5 Books to Read if You’re Excited for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey

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Now that June is here, summer is officially underway, and that means it’s time for summer blockbusters! This summer promises a lot of exciting movies, including continuations of familiar favorites like Scary Movie and Toy Story 5, as well as the latest DC Universe film, Supergirl. However, many movie fans are especially looking forward to Christopher Nolan’s new film, The Odyssey, which is shaping up to be his most ambitious project yet.

For nearly three thousand years, Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey, has thrilled readers with its timeless story of King Odysseus’s challenging ten-year journey home. Filled with action, adventure, powerful gods, and the importance of family, it’s easy to see why this classic continues to resonate. If you’ve enjoyed The Odyssey and are looking for similar books, here are a few modern suggestions. While some are set in the same ancient world, and others offer a fresh take on the hero’s journey, they all share one thing: they’re captivating stories.

5) Celestial Lights by Cecile Pin

Cecile Pin’s recently released novel, Celestial Lights (published in March 2026), isn’t based on mythology, but it powerfully reimagines the classic hero’s journey through the story of its main character, Oliver. It’s a quick and engaging science fiction book, offering a fresh perspective compared to traditional fantasy myths.

Oliver was born on the tragic day of the Challenger explosion, and later becomes the leader of a groundbreaking space mission to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. The journey is deeply personal, forcing Oliver and his crew to grapple with their pasts, relationships, and the decisions that brought them there. This novel makes you consider what sacrifices you would make for the good of humanity, and its questions will stay with you long after you finish reading.

4) Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

No list about The Odyssey would be complete without exploring different viewpoints, and Costanza Casati’s Clytemnestra is a must-read for that purpose. This book tells the story of Clytemnestra, twin sister to Helen of Troy and wife of King Agamemnon—who she famously murdered. Through her eyes, we learn about her and Helen’s upbringing in Sparta, their marriages to Agamemnon and Menelaus, Helen’s escape with Paris of Troy (the event that sparked the Trojan War), and more. The book also offers a fresh perspective on Odysseus before his journey, and reveals what Penelope was really like.

This book skillfully retells familiar myths while offering a more nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Clytemnestra, a character often seen as a villain. Unlike Homer’s original stories, which don’t give the women a voice, this novel brilliantly allows them to share their perspectives.

3) The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker

Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls offers a fresh take on Homer’s The Iliad, telling the story from the perspective of Briseis, a Trojan queen who is only briefly mentioned in the original epic. Captured by the warrior Achilles, Briseis provides a powerful new viewpoint, particularly on the experiences of women taken as captives during the Trojan War and the famous dispute between Achilles and Agamemnon.

Homer’s epic poems often focus on heroes, but they tend to overlook the suffering of those captured and harmed by war. “The Silence of the Girls” brings these often-forgotten voices to the forefront, offering a less idealized view of ancient myths. Plus, it’s the first in a series of three books, meaning the story continues beyond the first volume.

2) Katabasis by R.F. Kuang

Beyond new versions of Homer’s classic stories, R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis is a standout recent release. This dark and atmospheric fantasy novel centers on two competitive Cambridge graduate students who journey to the underworld to save their deceased professor. Their motivation? They desperately need a crucial letter of recommendation that only he can provide.

This book offers a twisted take on the classic hero’s journey, while also exploring the damaging side of academic life, trauma, and personal growth. Fans of R.F. Kuang’s Babel will likely enjoy it.

1) Fit for the Gods edited by Jenn Northington and S. Zainab Williams

Of course we couldn’t create a list without including mythology! If you enjoy classic Greek tales but want a fresh take, check out Fit for the Gods. This book offers modern and reimagined versions of these ancient stories. If you’ve been following the casting news for Nolan’s The Odyssey and are intrigued by the unexpected choices, you’ll love this book. It presents unique retellings that make these stories accessible while highlighting the universal themes within them.

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2026-05-30 01:41