For teens who can’t get enough of mythology-inspired fantasy, these books bring ancient myths, legendary creatures, and powerful gods to life. Whether you love Greek, Norse, Egyptian, or other world mythologies, these books will transport you to epic worlds full of adventure, magic, and heroic quests.
1. Percy Jackson & The Olympians – Rick Riordan
Mythology: Greek
Percy Jackson, a seemingly normal teen, discovers that he’s the son of Poseidon and is thrust into a world where Greek gods are real. Alongside his demigod friends, he embarks on dangerous quests to stop the rise of ancient threats.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A fun mix of humor, action, and mythology
- A modern take on Greek myths with real historical references
- Fast-paced storytelling with engaging characters
2. The Kane Chronicles – Rick Riordan
Mythology: Egyptian
Siblings Carter and Sadie Kane are thrown into the world of Egyptian magic when they learn they’re descendants of powerful pharaohs. They must master the abilities of ancient gods while facing dark forces trying to rise.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A deep dive into Egyptian mythology
- Action-packed storytelling with strong sibling dynamics
- Magic systems based on real ancient practices
3. Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard – Rick Riordan
Mythology: Norse
Magnus Chase, a homeless teen in Boston, finds out he’s the son of a Norse god. After dying a heroic death, he wakes up in Valhalla, where he embarks on an adventure to prevent Ragnarok, the end of the world.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- Hilarious, witty narration
- Norse mythology brought to life with gods, giants, and legendary weapons
- A diverse cast of characters with great representation
4. The Shadow of Kyoshi – F.C. Yee
Mythology: Inspired by East Asian Legends
This prequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender follows Kyoshi, one of the most powerful Avatars in history, as she rises from a humble beginning to wield immense power.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A deep, immersive world inspired by Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian myths
- A powerful female protagonist with moral complexity
- Intense action and beautifully written world-building
5. Circe – Madeline Miller
Mythology: Greek
This reimagining of Circe, the legendary witch from The Odyssey, tells her story from her own perspective. She navigates love, betrayal, and power while forging her own destiny.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A fresh, feminist take on a famous Greek myth
- Lyrical prose and deep character development
- Perfect for older teens who love mythology-based retellings
6. The Storm Runner – J.C. Cervantes
Mythology: Mayan
Zane Obispo discovers that his physical disability is actually the key to his Mayan godly heritage. When an ancient prophecy reveals he must stop an impending war, he’s thrown into a high-stakes adventure.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A rare exploration of Mayan mythology in YA fantasy
- A relatable, diverse protagonist
- Action-packed storytelling with humor and heart
7. The Queen’s Rising – Rebecca Ross
Mythology: Celtic
Brienna is trained in the arts but discovers she has a mystical connection to her ancestor’s past. As political tensions rise, she is drawn into an ancient struggle for power.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A rich, Celtic-inspired fantasy world
- Slow-burning romance and political intrigue
- A unique blend of mythology and historical fantasy
8. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky – Kwame Mbalia
Mythology: African American & West African Folklore
Tristan Strong, grieving the loss of his best friend, accidentally rips a hole in MidPass, a world where African American folk heroes like John Henry and West African gods collide.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A fresh blend of African mythology and folklore
- A powerful, emotional story with humor and action
- Perfect for fans of mythology and diverse storytelling
9. The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
Mythology: Greek
A stunning retelling of the legendary love story between Achilles and Patroclus, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A heart-wrenching, beautifully written story
- Mythology meets romance in a deeply emotional tale
- Perfect for older teens looking for an immersive historical fantasy
10. Aru Shah and the End of Time – Roshani Chokshi
Mythology: Hindu
Aru Shah, a 12-year-old who often stretches the truth, accidentally releases an ancient demon and freezes time. To fix her mistake, she must embark on a quest inspired by Hindu mythology, proving she is more than just a storyteller.
📖 Why You’ll Love It:
- A unique blend of humor, adventure, and Hindu legends
- Strong female protagonist with a fun, witty personality
- A perfect pick for fans of Percy Jackson and mythology-based fantasy
Final Thoughts
Mythology has been a source of inspiration for some of the greatest fantasy stories ever written. Whether you love Greek, Norse, Egyptian, Mayan, or African folklore, these books will immerse you in epic adventures, godly battles, and unforgettable heroes.
📖 Which mythology-based fantasy book is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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