🧿 Magic. Mayhem. Medusas.
✨ These mythology fantasy books rework the classics – and they’re anything but predictable.
Greek gods. Big drama. Betrayals. Monsters. Maybe a little romance. And definitely some questionable divine decision-making.
If you’re anything like us and have a thing for magical mayhem wrapped up in ancient myths, welcome – you’ve found your people. This list is packed with mythology fantasy books that reimagine the old tales in wild, emotional, and utterly unputdownable ways.
Some are lush and lyrical. Some are dark and dangerous. Others will emotionally wreck you, and then thank you for the privilege. (Rude, but okay.)
We’ve got vengeful gods, sword-wielding heroines, and retellings that’ll make you feel things you didn’t ask for. Whether you’re new to the genre or a full-blown Greek mythology geek, there’s something here for you.
So get comfy, light a candle (or summon a storm if that’s your vibe), and let’s talk about books that make the old myths feel brand new – and way more fun.
Mythology Fantasy Books List
📖 Ready to Dive In?
From brooding underworld lords to badass goddesses rewriting fate, these mythology fantasy books bring the legends to life in the most magical ways.
Some stay true to the tales you might remember from school (minus the dust). Others twist the myths into brand new stories with monsters, romance, and the kind of plot twists the Olympians would absolutely gossip about.
Here are our favourites – the ones that made us swoon, gasp, cry (a little), and immediately start googling “Greek gods who deserve better.”
✨ Retellings with Heart and Power
If you love stories that feel like old myths told anew – full of longing, loss, resilience, and defiance – these books are for you. These retellings don’t just revisit familiar legends; they give voice to the silenced, centre the overlooked, and bring mythic women and heroes to life in beautiful, emotionally rich ways. Expect lyrical prose, big feelings, and new light on ancient tales.
🧙♀️ Circe – Madeline Miller
Genre: Myth Retelling, Feminist Fantasy | Vibe: Lush, lyrical, lonely-but-powerful
If you’ve ever wanted a story where the witch isn’t the villain – she’s the heroine, the healer, and the heartbreak – Circe is it. Told in rich, lyrical prose, this mythology fantasy book reimagines the infamous Greek enchantress not as a footnote in a hero’s tale, but as the star of her own.
From her banishment to her slow, aching empowerment, Circe’s story is one of transformation – not just in the magical sense (though there’s plenty of that), but in the deeply human, soul-stirring kind too.
It’s not fast-paced, but it is unforgettable. Think: spells, solitude, and a woman slowly claiming her place in a world that keeps trying to silence her.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Retelling of the Odyssey + deeper dive into Greek gods and Titans
💬 Why read it: Feminist perspective, beautifully written, haunting and hopeful
🔥 Spice level: Mild – more emotional than steamy.
🧵 Ariadne – Jennifer Saint
📚 Greek Myth Retelling / Feminist / Tragedy & Triumph / Lyrical
We all know the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. But what about the woman who handed him the thread?
In Ariadne, Jennifer Saint reclaims the voices silenced by legend. Through the eyes of Ariadne and her sister Phaedra, this beautifully written novel explores the cost of betrayal, the weight of legacy, and the quiet strength of women who dare to defy gods and kings.
This mythology fantasy book doesn’t need fireballs or dragon duels – its power lies in the emotion, the sisterhood, and the ancient truths re-spun through a modern feminist lens. It’s poetic, poignant, and perfect for fans of Madeline Miller.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Retelling of the Theseus myth, the Minotaur, and the rise of Dionysus
💬 Why read it: Lyrical prose, complex women, and a fresh take on one of Greek mythology’s most overlooked voices
🔥 Spice level: Mild – emotionally intense, romantic elements with subtle sensuality
🏹 The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
📚 Greek Myth Retelling / Queer / Tragic Romance / Literary Fantasy
Before the rage of Achilles, there was Patroclus.
Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles takes one of mythology’s most legendary warriors and brings him back to earth – not as a godlike hero, but as a boy in love. Told through the eyes of Patroclus, this retelling of the Iliad is tender, tragic, and achingly human.
