Season one of Netflix’s latest hit, KAOS, has sadly come to an end. For those left hungry for more of this comedic modern Greek mythology retelling, who eagerly await season two, I’ve found some books you can devour in the meantime.
From feminist and queer retellings to steamy modern romances, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
And the best part? I’ve curated the list to star each of the show’s main characters!
With one unfortunate exception: there aren’t any (to my knowledge) retellings of the story of Caeneus. Hopefully though, with the popularity of this show, that’s about to change. I also excluded Hades and Persephone, as their story seems to saturate the Greek retellings market. It’s not hard to find a book about them: the problem is picking just one!
So dive in and enjoy! And come season two, maybe we’ll meet some new characters I can include in a follow-up list.
** General KAOS spoiler alert for those unfamiliar with Greek mythology. **
Orphia & Eurydicius by Elyse John
While many may not have heard of Riddy before, they’re sure to have fallen in love with her throughout the show! If you’re eager to learn more about her and her story, but love a unique twist, check out this gender-swapped retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice. In this version, the woman, Orphia, is the budding artist praised by the Muses. As Orphia struggles with her desire for fame and her budding romance with a young shield-maker, Eurydicius, she must take a journey that requires her to fight for her love with all the power of her poetry.
Hera by Jennifer Saint
If you, like myself, found Hera the most interesting character in the show, then you’re sure to love Jennifer Saint’s latest Greek retelling masterpiece. Often credited as the most cruel and vengeful of the Olympians, Hera’s finally given a chance to reclaim her untold story — one where a woman born to rule is pushed aside and relegated to the role of wife and mother. As Hera starts to see how cruel and ruthless Zeus really is, will she lose herself in perpetuating this cycle of violence and cruelty? Or can she find a way to forge a better world?
While you’re at it, check out Saint’s other Greek retellings, including Ariadne and Atalanta (one of my personal faves!).
The Poseidon Trials series by Eliza Raine
Looking for something a little steamier? Then you’ve got to check out this searing slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers trilogy starring the King of the Sea himself! Almi needs to save her sister, and the only thing standing in her way is her husband, Poseidon. The key to saving her sister lies in his underwater palace, and as his powerless, exiled wife, it’ll be no easy task. But she didn’t anticipate battling a storm of unexpected desire whenever she looked at Poseidon. He might be just as broken as her — but when a god has secrets, the consequences are deadly.
The Fates by Rosie Garland
For as crucial a role as they play throughout Greek mythology, has the spotlight ever shone on The Fates’ story? Well, now’s their chance! Rosie Garland reveals the story of the infamous sisters Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, from their origins in Nyx’s darkness to their fascination with mortal lives — taking particular interest in the lives of Atalanta and her ill-fated lover. However, being Goddesses of Fate doesn’t make them masters of it. Will these three sisters find a way to free the couple, and themselves, from their destinies? Or will they be bound by Fate forever?
Cassandra by Kathryn Gossow
For those big Greek mythology buffs, Cassandra’s presence in the show may have sent chills down your spine — that was certainly the case for me! So I was happy to find a book all about the prophet. In this modern reimagining set on a remote farm in Queensland, Cassie feels useless compared to her perfect brother. While the family’s fortunes rely on his uncanny weather predictions, her prophecies remain obscure and her attempts to help usually end in failure. Her new neighbor Athena may just have the answers to unlock her powers — but as her visions grow more vivid, she learns that the cost of honing her gift may be her sanity.
Prometheus' Priestess by Gwyneth Lesley
Despite his influence throughout the modern world, it was hard to find a retelling of the legendary god. It seemed the closest I could find was Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus — until I found this book! The first standalone novel in Gwyneth Lesley’s Femme Fatale series, this is a breathtaking romance — and, perhaps, tragedy. When a priestess is sent by the gods to save humanity, Prometheus, creator of the humans and bearer of foresight, thinks it’s a bad idea. When he steals the gods’ white fire and gives it to the priestess, the Fates align, setting in motion a story that will bring about a new era. But at what cost to those involved?
The Hymn to Dionysus by Natasha Pulley
Now don’t get too excited — you’ll have to wait a while to read this one. But it looks well worth the wait! This upcoming 2025 release is a queer reimagining of the life of Dionysus, told through the eyes of the soldier who saved him from a fire and left him abandoned as a baby. Years after abandoning the blue-eyed boy, Phaidros is on the verge of madness, struggling with PTSD after the loss of his battalion. In search of a young prince who disappeared, Phaidros finds a blue-eyed witch. In his company, Phaidros witnesses strange events — and hears rumors about a new god, one sired by Zeus but lost in a fire.
Queen of Fate and Fury by Kyla Stone
In the original tale of Theseus and the Minotaur, Ariadne doesn’t do much — well, that changes now. Tired of her ruthless father throwing poor humans into the labyrinth, Ariadne jumps at the chance to break the curse and rescue her monstrous brother. But is there any humanity left in him to save? Or will he kill her, too? Either way, she must try. She’ll need the help of the heroic, charming Theseus — except he’s vowed to kill the monster. Can she save her brother without losing her heart in the process? Or to save one, will the other have to die?
Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes
Everyone knows who Medusa is — and thanks to modern feminist movements, many people now know her unfortunate origins. Assaulted by Poseidon in the temple of Athene, Medusa becomes the target of Athene’s revenge and is turned into her monstrous, snake-haired form. Cursed with the power to destroy all she loves with one look, Medusa condemns herself to a life of solitude — until Perseus embarks on a fateful quest… Haynes takes Medusa’s story, one of the earliest examples of a woman blamed and punished for an assault against her, and reconstructs this harmful narrative with a fresh and empowering perspective.
Also check out Haynes’ earlier work, The Furies, which tackles the role of justice, vengeance and fury in a contemporary setting.
Zeus by Carly Spade
It’s fitting that Zeus close out the list — it’s what his pompous royal end would want. God, king, womanizer, and the occasional variety of bird, Zeus now takes on the role of a defense lawyer. When Hera leaves him, Zeus must find another queen — for there must always be a queen, or he loses his title and powers. He finds the woman he wants in the bustling courts of New York: criminal prosecutor Keira Bazin. Too bad she wants nothing to do with him. Or does she? They may butt heads incessantly, but there’s something about him she can’t resist. Power. Lust. Command. Can she fight her growing attraction for him? Does she even want to?
Check out the other gods in Spade’s collection, including Hades and Poseidon.
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