Storytelling has been a tradition amongst civilizations all over the world as an oratory act long before the written word came into play. In fact, most ancient mythologies were traditionally told in the form of epic poems, plays, songs and dances.
Today, these ancient myths are often retold either with a modern twist or from the perspective of a character who was overlooked in the original story. From adult fiction to teen romances to juvenile adventure, these epics have been adapted for every type of reader. Here’s a selection of mythical tales nestled in the shelves at Bucks County Free Library.
For e-books and audiobooks like these, browse the Once Upon a Twist shelf on the cloudLibrary app.
Adult Fiction
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Jennifer Saint transforms Ariadne, princess of Crete, into the heroine in this retelling of the Greek tale of Theseus and the Minotaur. Ariadne longs for a life off of the island, and when Theseus arrives with a vow to slay the Minotaur (who happens to be Ariadne’s half brother), she aids him on his quest and secures her escape to a better life.
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
Vaishnavi Patel retells the story of the Hindu epic Ramayana from the perspective of Kaikeyi, the myth’s most loathed villain. However, in this novel, Kaikeyi must battle oppression in a world harshly ruled by patriarchy.
The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
A minor goddess in Norse mythology, Angrboda, is the center of this story by Genevieve Gornichec. Angrboda is stripped of her powers at the start of this tale and flees to live life in the farthest reaches of the forest, where she meets Loki, the god of trickery. Angrboda falls in love with Loki, living life in the shadows and protecting her family from their dangerous fate.
Young Adult Fiction
Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
The first in a series of the same name, Skin of the Sea centers on water deities from African mythology, the Mami Wata, who guide the souls of people who drowned at sea to the next life. One Mami Wata, Simi, must protect her fellow deities from the wrath of the gods after she’s caught saving the life of a boy lost at sea.
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Fans of The Hunger Games are sure to enjoy this Greek mythology-inspired tale about gods and goddesses who are condemned to live on Earth as mortals. Every seven years they participate in Agon: a hunt in which they must kill a god to restore their own divine powers and claim their seat back on Mount Olympus. This story centers on Lore, who fled the world of the hunt after her own family was brutally slayed by a rival clan. That is, until the time comes for the next hunt, and two of the participants seek her help in abolishing the Agon for good.
Children’s Fiction
Goddess Girls series by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
This series focuses on Athena, Persephone, Artemis, and Aphrodite – Greek goddesses of Olympus – as tweens attending the Mount Olympus Academy. Each book follows the four friends as they navigate life, love, and the development of their divine skills. Throughout the series, other gods, goddesses, mythological creatures and deities visit the academy, often introducing classic stories from Greek mythology as central plot points digestible for a younger audience.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan focuses on the lives of modern-day Greek demigods in this action-packed series. Percy Jackson thinks he is an ordinary New York City kid until he gets into a sticky situation and finds out that he is actually a demigod and the only safe place for him is Camp Half-Blood. Percy hardly gets a chance to settle into his new life before he is accused of stealing Zeus’s thunderbolt, prompting him to go on a quest to return the bolt to Mount Olympus and clear his name.
Abby M., Perkasie branch