Whether you know the myth or not, this is a story that lingers. A story of love blooming in the shadow of fate. Of boyhood and bloodshed. Of two souls bound by the gods – and by choice.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Retelling of the Trojan War and the life of Achilles, with a focus on his relationship with Patroclus
💬 Why read it: Beautiful prose, queer love story, emotional depth that will break (and fill) your heart
🔥 Spice level: Medium – soft and sensual, more romantic than graphic
🕸️ The Penelopiad – Margaret Atwood
📚 Greek Myth Retelling / Feminist / Satire / Literary Fiction
Penelope has waited in silence for long enough.
In The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood reimagines The Odyssey through the eyes of Odysseus’s wife – not the loyal, passive figure history paints her as, but a witty, weary woman with her own story to tell. Through prose and a haunting chorus of twelve murdered maids, Penelope reflects on love, power, betrayal… and the myths men make.
This mythology fantasy book blends ancient legend with modern voice, perfect for fans of feminist retellings that challenge the old gods – and the old stories.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: A reworking of The Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective, with interludes from the maids
💬 Why read it: Sharp, funny, tragic – and full of the quiet rage of women left behind
🔥 Spice level: Mild – more emotional than sensual, with a powerful undercurrent of injustice
⚔️ The Silence of the Girls – Pat Barker
📚 Greek Myth / Historical Fiction / Feminist Retelling
Pat Barker flips the script on the Trojan War by telling the story from the perspective of Briseis, a queen turned war prize, whose voice has long been silenced in myth and history. This novel gives a raw, unflinching look at the brutality of war and the resilience of women left in its wake.
It’s a haunting and lyrical exploration of power, survival, and the untold stories behind epic legends – perfect for readers who want mythology with a hard-hitting, emotional punch.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Trojan War retold through the eyes of women, focusing on Briseis
💬 Why read it: Feminist, gripping, emotional, and thought-provoking
🔥 Spice level: Mild – emotional intensity rather than romance or heat
🏛️ YA Mythology Adventures
Gods in high school. Prophecies in gym class. These YA adventures take timeless myths and spin them into fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt journeys of self-discovery. Whether you’re battling monsters or figuring out your place in the world, these books serve up action, magic, and just enough teenage chaos – all grounded in classic mythological roots.
⚡ Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
📚 Middle Grade / Greek Myth / Humour / Coming-of-Age
If you’ve ever accidentally vaporised your pre-algebra teacher, you might be a demigod – and if not, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief will still make you wish you were.
This modern mythology fantasy book kicks off a series that’s become legendary in its own right. Percy is a totally ordinary twelve-year-old (except for the monsters, missing gods, and maybe being the son of Poseidon). What follows is a hilarious, fast-paced adventure through a world where ancient Greek gods walk among us – and summer camp involves celestial bronze swords and minotaur attacks.
Funny, heartfelt, and brimming with mythological mayhem, this one’s a must for readers who love clever twists on classic tales.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Loosely inspired by The Odyssey, with rich nods to Greek gods, monsters, and the Titanomachy
💬 Why read it: Whip-smart humour, endearing characters, and a fresh modern take on ancient myths
🔥 Spice level: None – this one’s kid-friendly, but the emotional arcs pack a punch
⚔️ Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard – Rick Riordan
📚 Norse Myth Retelling / YA Fantasy / Humour / Found Family
Greek gods had their turn – now it’s time for Thor, Loki, and the rest of the Nine Realms to crash the party.
In this Norse mythology fantasy series, Magnus Chase discovers he’s not just a homeless teen in Boston – he’s the son of a Norse god. Cue epic quests, magical weapons, undead warriors, and enough snark to power Valhalla.
This one’s packed with humour, heart, and clever twists on old myths. Think Percy Jackson, but older, weirder, and possibly more chaotic.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Deep dive into Norse mythology – Valkyries, giants, Loki being Loki, and a genderfluid child of Loki named Alex Fierro who steals the show
💬 Why read it: Action, humour, rich myth-lore, and standout diverse characters
🔥 Spice level: None – this is a clean, age-appropriate adventure, but with emotional resonance
🏺 The Red Pyramid – Rick Riordan
📚 Egyptian Myth / YA Urban Fantasy / Sibling Adventure
From the god of mythy middle-grade himself – The Red Pyramid kicks off a whirlwind trilogy rooted in the rich lore of ancient Egypt.
