Mythology Books for History Lovers
For history lovers, there can be no doubt that mythology fiction books are some of the best books to read. Tying together the classical world with historical fiction tropes, mythology books are fascinating windows into both the past and the present. The way characters are portrayed can tell just as much about the time in which they are written as when the characters emerged originally. That is certainly true with these must-read mythology fiction books, which feature a range of female, LGBTQ, and traditionally-othered characters as protagonists and leaders in their epic stories. So, for your TBR list’s consideration, here are some of the best fiction books with mythology to read:
The Best Fiction Books with Mythology to Read
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Described as a must-read for fans of Madeline Miller, Clytemnestra is a stunning debut novel by Costanza Casati. This mythological historical fiction novel follows the lesser-known sister of Helen of Troy, Clytemnestra, whose story is known as one of vengeance and violence.
Clytemnestra is no shrinking wallflower, but a powerful ruler in the ancient world, ruling in place of her warring husband during the Trojan War. She is dealt a cruel hand by the fates, and she responds in calculated kind.
Read more of my thoughts on Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati here.
Epic of Helinthia by MJ Pankey
Overall, I really enjoyed the Epic of Helinthia. MJ Pankey has a lovely writing style, fluid and melodious, bringing the reader along between different perspectives.
I was a bit confused about who was who for a while in the beginning of the novel, which may be a reader fault. So, when you pick it up, just be sure to really take note of the names at the beginning, as many look and sound similar.
All in all, though, the novel seems like a great set up for further books in the series, which I was excited to see were planned in the author’s note at the end of the book! It’s a quick read, well-worth a pre-order!
Clytemnestra’s Bind by Susan C. Wilson
What a fantastic book! Among mythology fiction books, this was a quick, engrossing read that was challenging as well as beautifully written.
Susan Wilson covers the many tragedies of Clytemnestra’s life with a renowned sense of humanity, really bringing the character — and those around her — to life.
Those familiar with her story will know of the sorrows in store for her, but they are no less poignant for that knowledge. In all, an incredible book — I almost wish it was longer! Luckily, it’s the first part of a three-part epic series.
Clytemnestra’s Bind by Susan C. Wilson is available from Amazon here.
Circe by Madeline Miller
Circe had been on my TBR list for some time, and I finally picked it up from the Oxford Exchange bookstore. And let me tell you, it didn’t take more than a few pages to realize why this book has been so popular. It really opened my eyes to the genre of mythology fiction books, for which I am very grateful!
Madeline Miller’s mythic retelling follows Circe, the unloved daughter of Helios, god of the sun. Circe is the child of a god and goddess, but not powerful or alluring like them. She is immortal, but largely powerless. That is, until she discovers her talent for witchcraft. This talent leads to her banishment, from which her story truly unfolds. Bringing in familiar figures like Odysseus and Penelope, Miller’s novel is heartfelt, gripping, and powerful from start to finish.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
I ordered The Song of Achilles immediately after I finished Circe by Madeline Miller. Like Circe, this novel is very easy to get lost in.
Set in Greece during the age of heroes, the novel follows Patroclus and Achilles. The former is an awkward youth without any special talents (not unlike Circe), whereas the latter is the golden youth who would become “the best of all the Greeks.” The novel follows the boys’ youth and adolescence, their love and friendship, ultimately bringing the story into the Trojan War.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is available from Amazon.
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
If you’re a fan of Madeline Miller’s mythological retellings, or mythology in general, you’re sure to enjoy Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. In many ways, the novel reminded me a lot of Circe, but with a bit more nuance and humor thrown in.
The chapters bounce around from character to character, so it is easy to get a little confused at times, but it’s almost by design. It’s as if the narrative style mirrors the chaos of the characters and the cosmic influence of the gods.
Plus, it will revolutionize how you view the mythological figure of Medusa.
Medusa’s Sisters by Lauren J. A. Bear
A must-read for fans of mythological retellings, Medusa’s Sisters by Lauren J. A. Bear is an emotive and complex family drama about the Gorgons of Greek myth.
Medusa is, obviously, a focal point of the novel, but serves as a catalyst for her lesser-known sisters, Stheno and Euryale. The chapters alternate in view point, from Stheno to Euryale, and carry the reader through their adventures and misfortunes.
Poignant and contemporary in its depiction of familial drama, Medusa’s Sisters is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year.
Shop the Must-Read Mythology Fiction Books
This post is a part of my What to Read series, where I share themed reading lists and book guides based on genre, time period, theme, or author.
You can peruse more of my What to Read reading guides here!
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*This post was originally published on August 20, 2023. It was most recently updated on October 2, 2023.
