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Finished watching The Odyssey and still can't get enough of Greek mythology? From vengeful gods and terrifying monsters to epic adventures, forbidden love and heartbreaking betrayals, there's something about Greek mythology that keeps us coming back for more.
And while Odysseus may have spent ten years trying to get home, thankfully, we don't have to go on quite such a long journey to discover more of these fascinating stories!
Whether you're curious about the original tale that inspired the movie, want to find out what happened before Odysseus set sail, or simply love a good mythological retelling, Rakuten Kobo has put together a reading list to keep the adventure going.
Here are seven books worth adding to your reading list, depending on which part of Greek mythology has captured your imagination.
1. Want to Read the Original Story? Start with The Odyssey by Homer
Translated by Emily Wilson
If watching The Odyssey has made you curious about the story behind the movie, why not go straight to the source? Emily Wilson's translation brings this ancient epic to modern readers with clear, accessible language while preserving the beauty of Homer's storytelling.
Homer's The Odyssey follows the Greek hero Odysseus as he struggles to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. What should have been a journey home turns into a ten-year adventure filled with mythical creatures, dangerous encounters, meddling gods and plenty of questionable decisions.
Along the way, there's the terrifying Cyclops, the enchanting Circe and the irresistible song of the Sirens. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, his wife Penelope is dealing with problems of her own.
Why read it? If you're the sort who loves comparing books with their movie adaptations, this is your chance to discover what made it onto the big screen, what was changed and what didn't make the cut.
2. Wondering What Happened Before The Odyssey? Read The Iliad by Homer
Translated by Emily Wilson
Before Odysseus embarked on his legendary journey home, there was the Trojan War. And if you're wondering what started all the drama, The Iliad is a good place to explore the world that came before The Odyssey.
Another of Homer's great epics, The Iliad takes us into the final weeks of the Trojan War, where legendary warriors like Achilles and Hector clash in a story of pride, honour, revenge and tragedy.
But don't expect a straightforward account of the entire war. At its heart, The Iliad is about Achilles' anger and the devastating consequences it has on everyone around him. And you might just realise that the Greek heroes weren't always quite as heroic as their legends suggest!
Why read it? It's perfect for anyone who enjoys epic battles, complicated heroes and discovering the backstories behind familiar mythological figures.
3. Fascinated by Circe? Discover Her Side of the Story in Circe by Madeline Miller
In The Odyssey, Circe is the powerful enchantress who famously turns Odysseus' men into pigs. But have you ever wondered what her story was before Odysseus appeared on her island? Madeline Miller's bestselling novel Circe gives this fascinating character a voice of her own.
Born into the world of the gods but never quite fitting in, Circe discovers her talent for witchcraft and eventually finds herself exiled to a remote island. There, she encounters gods, monsters and mortals while learning what it truly means to take control of her own destiny.
It's a beautifully written story about loneliness, love, independence and finding strength in a world that constantly tries to define who you should be.
Why read it? I love the idea of revisiting a familiar story from a character's perspective, especially when she's traditionally portrayed as the villain or an obstacle in someone else's adventure. After all, there's usually more than one side to every story, even in Greek mythology!
4. Love a Heartbreaking Romance? Pick Up The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
If you're someone who enjoys a good love story, even when you know it might end in heartbreak, The Song of Achilles deserves a spot on your reading list.
Set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, this novel reimagines the relationship between Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior, and Patroclus, his closest companion. Told through Patroclus' eyes, the story follows their relationship from childhood to the battlefield, exploring love, friendship, sacrifice and the weight of destiny.
While The Iliad focuses on the rage and glory of war, The Song of Achilles brings us closer to the people behind the legends. Just be prepared for some heartbreak. Greek mythology isn't exactly famous for giving everyone a happily-ever-after!
Why read it? It's for readers who prefer the emotional side of mythology over battles and monsters.
