Egyptian mythology is packed with drama, divine intrigue, and more sibling rivalry than your last family holiday. Luckily, you don't need to build a time machine or learn how to read hieroglyphs to dive into this world. The best books based on Egyptian mythology do all the hard work for you—bringing the gods, magic, and mystery of Ancient Egypt right to your bookshelf.
Whether you're a fan of epic battles, romantic entanglements with deities, or just curious about what the gods would do with Wi-Fi, these reads will transport you to a world where the stakes are as high as the pyramids. So grab a cozy seat and let's dig into these captivating tales!
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Best Fantasy Book For Young Adults See at AmazonSons of the Sphinx by Cheryl Carpinello
Best Time Travel Adventure See at AmazonAmerican Gods: A Novel by Neil Gaiman
Best Modern Myth Retelling See at AmazonThe Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
Best Coming-of-Age Read See at AmazonThe Age of Ra: Special Edition (The Pantheon Series) by James Lovegrove
Best War Story See at Amazon- See More
Echo in Time (Echo Trilogy) by Lindsey Fairleigh
Best Romantic Fiction See at Amazon
Best Books Based On Egyptian Mythology In 2024
Best Fantasy Book For Young AdultsThe Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, who must stop the Egyptian god Set after their father accidentally unleashes him. On a dangerous journey, they uncover family secrets and their connection to an ancient order.
Pros & Cons- The story feels like a history lesson?but WAY more fun.
- Carter and Sadie?s sibling banter adds a refreshing mix of humor to the intense magical battles.
- The story is full of ancient spells, hidden tombs, and magical hieroglyphs?perfect for mythology lovers.
- You?ll need to read the rest of the trilogy because the cliffhanger will leave you wanting more immediately!
Once again, Rick Riordan expertly weaves ancient myths into a modern adventure, introducing you to gods like Set, Horus, and Isis in ways that make them feel both powerful and relatable. This story follows siblings Carter and Sadie Kane as they uncover their family’s deep connection to Egypt’s ancient magic. After their father accidentally releases trapped gods during a visit to the British Museum, Carter and Sadie find themselves at the heart of a battle between the gods and chaos, with Set planning to destroy the world.
What makes this story exciting for mythology lovers is how it brings Ancient Egypt to life. From magical spells based on hieroglyphs to secret nomes and the hidden House of Life, you’ll be plunged into a world filled with pharaohs, gods, and ancient relics. If you're looking for an exciting fantasy read, you should definitely check this one out.
Best Time Travel AdventureSons of the Sphinx by Cheryl Carpinello
Sons of the Sphinx by Cheryl Carpinello follows 15-year-old Rosa, who has the unusual gift of hearing the dead. Isolated from her peers, her life takes a wild turn when an ancient, famous figure appears in her room. Together, they embark on a thrilling journey through the ancient world, battling the forces of good and evil.
Pros & Cons- You?ll get transported to ancient Egypt without the sunburn, sand in your shoes, or need for sunscreen.
- Combines spooky ghostly vibes with educational tidbits, so it?s fun and you?ll accidentally learn something.
- Rosa?s sarcastic inner thoughts will make you laugh, even when she?s facing heat, sand, and supernatural dangers.
- Time-traveling with a pharaoh sounds fun until you realize there?s no sunscreen for that ancient Egyptian sunburn.
Looking for a good Halloween read? This next book might just be what you're looking for. If you’ve ever seen The Sixth Sense, then Rosa’s gift of hearing the dead in Sons of the Sphinx will feel familiar—except instead of a modern-day setting, Rosa is plunged into ancient Egypt. When King Tut’s ghost shows up in her life, she’s tasked with a mission that takes her back in time to reunite him with his lost queen.
Rosa’s journey is packed with danger, magic, and encounters with ancient gods, making it an adventure that’s as thrilling as it is educational. With only seven days to complete her task, Rosa must navigate the threats of General Horemheb and the evil god Seth, all while discovering the strength she never knew she had.
Best Modern Myth RetellingAmerican Gods: A Novel by Neil Gaiman
American Gods by Neil Gaiman follows Shadow, a man released from prison whose life is upended after his wife’s death. Accepting a mysterious job offer, he’s drawn into a hidden war between old gods and new forces vying for the soul of America. This dark, mythological adventure blends the familiar and the strange in a contemporary masterpiece.
Pros & Cons- A road trip with ancient gods? Sign me up for weird roadside attractions and epic showdowns.
- Gaiman?s descriptions make even the most mythical gods feel like they belong in your local diner.
- Shadow?s journey will make you question everything, including why old gods love diner food so much.
- Some parts feel so slow, you might wonder if you accidentally took a detour on this mystical road trip.
