Books matching: mythological elements with modern
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- #1
Save:A bittersweet, triumphant conclusion that blends nostalgia, action, and humor - perfect for fans old and new, but maybe not for those ready to move on from Camp Half-Blood.
'The Tower of Nero' in the series 'The Trials of Apollo' by Rick Riordan is a compelling conclusion to the adventures of Apollo as he navigates the challenges of regaining his godhood while maintaining his humanity. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, action-packed plot, and the lessons Apollo learns throughout his journey. Readers appreciate the humor, pacing, and overall closure provided by this final installment in the series.
The Tower of Nero also delves into themes of growth, sacrifice, friendship, and the ability to adapt and change. The book is noted for its well-crafted world-building, avoidance of stereotypes, and the richness of Apollo's character development as he transitions from a selfish god to a hero willing to make sacrifices for his friends.
The creature had threaded himself through a blue silk business suit, looping his body into the sleeves and trouser legs to approximate human limbs. Two heads protruded from the collar of his dress shi...October 2020•439 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Trials of Apollo ) - #2
Save:A page-turning, imaginative retelling that brings Shiva down to earth - great for adventure and mythology buffs, but the writing style and anachronisms may not work for everyone.
'The Immortals of Meluha' by Amish Tripathi is the first in the Shiva trilogy, loosely based on Lord Shiva from Indian Mythology. The plot revolves around Shiva, Chief of the Gunas tribe, who is persuaded to bring his tribe to Meluha, promising peace and beauty. Upon arrival, Shiva's destiny as the Neelkanth, destined to rid the world of evil, emerges. mixes science with superstition, highlighting Indian culture in 1900 BC and the development of the caste system. The writing style is a blend of modern concepts on an ancient society, with a narrative that balances weighty philosophies with light dialogue.
Shiva was sitting in the royal gardens on the banks of the Dal Lake while his friend sat by his side, carefully filling some marijuana into a chillum. As Bhadra used the lit stick to bring the chillum...2010•443 pages - #3
Save:Medusa, the second book in 'The Court of the Underworld' series by Alessa Thorn, delves into the love story between Perseus and Medusa, showcasing their transformation from initial adversaries to a couple deeply in love. The book explores themes of family, power struggles among the gods, and Medusa's journey from a solitary figure to someone who values her newfound connections. Despite some scenes feeling disjointed and the need for better editing, the book provides a fresh perspective on Greek mythology, focusing on Medusa as a strong, dominant character facing unexpected challenges.
The plot of 'Medusa' unfolds within the larger narrative of the series, introducing elements like PITHOS and its mysterious members, leaving readers intrigued about the overarching master plan. While some readers found the writing style engaging, with epic storytelling, steamy romance, and captivating dialogue, others noted issues with scene transitions and juvenile dialogue, underscoring the importance of reading the series in order to fully appreciate the world-building and character development.
Two letters. That's all it took for Perseus's day to go from okay to total shit. Why did he have to check the mail before he started painting? Now, he was sitting deflated in front of a blank canvas,...April 2020•202 pages
(Also, see 85 recommendations for the series The Court of the Underworld ) - #4
Save:A dazzling, demanding classic of postmodern literature - mind-bending and hilarious for the right reader, but likely too clever and convoluted for those seeking a simple myth retelling.
Chimera by John Barth is a complex novel consisting of three interrelated novellas that draw inspiration from 1001 Arabian Nights and Greek mythology. The book delves into metafiction, where the story being told is intertwined with the creation of the story itself. John Barth's writing style combines humor, engaging characters derived from myths, and thought-provoking metafiction elements that challenge traditional storytelling conventions.
“At this point I interrupted my sister as usual to say, ‘You have a way with words, Scheherazade. This is the thousandth night I’ve sat at the foot of your bed while you and the King made love and you...1972•316 pages - #5
Save:A funny, clever, and heartwarming modern myth - more lighthearted than American Gods but packed with charm and imagination. Great for those who want a magical romp with thoughtful layers.
Anansi Boys is a humorous and entertaining novel that delves into the folklore of the spider god, Anansi, and his two sons, Fat Charlie Nancy and Spider. The story follows the brothers as they meet for the first time after their father's death, leading to a series of events that turn their lives upside down in a funny and dangerous manner. The book combines mythology, magic, and life lessons, weaving a tale that is both modern and rooted in African Anansi myths.
The narrative style of Anansi Boys is a mix of contemporary storytelling and mythical elements, creating a quirky and playful atmosphere. Through the characters of Fat Charlie and Spider, the book explores themes of family, friendship, love, and the power of gods, all set against a backdrop of humor and whimsy. Neil Gaiman's writing skillfully intertwines folklore and modern life, presenting a story that is both inventive and engaging.