5. Ever Wondered What Penelope Was Doing All Those Years? Read The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
We hear plenty about Odysseus and his ten-year journey home. But what about Penelope, the wife who spent twenty years waiting for him to return from the Trojan War? Was she really just the patient, faithful wife that history remembers?
In The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood turns the familiar story on its head by allowing Penelope to tell her own version of events. Speaking from the afterlife, Penelope reflects on her marriage, her famous husband and the events that unfolded while he was away. The novel also gives a voice to the twelve maids whose tragic fate is often overlooked in the original epic.
With Atwood's signature wit and sharp observations, it's a fascinating exploration of loyalty, power and whose stories get remembered. Because while everyone remembers the hero who came home, what about the people who were left waiting?
Why read it? If you enjoy books that challenge familiar narratives, this one might make you question everything you thought you knew about Penelope and Odysseus.
6. Want to Hear the Forgotten Voices of the Trojan War? Try A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
When we think about the Trojan War, names like Achilles, Hector and Odysseus immediately come to mind. But wars don't only affect the heroes fighting on the battlefield.
In A Thousand Ships, Natalie Haynes retells the Trojan War through the eyes of the women whose lives were forever changed by it.
From queens and goddesses to captives, mothers and daughters, the novel brings together multiple perspectives to reveal the personal tragedies, difficult choices and extraordinary resilience behind one of mythology's most famous conflicts. It's a reminder that every epic battle has countless stories that never make it into the history books.
And who knows? You might discover that some of the most compelling characters in Greek mythology aren't the heroes we've been hearing about all along.
Why read it? This is a great choice if you enjoy stories that give overlooked characters their moment in the spotlight.
7. Prefer Something Lighthearted? Dive into Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
Who says Greek mythology has to be all tragedy, betrayal and complicated family drama?! There's still plenty of family drama in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, especially when your relatives happen to be Greek gods!
Rick Riordan's popular fantasy series follows Percy Jackson, a modern-day teenager who discovers that he's actually a demigod, the son of Poseidon.
Suddenly, Greek mythology isn't just something from ancient history. The gods are still around, monsters are lurking in unexpected places, and Percy finds himself caught up in dangerous quests that could determine the fate of the world.
Packed with humour, friendship, adventure and plenty of mythological references, the series offers a fun introduction to Greek mythology. And even if you've read the books years ago, revisiting Percy Jackson as an adult can be a surprisingly nostalgic experience!
Why read it? It's perfect for younger readers, mythology newcomers or anyone looking for an entertaining adventure without having to tackle an ancient epic.
Which Greek Mythology Book Should You Read First?
With so many interesting stories to explore, there's really no right or wrong place to begin.
If you're curious about the original legend, start with The Odyssey. If you want to understand the events that came before it, pick up The Iliad. But if you're like me and enjoy exploring familiar stories through different perspectives, Circe, The Penelopiad and A Thousand Ships sound particularly intriguing.
After all, one of the things I find most interesting about mythology is how the same story can feel completely different depending on who's telling it. A hero in one person's story might be the villain in someone else's. And sometimes, the characters standing quietly in the background have the most interesting stories of all.
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Continue Your Reading Adventure with Kobo
All seven recommendations are available to explore as eBooks through Rakuten Kobo.
You can read them on a Kobo eReader or through the Kobo Books app on your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to squeeze in a little reading during your daily commute, while waiting for friends or just before bedtime.
And with your reading progress synced across compatible devices, you can continue your adventure wherever you left off.
Explore the books at Rakuten Kobo Singapore amd if you are looking to purchase a Kobo eReader or accessories, you can conveniently browse and shop for thm through Kobo’s official store on Lazada here.
In Singapore, readers can enjoy 25% off eBooks sitewide from 6 to 8 Aug with the promo code BLITZ2608.
Exclusions may apply.
Please refer to Kobo’s website for full terms and conditions.
So, if you could revisit The Odyssey through another character's eyes, whose story would you want to hear? Circe, Penelope, or perhaps even one of the monsters Odysseus encountered?
I'd love to know which book you'd pick up first!
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