Books matching: modern retelling of norse myths
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- #1
Save:'Norse Mythology' by Neil Gaiman is a collection of retellings of Norse myths, centered around gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki. Gaiman's writing style has been described as engaging and reminiscent of oral storytelling, with a mix of humor, seriousness, and a touch of fantasy. The book covers various incidents such as Odin becoming the All Father, Thor's journey to the Land of the Giants, and the coming of Ragnarok, the end of all days.
Gaiman's interpretations bring new life to familiar characters like Thor, Odin, and Loki, adding depth and humor to their personalities. The book offers a fresh take on Norse mythology, making the ancient tales accessible and entertaining for a wide audience. Through short stories and narratives, Gaiman navigates through the complex world of gods, giants, and magic, providing an engaging and quick read for both newcomers and mythology enthusiasts alike.
Loki was handsome, and he knew it. People wanted to like him, they wanted to believe him, but he was undependable and self-centered at best, mischievous or evil at worst. He married a woman named Sigy... - #2
Save:"The Silence of the Girls" by Pat Barker is a retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Briseis, a captured queen turned slave of Achilles. The book delves into the lives of women affected by the war, portraying their struggles, relationships, and resilience amidst the brutalities of ancient Greece. Through Briseis' narration, the story intertwines with the legends of Achilles and provides a deeper insight into the impact of war on both men and women.
Swift-footed Achilles. Now there’s an interesting one. More than anything else, more than brilliance, more than greatness, his speed defined him. There’s a story that he once chased the god Apollo all... - #3
Save:In this retelling of a classic Greek epic, 'The Song of Troy' by Colleen McCullough delivers the narrative through the perspective of more than a dozen major players of the Trojan War, emphasizing that it is both an epic and a tragedy for everyone involved. The book weaves together various mythical strands to create a narrative of the events pre and post the Trojan War, presenting the war fought not over Helen but for control of the Hellespont and the Black Sea, as well as Asia Minor.
McCullough's writing style in 'The Song of Troy' is praised for its gift for prose, with words flowing seamlessly together, creating visual images in the reader's mind. The book picks up on themes alluded to in The Iliad, such as Achilles and Patroclus as lovers, and presents powerful descriptions, tender love scenes, and enthralling action sequences all paced well, making it a winner among readers.
There never was a city like Troy. The young priest Kalchas, sent to Egyptian Thebes during his novitiate, came back unimpressed by the pyramids built along the west bank of the River of Life. Troy, he... - #4
Save:'Olympos' by Dan Simmons is a complex and epic science fiction novel that serves as the sequel to 'Ilium'. The book continues the story of a Trojan War being replayed against a science fictional background, weaving together Greek mythology, Shakespearean elements, time travel, robots, and genetically modified beings in a distant future setting. The plot involves various storylines converging on Earth and Mars, with characters like Odysseus, Harman, Ada, Hockenberry, and Helen navigating through alliances, conflicts with gods, and existential threats to humanity.
Helen of Troy awakes just before dawn to the sound of air raid sirens. She feels along the cushions of her bed but her current lover, Hockenberry, is gone—slipped out into the night again before the s... - #5
Save:'Ilium' by Dan Simmons is a post-singularity novel where post-humans use high technology to emulate Greek gods and recreate the Trojan War. The story involves robots from the outer solar system investigating the activities of these post-humans, while on Earth, original humans begin to break free from a machine-supported existence. The narrative weaves together multiple plotlines involving ancient Greek battles, space-faring robots, and futuristic humans discovering their heritage, creating a complex and intriguing sci-fi world akin to Simmons' other works like 'Hyperion.'
Sing, O Muse, of the rage of Achilles, of Peleus’ son, murderous, man-killer, fated to die, sing of the rage that cost the Achaeans so many good men and sent so many vital, hearty souls down to the dr... - #6
Save:Readers describe "Helen of Troy" by Margaret George as a lush retelling of the Trojan War from Helen's perspective. The book offers a grand, sweeping romance with beautiful settings and includes favorite heroes from the Trojan War. Margaret George is praised for her masterful storytelling, providing a fresh take on the legend of Helen and the downfall of Troy by showcasing the preventable mistakes and poor judgments made by the characters. Readers appreciate the emotional depth of the narrative and the way the story is written through Helen's eyes, making them empathize with the characters and feel connected to the plot.
- #7
Save:Ariadne by Jennifer Saint is a feminist retelling of the Greek myth of Ariadne, daughter of King Minos, who helps Theseus defeat the Minotaur only to be abandoned by him. The story is narrated from the perspectives of Ariadne and her sister Phaedra, offering a sympathetic reinterpretation of the females in Greek mythology. The book delves into themes of betrayal, love, loss, and the struggles faced by women in ancient times, all set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece.
Asterion, my terrible brother, was born in my tenth year, not long after Eirene told us that story. I had attended my mother after the births of other children—my brother Deucalion and my sister Phaed... - #8
Save:For The Most Beautiful is a retelling of the Trojan War from a feminist perspective, focusing on the stories of Briseis and Chryseis, two important yet often overlooked female characters in Homer's Iliad. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of these women, providing new insights into their experiences as slaves and mistresses in the midst of the war. The author, Emily Hauser, weaves together familiar elements of Greek mythology with her own twists and interpretations, offering a fresh take on the age-old tale. The book delves into themes of fate, agency, and response to loss, while also exploring the capricious nature of the gods and goddesses who meddle in the lives of mortals.
Down a flight of stairs. Past a garden surrounded by a high wall, the ripe fig trees bursting with fruit, a grape vine climbing the wall. Pluck a grape, feel the juice on your chin, run on. Round a co... - #9
Save:'Stone Blind: A Novel' by Natalie Haynes is a modern retelling of the Perseus Medusa myth with a feminist voice and a great sense of humor about Greek myths. The story is told through multiple points of view, converging various plot lines well, and exploring the power of women and the absurdity of the myths. The book delves into the story of Medusa, her sisters, and the surrounding characters, providing a fresh perspective on the ancient tale.
The writing style of the book is engaging and keeps readers turning the pages, presenting the mythology in a modern voice that is easily relatable to contemporary societal issues. Natalie Haynes skillfully reinterprets millennia-old stories in a way that captivates readers and sheds light on the complexities of human nature, heroism, and the portrayal of monsters.
Metis changed. If you had been able to see her in the moments before she realized the threat, you would have seen a woman. Tall, long-limbed, with thick dark hair plaited at the back. Her large eyes w... - #10
Save:The novel 'Clytemnestra' by Costanza Casati is a modern retelling of the Greek mythological figure, Clytemnestra. The book delves into her life as a queen, mother, murderess, and warrior in Ancient Greece. Through five chronological parts, the author portrays Clytemnestra's upbringing in Sparta, her relationships with her sister Helen and husband Agamemnon, and her journey towards seeking revenge. Casati humanizes Clytemnestra, making her a complex and relatable character who navigates love, hate, jealousy, and power in a world that underestimates her strength and ambition. The writing style carefully weaves elements of Greek myths, family feuds, war, and daily life in Ancient Greece, creating a compelling historical fiction narrative.