When siblings Carter and Sadie Kane are pulled into a battle against gods, monsters, and a shadowy magical order, they uncover their family’s powerful (and very chaotic) connection to Egyptian mythology. Think secret societies, godly possession, and high-stakes battles across the globe – all with Rick Riordan’s signature humour and heart.
This one’s packed with fast-paced action, ancient deities, and a sibling dynamic that’s messy, real, and oddly heartwarming.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Egyptian pantheon, temples, magic, and myth-based worldbuilding galore
💬 Why read it: Smart, diverse characters, globe-trotting adventure, and lesser-known mythology brought vividly to life
🔥 Spice level: None – clean, clever, and middle-grade friendly
🌑 The Goddess Test – Aimée Carter
📚 YA Fantasy / Modern Myth Retelling / Romance / Greek Gods
Every girl who’s taken the test has died. Now it’s Kate’s turn.
In this fresh, romantic spin on the myth of Persephone and Hades, The Goddess Test brings ancient deities into a modern world. When Kate makes a deal with a mysterious boy named Henry – who turns out to be the god of the Underworld – she’s plunged into a deadly game with immortality as the prize.
Blending teenage angst with eternal stakes, this mythology fantasy book asks: what would you sacrifice for love, family, or power?
🏛️ Myth tie-in: A modern Persephone retelling, featuring Hades (as Henry) and the Greek pantheon in disguise
💬 Why read it: Emotional, romantic, and myth-rich with a fast-paced, YA-friendly twist
🔥 Spice level: Mild – swoony romance and slow-burning chemistry, PG-13 vibes
🎭 The Hidden Oracle – Rick Riordan
📚 Greek Myth Retelling / YA Fantasy / Adventure / Humour
What if a god lost their powers and had to survive as a regular mortal teenager? Spoiler: it’s just as ridiculous as it sounds – and a whole lot of fun.
After being cast down from Olympus (again), Apollo wakes up in a New York dumpster as an awkward human named Lester Papadopoulos. His powers? Gone. His attitude? Still very much intact. To regain his immortality, he’ll need to serve a mortal master, survive Camp Half-Blood, and untangle a prophecy that might get him killed. Again.
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson who want a more sarcastic, self-deprecating narrator and a deeper dive into Apollo’s mythology.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Focuses on Apollo – god of music, prophecy, healing, and being extra – plus mythic oracles, monsters, and more
💬 Why read it: Sharp humour, myth-packed quests, and an unexpectedly heartfelt arc about growth, failure, and redemption
🔥 Spice level: None – snarky and clean, suitable for middle grade and up
🗡️ Lore – Alexandra Bracken
📚 Greek Myth / YA Urban Fantasy / High Stakes
Every seven years, the Agon begins – a brutal hunt where nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals, and anyone who kills them steals their powers. Lore Perseous swore she was done with that world. But when fate (and a wounded goddess) drags her back into the blood-soaked games, she must decide if she’ll fight again – or let the past devour everything she has left.
Lore is fast-paced, cinematic, and full of sharp twists. It’s a story of vengeance, legacy, and what it means to reclaim your own power – with plenty of nods to classic myths and a very deadly game of survival.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Inspired by Greek gods like Athena, Ares, and Artemis, reimagined in a gritty urban setting
💬 Why read it: Fierce female lead, morally grey choices, intense action and mythology with bite
🔥 Spice level: Mild – some romantic tension but the focus is on survival and revenge
⚡️ The Lost Hero – Rick Riordan
📚 Greek & Roman Myth / YA Fantasy / Adventure
This one’s a fantastic follow-up to Percy Jackson, introducing new heroes and weaving Greek and Roman myth into a modern-day quest. Jason, Piper, and Leo aren’t your typical teens – they’re demigods with secrets, powers, and a destiny that pulls them into a fight against ancient forces.
