11 Must-Read Adventure Novels Featuring Female Protagonists
Book RaiderLadies and gentlemen, hold onto your hats because this ride isn’t for the faint of heart. We’re delving into the world of literature where the heroines are as fierce as they are female, going toe-to-toe with any strapping Jack or charismatic Joe from your typical adventure tales. We're tearing down the stereotype that adventure books are lad-dominated. Oh yes, today it's all about the dames, the lasses, the heroines - the ladies!
Did you ever notice how it seems like it's always 'Indiana Jones' this, and 'James Bond' that? Well, guess what? Women can uncover ancient mysteries and take down evil overlords just as well, if not even better. Today we're showcasing adventure novels where the girls aren't relegated to being damsels in distress, but rather the ones causing the distress for any villain foolish enough to cross their path! These books will take you on whirlwind journeys featuring female protagonists who can rescue themselves, thank you very much!
Americanah
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Why Americanah is on this list: If you thought adventures were only about treasure hunts and epic journeys, then hold your horses! Americanah takes you on a different kind of adventure. One that is packed with emotional courage, identity exploration, and cultural navigation, all led by a powerful female protagonist.
Americanah tells the story of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who immigrates to the United States. As she makes her way through academia, work, love, and racial dynamics in a new culture, she also grapples with the challenge of maintaining her true identity. It's a riveting exploration of what it means to be a black woman in contemporary America, with all its struggles and triumphs. And if that isn't adventurous, I don't know what is.
What readers like: Readers have praised the book for its brutally honest depiction of racial politics and immigrant experience. Adichie's firm yet empathetic voice brings Ifemelu to life, making her struggles relatable and her victories satisfying. If you’re looking to walk a mile in someone else's shoes, be prepared for quite a hike with Americanah.
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The City of Brass
by S. A. Chakraborty
Why The City of Brass is on this list: A fantastical adventure riding on the back of a determined female character, The City of Brass has all the magic carpets, witty genies, political intrigue, and unknown cities that you would want in a gripping adventure novel.
It's a sweeping tale of Nahri, a con artist in eighteenth-century Cairo. She doesn't believe in magic until she accidentally summons a dark and dangerously attractive djinn warrior. The summoning takes her to the majestic city of brass, Daevabad, and she discovers that not everything is as pleasant as she thought it would be.
What readers like: Readers love the intricate storytelling of Chakraborty and her ability to create a believable magical world out of thin air. Nahri as a protagonist is appreciated for her courage and determination. The plot is engaging with a perfect blend of magic, politics, and a smidge of romance that leaves you teetering on the edge of your seat.
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The Great Alone
by Kristin Hannah
Why The Great Alone is on this list: In 'The Great Alone', Kristin Hannah gives us a real live wire of a main character. Ernt's daughter Leni, a teenager who is thrust into the Alaskan wilderness, is not your typical damsel in distress. She's tough, resilient and a female protagonist that's easy to root for in this thrilling adventure story.
In the wilds of Alaska, erudite city girl Leni and her going-off-the-grid family learn to survive in a harsh environment, handle everything from the threat of grizzlies to devastating natural disasters. As Leni grows older, she must grapple not only with her family's complex history and her own budding romances, but also the darker undercurrents of an isolated community. It's like 'Into the Wild', except replace 'Emile Hirsch with a hippie dad' with 'tough-as-nails teenage girl' and you're halfway there.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the strong character development and vivid descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness. The survival aspects of the novel offer a sense of wild adventure, while the compelling story keeps you flicking through the pages. And hey, who doesn't love a book where a girl doesn't just survive, but seriously thrives in the middle of nowhere?
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The Woman in Cabin 10
by Ruth Ware
Why The Woman in Cabin 10 is on this list: The Woman in Cabin 10 is a thrilling ride featuring a female protagonist who's not just knocking on doors, she's kicking them down to unravel the mystery that's unfolded around her.
This book jumps straight into the deep end of suspense and keeps you hooked till the last page. Our heroine, Laura Blacklock, is a journalist who gets an assignment to cover a luxury yacht tour. What seems like a piece of cake soon turns into a daunting task when she believes she has witnessed a murder. The catch? All passengers are accounted for. With tension roaring like an ocean storm and a sense of paranoia seeping in, Laura is determined to unveil the truth.
What readers like: Readers praise this book for its tension-filled narrative and unexpected plot twists. If you're the type who likes solving puzzles and enjoys a bit of nail-biting drama, you're in for a treat. Laura is one gutsy woman who strings the reader along on her relentless quest for the truth, despite facing disbelief and danger at every turn.
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Gods of Jade and Shadow
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Why Gods of Jade and Shadow is on this list: This novel is an exciting blend of Mexican folklore and thrilling adventure, with the added bonus of a strong, independent female lead who challenges her world's norms.
This story follows Casiopea Tun, a young woman who accidentally releases an ancient Mayan god of death who propels her into an unexpected quest. Forced to help him regain his throne in the Underworld, Casiopea is entangled in a dangerous journey through 1920s Mexico, filled with gods, mythical creatures and undeniable destiny. Deciding the fate of the Underworld while trying to fight off immortals and their wills, she must find the inner strength to sustain through this life-altering adventure.
What readers like: Readers love the captivating story and well-woven historical settings. Casiopea is a protagonist you can't help but root for. This novel is praised for its rich world-building, enthralling mythology, and the undeniable chemistry between Casiopea and the god of death. It's a can't-put-down kind of book, your perfect companion on a lazy afternoon.
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The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Why The Hunger Games is on this list: Not only does The Hunger Games has a female protagonist, but this lady, Katniss Everdeen, is anything but typical. She's rough, she's tough, and she's taking no nonsense from anyone. If you think 'adventure' just means 'Indiana Jones', this book will make you think again.
