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Top 10 Action & Adventure Novels for Thrill Seekers

Sat Jan 06 2024

by Book Raider

For those of you who love the heart-thumping, page-turning, stay-up-all-night allure of a good action-packed adventure novel-- welcome! You're among friends here. We're the type of people who consider bookshelf organisation a competitive sport and firmly believe that the 'book was better than the movie'.

Ready to mentally jet off to new locations filled with heroes, villains, chases, escapes and a dash of well-placed humor? Buckle up, my fellow bibliophile thrill-seekers. We're about to dive into a list of the top adventure novels that will give even the most audacious adrenaline junkies a run for their money. So kick back, grab your favorite snack, and take note. Your reading list is about to get a serious upgrade.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

Why Project Hail Mary is on this list:

Fun fact—the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of a solitary man, Dr. Ryland Grace. Waking up with no memory, a dead crew, and in the middle of an interstellar space, Grace is on a desperate mission to save Earth. As he unravels the mystery of what's happened, he realizes he may very well be humanity's last hope. No pressure, right?

What readers like: Those who devoured this book appreciate the blend of thought-provoking science, problem-solving challenges, and a heaping delight of wit from our charming Dr. Grace. You'll be rooting for him all the way through this nail-biting affairs, trust me.

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The One Impossible Labyrinth by Matthew Reilly

The One Impossible Labyrinth

by Matthew Reilly

Why The One Impossible Labyrinth is on this list: If you're the type of person who loves being on the edge of your seat, The One Impossible Labyrinth is your next go-to read. This book is an action-packed rollercoaster ride, filled to the brim with adventure and suspense.

Matthew Reilly's The One Impossible Labyrinth is the heart-stopping final installment of the Jack West Jr series. Jack and his team are in a race against time to prevent global destruction. The plot takes you through deadly traps, ancient secrets, and impossible labyrinths, and will keep you guessing until the very end.

What readers like: Readers have fallen in love with the book's fast-paced story, its larger than life plot, and Reilly's gift for narrative momentum. The final showdown in the labyrinth is nothing short of epic. And did we mention, there's enough plot twists to make your head spin. Fans of the series have commended it as the perfect end to Jack West Jr's thrilling journey.

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Shards of Earth by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Shards of Earth

by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Why Shards of Earth is on this list: Shards of Earth is the maraschino cherry atop the sundae of adrenaline-pumping literature. With its mind-bending journey through space, this book is the ultimate joyride for those of us who like our adventures seasoned with a hearty dose of action.

The book ushers us into a future where Earth has been pulverized by an alien species known as the Architects. The surviving humans build a fleet of ships to navigate the harshness of space. Interesting, right? But here's the twist, their only hope is a man enhanced for war, who now seeks peace. Gloves off, because this is where the thrill really kicks in.

What readers like: Readers adore the wild and unpredictable twists, the mind-bending theories and the tension that could be cut with a knife. Most especially, they appreciate Tchaikovsky's knack for creating characters you can't help but cheer for, even when they're floating in the deadliest corners of space. And let's not forget the brilliant blend of speculative fiction and hard-boiled action. Oh yeah, it's quite the cocktail.

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Goblin by Josh Malerman

Goblin

by Josh Malerman

Why Goblin is on this list: If you're craving for an adrenaline rush and a sense of adventure, the setting of Goblin, an enigmatic town with six haunted places, perfectly fits the bill.

The book is a beautifully crafted novel with a collection of six novellas, all set in the eerie town of Goblin. It takes you through a thrilling journey involving a frozen corpse, a secret late night show, a Halloween hangover and much more. The adventures are spine-tingling and continuously keep you on the edge of your seat, making it a perfect read for adventure and thrill-seeking enthusiasts.

What readers like: Readers rave about Josh Malerman's illustrative writing style that paints a vivid picture of the haunting town. They also love the constant suspense and unexpected twists in the plots, raising their heartbeats with every turn of the page.

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Tom Clancy Shadow of the Dragon by Marc Cameron

Tom Clancy Shadow of the Dragon

by Marc Cameron

Why Tom Clancy Shadow of the Dragon is on this list: Embrace yourself thrill-seekers, this action-packed novel crafted masterfully by Marc Cameron will have you glued to the edge of your seats. Laced with international espionage, unexpected twists, and adrenaline-filled action, this book is a match made in heaven for any adventure junkie.

Cameron continues the legendary Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan Universe, this time with an ongoing war and political conflict with China as the backdrop. When the Chinese Minister of Finance is brutally assassinated, followed by the attempted murder of the Chinese Premier, all fingers point to one man only - Jack Ryan. Amid captivating international intrigue and unchecked power struggles, it's up to Jack Ryan to step in, investigate the dark shadows of treachery and unmask the dragon behind the chaos.

What readers like: Fans love the unique blend of captivating geopolitical intrigue, daring action sequences, and the ever-reliable heroism of Jack Ryan that leaves you breathless yet craving more. The crisp, seamless narrative pulls you into a whirlwind of suspense that doesn't let up till the very last page.

