Mythology retellings have been everywhere for the past few years.
Authors and readers love placing these timeless characters and their dynamics in contexts that make it easier to relate to them.
And we’re not just sticking to Greek mythology! There are incredible retellings inspired by mythologies around the world!
Here’s what you should read based on your birth month!
1. January: Daughter of the Moon Goddess
If you were born in January, the moon fits right into your aesthetic.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan 是一个 Chinese mythology retelling, inspired by the legend of Chang’e.
She is the moon goddess, exiled to the moon for stealing an elixir of immortality.
The retelling follows her daughter, Xingyin, who must run from her home after the Celestial Emperor discovers her existence.
Xingyin hides in the Celestial kingdom, learning archery and magic while doing her best to survive.
Naturally, she develops a relationship with the emperor’s son, all the while plotting to free her mother from her exile.
The story is lush and 浪漫的, but also filled with high stakes, battles, politics…
January babies are known to be determined, so the story of this powerless character slowly becoming great is sure to resonate with them!
2. February: Cleopatra
February babies should read the retelling of Cleopatra, written by Saara El-Arifi.
This isn’t the usual tragic romance we get when Cleopatra is concerned, but a fuller portrait of this iconic woman.
It reminds us that she was far more than someone’s lover; she was strategic, brilliant, 高度 educated, and protective of her kingdom.
The story speaks of her rise to the throne, along with all the court intrigues that stood in her way.
There’s also sibling rivalry, and the kingdom itself was constantly under threat, which puts in perspective the genius work she did to keep it all together.
Naturally, her relationship with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony is a part of it too, but they’re explored as her attempts to stay independent.
If you’re looking for a retelling that honors Cleopatra as an individual and politician, this is it!
3. March: Wearing the Lion
Wearing the Lion is a Hercules myth retelling by John Wiswell, but it actually focuses on Hera!
This goddess is painted as a jealous villain pretty much in all of Greek mythology, so Wiswell reimagines her story with more nuance and humor.
Throughout the book, he’s exploring what it means to be blamed for the tragedy you didn’t exactly cause.
The story forces you to question everything you thought you knew about heroism and rage.
March is ruled by Aries and Pisces, and this book carries the energy of both! It’s sharp and epic, but it also has emotional depth.
If you ever felt like your environment decided you were the bad guy before you’ve had a chance to defend yourself, you’ll definitely relate to Hera!
4. April: Neferura: The Pharaoh’s Daughter
Malayna Evans‘s retelling follows the real historical figure of Neferura, daughter of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut.
The court drama of ancient Egypt was often ruthless, and we get to follow Neferura enduring the pressure of being groomed for the role no one really expects her to hold.
Magic and mysticism are a big part of the story, as well as the Egyptian religious tradition. These things make the story and its characters feel larger than life!
Hatshepsut is one of the most iconic Egyptian rulers that history remembers, so in the retelling, Neferura needs to find a way to come out of her shadow.
April is the month of new beginnings, so the story of a young ruler coming into her power is ideal for your vibe!
5. May: Jezebel
Jezebel really needed a retelling of her own, and Megan Barnard took it upon herself to reimagine this vilified woman.
As you might know, Jezebel was a Phoenician princess who became queen of Israel after marrying King Ahab.
Barnard reminds us that Jezebel never intended any hurt. She simply tried to hold onto her own identity and beliefs, but the hostile surroundings wouldn’t let her.
Much like the story of Hera, Jezebel asks some uncomfortable questions about who gets remembered as a monster and why.
May is the month of Taurus, and this sign was never the one to accept the easy version of a story.
The other sign that rules May is Gemini, and this story is sure to satisfy your curiosity and answer some questions!
6. June: Upon a Burning Throne
Ashok K. Banker‘s retelling leans deeply into Hindu epic tradition, especially the Mahabharata!
His story is a timeless saga of a royal dynasty tearing itself apart over succession and power.
