The best 54 Mythology books

The Sacred and the Profane (1957) looks at the dichotomy between religious and secular life, exploring how various cultures perceive and experience the sacred. By contrasting the traditional understanding of sacred time and space with the secular, linear perspective prevalent in modern societies it offers a deep analysis of how the sacred has shaped religious practices and beliefs throughout history.

Electra (410 BC) is a deep dive into the power of emotions and the thirst for justice. It outlines the severe grief and anger of Electra, a character in ancient Greek mythology, who yearns to avenge her father’s murder.

"Works and Days" is a didactic poem by the ancient Greek poet Hesiod. It offers practical advice on farming, as well as moral and ethical guidance for living a just and virtuous life. The poem also delves into the themes of labor, justice, and the relationship between gods and humans. It is a valuable insight into the daily life and beliefs of the ancient Greeks.

The Golden Bough is a classic study of mythology and religion by James George Frazer. Drawing on a wide range of cultures and historical periods, the book explores the common themes and rituals surrounding the worship of vegetation gods and the concept of the sacred king. It offers a fascinating insight into the origins of human belief systems and the evolution of religious practices.

The play "Trojan Women" by Euripides tells the tragic story of the women of Troy after their city has been conquered by the Greeks. It explores themes of war, loss, and the suffering of innocent civilians, offering a powerful commentary on the devastating effects of conflict. Through the voices of its female characters, the play challenges the glorification of war and calls for empathy and compassion towards its victims.

The Bacchae is a Greek tragedy that tells the story of the god Dionysus and his revenge on the city of Thebes. Through a series of dramatic events, the play explores themes of power, religion, and the consequences of denying one's true nature. It is a thought-provoking and timeless examination of the human condition.

Le Morte d'Arthur is a classic tale of chivalry and adventure, recounting the legendary exploits of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Written by Sir Thomas Malory in the 15th century, this epic work weaves together various Arthurian legends, including the quest for the Holy Grail and the tragic downfall of Camelot. It is a timeless story of honor, betrayal, and the enduring power of myth.

Oedipus at Colonus is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of Oedipus, the former king of Thebes, as he seeks refuge in the sacred grove of the Furies at Colonus. The play explores themes of fate, redemption, and the power of the gods, as Oedipus comes to terms with his past and prepares for his eventual death. It is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the human condition.

"Philoctetes" is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of a Greek warrior who is abandoned on a deserted island because of a painful and foul-smelling wound. When the Greeks need his magical bow to win the Trojan War, they send Odysseus to convince him to join them. The play explores themes of betrayal, suffering, and the power of fate.

'Crimson Frost' by Jennifer Estep follows Gwen Frost, a student at Mythos Academy with the power to psychically sense her environment. When her friend is kidnapped and a powerful artifact is stolen, Gwen must use her unique abilities to track down the culprit and prevent a dangerous plan from being executed.

Everneath by Brodi Ashton is a gripping tale of forbidden love and redemption. When Nikki returns to her hometown after mysteriously disappearing for six months, she is determined to make amends with the people she left behind. But as she uncovers the truth about her time in the underworld, she realizes that her return may not be as simple as she thought. With a unique blend of Greek mythology and modern-day storytelling, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of Karou, a young woman with a mysterious past. Set in a world where angels and chimaera are at war, the book delves into themes of identity, love, and the consequences of betrayal. With beautiful prose and an imaginative world, it is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy. 

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott is a thrilling fantasy novel that takes you on a journey with two siblings, Josh and Sophie Newman. When they discover that their ordinary lives are intertwined with the ancient secrets of alchemy and the legendary figure Nicholas Flamel, they are thrust into a dangerous battle between good and evil. This book is filled with magic, mythology, and non-stop action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Serpent's Shadow is the third book in the Kane Chronicles series by Rick Riordan. Set in the world of Egyptian mythology, the story follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they race against time to stop the chaos serpent Apophis from destroying the world. Filled with action, magic, and humor, this book is a thrilling conclusion to the epic adventure.

Pure is a thrilling novel by Jennifer L. Armentrout that takes readers into a world where half-bloods are constantly at risk. The protagonist, Alex, must navigate forbidden love, power struggles, and dangerous secrets as she fights to protect herself and those she cares about. With its captivating plot and complex characters, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Norse Mythology (2017) by Neil Gaiman is a captivating retelling of the ancient Norse myths. Gaiman breathes new life into the legends of gods, giants, and monsters, taking readers on a journey through the creation of the world, the adventures of the gods, and the impending doom of Ragnarok. With his characteristic wit and storytelling prowess, Gaiman brings these timeless tales to a modern audience.

The Son of Neptune is a captivating novel by Rick Riordan that follows the journey of a demigod named Percy Jackson. Stripped of his memories, Percy finds himself at a camp for Roman demigods and sets out on a quest to free a captured goddess and prevent a war among the gods. Filled with action, humor, and mythology, this book is a thrilling adventure for readers of all ages.