American Gods takes you on an unforgettable journey across America, blending myth, magic, and modern life. The story follows Shadow, a man recently released from prison, whose life takes a surreal turn when he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday. Shadow is pulled into a world where gods from different mythologies—both old and new—are living among humans, struggling for relevance and survival. Along the way, he encounters strange and powerful characters as he travels through forgotten corners of America, unraveling a hidden war between gods.
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Best Coming-of-Age ReadThe Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White follows Isadora, the human daughter of Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris, who’s fed up with her immortal family’s drama. When she moves to California for a fresh start, she discovers that her new life comes with its own dangers and complications.
Pros & Cons- Egyptian gods with sibling rivalry and redecorating dilemmas? That?s some serious divine drama worth reading.
- Isadora?s sarcastic take on life is pure teen mood, even when her family happens to be immortal.
- A mix of mythology and teen angst makes for a fun, light read with just the right amount of chaos.
- It contains a good amount of cringeworthy awkward family moments?but it's all good fun!
The Chaos of Stars offers a fresh take on Egyptian mythology through the eyes of Isadora, the mortal daughter of gods. Living with her immortal family has left Isadora feeling overlooked and insignificant, so she jumps at the chance to move to San Diego and live a “normal” life.
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PostsWhat makes this story fun for fans of Egyptian mythology is how it modernizes the gods, making them relatable with family dynamics and everyday struggles like sibling rivalry and interior decorating. The blend of humor, myth, and teen drama gives it a light, enjoyable vibe, even when the stakes get serious. While there’s not a deep dive into Egyptian history, there are snippets of myth woven into the chapters, giving readers a taste of the gods’ stories.
Best War StoryThe Age of Ra: Special Edition (The Pantheon Series) by James Lovegrove
The Age of Ra by James Lovegrove is set in a world where the Egyptian gods have conquered all other pantheons and divided Earth into warring factions. British soldier Lt. David Westwynter finds refuge in Freegypt, the last place free from divine rule, and meets the Lightbringer, a leader determined to overthrow the gods.
Pros & Cons- It?s like Game of Thrones with pyramids.
- The battle scenes are so intense, you?ll feel like you?re in the middle of a mythological warzone.
- Freegypt sounds like a cool vacation spot?minus the whole rebellion against gods thing.
- Some of the out-of-place graphic scenes might make you wish you had a fast-forward button for your book.
The Age of Ra blends military sci-fi with Egyptian mythology in a unique world where gods rule humanity and use nations as pawns in their power struggles. The story follows British soldier Lieutenant David Westwynter, who, after a near-death experience, ends up in Freegypt, a region not ruled by any god. There, he joins forces with the enigmatic Lightbringer, a leader of the anti-god movement, who aims to overthrow the gods and free humanity from their control.
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PostsThis imaginative novel combines the intrigue of ancient mythology with the intensity of modern warfare, making it one of the best war novels for those who love a mix of action and myth.
Best Romantic FictionEcho in Time (Echo Trilogy) by Lindsey Fairleigh
Echo in Time by Lindsey Fairleigh follows archaeology student Alexandra Larson, who discovers newfound psychic powers after learning a family secret. Joining an Egyptian excavation, Lex uncovers an ancient prophecy and faces warring gods, where her abilities hold the key to the truth.
Pros & Cons- Lex is a relatable heroine who balances ancient mysteries and epic romance without missing a beat.
- No confusing time loops! The plot flows smoothly, even with all the jumping through centuries.
- The romance between Lex and Marcus is so intense, you?ll need a fan to cool off those steamy pages.
- Get ready to lose track of time while reading!
Echo in Time is the first book in the Echo Trilogy, and it offers a fresh, captivating take on Egyptian mythology with a blend of time travel, romance, and ancient history. The story follows Lex, a relatable and strong heroine, who discovers she is connected to an ancient lineage tied to the gods of Egypt. As she unravels the mystery behind her heritage, she is thrown into a world of time travel and mythological intrigue, where the stakes are high, and the future of the world hangs in the balance.
FAQ
Do Egyptian mythology books focus on history or fantasy?
It depends on the book! Some, like The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White, blend modern life with Egyptian mythology in a lighthearted way, while others, like The Age of Ra by James Lovegrove, combine mythology with military sci-fi, creating a rich fantasy world with historical undertones.
Do Egyptian mythology books always involve gods like Ra and Osiris?
Not always! While many books explore the classic gods like Ra, Osiris, and Isis, others may focus on different aspects of Egyptian culture, such as pharaohs, the afterlife, or even time travel linked to ancient Egypt, as seen in Echo in Time.
Can I learn real Egyptian history from these books?
Many books based on Egyptian mythology, like Sons of the Sphinx by Cheryl Carpinello, weave real historical facts and figures into their stories. While they are still works of fiction, you’ll often learn a lot about Egyptian history, pharaohs, and mythology.
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