In the beginning, after all, were the words, and they came with a tune. That was how the world was made, how the void was divided, how the lands and the stars and the dreams and the little gods and th... - #6
Save:A hilarious, creative, and illustrated dive into Greek mythology - perfect for Percy Jackson fans and mythology newbies alike, but parents may want to preview first for younger kids.
'Percy Jackson's Greek Gods' is a humorous and witty retelling of Greek mythology from the perspective of Percy Jackson. It provides a light-hearted and interesting take on the stories of the Olympian Gods, making it engaging for readers of all ages. is written in a fun and characterful manner, with cool illustrations that enhance the storytelling experience.
IN THE BEGINNING, I wasn’t there. I don’t think the Ancient Greeks were, either. Nobody had a pen and paper to take notes, so I can’t vouch for what follows, but I can tell you it’s what the Greeks th...August 2014•397 pages - #7
Save:Never Look Back is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in contemporary New York City. The story follows Pheus, a charismatic young man with a passion for music, and Eury, a girl grappling with the emotional aftermath of Hurricane Maria and haunted by an ominous spirit named Ato. Their summer romance unfolds with themes of love, trauma, and cultural identity as they navigate their complex emotions and experiences.
The writing style of Lilliam Rivera is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into a world full of color and imagination. While the plot tackles serious issues like mental health and toxic relationships, it is rooted in the youthful, relatable struggles of its main characters. The book beautifully blends modern elements with the classic myth, making it a captivating read for those who appreciate both YA literature and mythological tales.
If it’s a Saturday, then two things are true. First, trains heading uptown will forever be late, no matter what. Deadass. It’s as if the MTA decides anyone going past 125th Street must not be worth th...September 2020•320 pages - #8
Save:A divisive but memorable modern fantasy: brilliant and immersive if you click with Gaiman’s style, but slow and frustrating if you don’t.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman tells the story of Shadow Moon, an ex-convict, who is drawn into a conflict between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of modern society. As he travels across America with the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, readers explore a tapestry of cultures and beliefs, highlighting the decline of old deities as newer ones, like technology and media, rise to power. The book combines elements of urban fantasy and mythology, weaving together various traditions in a contemporary setting, leading to engaging character interactions and introspective themes about belief and identity. Gaiman's writing is known for its imaginative depth, although some readers criticize the pacing and character development, finding the plot slow and occasionally disjointed. The narrative is enriched by a multi-faceted exploration of American culture as it depicts gods living among ordinary people.
The boundaries of our country, sir? Why sir, on the north we are bounded by the Aurora Borealis, on the east we are bounded by the rising sun, on the south we are bounded by the procession of the Equi...2000•635 pages - #9
Save:A gorgeously written, mythology-infused journey through Mexico - perfect for fans of folklore, poetic writing, and strong heroines. Slower paced but deeply rewarding if you’re ready to savor the trip.
In "Gods of Jade and Shadow" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the story follows Casiopea Tun, a young girl in 1920s rural Mexico, as she accidentally releases a Mayan god from his imprisonment. She embarks on a quest with the god, Hun Kam, to locate his missing body parts and restore his power, all while facing obstacles and adversaries along the way. The book seamlessly blends Mayan mythology with a Jazz Age setting, creating a fantastical tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the complexities of human and god relationships. The writing style is described as lush and evocative, with a mix of historical fiction and fantasy elements that keep readers engaged and immersed in the world of gods and mortals.
Some people are born under a lucky star, while others have their misfortune telegraphed by the position of the planets. Casiopea Tun, named after a constellation, was born under the most rotten star i...July 2019•375 pages - #10
Save:A funny, action-packed, and sharp-tongued paranormal romance with tons of attitude and intrigue - just be ready for sass overload and a cliffhanger that will have you reaching for book two.
'Fatal Harmony' in the series 'The Vein Chronicles' by Anne Malcom is a supernatural romance novel that introduces readers to Isla Rominskitoff, a vampire from a noble Vein Line who is depicted as a kick-ass, hilarious, and witty leading lady. The story revolves around the complex relationships between vampires, slayers, witches, and other supernatural creatures, filled with action, vampire politics, scheming, betrayals, and a looming vampire war. The writing style is characterized by witty banter, sarcastic humor, and engaging dialogue that keeps the readers entertained and invested in the characters and their dynamics.
Every story has an antagonist and a protagonist. Hero and villain. Good and evil. Yada, yada, yada. Thing is, I bet in each story the villain doesn’t consider themselves the epitome of evil. Even the...January 2017•433 pages
