8 Divine Novels Inspired by Mythology

Following two main characters, Moremi and Orpheus, MORE PERFECT is set in near-future London, where almost everyone has opted to have a small device—the Pulse—implanted in their brains, making social media an augmented reality. Orpheus and his father, however, remain Pulseless and hidden from the Panopticon for reasons Orpheus doesn’t understand and his father won’t reveal. But one terrible night, everything changes for Orpheus. Meanwhile, Moremi has longed for the Pulse for years, and the day has finally come. But the very same day, a terrorist attack destroys almost everything she’s ever known. As a result of this attack, the British government is quick to give Panopticon more power in order to keep the city safe. Soon, the Pulse implant may no longer be a choice, but required by law. As the story unfolds, Orpheus’s and Moremi’s stories converge in a powerful and unexpected way. Together, they might just have the power to change the future. Based on the Greek myth of Eurydice and Orpheus, MORE PERFECT is a haunting and mesmerizing story.

Easily my favorite book of 2021, BLACK SUN is the first in Rebecca Roanhorse’s Between Earth and Sky Trilogy. Inspired by the cultures and civilizations of the pre-Columbian Americas, this epic fantasy takes place on the Meridian and follows several characters as they each prepare for the Convergence—a rare celestial event in which the winter solstice coincides with a solar eclipse. Naranpa serves as the Sun Priest in the holy city of Tova and vainly attempts to bring balance and keep peace as the city prepares for the Convergence. At the same time, Xiala, a Teek whose song can tame the seas and invade the minds of men, is hired to transport a blind young man, Serapio, to Tova in time for the Convergence. But Xiala doesn’t know the power this young man possesses, for Serapio is a vessel for a god—and a vengeful god at that.

THE MOUNTAIN OF LIGHT is a historical novel about the Kohinoor diamond (whose name in Persian means “mountain of light”), a legendary 186-carat diamond that originated in India and, according to Hindu belief, was deeply admired by gods such as Krishna. Beginning in the early 1800s, the story traces this diamond’s path as it’s passed around multiple rulers in India, Persia, and Afghanistan—and all the while, England increasingly exerts control over India. By then it’s no surprise when the diamond finally comes to rest in 1850 with Queen Victoria of England—a queen who claims the diamond, and India itself, for the British empire. With each chapter switching points of view depending on where the diamond travels, this unique novel is a vivid and heartbreaking journey.

KAIKEYI is a reimagining of Kaikeyi’s role in the Hindu epic Ramayana. The story follows Kaikeyi’s life, beginning in her childhood home as the only daughter of the Kekaya kingdom. Raised alongside seven brothers, including her twin, Yudhājit, Kaikeyi grows up being ignored by her father and—after her mother is banished by her father—learning to raise her younger brothers. After her mother’s banishment, she turns to the gods for help, but they never seem to hear her. Instead, she discovers she has a magic that is hers alone. As she grows up, she becomes King Dasharatha’s third wife, a beloved queen, a warrior, a counselor to her husband, and a loving mother. But her one wish for her family clashes with the destiny the gods have chosen, and the world she has carefully created for herself begins to crumble around her.

Inspired by Mayan mythology as well as Mexican history and culture, GODS OF JADE AND SHADOW is set in the 1920s Jazz Age in Mexico. Casiopea Tun is a young woman who is forced to work as the family maid for her wealthy grandfather, but she yearns for a different life. She knows there is more to the world, and she wants to explore and find freedom for herself. So when she discovers and opens a chest in her grandfather’s room and unknowingly frees the Mayan god of death, Hun-Kamé, she agrees—with some reservations—to help him on his quest to reclaim his throne from his traitorous twin brother. The unlikely pair set out on their journey across Mexico to restore Hun-Kamé’s power and perhaps grant them both the freedom they desire. But, as they travel deeper into the Mayan underworld, they discover that the freedom they seek may come at a cost.

Sue Lynn Tan’s epic fantasy DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS was inspired by Chinese mythology and the legend of the moon goddess, Chang’e. The story begins with Xingyin fleeing from the moon, the only home she has ever known, to keep her existence—and her magic—a secret from the Celestial Emperor, who had imprisoned her mother on the moon. Forced to leave her mother behind, Xingyin makes her way alone to the Celestial Kingdom, disguising her identity. While there, she learns more about magic alongside the emperor’s son. In order to save her mother, she must set out on a dangerous journey and challenge the Celestial Emperor himself. But she may have to sacrifice all she loves to achieve her dream.

SHALLOW WATERS is Anita Kopacz’s reimagining of Yemaya, an Orisha (or deity) of the sea from the Yoruba religion often depicted as a mermaid. Primarily set in 1800s America, the story begins off the coast of Africa in the depths of the sea where Yemaya lives with her parents, until they both disappear. Although she initially feels lost, she discovers a new purpose: to save Obatala, the human who had once saved her from fishermen. When Obatala and his tribe are captured by violent white men who intend to sell them as slaves in America, Yemaya knows she must follow. She swims with the ship to America and, once she arrives, swaps her tail for human legs. From there, Yemaya begins a harrowing journey along the Underground Railroad to save Obatala and find freedom for them both.

THE DAWNHOUNDS is a queer, Māori-inspired fantasy, and the first of Sascha Stronach’s Against the Quiet series. Set in the port city of Hainak, the book follows constable Yat Jyn-Hok—a reformed-thief-turned-cop. Recently reassigned to the night shift after getting caught enjoying the intimate company of another woman, she’s having trouble adjusting. When she finds a corpse one night and calls for backup, two mysterious officers show up and kill her. Only Yat doesn’t stay dead—and she comes back to life with ancient magical powers. Fearful that she might be killed for good next time, Yat flees and finds herself joining a pirate crew. But dark forces are at work in Hainak, and she doesn’t have much time to stop an evil plague before her home is destroyed.