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!
Best Books Based On Egyptian Mythology In 2024
The 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.
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 anexciting fantasy read, you should definitely check this one out.
Sons 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.
Looking for agood 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.
American 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.
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.
The novel explores themes of belief, identity, and the clash between tradition and progress, all while delivering a surreal and darkly beautiful story.
The 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.
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.
What 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.
The 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.
The Age of Ra blendsmilitary sci-fiwith 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.
This imaginative novel combines the intrigue of ancient mythology with the intensity of modern warfare, making it one of thebest war novelsfor those who love a mix of action and myth.
Echo 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.
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.