The Throne of Fire is an enthralling novel by Rick Riordan that takes readers on a thrilling journey through Egyptian mythology. As the world teeters on the brink of chaos, siblings Carter and Sadie Kane must awaken the long-sleeping sun god Ra to prevent the rise of the chaotic deity Apophis. Filled with action, magic, and high-stakes adventure, this book is a gripping read for all ages.

The Immortals of Meluha is a gripping tale set in ancient India, where a tribal leader named Shiva embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a prophecy. As he navigates through a land filled with political intrigue and mythical beings, Shiva discovers his own destiny and the role he must play in a war between good and evil. This book is the first installment in the Shiva Trilogy and offers a unique blend of history, mythology, and adventure.

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is a captivating retelling of the ancient Greek myth. It delves into the untold story of Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, and her journey to help Theseus defeat the Minotaur. Filled with betrayal, love, and resilience, this book offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale.

The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter is a captivating novel that weaves together Greek mythology and modern-day storytelling. It follows the story of Kate, who is drawn into a world of gods and goddesses when she agrees to take a series of tests in exchange for a chance to save her dying mother. As she navigates through challenges and uncovers secrets, Kate must decide where her loyalties lie and ultimately face the ultimate test of love and sacrifice.

Everbound by Brodi Ashton is a captivating fantasy novel that follows Nikki as she ventures into the underworld, determined to rescue the soul of her beloved Jack. Filled with twists and turns, this book delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to for redemption.

Apollyon is a thrilling young adult novel by Jennifer L. Armentrout. It is the fourth book in the action-packed Covenant series. The story follows Alex as she grapples with her newfound powers and the dangerous consequences they bring. Faced with betrayal and a looming war, Alex must make difficult choices to protect the ones she loves.

The Battle of the Labyrinth is the fourth book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. In this thrilling fantasy novel, Percy Jackson and his friends journey into the dangerous Labyrinth in search of Daedalus, who holds the key to preventing the rise of the Titan lord, Kronos. Filled with ancient myths, action-packed adventure, and clever humor, this book is a must-read for fans of Greek mythology.

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a captivating fantasy novel set in medieval Russia. It weaves together folklore, history, and magic to tell the story of a young girl named Vasilisa who defies societal expectations and embraces her own unique abilities. As dark forces threaten her village, Vasilisa must uncover her family's secrets and summon her inner strength to protect her home.

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young woman named Kelsey as she embarks on an adventure to break an ancient curse. Filled with romance, magic, and exotic settings, this book takes readers on a thrilling ride through Indian mythology and introduces them to a world they won't want to leave.

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The Once and Future King by T.H. White is a timeless literary classic that reimagines the legend of King Arthur. Through its enchanting prose, the book delves into themes of power, justice, and the human condition, while offering a unique perspective on the Arthurian tales. It is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

The Demigod Files is a companion book to the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. It contains three original short stories, character interviews, and profiles, as well as activities and puzzles related to the world of demigods. Fans of the series will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at their favorite characters and the Greek mythology they encounter.

Anansi Boys is a novel by Neil Gaiman that weaves together African folklore, family drama, and magical realism. It follows the story of Charles Nancy, nicknamed Fat Charlie, who discovers that his estranged father was the trickster god Anansi. Fat Charlie meets his charming and enigmatic brother, Spider, and gets entangled in a series of supernatural events that change his life forever. Full of humor, wit, and fantastical elements, this book is a captivating exploration of identity and the power of storytelling.

The Poetic Edda is a collection of Old Norse poems that form a crucial part of Norse mythology. It provides insights into the creation of the world, the adventures of gods and heroes, and the end of the world. By delving into ancient beliefs and legends, this book offers a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Norse storytelling.

Goddess Interrupted is the second book in the "Goddess Test" series by Aimée Carter. In this gripping fantasy novel, Kate Winters must navigate the challenges of ruling the underworld as Persephone while also dealing with a vengeful enemy threatening to destroy everything she holds dear. With a blend of romance, mythology, and action, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Goddess Inheritance is the thrilling conclusion to Aimée Carter's captivating series. As Kate Winters faces the ultimate challenge, she must harness her newfound powers and make a choice that will determine the fate of the gods and mortals alike. Filled with action, romance, and unexpected twists, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The Secret of the Nagas is a gripping novel by Amish Tripathi that delves into the mythical world of ancient India. It follows the journey of Shiva, a Tibetan immigrant who discovers dark secrets about the Nagas, a group of deformed beings. As he unravels the truth, he must confront his own beliefs and make difficult choices that will change the course of history.

American Gods is a novel by Neil Gaiman that tells the story of Shadow, a man who is released from prison and soon finds himself caught in a conflict between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of technology and media. As Shadow travels across America with the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, he discovers a world where the power of belief can shape reality. Blending ancient myths with a contemporary narrative, the book explores themes of faith, identity, and the changing nature of worship.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater is a captivating novel that follows a group of boys from an elite private school in search of a mythical Welsh king. As they delve into the supernatural and uncover long-buried secrets, they encounter Blue, a girl from a family of psychics, whose fate becomes intertwined with theirs. This gripping story combines elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks is a captivating young adult fantasy novel that delves into the world of mermaids and underwater kingdoms. When Emma accidentally discovers her ability to communicate with fish, she attracts the attention of the mysterious and alluring Syrena prince, Galen. As their worlds collide, they must navigate dangerous secrets and ancient prophecies that could change the fate of their two species forever.

