Now that you are obsessed with Ancient Greece after exiting Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of The Odyssey like we are, you might be looking for some reading inspiration for what to read next.
Homer's legendary tale has captivated readers for nearly 3,000 years with its unforgettable blend of adventure, monsters, gods, impossible choices, and one hero's relentless journey home. But The Odyssey is only the beginning. Modern authors have reimagined its characters, expanded the world of Greek mythology, and retold the Trojan War from fresh perspectives that feel every bit as gripping as today's biggest fantasy novels.
If you're wondering what to read after watching The Odyssey, this guide features the best books inspired by Odysseus, Achilles, Penelope, Circe, Medusa, and the gods of Olympus. Whether you're looking for faithful retellings, feminist perspectives, historical fiction, romantasy, graphic novels, or books for younger readers, these recommendations will keep your mythological adventure going.
Read the Original Epic
The Odyssey
by Homer
The Odyssey, Homer's great epic, is one of the oldest surviving works of literature. It describes the many adventures of Odysseus the Greek hero as he strives over many years to return to his home island of Ithaca after the Trojan War. On Ithaca he will defeat the suitors camped in his palace and reunite with his loyal wife, Penelope.
The poem is not only an adventurous tale but also a reflection on the complexities of human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions.
His adventures, his endurance, his love for his wife and son have the same power to move and inspire readers today as they did in Greece, 2800 years ago. This beautiful edition is translated by Alexander Pope.
The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel: Deluxe Edition
by Gareth Hinds
With bold imagery and an ear tuned to the music of Homer's epic poem, award-winning graphic artist Gareth Hinds reinterprets the ancient classic as it's never been told before.
"Gareth Hinds brings The Odyssey to life in a masterful blend of art and storytelling. Vivid and exciting, this graphic novel is a worthy new interpretation of Homer's epic." --Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series
You Are Odysseus
by L Jenkinson-Brown - Homer
Read and become Odysseus, the many-minded man, the most famous adventure hero of all time. Make the same choices as he does in the original epic, or read as your version of Odysseus, making the choices you think he should make.
Homer's Odyssey as a second-person narrative - an interactive epic. Can you make the same choices as Odysseus? Should you?
Read Christopher Nolan's Screenplay
The Odyssey: The Official Screenplay
by Christopher Nolan
The complete screenplay of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot using brand new IMAX(R) film technology.
The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson and Lupita Nyong'o, with Zendaya and Charlize Theron.
Before Odysseus: The Trojan War
The Iliad
by Homer
This edition of Homer's epic, Iliad, tells the story of the final year of the Trojan War. The story was first written in the 8th century BC, after centuries of being passed on by word of mouth. It follows the magnificent Greek warrior Achilles, as well as his rage and the destruction it causes.
The Song of Achilles
by Madeline Miller
"At once a scholar's homage to The Iliad and startlingly original work of art....A book I could not put down." --Ann Patchett, author of The Dutch House
A tale of gods, kings, immortal fame, and the human heart, The Song of Achilles is a dazzling literary tale that brilliantly reimagines Homer's enduring masterwork, The Iliad.
The Rage of Achilles
by Terence Hawkins
In The Rage of Achilles, Terence Hawkins re-imagines the Iliad as a novel and a Trojan War that really happened.
The Rage of Achilles takes place in a world in which the modern human consciousness struggles painfully to be born. The gods are only the hallucinations of men and women desperate to be told what to do in a terrifying and confusing world.
Son of Nobody
by Yann Martel
Son of Nobody takes readers from the plains of Troy to the halls of Oxford, from the classical to the contemporary, from ancient verses to modern footnotes. It is a dazzling, masterful feat of myth, history, and domesticity that explores how stories become facts, the price we pay to share them, and how we live. Then, now, always.
Beyond Odysseus: More Greek Mythology Novels
The Hymn to Dionysus
by Natasha Pulley
A timely reimagining of the story of Dionysus-Greek god of ecstasy, revelry, and ruin. A captivating queer love story for readers of The Song of Achilles and Elektra.