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Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson

Rhythm of War

by Brandon Sanderson

Why Rhythm of War is on this list: Rhythm of War easily ticks all the boxes of an exhilarating action and adventure novel. If you're someone whose pulse races at heavy-hitting action scenes and jaw-dropping plot twists, then this book belongs on your shelf.

The fourth instalment in the breathtaking Stormlight Archive series, Rhythm of War, pushes the boundaries of epic storytelling. Our brave heroes return in an increasingly volatile world haunted by secrets of the ancient past. As kingdoms collide and loyalties are tested, this book will leave you gripped from start to finish.

What readers like: Readers have time and time again praised this book for its captivatingly complex characters, imaginative world-building, and, of course, the nail-biting action sequences. Not to mention, Sanderson’s ability to masterfully tie all these elements together in a smooth rhythmic flow - you’ll lose track of time faster than a thrill-seeker on a roller coaster.

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The Last Odyssey by James Rollins

The Last Odyssey

by James Rollins

Why The Last Odyssey is on this list: With a tantalizing blend of mythology, history, and explosive action, The Last Odyssey fits right into our thrill-seeking list. It serves up a cocktail of adrenaline and adventure, with zero 'book hangover' regrets.

In this book, Rollins takes us on a wild journey to the very edge of the world. The Sigma Force, an elite covert arm of the Department of Defense, is in a race to discover the truth about Homer's Odyssey. Evoking the brand of action worthy of Hercules himself, this quest takes them from an ancient ship buried below the Greenland ice, through deadly warzones of North Africa, to the lethal shadows of the past. Packed with explosive revelations, it's kind of like the Indiana Jones of novels.

What readers like: Readers love the relentless pace, the mind-bending historical and mythological links, and of course, the high-octane action. Not to forget, Rollins' knack for painting vivid, atmospheric settings that make you feel right in the heart of the adventure. Oh, and the characters - they aren't just cardboards punching and shooting. These are folks with substance, making the stakes even higher.

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Demon in White by Christopher Ruocchio

Demon in White

by Christopher Ruocchio

Why Demon in White is on this list: Are you a thrill-seeker who loves being tossed headfirst into cosmic battles and meeting aliens? Then consider your next adventure found in the pages of 'Demon in White'.

Part of the grand Sun Eater series, 'Demon in White' whisks you away to a galaxy where humans are at the low-end of the food chain. Follow our protagonist, Hadrian Marlowe, through epic, blood-pumping battles and illuminating encounters with alien civilizations. It's not all action though, there's a juicy political intrigue thrown in for good measure. You're promised a wild ride and spectacular heart-racing moments, right from the comforts of your reading nook.

What readers like: Fans rave about the deep character development and intricate plot structure, with a side of interstellar politics to keep you thinking. Most significantly, readers seem to love the adrenaline kick that the action sequences provide, perfect for any adventure-lover. Hopping from one alien threat to another, this book seems to have mastered the art of giving its readers the chills.

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The Noise by James Patterson & J.D Barker

The Noise

by James Patterson & J.D Barker

Why The Noise is on this list: Because nothing speaks 'thrill' like a mysterious noise that could drive you mad. And adventure? You bet! These characters are on the trail of a noise that's breaking all the sound barriers of sanity.

Imagine an unexplainable noise that takes over an entire town, moving with a life of its own, leaving destruction in its wake. When Dr. Martha Chan, the foremost expert in psychoacoustics, is called in to investigate, the noise veers dangerously close to insanity and pure horror. Equipped with only her knowledge and intuition, Martha must figure out the secret behind this sound before it's too late.

What readers like: Readers are flipping pages like crazy for the suspense created by Patterson & Barker. The plot is packed with fascinating sci-fi elements, compelling character arcs and of course, that mysterious, terrifying Noise. Yes, it's as captivating as it sounds, and then some. Get ready to dive into an heady mix of intrigue, terror and unexpected twists that leave you feeling like you've just walked off an adrenaline-loaded roller coaster ride.

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The Sentinel: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child

The Sentinel: A Jack Reacher Novel

by Lee Child

Why The Sentinel: A Jack Reacher Novel is on this list: Looking for fists of fury, an adrenaline kick and cunning plots? Then make a date with Jack Reacher, the maverick hero of The Sentinel, who packs a nice punch (pun intended).

The Sentinel is a thrilling roller-coaster. Our hero, Jack Reacher, from the comfortable confines of retirement, rushes to protect an innocent man falsely accused of a cyberattack. This town's dirty secrets unravel, and Jack has to plot and fight his way through, all whilst never breaking a sweat. It's a head-spinning mix of hacker culture, espionage and good old fistfights. Ideal for those who like their adventures packed with surprises and action.

What readers like: Readers gush about the razor-sharp plotting, fast-paced action and the cool, calm and collected hero, Jack Reacher. They appreciate the blend of technology and classical action, the compelling writing of Lee Child, and the satisfaction of seeing truth and justice prevail. It's a perfect blend of old-school adventure and modern tech suspense.

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