Greeking Out

Greek mythology is an enduring subject in modern literature, with countless books retelling the classic myths of ancient Greece. This niche book market has seen a resurgence in recent years, with a variety of new novels, graphic novels, and picture books exploring the tales of gods and heroes from a fresh perspective. As a writer, it is exciting to see the potential market for works readers will love and recognize as Greek mythology.

One of the reasons for this renewed interest in Greek mythology is the growing popularity of fantasy and speculative fiction in the modern era. Many modern retellings of Greek myths incorporate elements of fantasy, science fiction, and even horror, inviting readers who enjoy these genres to expand to myth retellings. This has led to a wide range of books that appeal to different audiences, from child readers to adults.

One of the most successful examples of a Greek mythology retelling is Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series. The series, published by Disney-Hyperion, follows the adventures of a teenage boy named Percy Jackson who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, and is thrust into the world of Greek gods and monsters. It examines the myth of Medusa from a modern angle. Rick Riordan represented the Graeae, an old trio of sisters who symbolize the triple star Algol, as taxi drivers. Instead of using a shield to defeat Medusa like the original myth, Perseus uses a selfie camera. This series has been widely successful, and has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into a film and a musical.

Another popular retelling of Greek myths is Madeline Miller’s “Circe”, a novel published by Little, Brown and Company, that reimagines the story of the witch from Homer’s Odyssey. Madeline Miller approaches the novel from a Roman perspective, based on the names of her characters. The novel explores Circe’s life beginning with being raised by Helios, and has received widespread critical acclaim. It won the 2018 Women's Prize for Fiction and was a New York Times bestseller. Madeline Miller’s debut novel, “The Song of Achilles”, has also been very successful. Both works fall into the young adult genre and rely on first person storytelling.

There are also graphic novels that retell Greek myths, such as George O’Connor’s “Olympians” series. The series, published by First Second, reimagines the Greek gods as superheroes, and has been praised for its accessible and engaging storytelling.

In recent years, there has also been an increase in the number of picture books that retell Greek myths for younger audiences. These books, published by publishers such as Puffin Books, often feature bright illustrations and simple, easy-to-understand text, making them a great introduction to Greek myths for children. Examples include “D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths”, “The Greek Myths: The Complete and Definitive Edition” and “Gods and Heroes: Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece”.

Independently-published authors have ventured into the niche market of Greek mythology retellings. Gwyneth Lesley has authored a trilogy entitled "Femme Fatale," each installment of which is a standalone work that delves into similar themes. The most recent release is a contemporary retelling of the Medusa myth. The series is planned to expand to seven books in total, indicating a continued presence for this genre in the literary market. Lesley's work has been recognized as a best-seller in the Greek mythology retelling category on Amazon.

Overall, the market for Greek mythology retellings is strong and continues to grow. With a wide range of books catering to different audiences and interests, there is something for everyone in this niche. The popularity of fantasy and inclusive literature has helped to drive the market, and there is likely to be continued interest in these stories for years to come.