7 Books Featuring African Mythology Retellings
From the sun-drenched savannas to the depths of enchanted forests, African mythology pulses with gods, tricksters, and spirits who shape the fates of mortals. These legends, passed down through oral tradition for centuries, brim with magic, prophecy, and divine trials. Now, a new generation of storytellers is reimagining these myths—blending ancient lore with modern fantasy, epic battles, and unforgettable heroes.
If you crave books that weave the rich tapestry of African mythology into mesmerizing narratives, here are 7 must-read books that bring these legends to life.
1. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
⚡ A Lost Magic, a Rebellion, and the Gods’ Chosen Warrior
Inspired by Yoruba mythology, this West African-inspired fantasy follows Zélie, a girl with the power to restore magic to her people. With a ruthless prince hunting her and the gods whispering in her ear, she embarks on a journey of destiny, sacrifice, and revolution. Adeyemi’s world is lush with Orisha deities, mythical creatures, and a magic system rooted in tradition.
📖 Read if you love: High-stakes fantasy, elemental magic, and fierce heroines.
2. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
👑 A Warrior Blessed (or Cursed) by the Gods
In this stunning novel influenced by West African folklore, sixteen-year-old Deka discovers that her golden blood marks her as an alaki—a near-immortal warrior destined to serve the emperor. But as she joins an army of powerful girls like her, she begins to question the truth of her divine origins. A powerful tale of identity, oppression, and reclaiming one’s destiny.
📖 Read if you love: Feminist fantasy, secret legacies, and fierce battles.
3. Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
🌊 A Scholar, a Secret, and Forbidden Magic
Set in a kingdom inspired by West African folklore, this epic fantasy follows Danso, a young scholar who stumbles upon a powerful secret—one that could unravel everything he knows about his world. Ancient myths come alive as he ventures beyond the borders of his homeland, encountering gods, spirits, and lost histories.
📖 Read if you love: Expansive world-building, political intrigue, and hidden magic.
4. Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
🐆 A Dark, Mythic Quest Through an African-Inspired World
Hailed as an “African Game of Thrones,” this novel draws from a multitude of African mythologies to create a surreal, brutal, and hauntingly poetic tale. It follows Tracker, a hunter with an extraordinary sense of smell, as he searches for a missing boy—only to uncover secrets that challenge everything he believes. Expect shape-shifters, witches, and tricksters in a story where myth and reality blur.
📖 Read if you love: Gritty, literary fantasy, morally complex characters, and richly layered mythos.
5. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
🎵 A Deadly Bargain, a Cursed Prince, and a Queen-to-Be
Heavily inspired by Ghanaian folklore, this novel follows Malik, a refugee who enters a deadly contest to assassinate the princess Karina in exchange for his sister’s life. Meanwhile, Karina must perform an ancient ritual to resurrect her mother—one that requires the heart of a king. Their paths intertwine in a breathtaking tale of fate, love, and the spirits that haunt their world.
📖 Read if you love: Enemies-to-lovers romance, high-stakes magic, and thrilling competitions.
6. Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
🌊 A Mami Wata Mermaid on a Journey of Destiny
Drawing from West African mythology, this stunning novel follows Simidele, a Mami Wata—a mermaid tasked with collecting the souls of those lost at sea. But when she saves a drowning boy, she breaks the rules of the gods and must embark on a perilous journey to seek forgiveness, encountering orishas, monsters, and hidden truths along the way.
📖 Read if you love: Mythic quests, African mermaids, and beautifully lyrical writing.
7. The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
🔥 A Relentless Warrior, a Doomed Kingdom, and a War Fueled by Myth
Drawing inspiration from Xhosa mythology, this gripping epic fantasy follows Tau, a young warrior who is determined to seek revenge in a world where only a select few are gifted with divine power. Fueled by rage and relentless training, he seeks to defy destiny itself. Brutal, action-packed, and deeply immersive, this is a must-read for fans of military fantasy.
📖 Read if you love: Intense battles, revenge-driven heroes, and epic world-building.
Ancient Gods, New Legends
From fierce warrior queens to trickster spirits and divine magic, African mythology is as vast and varied as the continent itself. These books reimagine ancient tales with bold storytelling, giving new life to legends that deserve to be known across the world.
Which of these books are you most excited to read? Or do you have a favorite African mythology retelling that should be on this list? Let me know! 🔥✨
