9 Unputdownable Adventure Novels for Teens
Ever been caught in the voracious vortex of a great novel? One where your fingers are itching to turn page after page...but alas, the world outside the book demands some attention too? Why it can be asing as hunting for a chocolate chip cookie in a gluten-free bakery! Well, worry no more! In the world of literature, the adventure genre provides that addictive adrenalin rush, just the right dose of dopamine to keep our teen audience not just hooked but virtually chained to their reading havens.
Sure, reality has its perks- like, don’t you just relish your weekly trek to take out the trash or the adrenaline spike during a math pop quiz? But, every once in a while, who wouldn't want to dodge booby traps in Egyptian pyramids, solve mind-boggling riddles, chase bad guys, and save the world before dinner time - all from the comfort of their cozy reading spot? Given their relatable protagonists, exciting narratives, and fast-paced twists, these unputdownable adventure novels for teens provide that much-needed escape and make the ordinary, extraordinary. Consider the realm of reality abandoned - and boldly go where every teen reader wants to be, inside an engrossing book!
The Reader
by Traci Chee
Why The Reader is on this list: Plunge yourself into the world of Traci Chee's 'The Reader' and embark on a thrilling journey filled with pirates, assassins, and magic. It's an adventure novel that's as hard to put down as your smartphone.
The book follows Sefia who, after her father's brutal murder, flees into wilderness with one vital secret: a strange and mysterious object that her parents had sacrificed everything to protect. This object turns out to be a book, an unheard-of item in her illiterate society and Sefia slowly begins to learn to read, discovering a tale of dangerous pirates, magical abilities, and secrets about her world.
What readers like: Readers have praised this book for its unique and captivating plot that leaves them always wanting at the edge of their seats. Its finely etched characters, globe-trotting adventures and the power of storytelling has left readers enchanted. It's like Netflix for your brain - but way, way better.
Check Price at AmazonDivergent
by Veronica Roth
Why Divergent is on this list: Any fairly rewarding venture usually requires an element of danger and this book just takes it to the next level. It's an action-filled adventure that fits like a glove in our lineup of impossible-to-put-down novels.
Divergent is the gripping story of Beatrice 'Tris' Prior, a fierce living in a dystopian Chicago. Society is divided into five factions, each dedicated the cultivation of a particular. The decision on Choosing Day - whether to remain with her family or move to a different faction - sets Tris on a tumultuous journey of self-discovery, mystery, and, yes, some rather intense adventure.
What readers like: Readers find this book positively captivating, thanks to the real and relatable protagonist, the mind-bending twists and turns, and the perfect touch of romance. It gets bonus points for making you question society norms and the importance of being yourself. And of course, there's plenty of heart-thumping, page-flipping anticipation. So, strap in, folks! It's going to be a wild ride.
Check Price at AmazonLegend
by Marie Lu
Why Legend is on this list: Lu masterfully stitches together elements of an adrenaline-fueled adventure and a heart-stopping romance, making Legend a perfect choice for our list of unputdown adventure novels for teens.
In a dystopian future where the United States has been split into two warring nations, Legend follows the dual narratives of military prodigy June and the notorious criminal Day. No spoiler alert required, when their paths cross, there's more to uncover than either of them can fathom It's packed with constant suspense, intense action and an intriguing mystery that will keep you on your toes.
What readers like: Readers can't keep their eyes off the intricate plot and the compelling characters. They love how the story moves like a high-octane movie, making it impossible to put the book down. Plus, June and Day's powerful chemistry? Pure gold.
Check Price at AmazonThirteen
by Tom Hoyle
Why Thirteen is on this list: This cracking novel takes the concept of 'adventure' to a whole new mind-boggling level. It's the kind of book that elevates your pulse, making it a perfect fit for our unputdownable adventure novels list.
In 'Thirteen', Tom Hoyle introduces us to Adam, a boys just like any other...or so he thought. On the night his thirteenth birthday, he learns about a cult hellbent on killing all the thirteen year olds. Yep, you read that right. Some serious Stephen King vibes going on right there. Sadly, we don't know what these folks have against thirteen year olds but Adam is not sticking around to find out. He sets off on an action-packed adventure of survival and self-discovery.
What readers like: Readers who have taken a ride with Adam absolutely love the thrilling plot twists, intriguing mystery elements, and the undercurrent of coming-of-age themes. It seems like this book is on everybody's 'couldn't put it down until I turned the last page' list. So, if you’re in the mood for an exhilarating, heart-racing adventure, 'Thirteen' could be your next best friend.