The Library of Greek Mythology by Apollodorus is a comprehensive collection of Greek myths, legends, and heroic tales. It covers the creation of the world, the genealogy of gods and heroes, the Trojan War, and many other fascinating stories from Greek mythology. A must-read for anyone interested in ancient mythology and its enduring influence on literature and culture.

The Demigod Diaries is a collection of four short stories set in the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Written by Rick Riordan, the book delves into the adventures of demigods and their quests, offering new insights and exciting tales for fans of the series.

The Titan's Curse is a fantasy novel by Rick Riordan. It follows the story of Percy Jackson as he embarks on a quest to rescue his friend Annabeth and the goddess Artemis, who have both been kidnapped by the Titan Atlas. Along the way, Percy and his friends encounter various challenges and mythical creatures, ultimately leading to a dramatic showdown with the powerful Titan.

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is a thrilling novel about a boy named Percy Jackson who discovers that he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon. As he embarks on a dangerous quest to prevent a war among the gods, Percy must use his newfound powers and cleverness to battle monsters and unravel ancient prophecies. This fast-paced adventure is filled with Greek mythology and will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Hexed is a thrilling urban fantasy novel by Kevin Hearne. It follows the adventures of Atticus O’Sullivan, an ancient Druid who must use his magical abilities to outwit a coven of witches and prevent a supernatural war. Filled with action, humor, and Celtic mythology, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The House of Hades is a fantasy novel by Rick Riordan that follows the adventures of seven demigods as they journey through the Greek and Roman worlds to close the Doors of Death and prevent the rise of Gaea. Filled with action, humor, and mythology, this book is a thrilling installment in the Heroes of Olympus series.

The Golem and the Jinni is a captivating novel that weaves together elements of fantasy and historical fiction. Set in 19th century New York, it tells the story of Chava, a golem created out of clay, and Ahmad, a jinni made of fire. As they navigate the challenges of immigrant life, their paths intertwine in unexpected ways, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the power of friendship.

The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of the women who were captured and enslaved by the Greek army. It gives voice to the untold stories of Briseis, Achilles' concubine, and other female characters, shedding light on the brutal realities they faced and their resilience in the face of adversity.

The Last Olympian is the fifth and final book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. In this thrilling conclusion, Percy and his friends must defend Mount Olympus from the vengeful Titan lord, Kronos. As the ultimate battle unfolds, the fate of the entire world rests in their hands.

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini is a captivating tale of forbidden love and ancient rivalries. Set in a world where Greek gods still meddle in human affairs, it follows the story of Helen and Lucas, two star-crossed lovers who must navigate their dangerous destiny. Filled with action, romance, and mythology, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon is a captivating fantasy novel that tells the story of a cursed kingdom where no girls are born. When a powerful curse is placed on the land, a devoted warrior named Bayr and a resilient girl named Alba must work together to break the curse and save their people. Filled with magic, adventure, and a touch of romance, this book will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

The Red Pyramid is a thrilling adventure novel by Rick Riordan. It follows the story of siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they discover their family's connection to the ancient Egyptian gods. With the help of powerful magic and unlikely allies, they must embark on a dangerous quest to stop an evil force from destroying the world.

Hounded is a thrilling urban fantasy novel by Kevin Hearne. It follows the story of Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, who is being hunted by ancient gods and supernatural beings. With a mix of humor, action, and mythology, the book takes readers on an exciting adventure as Atticus fights to protect himself and his allies.

The Sea of Monsters is a gripping fantasy novel by Rick Riordan that follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a demigod and son of Poseidon. When Percy discovers that Thalia's tree, which protects Camp Half-Blood, has been poisoned, he sets out on a quest with his friends to find the mythical Golden Fleece. Along the way, they encounter monstrous creatures and face danger in the mysterious Sea of Monsters.

Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge is a captivating retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. Filled with dark magic, intricate twists, and a strong-willed heroine, it takes you on a journey of love, sacrifice, and redemption. This beautifully written book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

'Dreamless' by Josephine Angelini is the captivating second installment in the "Starcrossed" series. This young adult fantasy novel takes us on a journey with Helen, a descendant of Helen of Troy, as she navigates the dangerous world of Greek mythology and fights to break a curse that has plagued her family for generations. Filled with romance, action, and intricate world-building, it will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is a captivating fantasy novel that takes readers on an epic adventure inspired by Hindu mythology. When twelve-year-old Aru Shah lights a cursed lamp, she unwittingly sets off a series of events that threaten the end of time itself. With the help of her friends and a wise pigeon, Aru must embark on a dangerous quest to save the world. Filled with humor, magic, and rich storytelling, this book is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan.

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman is a captivating tale that combines Norse mythology with a young boy's courage. When Odd leaves his village and encounters three animals who are actually gods, he embarks on a quest to help them reclaim their home from the frost giant. Filled with adventure, wit, and a heartwarming message, this book is a must-read for all ages.