With Riordan’s trademark mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes action, The Lost Hero adds fresh layers to the mythology world and expands the universe in exciting ways.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Greek and Roman gods, demigods, and myths collide in a race to save the world
💬 Why read it: New characters with diverse backgrounds, fast-paced adventure, and plenty of laughs
🔥 Spice level: None – all ages, family-friendly fun
🌒 Starcrossed – Josephine Angelini
📚 Greek Myth / YA Paranormal Romance / Fate & Reincarnation
Helen Hamilton always thought she was just an awkward teen on Nantucket – until she starts having terrifying visions, freaky powers, and an overwhelming urge to kill a mysterious new boy at school. Turns out, Helen is a descendant of ancient Greek bloodlines, caught in a repeating cycle of mythic tragedy that dates back to the Trojan War.
Starcrossed reimagines Helen of Troy’s legacy in a modern high school setting, with a steamy forbidden romance, rival families with godlike powers, and plenty of myth-fuelled angst.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Trojan War reimagined; Greek Houses descended from gods and heroes
💬 Why read it: If you love intense romance, fate-driven plots, and mythology with a supernatural twist
🔥 Spice level: Moderate – swoony with some steam, but YA appropriate
🐉 Epic High Fantasy with Mythic Roots
These are the big ones – sweeping sagas set in richly built worlds, where gods walk among mortals, and ancient magic shapes the fate of empires. Inspired by myth but telling their own bold stories, these books are perfect for fantasy lovers who crave layered plots, immersive lore, and characters you’ll root for (or fear) to the bitter end.
🐉 The Priory of the Orange Tree – Samantha Shannon
📚 Epic Fantasy / Mythology-Inspired / Queer / Dragons / Feminist
A queendom without an heir. An ancient evil stirring beneath the sea. And a cast of fierce women ready to rewrite prophecy itself.
The Priory of the Orange Tree is a sweeping standalone fantasy rooted in original mythology, but full of echoes from real-world legend – from Western dragon-slaying myths to Eastern dragon worship. Shannon’s world is one of religious schisms, sacred trees, skybursts of fire, and secret sisterhoods guarding ancient truths.
It’s rich, intricate, and gloriously immersive – think Game of Thrones but gayer, and with fewer beheadings (and more sapphic longing). If you love your mythology fantasy books with dragons, queens, and a good slow-burn rebellion, this one belongs on your shelf.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Invented mythology with global influences – East vs West dragon lore, forbidden knowledge, sacred prophecies
💬 Why read it: Queer rep, feminist power plays, and dragons that’ll make your spine tingle
🔥 Spice level: Medium – slow-burn sapphic romance, emotionally rich with some steam
⚔️ The Shadow of the Gods – John Gwynne
📚 Norse-Inspired Mythic Fantasy / Adult
In a brutal world shaped by Norse mythology, gods and monsters wage war while humans fight to survive in the chaos. This dark and gritty saga follows warriors, survivors, and monsters alike, weaving epic battles and powerful emotions into a sweeping narrative. Gwynne’s storytelling is intense and vivid, pulling readers into a savage, blood-soaked world where myth and reality collide.
The story’s core is about survival, loyalty, and the heavy cost of power in a land ruled by gods and ancient magic. If you crave epic fantasy with a fierce mythological backbone and morally complex characters, this book delivers all that and more with grit and heart.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Norse gods, monsters, and legends
💬 Why read it: Dark, gritty, and epic fantasy with strong mythology
🔥 Spice level: Mild to moderate – violence and mature themes
🌍 Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi
📚 West African-Inspired Fantasy / YA
This book is a thrilling journey through a world where magic has been ripped away, and a fierce young heroine, Zélie, must fight to restore it to her people. The story brims with vibrant West African mythology, rich worldbuilding, and unforgettable characters who struggle against a brutal regime determined to snuff out magic forever. It’s a tale that’s as much about reclaiming identity as it is about fighting monsters, packed with emotion and heart.
