Books Like...

In a world based on Norse mythology, 'Runemarks' by Joanne Harris follows Maddy, a girl born with a magical runemark who discovers she is the granddaughter of Odin. As one of the new generation of Norse gods, Maddy embarks on a journey to save Odin from death and prevent the destruction of the nine worlds. The story is filled with adventure, mythical beings, and a struggle between Order and Chaos, all set in a post-Ragnarok world where old gods are awakening.

The book combines elements of fantasy, mythology, and adventure, with intricate world-building and a focus on Norse deities like Odin, Loki, and Freyja. Through Maddy's journey, readers experience a tale of redemption, ethical dilemmas, and the interplay between humans and gods in a world on the brink of change.

David, a boy who dreads the holidays due to his dysfunctional family, unexpectedly summons a mysterious boy named Luke who turns out to be the Norse god Loki. As David tries to keep Luke safe from other gods seeking him, a week-long adventure unfolds involving Norse mythology and magical abilities. The book cleverly integrates themes of emotional neglect and abuse within a family dynamic, while exploring the consequences of summoning ancient gods into the modern world.

Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell is the first book in the series Troy. The story is set a few years before the Trojan War and mainly focuses on characters like Aeneas, Andromache, and Helikaon. The plot builds slowly to bring solid character development and conflict later on, offering a new and interesting interpretation of the Trojan myth. Gemmell weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and epic battles, creating a vivid and engaging reimagining of the events leading up to the Trojan War.

The Gospel of Loki by Joanne Harris is a retelling of Norse mythology from the perspective of Loki, the Trickster. The book captures Loki's voice as an amoral, witty, and restless character who narrates the tales with humor and mischief. Through Loki's storytelling, readers are introduced to the gods and goddesses of Asgard, exploring familiar myths from a fresh and entertaining point of view. The narrative style of the book mixes modern language with traditional mythology, providing an inimitable retelling of old legends that is both enjoyable and amusing.

Published four years after The King Must Die, this book picks up the thread of Theseus' story once again. Having brought down the ancient Cretan house of Minos, he comes home to Athens flushed with glory, accompanied by his loyal team of bull leapers, the Cranes. But the joy fades quickly Theseus is greeted by news of his father's premature death and, for all the Cranes, the Athens they return to seems smaller and more provincial than the city they left... For the rest of the review, please see my blog http theidlewoman.blogspot.co.uk 2014 03 the bull from sea mary renault.html

Another excellent picture of Ancient Greece, this time concentrating on the life of Theseus after he returned from Mycenae, the Labyrinth, and the Minotaur. Theseus is bigger than life, as a mythical hero should be, but Renault manages to make him seem almost human with some very real and strong emotions. Most of the other characters are rather flat, thus the 4 stars. The author's strength was always her storytelling and world building. Of special note here are the more or less plausible explanations of some of the myths e.g., the centaurs . This will appeal to anyone interested in Ancient Greece and or Classical Mythology.

'The Hidden Oracle' in the series 'The Trials of Apollo' by Rick Riordan follows the story of Apollo, who has been cast out of Olympus and turned into a mortal named Lester Papadopoulos. Apollo must navigate the challenges of being a human teenager while also dealing with the responsibility of freeing his Oracles before an evil trio threatens to take over the world. The plot is filled with humor, action, twists, and crazy dialogue, particularly from the clueless Apollo, making it an exciting and funny fantasy story for kids and adults alike. incorporates familiar characters like Percy Jackson and introduces new ones, creating a blend of old and new within the world of demigods and Camp Half Blood.

The writing style of Rick Riordan in 'The Hidden Oracle' is described as believable imagination that captures the attention of readers. seamlessly weaves together elements of humor, action, mystery, sacrifice, and family dynamics, creating an engaging narrative that appeals to both elementary students and adults seeking an escape through reading. The character development of Apollo, from a self-centered and arrogant former god to a mortal teenager facing challenges and growth, adds depth to the story, while the incorporation of old friends and the introduction of new allies set the stage for future installments in the series.

In 'Lore' by Alexandra Bracken, the story unfolds in a world where the Ancient Greek gods are real and cursed to be mortal every seven years during a time called the agon. Descendants of half-god heroes hunt the gods during this period in hopes of taking their powers. The protagonist, Lore Melora Perseus, is a descendant of Perseus, who struggles with her past and future while navigating a world filled with action, uncertainty, and feminist perspectives. The book blends Greek mythology with modern times, set in New York City, and explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and the struggle for power in a world of gods and mortals.

The writing style of 'Lore' has been praised for its strong character development, complex relationships, and well-researched world-building. Readers have found the storytelling engaging, with a mix of action, conflict, and romance that keeps them invested in the plot. The book presents a fresh take on Greek mythology, highlighting the relevance of ancient stories in a contemporary setting, and offers a unique perspective on themes of destiny, friendship, and the impact of past traumas on the characters.

'Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold' by Stephen Fry is a modern retelling of classic Greek myths, filled with humor and wit that brings the ancient stories to life in a contemporary and accessible way. Fry takes the original myths and weaves them into a coherent narrative, updating the language while staying true to the essence of the tales. Through his engaging storytelling, Fry introduces readers to the world of Greek mythology, delving into the lives of gods, goddesses, and heroes, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless stories.

Fry's writing style is described as entertaining, informative, and engaging, making the complex world of Greek mythology easy to understand and enjoyable to explore. His humorous asides and footnotes add depth and charm to the narratives, creating a delightful reading experience that appeals to both mythology enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

"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.