The royal line the author presents is touched by a fire god, and their choices are just as destructive! There are unbreakable curses, infighting, divine interventions, prophecies…
It’s the kind of epic fantasy where every decision has enormous consequences!
There are no innocents in the fight for power. This story is ideal for June babies, whether you’re a Gemini or a Cancer.
Much like these two signs, it’s marked by political scheming on one side and destructive loyalty on the other!
If you’re in the mood for a complicated read, and you don’t run from tragedy, this is the retelling for you!
7. July: Son of a Trickster
Eden Robinson‘s retelling follows Jared, a Haisla teenager, dealing with a rough family life and high school drama.
However, pretty soon, there are hints that his family might be descended from Wee’git, the trickster raven.
Jared’s very basic but difficult life is suddenly invaded by talking ravens and indigenous mysticism.
It’s not so much an epic story; it’s a scenario that blends myth with ordinary family life.
The story is gritty and heartbreaking, and the magical elements tend to be genuinely eerie at times!
July is ruled by Cancer, so I’m sure this story will cater to your deep intuition and family values!
8. August: Winter Harvest
Ioanna Papadopoulou wrote a wonderful retelling that plays with light and dark, exploring the myth of Persephone and Demeter.
Her story reimagines the ancient tale of loss and the underworld. It’s also deeply inspired by the idea that the seasons are shaped by a mother’s sorrow and a daughters decent into darkness.
A gothic atmosphere follows the reader through the entire story, and you feel caught right in the middle between the two forces pulling you in opposite directions.
The world above is warm and familiar, but the underworld is seductive, and you find yourself unable to resist, much like Persephone.
If you ever felt torn between who you were and who you’re becoming, this book will make you feel understood!
9. September: The Valkyrie
The Valkyrie by Kate Heartfield draws inspiration from the warrior women who choose who lives and who dies on the battlefield and carry the fallen to Valhalla.
The writer is known for blending actual 历史 与 fantastical myth, so her retelling feels truly authentic.
The story explores the themes of fate, duty, heroism, and the weight of holding another’s life in your hands.
Numerous creatures and gods from Norse mythology appear throughout the story, and the heroine is caught between divine obligation and her own conscience.
September is Virgo season, so if you’re ready to read something deep and thoughtful, this is it!
10. October: Monkey King: Journey to the West
This new Penguin Classics edition of Monkey King: Journey to the West focuses on one of the most beloved figures in Chinese mythology!
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King himself, is born from a stone and blessed with immortal powers. The story follows his quest to escort a monk to retrieve sacred scriptures.
On the way, they encounter demons and gods, but the Monkey King’s biggest enemy is his ego.
This retelling blends comedy with profound lessons about 谦逊 and doing the right thing.
October is ruled by Libra and Scorpio, and this story contains lessons on both balance and transformation!
11. November: Psyche and Eros
Luna McNamara‘s retelling of Psyche and Eros revisits the myth of a mortal woman so beautiful that the god who was sent to kill her falls in love with her instead.
Psyche can never see his face, so she has to learn to trust in their relationship almost unconditionally.
Naturally, her 好奇心 grows to the point where she can’t take it any longer, and what little peace they had gets completely shattered.
Psyche then has to complete impossible trials to win Eros back. She’s also on a quest to prove her worth to the gods and to herself.
November is the month of Scorpio and Sagittarius.
This story caters to these signs by blending intense 奉献 与 冒险 and insane bravery.
12. December: The Witch’s Heart
Genevieve Gornichec‘s retelling is focused on Angrboda, the witch who was cast out and burned by the gods.
She rebuilds her life in exile but ends up falling in love with the trickster god Loki!
The story also speaks of their three monstrous children and the Ragnarök that’s threatening to destroy everything they built.
This tender and tragic story is another retelling that gives voice to a woman who’s been unfairly reduced to a footnote.
If you’re not afraid to get heartbroken, pick up this book!
A little Aquarius, devoted to writing and embroidery. Through my writing, I hope to empower readers to align with their true selves and navigate life’s mysteries with confidence.