Zélie’s quest brings to life themes of resilience, hope, and the power of community. The magic pulses through the pages, alongside intense battles and personal sacrifices that make this story as emotionally gripping as it is action-packed. A must-read for anyone hungry for diverse voices in fantasy and a story that feels both fresh and timeless.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Inspired by West African legends and culture
💬 Why read it: Diverse, intense, and deeply inspiring
🔥 Spice level: Mild – lots of action and emotional intensity
🔮 The Gilded Wolves – Roshani Chokshi
📚 Mythic Fantasy / Historical / Adult
This story sparkles with the glamour of 19th-century Paris and the thrill of a heist, all wrapped in a world steeped in myth and magic. A diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets and powers, race to find ancient artefacts tied to forgotten gods. It’s a clever, character-driven fantasy full of loyalty, betrayal, and shimmering intrigue.
Chokshi’s lush prose and intricate worldbuilding create an immersive experience, blending mythology with history and magic in a way that feels both fresh and enchanting. This is a book for readers who want their fantasy rich with atmosphere, romance, and clever twists.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Mythology-inspired artefacts and magical lore
💬 Why read it: Fast-paced, character-rich, and beautifully crafted
🔥 Spice level: Moderate – romance and plenty of intrigue
🌿 Soft Fantasy, Folklore & Fae
Here you’ll find stories that feel like wandering through a dream – haunting, magical, and a little dangerous. Drawing on folktales, fairylore, and delicate mythologies, these novels are more about atmosphere than epic battles. Think soft snow, strange spirits, star-crossed lovers, and the kind of magic that lingers long after the last page.
❄️ The Witch’s Heart – Genevieve Gornichec
📚 Norse Myth Retelling / Feminist Fantasy / Romance / Mythological Fiction
She was supposed to burn. Instead, she survived.
After defying Odin, Angrboda flees to the edge of the world – where she meets the trickster god Loki, and begins a quiet life of love, magic, and motherhood. But fate isn’t done with her yet. Because her children are destined to bring about Ragnarök.
In The Witch’s Heart, Norse myth gets a deeply human makeover. It’s the tale of a woman carved from firelight and grief, love and power – a witch who chooses to shape her own ending.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: A reimagining of Angrboda’s story – lover of Loki, mother of monsters (Fenrir, Hel, Jörmungandr), and seer of Ragnarök
💬 Why read it: Emotional, intimate, haunting – a mythology fantasy book with a heart full of frost and flame
🔥 Spice level: Mild to medium – tender, sensual, and steeped in emotion more than steam
🌕 Daughter of the Moon Goddess – Sue Lynn Tan
📚 Chinese Myth / Lyrical Fantasy / Romance & Adventure
Inspired by the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess, this gorgeously written debut follows Xingyin – a young woman raised in secret on the moon, unaware that her existence is forbidden. When her magic flares and her identity is exposed, she’s forced to flee her home and enter the Celestial Kingdom as a nobody – determined to free her mother and reclaim her legacy.
With court intrigue, celestial archery tournaments, dragons, and forbidden love, this is a sweeping, dreamy epic with major mythic vibes.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Retelling of the Chang’e legend from Chinese folklore, infused with celestial gods and ancient magic
💬 Why read it: Gorgeous prose, fierce heroine, slow-burn romance, and an immersive mythological world
🔥 Spice level: Mild – romantic tension but very PG and fairy-tale elegant
🦉 An Enchantment of Ravens – Margaret Rogerson
📚 Fae Mythology / YA Fantasy
Dive into a world where faeries are breathtakingly beautiful and deeply dangerous. Isobel, a mortal artist who paints the faces of faeries, suddenly finds herself caught in the dangerous politics of the faerie courts when she captures something real – an emotion. This story mixes romance, mystery, and fae folklore with a sharp and witty voice that makes it impossible to put down.