Agrippa: A Novel of Ancient Rome's Descent Into Dictatorship
by Robert Harris
From the #1 internationally bestselling author of Conclave and Dictator, a gripping tale of ancient Rome's descent into dictatorship
He was born feet first, a dangerous way to enter the world. His mother did not survive, and the nickname, Agrippa (mother killer) stuck. But the schoolyard taunting only served to harden his resolve and hone his predilection for aggression.
In time, the name lost its sting and became instead a mark of his invincibility. It came to shape his destiny.
Agrippa is Robert Harris's monumental return to the world of ancient Rome on the precipice of dictatorship, a novel for our times.
The Women of The Odyssey and Greek Mythology
Stone Blind
by Natalie Haynes
The only mortal in a family of gods, Medusa is the youngest of the Gorgon sisters. Unlike her siblings, Medusa grows older, experiences change, feels weakness. Her mortal lifespan gives her an urgency that her family will never know.
When Poseidon assaults Medusa in Athene's temple, the goddess is enraged. Furious by the violation, Athene takes revenge on the young woman.
Punished for Poseidon's actions, Medusa is forever transformed. Writhing snakes replace her hair and her gaze will turn any living creature to stone. Cursed with the power to destroy all she loves with one look, Medusa condemns herself to a life of solitude.
In Stone Blind, Haynes turns our understanding of this legendary myth on its head. Bringing empathy and nuance to an early story where a powerful man injures a woman. She is then blamed, punished, and treated like a monster for the assault. Haynes creates a timely feminist fantasy that speaks to us today.
Ithaca
by Claire North
This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca's shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women--and their goddesses--that will change the course of the world.
A Thousand Ships
by Natalie Haynes
In the middle of the night, a woman wakes to find her beloved city engulfed in flames. Ten seemingly endless years of conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans are over. Troy has fallen.
This long and tragic war forever altered the lives, loves, and rivalries of these women, and these are their stories. A Thousand Ships puts the women, girls and goddesses at the center of the Western world's great tale ever told.
The Penelopiad (Main - Canons)
by Margaret Atwood - Philip Pullman
Margaret Atwood’s landmark story offers a newly imagined look at what comes after Homer’s The Odyssey, from the internationally bestselling author of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Penelope. Immortalized in legend and myth as the devoted wife of the glorious Odysseus. She is silently weaving and unpicking and weaving again as she waits for her husband's return.
Now Penelope wanders the underworld, spinning a different kind of thread. Her own side of the story is a tale of lust, greed and murder.
I, Medusa
by Ayana Gray
Meddy has spent her whole life as a footnote in someone else's story. Out of place next to her beautiful, immortal sisters and her parents, she dreams of leaving her family's island for a life of adventure. When she catches the goddess Athena’s attention, Athena offers to mentor her as a respected temple priestess. Meddy eagerly takes the chance to explore the world beyond her home.
Exploding with rage, heartbreak, and love, I, Medusa portrays a young woman caught in the crosscurrents between her heart's deepest desires and the cruel, careless games the Olympian gods play.
Clytemnestra
by Costanza Casati
"Fans of Circe and Elektra should pick up this powerful Greek myth retelling." --Cosmopolitan
A stunning debut following Clytemnestra, the most notorious villainess of the ancient world and the events that forged her into the legendary queen.
A novel set in the world of Ancient Greece, this is a thrilling tale of power and prophecies and of an unforgettable Queen who fiercely dealt out death to those who wronged her.
Penelope's Daughter
by Laurel Corona
The award-winning author of The Four Seasons retells The Odyssey from the point of view of Odysseus and Penelope's daughter.
With her father Odysseus gone for twenty years, Xanthe barricades herself in her royal chambers to escape the rapacious suitors who would abduct her to gain the throne.
When a stranger dressed as a beggar appears at the palace, Xanthe wonders who will be the one to decide her future-a suitor she loathes, a brother she cannot respect, or a father who doesn't know she exist.
Circe
by Madeline Miller
This #1 New York Times bestseller brilliantly reimagines the life of Circe, formidable sorceress of The Odyssey. We follow her as she discovers her own power, forges her identity, and challenges the gods who seek to control her.