Check Price at AmazonInto the Crooked Place
by Alexandra Christo
Why Into the Crooked Place is on this list: Like peanut butter and jelly, teens and adventure novels go together, and Into the Crooked Place is a high-octane yarn full of magic, treachery, and thrill that won't let you off the roller coaster ride until the very.
It all starts with four young crooks, each from a different walk of life yet in possession of rare and dangerous magic. When their dark magic reveals a horrifying plot against their city, they must set aside their differences and embark on a whirlwind journey to save their home. Imagine a gritty, magical 'Ocean's Eleven' and that's Into the Crooked Place for you.
What readers like: Readers dig Into the Crooked Place for its vivid world-building and unexpected plot twists. The way the story unfolds leaves readers on the edge of their seats. They also love the complex characters that aren't just your average 'good' or 'bad.' Expect to be stuck in this book until you finish it, even if it means missing a few meals in between.
Check Price at AmazonIlluminae
by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
Why Illuminae is on this list: Illuminae is a high-octane interstellar thrill ride that will glue you to your seat like you're caught in a tractor beam. It's a perfect pick for teens in search of adventure and suspense. Think Star Wars meets The Hunger Games, served chilled with a side of zero-gravity shootouts.
This first book in the Illumina Files introduces readers to Kady and Ezra, exes who have to set aside their differences when their home planet gets pulverized by a mega-corporation. Now they're stuck on different spaceships, dealing with a sinister artificial intelligence, a deadly plague, and enemy battleships. Of course, being a teen wasn't already hard enough.
What readers like: Readers rave about the unique format of Illuminae, with its mission reports, emails, and chat logs that make you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. They also love the punchy banter between Kady and Ezra, the nail-biting suspense, and the intricate plot that twists and turns like a spaceship in a high-speed chase. And of course, who can resist a rogue AI with a creepy sense of humour?
Check Price at AmazonStarfish
by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Why Starfish is on this list: Thanks to its riveting character development and compelling storytelling, 'Starfish' sticks to you like glue - sorry, couldn't help with the ocean pun there.
Starfish tells the story of Kiko, a half-Japanese teen with dreams of escaping her toxic family and unwinding her own twisted past. As she faces rejection from her top-choice art school, Kiko embarks on an unexpected journey across the country with her childhood bestie, Jamie. What was meant to be a simple roadtrip becomes a multi-housed, art filled adventure of finding oneself and unleashing hidden strengths. A gripping life tale that doesn’t sugarcoat any of the hurdles and roadblocks it throws at its characters.
What readers like: Readers really enjoy the raw emotional depth of this book, combined with the exploration of culture, family dynamics, and mental health. The characters, particularly Kiko, are well-drawn out and relatable. Encapsulating the essence of the adolescent struggle to find oneself, this page-turner is highly recommended for those looking for soulful journeys of self-discovery and resilience.
Check Price at AmazonShatter Me
by Tahereh Mafi
Why Shatter Me is on this list: Shatter Me is like taking a sit-down rollercoaster a dystopian world of danger, mystery and young love, all from the comfort of your cozy reading nook. It's the of book that will make you cancel your weekend plans, just so can finish it in one go.
The book tells the vivid tale of Juliette, a seventeen-year-old girl imprisoned because of her devastatingly lethal touch. She's given a choice: rot in jail or become a weapon for the reestablishment regime. As Juliette steps out into a world she no longer understands, she'll find that maybe her touch is not a curse, but a gift. And she may not be as alone as she's always thought.
What readers like: Readers love the relatability of Juliette, even though she's living in a world that's miles apart from ours. They love the electricity of each page, the crisp character development, and the heart-tugging drama. Not to mention, there's romance. The sweet, innocent kind that makes your heart race. Shatter Me isn't just a book, it's an experience, a thrilling joyride that only Mafi can navigate.
Check Price at AmazonUglies
by Scott Westerfeld
Why Uglies is on this list: This intriguing novel combines adrenaline-filled escapades with a thought-provoking dystopian narrative, making it a captivating read for any teen with a taste for exciting adventures.
Welcome to a future society, where at the age of 16, everyone undergoes an operation that transforms them into a perfect 'Pretty.' The story revolves around Tally Youngblood, who's pumped to turn pretty until she meets Shay, a rebel who is against the whole system. Things take a twist when Shay disappears and Tally is asked to expose Shay's whereabouts or stay 'Ugly' forever. Intense, right? Trust us, the rabbit hole only gets deeper.
What readers like: Readers love the Uglies for its gripping plot, the unexpected twists and turns, and the believable and complex characters. As if that's not rad enough, it also raises pertinent questions about conformity, standards of beauty, and personal freedom, making it not just a thrilling rollercoaster ride, but also a reflector of societal norms.
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