The novel explores themes of power, desire, and the blurred lines between mortal and fae worlds with lush descriptions and clever storytelling. It’s a cozy yet thrilling read, perfect for fans of atmospheric fantasy who want a mix of tension, romance, and just a little bit of danger.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Faerie folklore and myth
💬 Why read it: Romantic, atmospheric, with a clever and relatable protagonist
🔥 Spice level: Low – gentle romance with simmering tension
❄️ The Bear and the Nightingale – Katherine Arden
📚 Russian Folklore / Historical Fantasy / Adult
Set in a frozen, mystical Russia, this novel follows Vasilisa, a young girl with a connection to ancient spirits who must protect her village from dark forces. The story is a beautiful blend of folklore and history, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to a cold but magical landscape where nature and myth collide. It’s a tale of courage, tradition, and the power of belief.
With its rich atmosphere and strong female lead, the book weaves folklore creatures and old gods into a narrative that feels both timeless and fresh. It’s perfect for those who love fairy tales with a darker edge, a bit of mystery, and a touch of magic that lingers long after the last page.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Russian folklore and mythic creatures
💬 Why read it: Lush prose, magical atmosphere, and a compelling heroine
🔥 Spice level: Mild – mystical and eerie with minimal romance
🔥 Romantic Myth & Dark Reimaginings
Passion. Power. Gods behaving badly. These stories dive headfirst into the seductive side of myth – whether that’s a love story between a mortal and a god, a dark reimagining of ancient legends, or a magic-wrapped romance with high stakes. Sometimes steamy, often intense, always irresistible.
🌑 A Touch of Darkness – Scarlett St. Clair
📚 Greek Myth / Adult Fantasy Romance / Dark & Sensual
Book 1 in The Hades & Persephone series
What if the god of the underworld wasn’t just a villain, but a complicated hero? St. Clair’s A Touch of Darkness spins the classic Persephone myth into a modern, steamy romance filled with power struggles, danger, and forbidden desire.
When Persephone arrives in the Underworld, she’s drawn into a world of shadows and secrets – and an intoxicating relationship with Hades that challenges everything she thought she knew about love and fate. Expect slow-burn tension, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Greek underworld gods, retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth
💬 Why read it: Dark, passionate romance with strong characters and mythic stakes
🔥 Spice level: High – explicit romance, sensual scenes, definitely adult-only
💘 Neon Gods – Katee Robert
📚 Modern Mythology Romance / Adult
A steamy, high-stakes retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, set amid ruthless power players and dark desires in a contemporary cityscape. This sizzling romance delivers all the spice and tension you crave, with sharp dialogue and complex characters navigating love, betrayal, and ambition. If you like your mythology mixed with heat and modern twists, this electrifying story will pull you in and keep you hooked.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Modernized Hades and Persephone myth
💬 Why read it: Bold, sexy, with a pulse-pounding romantic drama
🔥 Spice level: High – explicit scenes and intense passion
🖤 Psyche and Eros – Luna McNamara
📚 Mythological Romance / Feminist Retelling
A beautifully detailed and feminist reimagining of the classic love story between Psyche and Eros. This novel explores themes of destiny, defiance, and inner strength through rich worldbuilding and deeply drawn characters. It’s an intimate and emotionally resonant tale of love and self-discovery that honors the original myth while giving it fresh life and perspective.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Psyche and Eros myth retold with a modern feminist lens
💬 Why read it: Thoughtful, romantic, and empowering
🔥 Spice level: Moderate – sensual but tasteful
🌙 Promise of Darkness – Bec McMaster
📚 Fae Fantasy Romance / Dark Enemies-to-Lovers
Dive into a dark, magical world filled with fae intrigue, forbidden desire, and dangerous secrets. This fantasy romance offers a tantalizing enemies-to-lovers story rooted deeply in mythic lore and courtly politics. With brooding heroes, fierce heroines, and a plot full of twists, it’s a captivating blend of passion and power that keeps readers on edge.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Faerie mythology and court intrigue
💬 Why read it: Intense, dark romance with strong fantasy worldbuilding
🔥 Spice level: High – steamy scenes and tense relationships
🌑 The King of Battle and Blood – Scarlett St. Clair
📚 Vampire Myth / Dark Fantasy Romance
Step into a brutal and richly imagined fantasy world where vampire lore blends with mythic power and epic romance. This story takes all the tension, danger, and forbidden passion you loved in A Touch of Darkness and cranks it up to thrilling new heights. With complex characters caught between duty and desire, it’s a dark, intense journey full of fierce love, political intrigue, and heart-pounding stakes.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Vampire mythology woven into a mythic fantasy setting
💬 Why read it: Dark, sensual, and immersive with a fierce romantic core
🔥 Spice level: High – bold, mature, and apologetically steamy
🔥 Mythic Urban Fantasy & Adventure
Dark, magical worlds where myth and mystery collide in modern or historic settings. Expect adventure, intrigue, and supernatural twists.
