1. "The Odyssey" by Homer
If you only know Odysseus from the movie, now's the perfect time to check out the epic that started it all. Sure, it's ancient, but don't let that scare you off — there's plenty of action, giant monsters, magical islands and a hero who's somehow both incredibly clever and unbelievably stubborn. Reading the original also makes you appreciate just how many modern stories are still borrowing from Homer thousands of years later!
2. "The Silence of the Girls" by Pat Barker
The men have gotten enough attention. "The Silence of the Girls" shifts the spotlight to Briseis, one of the women caught in the middle of the Trojan War, and completely changes the way you see the story. It's quieter than your typical mythological epic, but every page packs an emotional punch and is well-worth the read.
3. "House of Names" by Colm Tóibín
Think your family has drama? The House of Atreus would like a word. This novel tells the story of Agamemnon and his children, Electra and Orestes, and paints a grippingly dark portrait of vengeance, betrayal and intense longing that will have you hooked from the first page until the last.
4. "Ariadne" by Jennifer Saint
You might know Ariadne as the woman who helped Theseus escape the Minotaur's labyrinth, but that's only the beginning of her story. Jennifer Saint expands her life into a rich, emotional novel about love, sacrifice and finding your own place among warring gods and heroes. It's perfect if you enjoy mythological retellings that let overlooked characters finally take center stage.
5. "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller
There's a reason people never stop recommending this book. Madeline Miller takes one of mythology's greatest warriors and tells his story through love, friendship and heartbreak instead of just battle scenes. Just don't make plans immediately after finishing it, you'll probably need a minute.
6. "The Penelopiad" by Margaret Atwood
Odysseus spent years telling everyone about his adventures across the Mediterranean, but what was Penelope, his wife, doing that whole time? Margaret Atwood finally lets her answer that question in a witty, sharp retelling that's equal parts funny and devastating.
7. "The King Must Die" by Mary Renault
Even before he was fighting the Minotaur, Theseus was still just as interesting of a character. Mary Renault strips away much of the magic and imagines what his life might have looked like in the real Bronze Age in this classic bildungsroman. The result feels grounded, immersive yet still every bit as adventurous as the epic myths.
8. "The Iliad" by Homer
You can't really appreciate "The Odyssey" without spending some time at Troy first. "The Iliad" covers the final stretch of the Trojan War and introduces the larger-than-life heroes whose choices echo throughout The Odyssey. It's dramatic, emotional and full of the kind of larger-than-life personalities that make Greek mythology stories so interesting, even all these years later.