, Laura Shepperson offers a new look at a maligned mythological figure.
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Claire Heywood returns with a reinterpretation of the myth of Perseus told through the perspectives of the three women sidelined in the original story. From his mother, Danae; his trophy, Medusa; to his wife, Andromeda, this reimagining displays how Perseus, to them, isn’t much of a hero at all.
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This empathetic and nuanced look into Medusa’s story tells of a vulnerable woman who was taken advantage of by a man in power and then blamed for his transgressions. Natalie Haynes brings new life to this mythic tale, bringing Medusa to light in a way that’s relatable in the present.
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From the author of A Thousand Ships comes a sharp correction on the popularly known Greek myths. Centering the women often villainized or pushed to the side, this book flips the narrative on its head, giving the women the same weight as the men in classic Greek myths.
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This debut is perfect for fans of Circe! It’s a reimagining of the infamous queen in the Indian epic, the Ramayana, and it follows Kaikeyi, a woman raised on the stories of the gods and discovers power of her own.
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Electric and enthralling, Elektra follows three women entangled in a curse, each of them fighting for their own destinies despite being relegated to the wings.
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A loose retelling filled to the brim with heartbreak and betrayal, this modern ballad is sure to become an immediate favorite for lovers of Song of Achilles and Ariadne.
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Athena, Helen, Circe and Penelope are at the forefront of this imaginative and contemporary new work. Much like a grand tapestry, their stories are woven together with stunning black-and-white illustrations by Chris Ofili.
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After Lore Perseous’s family is brutally murdered, she does everything she can to protect herself from the same fate, even if it means hiding in plain sight in New York City. Lore is a rich tale of Greek mythology meets The Hunger Games.
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Readers of the classics and newcomers alike will be delighted by Fry’s warm-hearted and rich retellings of the Clash of the Titans, Cupid and Psyche, Persephone, the Olympians, and so much more.
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The second in Fry’s Mythos trilogy, this fun, and eye-popping book turns its attention to the deeds of the mortal heroes: Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, Orpheus, Jason, Atalanta, Oedipus and Theseus.
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The brilliant conclusion to Stephen Fry’s bestselling Mythos trilogy. It’s sure to launch a thousand ships.
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Told from the viewpoint of Penelope, Margaret Atwood delivers an insightful retelling of the Odyssey. In this modern twist, Atwood chooses to center her story around Penelope and to the twelve hanged maids, asking two important questions: “What led to the hanging of the maids, and what was Penelope really up to?”