Hello Readers,
It’s no secret that I absolutely love Greek mythology retellings the drama, the god and the different perspectives I can’t get enough of them. Over the years, I’ve read quite a few, but there are five that I keep coming back to. These are my go-to recommendations, the ones I’ve reread multiple times and always find myself recommending to people.
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
It’s no secret that I absolutely love Greek mythology retellings the drama, the god and the different perspectives I can’t get enough of them. Over the years, I’ve read quite a few, but there are five that I keep coming back to. These are my go-to recommendations, the ones I’ve reread multiple times and always find myself recommending to people.
If you’ve ever been intrigued by Greek mythology but found the original myths a bit too long-winded (think The Iliad and its 24-book sprawl) The Lightning Thief is the perfect entry point. Rick Riordan wastes no time diving into the action, pulling readers into a fast-paced, witty adventure filled with mythological creatures, gods, and unexpected plot twists. What makes this book stand out is how seamlessly it weaves Greek mythology into the story you’re learning as you go, without even realizing it. The characters are incredibly endearing, especially Percy, who’s far from perfect and even more relatable for it. He makes mistakes, learns, and grows, making his journey both fun and meaningful. Alongside him are Annabeth, a brilliant and fierce daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr with a heart of gold and plenty of comic relief. The story also takes readers on a whirlwind tour of iconic American landmarks, cleverly tying them into the mythological mayhem. With heartfelt moments, laugh-out-loud humour, and genuine character development, The Lightning Thief is a must-read—whether you’ve seen the movie, the show, or are diving into this world for the first time. Review
If you think you know the story of Medusa, think
again this retelling will completely change your perspective. Hannah brings a
powerful, heart breaking depth to Medusa’s myth, portraying her not as a
monster, but as a victim of divine cruelty and a symbol of strength and
survival. The writing is beautifully paced and emotionally charged, drawing you
into Medusa’s life before and after her transformation, as well as the stories
of Danae, Perseus, and Medusa’s sisters. What sets this version apart is its raw
honesty: it doesn’t shy away from the injustice done to Medusa, especially the
betrayal by Athena, who punishes her own priestess and then twists the
narrative to assist Perseus in his so-called heroism. The portrayal of Euryale
and Stheno as cold and resentful rather than protective adds an extra layer of
sorrow and complexity. This is one of the most emotionally devastating and
thought-provoking Medusa retellings I’ve ever read. Prepare to be heartbroken,
enraged, and completely captivated. Review
Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald
If you’re a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, Girl, Goddess, Queen is a must-read. Bea Fitzgerald masterfully takes Hades and Persephone from reluctant acquaintances to friends, from a fake relationship to a deep, believable romance with no rushed "insta-love" in sight. Persephone’s transformation from the obedient Kore, mocked even by Zeus for her gentle powers, into a bold and commanding queen is nothing short of inspiring. Her journey is full of resistance, rebellion, and self-discovery, and watching her claim the name Persephone meaning “chaos bringer” as a badge of honour is a true power move. This version of Hades is a refreshing departure from the typical brooding god; he’s gentle, artistic, and full of compassion for Persephone and her situation. The world-building is rich with mythological depth, including clever nods to ancient customs like xenia (Greek hospitality) and personified river gods like the sharp-tongued Styx, who steals every scene she's in. This retelling doesn’t just modernize the myth it reclaims it, making Persephone the agent of her own destiny in a story that is empowering, heartfelt, and completely addictive. Review
You may not think you’d ever want to be friends with the Furies Alecto, Tisiphone, and Megaera but after reading this book, you just might change your mind. Melinda Salisbury brilliantly keeps them terrifying as goddesses of vengeance but also gives them humanity and depth that makes them strangely relatable (and, yes, a little likable). This story is far more than a Hades and Persephone retelling it’s not smutty, it’s not romance-first, and that’s what makes it stand out. At its heart, this is Corey’s story: a raw, emotional journey through betrayal, grief, self-discovery, and learning how to live with your own rage without letting it consume you. After being betrayed by her boyfriend and her best friend then losing that best friend before she can fully process it Corey’s grief and fury are palpable. The way Melinda handles these emotions is stunningly honest, refusing to sugar coat the messy, painful parts of healing. I especially loved that Corey doesn’t get a neat, happy ending because some things don’t end in closure, and that’s okay. Hades takes a quiet, supporting role in this version, and his respect for Corey’s autonomy adds to the book’s emotional impact. With clever nods to mythology, an unforgettable Hermes, and a nuanced exploration of the fine line between justice and vengeance, this retelling is powerful, fierce, and completely unforgettable. Review
Pandora’s Jar is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology especially if you’ve ever questioned how the women in these myths are portrayed. Natalie takes a sharp, witty, and deeply insightful look at the female figures so often misunderstood, side lined, or vilified in ancient stories. Each chapter focuses on a different woman from Medusa to Pandora to Clytemnestra unpacking not only the myths themselves, but also how their interpretations have shifted across time, art, and culture. Natalie contrasts the earliest versions of these myths with their more popular modern retellings, showing how each retelling reflects the values and biases of the era it came from. The result is a fascinating blend of history, literary criticism, and pop culture commentary (yes, she mentions Clash of the Titans and Bubo the owl mandatory British bank holiday viewing!). With warmth, humour, and clarity, Natalie encourages readers to rethink what they thought they knew, and her chapter on Medusa alone is worth the read and it made me genuinely question whether Athena’s “protection” of Medusa was ever truly just. This book doesn’t just retell myths; it gives voice back to the women who were silenced by them. Review
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