Can you please lead me towards books that have higher beings that are based around mortal concepts? Excluding Greek Mythology themes, because I’ve already explored that genre. I just want to know if there’s completely fresh and original ideas of gods that represent things like emotions and whatnot. I think it’s a given, but preferably in the fantasy genre.
by krylten
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American Gods by **Neil Gaiman**
there is a whole pantheon in the duology of The Blood Trials with a character that explores a bit of that side of things, but it’s not solely about the gods. maybe it might be of interest for you ? the books are by N.E. Davenport. though it is more sci-fi fantasy if that’s something that might affect your decision !
Lord of Light,
Creatures of Light and Darkness,
Isle of the Dead,
The Amber Chronicles (V 1-5)
All written by Roger Zelazny
Haven’t read it yet but I heard Dan Simmons has Illium and Olympos which has a lot of Greek Mythology as well as subtleties from Shakespeares “The Tempest”
The Curse of Chalion, one of whom is in charge of disasters
LORD OF LIGHT BY ROGER ZELAZNY is a captivating blend of science fiction and mythology. It’s set on a distant planet where advanced beings have taken on the personas of Hindu gods, using their technology to appear godlike to the local inhabitants. Amid this fascinating backdrop, the story follows the charismatic protagonist, Sam, who rebels against these “gods” to bring enlightenment and freedom to the planet’s people. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of power, religion, and the human condition which have a very deep ending.
You can also try CREATURE OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS by Zelazny which also fits your request. It sets in the future where gods, humans, and beings of unimaginable power coexist. The novel explores themes of immortality, identity, and the blurred lines between gods and mortals
Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson has a lot of paralells to Greek Gods.
The Shadow of the Gods – John Gwynne
Highly recommend.
Illium and Olympos by Dan Simmons
eight days of luke by diana wynne jones was a really smart one. i won’t give too much away but all the hints are already there 😉😉
The Time Master trilogy by Louise Cooper is about a world ruled either by Gods of Chaos or Order throughout its history. Also about the humans that get caught up in their plots.
The Shiva Trilogy – Amish Tripathi: based on Hindu mythology
The incarnations of immortality series by piers Anthony
*Neverwhere* by Neil Gaiman also might as well have this concept. Some characters aren’t gods, per se, but basically are.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Not super similar to Greek Mythology, but one of the main ideas is about deities created by concepts.