🌳 Hounded – Kevin Hearne
📚 Celtic Myth / Adult Urban Fantasy / Humour & Magic
Book 1 in The Iron Druid Chronicles
Atticus O’Sullivan is the last of the Druids – a sarcastic, sword-wielding, tattoo-covered immortal who owns a bookshop, walks his Irish wolfhound, and battles ancient gods in his downtime.
When a very angry Celtic deity comes knocking, Atticus has to draw on his centuries of magical knowledge (and plenty of sass) to survive. With talking dogs, witchy neighbours, and supernatural shenanigans aplenty, Hounded kicks off a series that’s smart, hilarious, and myth-rich in all the best ways.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Celtic gods, Irish folklore, and magical pantheons crashing into the modern world
💬 Why read it: Snarky voice, mythological deep dives, fast-paced action, and talking dog sidekick (yes, really)
🔥 Spice level: Moderate – adult language and occasional heat, but mostly PG-13 in tone
👻 American Elsewhere – Robert Jackson Bennett
📚 Supernatural Mystery / Mythic Horror / Adult
A gripping and eerie mystery set in a small town with strange, supernatural secrets lurking beneath the surface. When Mona Bright arrives in Wink, New Mexico, she quickly learns the community is haunted – by the past, by myth, and by dark forces that defy explanation.
This blend of folklore, psychological suspense, and mythic horror makes American Elsewhere a haunting and unforgettable journey through the strange and the uncanny.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: American folklore, ghost stories, and cryptic supernatural mythology
💬 Why read it: Atmospheric mystery, richly layered characters, and haunting mythic themes
🔥 Spice level: Low – suspenseful and creepy but not explicit
🕌 The City of Brass – S. A. Chakraborty
📚 Middle Eastern-Inspired Fantasy / Historical / Adult
Set in an 18th-century magical city inspired by Middle Eastern myths, The City of Brass follows Nahri, a clever con artist who discovers her heritage as a healer from the world of djinn. Pulled into a world of politics, magic, and ancient grudges, she must navigate dangerous court intrigues and rediscover her place among the magical elite.
With rich worldbuilding and a strong heroine, this book blends myth, adventure, and romance into a captivating epic fantasy.
🏛️ Myth tie-in: Djinn folklore, Islamic mythology, and magical Middle Eastern lore
💬 Why read it: Intricate worldbuilding, political intrigue, and a bold female lead
🔥 Spice level: Moderate – includes romance and some mature themes
💫 More Books to Love If You Enjoy Mythology Fantasy
If you’re obsessed with gods, monsters, and magical retellings, you’re probably going to love these other fantasy subgenres too. Each one offers a slightly different flavour – from swoony fae courts to gritty urban legends. Here’s what to read next:
🧚♀️ Fae Fantasy
Myths and magic meet fae courts, ancient bargains, and enemies-to-lovers tension.
If you love the ancient feel of myth and want more moody magic, clever tricksters, and lush romance – fae fantasy is calling.
Try these:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
- The Cruel Prince – Holly Black
- An Enchantment of Ravens – Margaret Rogerson
🔮 Historical Fantasy
Magic woven into real history – rich, epic, and deeply atmospheric.
For fans who love their fantasy rooted in ancient worlds, this genre blends real events and cultures with powerful myth-like storytelling.
Try these:
- She Who Became the Sun – Shelley Parker-Chan
- The Wolf Den – Elodie Harper
- The Poppy War – R.F. Kuang
🧟♂️ Dark Fantasy & Gothic Romance
Myth vibes, but with more danger, desire, and the occasional curse.
