9 Enthralling YA Fantasies That Feature Greek Mythology
There are all kinds of fantasy books out there, and some of the best works in this genre come about when new authors delve into old concepts, both building upon what's already there and adding new twists along the way. The nine books listed here feature talented writers who have decided to use characters and concepts from Greek mythology to create enthralling works of young adult fiction. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Young Adult Greek Mythology Books: Our 9 Picks
8 Great Movies That Feature Greek Mythology
- Clash of the Titans (2010)
- Hercules (1997)
- Helen of Troy (1956)
- Ulysses (1954)
- Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
- The Legend of Hercules (2014)
The Pantheons of Greek & Roman Gods
In Depth
In ancient times, Greek gods and goddesses were worshiped and feared by thousands. Even today, the age-old stories of these deities continue to influence western culture and entertain readers around the world. Many talented contemporary authors pay homage to these old myths and add their own unique twists along the way. With that in mind, here are nine enthralling Y.A. fantasies that feature Greek mythology, listed in no particular order.
First up, at #1, we have "Arrows" by Melissa Gorzelanczyk. While training to become the next god of love, Aaryn is tasked with solidifying the relationship between ballet dancer Karma Clark and her boyfriend Danny. When he only manages to hit one of them with his love arrows, Aaryn must live among the mortals until he can fix his mistake and help get Karma's life, which he inadvertently ruined, back on track.
Next, at #2, is "Argos" by Phillip W. Simpson. When Odysseus leaves to fight in the Trojan War, his pet Argos is tasked with protecting his family. Told through the eyes of the titular dog, this emotional retelling of Homer's "Odyssey" follows Argos's life as he grows up and faces numerous hardships on the island of Ithaca, patiently waiting for Odysseus's return, unaware that his master won't be back for another twenty years.
When Odysseus leaves to fight in the Trojan War, his pet Argos is tasked with protecting his family.
At #3 is Chantal Gadoury's "Blinding Night." Art history student Summer is forced to spend her summer vacation in Greece, where her parents work as archeologists. Upon arriving in the country, she starts experiencing strange dreams that involve haunting, yet familiar, figures. After a tragic incident leaves her in the arms of a man who claims that he's Hades, she is told that she's the reincarnation of Persephone. Now, Summer must navigate the Underworld in order to learn about her true identity and regain her past memories.
Next up, at #4, we have "The Sky Throne" by Chris Ledbetter. The story follows a young Zeus as he hunts down the people who attacked his family and killed his best friend. After learning shocking truths about himself, he leaves his injured mother behind and goes to the Mount Olympus Preparatory Academia, where he trains alongside other future gods. With his newfound abilities, he continues his quest to find those who wronged him, discovering more about his true parentage along the way.
Next, at #5, is "Hope's Decree" by Angela McPherson. Trinity Whitebone is just a regular high school student trying to finish her senior year. Her life is turned upside down when she learns that she's a distant descendant of Pandora. With the help of Blain Heros, a guardian created by Zeus, she must hone her newfound powers in order to cleanse the world of the terrors unleashed by her ancestor. She'll have to learn fast, however, as a group of immortals is hunting her down, hoping to use her abilities for their own evil desires.
Trinity Whitebone is just a regular high school student trying to finish her senior year.
At #6 is "Persephone" by Kaitlin Bevis. Persephone is an average girl who works at her mother's flower shop in Athens, Georgia. One day, she discovers that she's actually one of Zeus's daughters, and therefore a goddess. When she's suddenly attacked by Boreas, the god of winter, she's rescued by Hades, who takes her to the Underworld in order to protect her. Now, she must come to terms with her true nature and find a way to defeat Boreas once and for all.
Next up, at #7, we have "Frost" by Kaitlyn Davis. Pandora is a social pariah who's part of an ancient race known as the Titans, sworn protectors of the supernatural world. Fed up with how she's treated by her people, she runs away and becomes a vampire thief, stealing from others in order to make ends meet. Several years later, her ex-boyfriend Jackson tracks her down and demands that she come home. When she's also approached by a vampire named Sam, who seems to know a lot about her powers, Pandora finds herself torn between the two men.
At #8 is Kieran Scott's "Only Everything," the first book of her "True Love" trilogy. Eros, the goddess of love, is banished to Earth by Zeus as punishment for falling in love with a mortal. To earn back her place in Olympus, she must successfully play matchmaker to three couples without the help of her powers. Struggling to adjust to her new life as a regular human, she enrolls in a nearby high school in order to blend in and hopefully find her first pair of potential lovers.
Struggling to adjust to her new life as a regular human, she enrolls in a nearby high school in order to blend in and hopefully find her first pair of potential lovers.
Finally, at #9, we have "The Shadow Prince" by Bree Despain. In this modern retelling of Hades and Persephone's story, disgraced Underrealm prince Haden Lord must woo and bring back a mortal girl who's prophesied to restore immortality to their race. When he poses as a student at Olympus Hills High, he encounters Daphne Raines. Will Haden be able to convince her to come home with him, or will his growing feelings for her get in the way of their destiny?
