The Whimsical Arcane
MY MYTHOLOGY RETELLING BOOKS LIST
Updated: Sep 7, 2022

Aside from dark fantasy, fantasy smuts, I love reading mythology retelling stories! Here's an active list where I share books I've read and reviewed and books that I still haven't read but have plans to.

Mythos by Stephen Fry
Stephen Fry is one of my favourite authors and audible readers so imagine my excitement when he released this book. I love how he breaks down the myths and hysterically put humour in them to make it seem relatable. This is one of my must have greek myth retelling books! Go get it!
★★★★★
Where To Get: FullyBooked, Amazon, Kindle

Heroes by Stephen Fry
When you enjoy the first book of course you gotta have the second. Reading any book about mythology can be such a task, depressing, sometimes even confusing but I found myself getting hooked on Stephen Fry's amazing wit and humour as he re-imagine and retells the stories of Greek heroes in the myths with such joy and entertainment. You will not be disappointed!
★★★★★
Where To Get: FullyBooked, Amazon, Kindle

Circe by Madeline Miller
This is another favourite author in the list because Madeline Miller is amazing at storytelling and empowering women characters. Circe was not a popular figure in Greek mythology and because of this retelling, Madeline Miller put her on the popular list. Everybody now knows who Circe is through Madeline's story. This book was written in Circe's point of view and you can't help but connect intimately with her. Circe narrates her life in a relatable, almost human way, which makes this book enjoyable to read.
★★★★★
Where To Get: FullyBooked, Amazon

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The thing about this book is that you know there will be death in it and you know who. I started slow with this book and tried very hard not to imagine Achilles as Brad Pitt. When I finally wrap my head around the story, I found myself giggling at Patroclus' boyish tantrums and the sexual tensions. The ending was a bittersweet perfection that I almost had a sepanx (separation anxiety).
★★★★
Where To Get: FullyBooked, Amazon, Kindle

Medusa: The Girl Behind The Myth by Jessie Burton
I just have a soft spot for Greek Mythology books featuring the misunderstood figures. Medusa (much like Hades) has been sterotyped as a villain in any Greek mythology fiction story + movie for being a scary figure who turns anyone who look at her into stone. But as as you read more books, you'll learn that Medusa is another victim - plaything by the gods which led to her unfortunate demise. So when this book came out, obviously, I have to get it! Jessie Burton gave Medusa her voice so she can tell her side of the story of how she was wronged. I like how this tale was re-told even if you know it isn't a happy story to begin with.
★★★★
Where To Get: FullyBooked, Amazon, Kindle

Galatea by Madeline Miller
This book got me out of my book slump. It's a short story though, only 64 pages but it's sooooo good!!! Pygmalion sculpted Galatea to be perfect and he really means PERFECT. So when Aphrodite made her a real human woman you’ll get to see what PERFECTION is in the eyes of a sculptor and the struggles of a woman who’s supposed to be made of clay now has to endure a possessive and controlling husband. I can’t say more because it’s only friggin’ 64 pages!!! I can’t even decide if that’s a good thing or bad thing anymore - lol!
★★★★★
Where To Get: FullyBooked, Amazon, Kindle

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
I think I have this book even before the lockdown but only got the time to read it a month ago. It is a collection of stories about the Norse gods, Thor, Odin, Loki, Freya and all the others. Neil Gaiman wrote it as if it's a collection of bedtime stories which makes it more interesting and entertaining to read. You'll probably enjoy it more if it's an audible read by Tom Hiddleston, because I did. Listening to Tom Hiddleston's voice + imagining him as Loki while doing mundane chores is fun!
★★★★
Where To Get: FullyBooked, Amazon, Kindle

The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
Angrboda has been burned, reborn three times and got her heart stabbed out because of her foresight and for not providing Odin information about the future. As she fled and tried to hide her existence from Odin, she was found by Loki who brought her her heart (quite literally) and decided she was interesting. I find this novel hilarious as Loki, as with his nature, never fails to get himself into trouble while Angrboda, still in hiding, has no choice but to take care of him (because he keeps on visiting her supposedly secret hideout). Their friendship, which is filled with funny banters, eventually turned to love and that's as far as I'll go because you should be getting yourself a copy so you can read what happens next!
★★★★ 🌶🌶🌶
Where To Get: FullyBooked, Amazon, Kindle