The Bookish Mindset

If like me, the only mythology you were ever taught in school was Roman or Greek and it always felt a bit lacking, then this is the book list for you. In no particular order, here are a list of retellings, reimagining’s of some incredible tales.

Love in Colour – Bolu Babalola. We’re starting strong with a book I’ve adored, read a few times already and absolutely recommend. Love in Colour is a series of short stories, reimagining myths and legends from around the world, retold to centre women.

Skin of the Sea – Natasha Bowen. YA fantasy with the mythical Mami Wata mermaids at the centre. Sweet story and is the first of a duology, followed by Soul of the Deep.

So Let Them Burn – Kamilah Cole. A brilliant reimaging of Joan of Arc, but instead white French men and women at the stake, think female rage, sisters and dragons. Another YA fantasy and an exciting debut. I think there might even be a second?

Sun of Blood and Ruin – Mariely Lares. A gender-bent, Zorro retelling set against the dazzling Mexican landscape. Think treachery of colonialism, romance and adventure. There’s also a second rumoured too!

Daughter of the Moon Goddess –  Sue Lynn Tan. The first of a duology, these are based around the legends of the Chinese Moon Goddess. Xingyin is forced to leave her mother behind when she is exiled, but vows to return to save her mother. I’ve heard great things about these two!

Spirits Abroad – Zen Cho.  A set of short stories focusing around East Asian and Malayian folklores and myths, you’ll be meeting dragons, vampires and so much more.

Kaikey – Vaishnavi Patel.  A reimagining of the Indian Queen Ramayana. Kaikeyi discovers a magic that she’s determined to use to carve a better world for the women around her. But as always, destiny has other ideas. The second is due out later this year.

Gods of Jade and Shadow – Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The infamous Moreno-Garcia is inspired in this novel by Mexican folklore. Set in the Jazz Age, Casiopea is far from living it. That is, until she unlocks a chest and releases the Mayan god of death and Casiopea has a choice to make.

The Mermaid of Black Conch – Monica Roffey.  Loosely based around the Mami Wata mermaids of West and Southern Africa. A story of a love affair between a captured mermaid and her saviour. This one also won Costa Book of the Year.

Children of Blood and Bone – Tomi Adeyemi.  A trilogy inspired by West African mythology and the final book is out this year. If you haven’t heard of this series yet, where have you been? The magic has disappeared and anyone possessing it is sentenced to death. But that won’t stop Zélie, she knows it belongs with her people.

Black Sun – Rebecca Roanhorse. The first in a trilogy, Black Sun is inspired by indigenous teachings. When winter solstice coincides with a solar eclipse, the world is kicked out of balance and chaos ensues. Another I’ve heard great things about but not read yet!

You can find all these recs and more in my Bookshop.org store here.

Last updated 07/04/2024