With vivid characters and page-turning suspense, Circe is a triumph of storytelling, an intoxicating epic of family rivalry, palace intrigue, love and loss, as well as a celebration of indomitable female strength in a man's world.
Greek Mythology for Kids & Teens
Lit for Little Hands: The Odyssey
by Homer - Olga Skomorokhova - Brooke Jorden
An interactive board book adventure on the seas of ancient Greece, Brooke Jorden's adaptation of The Odyssey is an epic journey that tells of heroism and homecoming
Wheels, pull tabs, and other interactive elements invite kids to outsmart mythical monsters, brave treacherous waters, and return home to Ithaca with Odysseus.
This board book helps children understand that no matter how far you go, home is always worth the journey.
ABCs of Greek Myths: From Aphrodite to Zeus
by Kathleen Marcotte
Introduce your child to the stars of Greek mythology in this epic first-alphabet board book
Pairing a star from Greek mythology with each letter of the alphabet, ABC of Greek Myths is the perfect primer to the classics.
Includes the most famous Greek stars: Aphrodite, Pandora's Box, Circe, Demeter, Eros, the Fates, Gaia, Hercules, Icarus, Jason, Kratos, the Lion of Nemea, Medusa, Nemesis, Odysseus, Poseidon, Quick-witted Athena, Apollo's Ravens, the Sirens, the Trojan Horse, Urania, Victorious Nike, Witchy Hecate, Xanthe, Youthful Hebe, and Zeus.
Olympians Boxed Set Books 1-6: Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon & Aphrodite
by George O'Connor
George O'Connor's vibrant, kinetic art brings ancient tales to life in the New York Times Bestselling series The Olympians. This fusion of super-hero aesthetics and ancient Greek mythology is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: The Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
The first book in Rick Riordan's thrilling series, filled with magic, Greek mythology, and plenty of monsters.
Mythical creatures seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. What's worse, he's angered a few of them: Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.
Percy and his friends must find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. They travel cross country to the gates of the Underworld in Los Angeles, facing a host of enemies determined to stop them.
Trials of Apollo, the Book One: The Hidden Oracle
by Rick Riordan
How do you punish an immortal? By making him human.
After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disoriented, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favor.
The Aftermyth
by Tracy Wolff
"For fans of Percy Jackson, this fresh...thrilling" (Booklist) first book in a dark academia fantasy middle grade series follows a girl living in a world ruled by the tenets of Greek mythology whose fate is more than it appears.
Medusa
by Katherine Marsh
Percy Jackson meets Wednesday Addams in this fantastical Greek mythology adventure about Ava, who attends a boarding school for the descendants of Greek monsters and uncovers a terrible secret that could change the world forever.
Greek Mythology Romance & Romantasy
Shadows of Sparta: A Greek Mythology Romantasy
by C R Jane
Even as her heart is pulled in two directions, Helena fights to save Sparta in the face of a tyrannical king, in this romantasy retelling of Helen of Troy.
Helena must claim the throne--or be destroyed by it.
Shadows of Sparta is an MF dark romantasy featuring a strong heroine, morally gray heroes, forbidden magic, an enemies-to-lovers love triangle, and violence. It is intended for mature audiences.
Wild Reverence
by Rebecca Ross
True love is more divine than any ruthless god.
Born in the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic. But in a land where gods often kill each other to steal power and alliances break as quickly as they are forged, Matilda must come of age sooner than most.
She may be known to carry words and letters through the realms, but she holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest of allies to ensure her survival. And to complicate matters . . . there is a mortal boy who dreams of her, despite the fact they have never met in the waking world.
Lore Olympus: Volume One
by Rachel Smythe
Persephone, young goddess of spring, is new to Olympus. Her mother, Demeter, has raised her in the mortal realm, but after Persephone promises to train as a sacred virgin, she's allowed to live in the fast-moving, glamorous world of the gods.
When her roommate, Artemis, takes her to a party, her entire life changes. She ends up meeting Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Now Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place--and her own power.
This edition of Smythe's original Eisner-winning webcomic Lore Olympus brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel.
Sweetbitter Song
by Rosie Hewlett
A profoundly moving story of two women on the shores of Ithaca, in the shadows of a legendary war, who must face their own battle - one of sisterhood, survival, and a forbidden love that could destroy them both.