The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel where teenagers are forced into an annual televised death match. Sound like a cheery walk in the park? Guess again. Our hero, Katniss, volunteers to enter this deathly game to save her sister and then uses her wits and hunting skills to survive. Couldn't be more adventurous if it tried.
What readers like: Readers really dig the constant suspense and the way this book makes them sit at the edge of their seat (literally and figuratively). They like that Katniss is not your usual damsel in distress but a pretty rad heroine who can shoot an apple out of your hand while blindfolded (Ok, not the blindfolded part, but you get the drift).
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Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
Why Throne of Glass is on this list: Throne of Glass is the adrenaline-pumping tale of a badass female assassin. With blends of magic and mystery, it perfectly fits into our adventure list. The strong, complex, and utterly compelling female protagonist, Celaena Sardothien, takes you on a whirlwind journey that will leave you gasping for breath (and more pages).
Celaena, a young and infamous assassin, is yanked out of the salt mines of Endovier. But hold your seats, she’s not getting a holidays, but an offer she can't refuse: win a lethal competition against other cut-throats and thieves, and earn her freedom. But the catch? The competition is at the glass castle, it's not just shiny, it also has something wicked lurking in its depths. Get ready to dive into a world brimming with eerie secrets and hidden agendas. It's a banquet for adventure junkies!
What readers like: Readers can’t get enough of the immersive world-building, the intricate plot that keeps you guessing on every page, and of course, Celaena herself. They applaud her fierce spirit, sharp wit, and love for pretty dresses (hey, even assassins can enjoy fashion, alright?). Also, did I mention that romance is on the menu too? Yeah, it's a delectable buffet of fighting, surviving, and falling in love.
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The Dreamers
by Karen Thompson Walker
Why The Dreamers is on this list: The Dreamers is about an epic adventure of the mind. Our beloved heroine doesn't conquer treacherous landscapes or face bloodthirsty villains. Instead, she battles through an unfolding mystery that plays out in the realm of sleep and dreams. For lovers of psychological adventures, this one has a female protagonist that you'll get behind.
In an ordinary Californian town, a strange disease causes people to fall into a deep sleep from which they cannot be awakened. These 'sleepers' are having incredibly vivid dreams, and as the crisis worsens, it's up to Mei, a socially awkward college freshman, to face her fears and navigate this strange new reality. This story is as much a journey into the unknown wilderness of the human mind as it would be trekking through a dense, unexplored forest.
What readers like: Readers definitely dig the slow burn plot development with an emphasis on the uncertainty and mystery. Fans of suspense and psychological thrillers find the progression utterly gripping. They admire Mei for her growth throughout the book, going from a somewhat timid young woman to a practical and decisive figure amid the chaos. And let's not forget that smidge of existential reflection - who knew sleep could be so thought-provoking?
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Dragon Pearl
by Yoon Ha Lee
Why Dragon Pearl is on this list: If you thought space exploration was totally a guy thing, think again. Dragon Pearl proves that space is the final frontier for adventure-loving girls too.
Dragon Pearl brings a whole new dimension to the adventure genre. Set in a universe where all the characters are based on East Asian mythology, our hero is a young girl named Min. She's not your average teen though; she happens to be a fox spirit. But her life takes a dramatic turn when she gets news about her older brother disappearing, apparently deserting his important post in the Space Forces to go search for the mythical Artifact, the Dragon Pearl. What follows is a riveting adventure where Min, against all odds, embarks on a journey to clear her brother's name and find the Pearl before it falls into the wrong hands.
What readers like: Readers rave about the unique blend of mythology and science fiction, the ingenious plot twists, and of course, Min. She's fearless, smart, and won’t back down from a fight, making her the perfect protagonist for an adventure novel. If you’re into space, magic, and mysterious creatures, Dragon Pearl will totally be your cup of cosmic tea.
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Legend
by Marie Lu
Why Legend is on this list: Legend takes us on a wild ride with a kickass female protagonist who isn't afraid to stand her own even in a dystopian world. Top that with an avalanche of thrilling adventures and you've got yourself a perfect female-led adventure novel.
Legend takes places in a dystopian future where the United States has split into two warring nations. Our heroine, June, is a prodigy being groomed for success in the military, while our other lead, Day, is the country's most wanted criminal. When June's brother is murdered, Day becomes the main suspect, setting off a thrilling game of cat and mouse with unexpected twists and turns.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the action-packed plot, the cleverly-woven dual narrative, and, of course, our tough-as-nails female protagonist, June. Plus, the futuristic setting gives it a cool edge. If you're a fan of suspense, strategy and smarts, this is a book that definitely won't let you down.
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The Poppy War
by R.F. Kuang
Why The Poppy War is on this list: This novel gives an intriguing twist on the typical adventure genre, adding a fierce female as a lead character. Our heroine isn't in search of treasure or trying to save the world, but is focused on surviving a brutal war and harnessing her own dark powers.
The Poppy War is set in a world inspired by 20th century China, where we follow the journey of Rin, a war orphan who astonishes everyone by acing a prestigious military academy entrance exam. However, her troubles are far from over. Rin learns that she possesses a dark mythical power, potentially making her a weapon in the war looming over her country. In order to survive, she must master her power and navigate the treacherous political world around her.
What readers like: Readers have praised Rin's character- a strong, flawed, and relatable female lead who won't take a back seat. The book is also loved for its intense depictions of war and the seamlessly woven fantasy elements. In addition, the storytelling style of R.F. Kuang has captivated hearts, with some readers noting that reading each chapter is like unboxing a series of unexpected, complex, and thrilling gifts.
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