Retellings are my favorite subgenre, and it seems that lately, mythology has been a really popular topic for books. So without further ado…
- Oreo by Fran Ross
Genre: Humor
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.65
This satire explores the relationships between African-Americans and Jews. Oreo is growing up in Philly, half-Jewish, half-Black, with her grandparents. When she becomes a teenager, she decides to head to New York in search of her father, only to find out he has a very common Jewish name. Her quest becomes a reimagining of that of Theseus.
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Genre: Historical Fiction Fantasy
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.41
Achilles and Patroclus are thrust together through fate and form an inseparable bond. They are trained by Chiron in all the arts of war and healing and must come to the rescue when Helen of Sparta is kidnapped. Achilles wants to be a hero, laying siege to Troy. Patroclus follows his friend, wanting to protect him. Fates watch and laugh.
- The Just City by Jo Walton
Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.79
The goddess Pallas Athene created the Just City as an experiment. The City contains populations from all over history and even robots from the future, all thrust onto a Mediterranean island from the distant past. Simmea is a student, born in Egypt between 500 and 1000 AD. Her teacher, Maia, used to be Ethel, a Victorian lady with few prospects. And another citizen…is Apollo, who decides to live a human life to gain their knowledge, concealing his identity from others. And who else is thrown into the mix? Sokrates, the great philosopher, who knows how to ask the right questions.
- A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
Genre: Fantasy
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.13
A Thousand Ships tells of the lives of the women from Greek mythology whose lives were altered by the Trojan War.
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Genre: Historical Fiction Fantasy
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.08
Vasilisa lives in the Russian wilderness, in a nearly permanent winter, content with listening to her nurse’s fairy tales with her siblings. Her favorite story is that of Frost, a blue-eyed winter demon who claims unwary souls. To keep him away, they must honor the household spirits. But when Vasilisa’s mom dies, her dad brings back a new wife, one who forbids the worship of the house spirits. When they stop, bad things happen, and Vasilisa fears the worst. Can Vasilisa defy her family and call on dangerous powers to save them?
- For Her Dark Skin by Percival Everett
Genre: Speculative Fiction
Average Goodreads Rating: 3.88
This explores the story of Jason and Medea, adding a new interpretation to the classic tale.
- Pandora’s Jar by Natalie Haynes
Genre: Fantasy, Feminism
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.39
Another Natalie Haynes book that explores women in Greek Mythology. She retells many of the classic mythological tales, putting women at the forefront.
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