A profound tale of love, identity and defiance, Sweetbitter Song tells a story forgotten by history. One of bravery and hope, celebrating two women who fought to protect their love from a world that tried to deny its existence.
Learn More About Greek Mythology
The Wisdom of the Odyssey: Twenty-Four Life Lessons from Homer's Epic
by Phil Cousineau
"Phil Cousineau always notices what nobody else does -- a sure sign of a sharp writer. His odyssey through the Odyssey uncovers new sights at every site." -- Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket, author of A Series of Unfortunate Events
A fresh, modern companion to Homer's Odyssey that illuminates its timeless lessons on change, resilience, and the search for home.
In The Wisdom of the Odyssey, mythologist Phil Cousineau distills the epic into 24 chapters that mirror Homer's original books and connect their lessons to our own lives.
This book shows how Odysseus's enduring story is more relevant than ever, and how it can guide us toward perseverance, meaning, and a richer inner life.
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
by Edith Hamilton
Edith Hamilton's mythology succeeds like no other book in bringing to life for the modern reader the Greek, Roman and Norse myths that are the keystone of Western culture--the stories of gods and heroes that have inspired human creativity from antiquity to the present.
Both a reference text for scholars of all ages and a book to simply enjoy, Mythology is a classic not to be missed.
Complete Greek Myths: An Illustrated Book of Greek Myths
by Henry Brook - Anna Milbourne - Nathan Collins
This extensive volume of Greek Myths is perfect for a family bookshelf, containing all of the best-known myths, told in a detailed and fresh way to alight the interest of any child or adult with an interest in the gods and heroes of Ancient Greece.
Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook: From Aphrodite to Zeus, a Profile of Who's Who in Greek Mythology
by LIV Albert - Sara Richard
Finally sort out who's who in Greek mythology--from gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, and everyone in between!
Mythos
by Stephen Fry
In Mythos, the ancient stories of the Greek gods are brought thrillingly to life by one of the great storytellers of our time. Beloved writer, actor, and comedian Stephen Fry retells the legendary myths of ancient Greece with warmth, humor, and extraordinary narrative flair, introducing readers to the dazzling world of gods, titans, and heroes.
Amazing Immortals: A Guide to Gods and Goddesses Around the World
by Dinah Williams
A fact-filled, culturally diverse, and gorgeously illustrated introduction to over 80 gods and goddesses from around the world--a perfect introduction to mythology for young readers.
More Odyssey Fun
The World of the Odyssey & Other Greek Myths: A 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Adam Simpson
by Adam Simpson
This jigsaw brings together Odysseus' famed journey in one epic scene. Each reference from the tale is highlighted and explained in an accompanying fold-out poster with text by an expert author.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I read after watching The Odyssey?
If you loved the adventure and mythology, start with Circe by Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles, or Homer's The Iliad. These books expand the world surrounding Odysseus and the Trojan War.
Do I need to read The Iliad before The Odyssey?
No. The Odyssey stands on its own, but reading The Iliad adds important context about Achilles, Hector, Agamemnon, and the events that led to Odysseus's long voyage home.
What books retell The Odyssey?
Popular retellings include:
- Circe
- Ithaca
- The Penelopiad
- Penelope's Daughter
- The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel
- You Are Odysseus
What is the best Greek mythology novel?
Some of today's highest-rated Greek mythology novels include:
- Circe
- The Song of Achilles
- A Thousand Ships
- Lore Olympus
- Stone Blind
Are there books similar to Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey?
Yes. Readers who like epic journeys, mythical creatures, legendary heroes, and ancient Greece will enjoy these books. This list includes faithful retellings and modern reinterpretations.
More to the story
The enduring appeal of The Odyssey lies in its timeless themes of adventure, sacrifice, and the search for home. Christopher Nolan's film may introduce a new generation to Homer's epic, but these books prove the story doesn't end when the credits roll.
Save this list for your next read by using the "Create List" button at the top of this article. If you discover a new favorite, add it to your Bookfinity reading list so you can track your progress and find even more books inspired by the legends of Ancient Greece like Odysseus.