Read These if You Loved The Odyssey: 8 Greek Mythology Books For Your TBR

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has done more than become one of the biggest movies of the year. It has reignited interest in one of the world's oldest stories. It has also reignited interest in greek mythology by book lovers like you.

So, you found yourself fascinated by the Greek gods. Or, you couldn't get enough of the mythical creatures. Maybe you simply loved watching Odysseus face one impossible challenge after another. Whatever drew you in, there's no shortage of greek mythology books that capture that same sense of adventure.

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8 of the Best Greek Mythology Books for Your TBR

From modern retellings to fantasy inspired by Greek mythology, these books are great picks if you're looking for your next read after The Odyssey.

Read The Odyssey (Deluxe Hardcover Edition) by Homer, retold by Geraldine McCaughrean

If the movie made you realize you've never actually read The Odyssey, this is the place to start.

Geraldine McCaughrean's retelling keeps everything that has made Homer's epic unforgettable for thousands of years. From Cyclopes and sea monsters to angry gods and impossible choices—but presents it in a way that's much more approachable for modern readers. Instead of struggling through dense language, you can simply enjoy the adventure.

It's also surprisingly fast-paced, making it a great introduction if you've always wanted to read the classic but weren't sure where to begin.

Pick Up Lovely War by Julie Berry

If what stuck with you most was watching the gods influence the lives of ordinary people, Lovely War should move straight to the top of your TBR. It's a greek mythology based book that is given from a fresh perspective.

Set during World War I, the novel follows four young people whose lives become intertwined while Aphrodite tells their story before the gods on Mount Olympus. It blends romance, history, and mythology in a way that feels completely unique.

Note that this isn't a retelling of The Odyssey. But, it explores many of the same ideas about fate, love, sacrifice, and the role the gods play in human lives. It's also one of those books that readers tend to recommend over and over again for good reason.

Escape Into Threads That Bind by Kika Hatzopoulou

One of the things I love most about Greek mythology is seeing authors find fresh ways to use stories we've known for centuries.

Threads That Bind imagines a world where descendants of the Greek gods have inherited divine abilities. The story follows Io, a descendant of the Fates. Io becomes caught up in a murder investigation involving magic, family secrets, and a soulmate she never expected.

The greek mythology in this book feels familiar without simply repeating the classics. This makes it a fun choice if you're looking for something a little different after The Odyssey.

Read Find My Way Down to You by Julian Winters

If the Underworld was one of your favorite parts of Greek mythology, don't skip this one.

After losing his boyfriend, August unexpectedly finds himself in the Underworld, where he hopes to reunite with the love he lost. Instead, he meets Cary, a ferryman whose presence begins to complicate everything August thought he wanted.

Inspired by Greek mythology, the novel explores grief, healing, and love while creating an atmospheric version of the Underworld that's easy to get lost in. It's emotional without being overly heavy and offers a fresh take on familiar mythology.

Learn More with What Is Greek Mythology? by Kathryn Waterfield

Sometimes finishing a movie just leaves you with questions.

Who exactly were all the gods? Why are Medusa and Perseus so famous? What's the story behind Athena, Poseidon, and Heracles?

If that's where you are after watching The Odyssey, this nonfiction guide is a great resource. It explains many of Greek mythology's most famous stories while also showing how these ancient legends continue to influence books, movies, and popular culture today.

Continue the Adventure with The Forgotten Five Series by Lisa McMann

While this series isn't rooted in Greek mythology itself, it shares something The Odyssey does incredibly well: an unforgettable hero's journey.

The series follows a group of unlikely heroes as they fight to save their nation through dangerous missions, impossible odds, and plenty of twists along the way. Friendship, courage, sacrifice, and discovering who you are all play a central role.

If your favorite part of The Odyssey was the adventure itself, you'll probably fly through this series.

Add Rosie Frost by Geri Halliwell-Horner to Your TBR

Adventure fans will probably enjoy Rosie Frost, a book inspired by greek mythology and drama. Especially if you're looking for another story full of mysteries, ancient secrets, and high-stakes challenges.

The series follows Rosie as she uncovers dangerous family secrets. She faces epic trials, and discovers strengths she never knew she had. Throw in time travel, prehistoric sea monsters, hidden societies, and plenty of twists, and you have a series that's hard to put down.

Try A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation by Pablo Cartaya

Not every hero carries a sword.

A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation takes the idea of the classic hero's journey and applies it to an unforgettable family road trip. Gonzalo spends the summer traveling across the country with his estranged grandfather. Along the way he discovers that courage sometimes looks much different than the stories we grow up reading.

It's heartfelt, funny, and a reminder that ordinary people can go on extraordinary journeys too.

Final Thoughts on Greek Mythology Books

One of the reasons The Odyssey has lasted for thousands of years is because its themes still resonate today. Adventure. Family. Perseverance. Finding your way home. Those ideas continue to inspire authors across every genre, whether they're writing historical fiction, fantasy, romance, or contemporary stories.

If you're not quite ready to leave Greek mythology behind after the movie, any of these books will keep that sense of wonder going a little longer.

And who knows? The Odyssey might just be the beginning of your next reading obsession.

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