Perfect if you were drawn to the brooding gods and morally grey characters in mythology fantasy. Think haunted castles, doomed love, and witchy magic.
Try these:
- Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco
- The Shadows Between Us – Tricia Levenseller
- The Once and Future Witches – Alix E. Harrow
💘 Fantasy Romance
Romance as the main course, with epic fantasy on the side.
If your favourite thing about myth books is the chemistry, longing, and swoony chaos – this genre turns up the heat and the feels.
Try these:
- From Blood and Ash – Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Fourth Wing – Rebecca Yarros
- These Hollow Vows – Lexi Ryan
🌌 Urban Fantasy
Modern cities + ancient magic = myth in the fast lane.
Love the idea of gods walking among us? Or magical creatures hiding behind your local coffee shop? Urban fantasy brings the legends into the now.
Try these:
- The Dresden Files – Jim Butcher
- Rivers of London – Ben Aaronovitch
- City of Brass – S.A. Chakraborty
✨ Retellings (Beyond Myth)
Fresh spins on fairy tales, folklore, and classic stories.
If you liked mythology retellings, you might love clever rewrites of everything from Cinderella to Shakespeare – reimagined with magic, feminism, and flair.
Try these:
- The Bloody Chamber – Angela Carter
- Cinder – Marissa Meyer
- The Song of the Jade Lily – Kirsty Manning
🤔 Myth, Magic & FAQs
You’ve got questions – and the gods are listening (probably). Whether you’re wondering where Percy Jackson fits in, what makes a book mythological fantasy, or if all myths count as fantasy (spoiler: not always), we’ve got the scrolls of wisdom ready. Let’s break it down in plain English – no ancient prophecy required.
What are the best books about mythology?
Some of the most beloved books about mythology blend ancient tales with modern storytelling. Circe and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller are critically acclaimed retellings of Greek myths, while The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon brings myth-inspired fantasy into an epic, feminist world. For younger readers, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and Magnus Chase series are fantastic introductions to Greek and Norse mythology, full of action and heart.
What is a mythological fantasy?
Mythological fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that draws on ancient myths, legends, and folklore to build its world, characters, or plot. It might retell well-known stories like the trials of Hercules or reinterpret lesser-known tales from various cultures. These books often feature gods, monsters, fated heroes, magical realms, and deeply symbolic themes – all rooted in the rich soil of mythology.
Is Percy Jackson fantasy or mythology?
Both! Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a mythology-based fantasy series. It retells and reimagines stories from Greek mythology in a modern-day setting, following demigod teenagers who interact with gods, monsters, and ancient prophecies – all while attending summer camp. It’s a great example of how mythology and fantasy can blend seamlessly.
Does mythology count as fantasy?
Traditional mythology (like Greek, Norse, or Egyptian myths) isn’t fantasy in itself – it’s ancient storytelling rooted in culture, religion, and oral tradition. However, books that reinterpret or build on mythology, especially with magical elements or invented worlds, are considered mythological fantasy, a recognised subgenre of fantasy fiction.
What genre does mythology fall under?
Mythology on its own is often studied under folklore, religion, or cultural history, but when it’s used in fiction, it typically falls under fantasy, historical fiction, or even romance, depending on the retelling. Books inspired by mythology are often shelved as mythological fantasy, which overlaps with epic fantasy, romantic fantasy, and dark fantasy genres.
🌟 That’s a Wrap on the Myths and Magic!
From fierce goddesses rewriting their fate to snarky druids battling ancient deities, we’ve covered the best mythology fantasy books that bring old legends roaring back to life. Whether you’re swooning over star-crossed lovers, following heroes on epic quests, or side-eyeing a trickster god or two – we hope you found something to add to your TBR.
But don’t stop here.
✨ There’s a whole multiverse of bookish goodness waiting to be explored.
👉 Check out our other lists for more magical reads – from romantic fantasy and cosy comfort books to dark academia and beyond. Your next favourite story might be just one click away.
Happy reading, myth lovers! 📚🧚♀️⚡