Books Like...

Painted Blind by Michelle A. Hansen is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Eros. The story follows Psyche Middleton, a model whose life takes a tumultuous turn after a revealing photo of her as Aphrodite surfaces. As she navigates through trials and challenges, including a journey through the underworld, Psyche's relationship with the invisible Eric blossoms, showcasing themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. The book intertwines elements of mythology with a contemporary setting, creating a unique and engaging narrative that explores the complexities of beauty, love, and friendship.

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.

A Song of War is a compelling collection of seven novellas that reinterprets the legendary tale of the Trojan War through the perspectives of various characters involved in the conflict. Incorporating voices from both well-known figures like Odysseus and Cassandra, as well as lesser-known players like Philoctetes and Briseis, the narratives explore their motivations, moral complexities, and personal struggles amidst the chaos of war. The authors skillfully weave together historical detail and emotional depth, allowing readers to experience the tumultuous events from multiple angles, thereby adding richness and nuance to the well-trodden story.

The writing styles of the authors blend seamlessly, creating a cohesive reading experience despite the varying tones and formats of each novella. From the humor of Kate Quinn to the poignancy of Vicky Alvear Shecter's portrayal of Odysseus, each story offers a distinct lens on themes of honor, betrayal, and redemption. By focusing on characters often relegated to the sidelines of history, A Song of War presents a fresh, humanized take on the epic tale, making it a satisfying read for fans of historical fiction and mythology alike.

Soul in Darkness by Wendy Higgins is a captivating retelling of the love story between Cupid and Psyche, based on Roman and Greek mythology. Set on a beautiful island in the Aegean Sea during the Roman Empire, the story follows Psyche, a princess known for her beauty and pure soul. When Cupid is sent to punish her by his jealous mother Venus, he finds himself drawn to Psyche's inner qualities rather than her outward appearance. The book beautifully weaves together elements of mythology, fairytales, and erotic romance, creating a tale filled with plot twists, surprises, and a strong focus on love beyond physical attraction.

The writing style of Wendy Higgins in Soul in Darkness is praised for its ability to immerse readers in the world of Cupid and Psyche. The book expertly develops the characters of Cupid and Psyche, showcasing their depth and complexity. Readers are drawn into a story filled with romance, intrigue, and themes of trust, sacrifice, and the true nature of love, making it a compelling read that resonates long after the final page.

'Weetzie Bat' by Francesca Lia Block is a modern-day fairy tale set in Los Angeles, following the whimsical adventures of Weetzie and her friends as they navigate love, unconventional family dynamics, and serious issues such as AIDS and nontraditional relationships. The book is described as a fantasy-colored, glittering tale with heavy and important topics woven into the narrative, creating a unique blend of magical realism and gritty realism. The characters, including Weetzie and her best friend Dirk, form their own family through love and acceptance, facing challenges with a positive outlook and belief in the power of love.

The writing style of 'Weetzie Bat' is often likened to a beautiful, sad, and gritty fairy tale, with elements of magical realism and poetic hipster language that add depth to the story. The book touches on serious and controversial issues like homosexuality, AIDS, and nontraditional family structures in a matter-of-fact tone, shedding light on these topics in a thought-provoking manner while maintaining a bright and magical setting in Los Angeles.

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.

Firelight by Kristen Callihan is a historical romance with a paranormal twist, set in 1878 and 1881 London. The story follows Miranda Ellis, a tormented woman with a powerful gift, who is forced into a marriage with Lord Benjamin Archer, a mysterious and disfigured man. As their relationship progresses, they uncover secrets, face danger, and navigate a world filled with magic, murder, and sensual tension. The plot is a blend of Beauty and the Beast elements, with a slow-burning romance that builds realistically while keeping readers engaged with a mix of mystery and suspense.

"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.

'Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold' by C.S. Lewis is a retelling of the Roman myth of Cupid and Psyche, focusing on the perspective of Psyche's sister, Orual. The book delves deep into themes of love, jealousy, self-deceit, and the struggle with divinity, presenting a complex and sympathetic portrayal of the characters. The narrative explores the concept of knowing oneself before truly knowing love, while beautifully examining the power of love in our lives.

The writing style of the book is described as rich in language and wisdom, with exceptional storytelling that weaves a complex and amazing story of human emotions and choices. C.S. Lewis skillfully uses mythological elements to bring forth deep passions and consequences of our actions, creating a thought-provoking and engrossing tale that challenges readers to reflect on their own beliefs and relationships with the divine.