While retellings and updated versions of mythology stories are more and more commonplace, but most of the bestseller lists out there are full of stories inspired by Ancient Greek tales.
But what about talented writers putting out mythology retellings that aren’t Greek? There are more choices out there than you might think.
10. The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
Giving readers a glance into the world of Scandinavian folklore, The Witch’s Heart sees a banished witch named Angrboda fall in love with Loki, a trickster with whom she forges a deep connection.
As she recovers from her injuries at the hands of Odin, and her union with Loki produces three children, Angrboda will need to decide if she wants to live the rest of her life in the shadows or walk into the light.
9. The Celestial Kingdom Series by Sue Lynn Tan
ISBN: 9780063326699
Inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, the Celestial Kingdom series follows Xingyin, who has grown up on the moon since her mother was exiled. When her power makes itself known, Xingyin must flee her home in order to escape the vindictive Celestial Emperor.
This duology also features gorgeous illustrations by Kurt Huang. If the beautiful covers don’t immediately grab your attention, the impressive scope of the story certainly will.
The Celestial Kingdom book series includes;
- Daughter Of The Moon Goddess
- Heart Of The Sun Warrior
- Tales Of The Celestial Kingdom
8. Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno Garcia
ISBN: 9780525620778
Set at the height of the Jazz Age, Gods of Jade and Shadow takes its roots from Mexican folklore.
Cassiopeia Tun dreams of a life far away from her responsibilities. She gets it in spades after accidentally releasing the spirit of the Mayan god of Death. Setting out on a quest to help him, Casiopea will quickly find more adventure than she ever could have anticipated.
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7. The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
ISBN: 9781101885956
In the Russian wilderness, Vasilia lives with her family and listens to her nurse’s stories about the Frost King named Morozko. They honor these spirits in their home, but when Vasilia’s new stepmother arrives from Moscow, she forbids any such rituals.
As she taps into powers that she’s kept hidden from the world, Vasilia will learn that the spirits are listening, if you know how to ask. This popular trilogy kicks off with the bestselling novel The Bear and the Nightingale, introducing audiences to this world of magic and mystery.
The Winternight Trilogy includes;
- The Bear And The Nightingale
- The Girl In The Tower
- The Winter Of The Witch
6. The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
ISBN: 9781423113386
If you thought that Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series was his only foray into the world of mythology, think again. The Kane Chronicles includes 3 books;
- The Red Pyramid
- The Thrones Of Fire
- The Serpent’s Shadow
The Kane Chronicles sees siblings Carter and Sadie taking on the gods of Ancient Egypt when they’re unleashed on the modern world. Having practically been raised separately, they’ll have to band together to save their father and stop the god Set before it’s too late.
5. The Famine Witch by Stephen Black
ISBN: 9781958228517
The entities of Irish folklore take center stage in this folklore epic set during the potato famine that ravaged Ireland in 1847.
The Celtic tale of the Black Lady is revamped as siblings Maggie and Jinx struggle to survive not only their hunger, but the very real forces trying to destroy them.
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4. Legacy of Orïsha Series by Tomi Adeyemi
ISBN: 9781250294623
This series most likely needs no introduction, with the first installment Children of Blood and Bone garnering massive hype, as well as having the rights to an adaptation picked up by Paramount, with author Adeyemi adapting and producing.
In a world stripped of its abilities, protagonist Zélie Adebola fights to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha, Adeyemi’s series draws inspiration from West African folklore and presents a coming-of-age story that won’t soon be forgotten
Legacy of Orïsha book series include;
- Children Of Blood And Bone
- Children Of Vertue And Vengeance
- Children Of Anguish And Anarchy
3. Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian
ISBN: 9780593200520
Arthurian tales are fairly commonplace, however, most of the time their focus is on the legendary king, his knight Lancelot, and the famed Guinevere. Many fewer tell the tale of the Lady of Shalott, cursed with the gift of foresight.
Elaine leaves the safety of Avalon to join King Arthur in Camelot and quickly realizes that her tragic visions are coming to fruition. She’ll need to decide what sacrifices she’s willing to make in order to prevent the inevitable.
2. Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse
ISBN: 9781534413504
In a world where gods and monsters walk the earth, Maggie Hoskins is trying to restore order to the former Navajo reservation of Dinétah. As a monster hunter, Maggie’s skills are unmatched, and she soon finds herself swept up in the case of a missing girl in the area.
Trail of Lightning incorporates Indigenous folklore into a tale of urban fantasy in this first installment of the Sixth World Series from bestselling author Rebecca Roanhorse.
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1. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
ISBN: 9780063081918
I’m not saying that this is the ultimate coming together of various mythologies in one novel, but it’s pretty darn close. Neil Gaiman is somewhat of a master of all things mythological, but he outdid himself with American Gods, a tale that sees the deities of the old world struggle to make their way in a society of advanced technologies and forgotten traditions.
