Explore 13 Action-Packed Sci-Fi Adventure Books
Book RaiderAre you tired of Earth's atmospheric gravity and simple sunsets? Or maybe terrestrial politics have become too predictable for your taste? A hop, skip, and lightyear jump into a good sci-fi adventure book might be just what the astrophysicist ordered. Sure, you’re swapping out one reality for another, but anyone who’s ever dreamed of alien civilizations, artificial intelligence, or just a simple jaunt across the cosmic superhighway knows that’s half the fun.
Over the hill, past the moon, and right around Orion’s Belt you'll dive deep into these action-packed science fiction adventure books. Whether you fancy a mystery unfolding on a distant Martian outpost or a thrilling quest across an unknown galaxies, our round-up has it all. Sure, reality might be waiting for you at the final page, but remember this - few of us ever found adventure simply staying here on Earth.
Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir
Why Project Hail Mary is on this list: Project Hail Mary perfectly fits onto our list because it’s a roller-coaster ride of action and adventure sprinkled generously with the sci-fi elements – at the heart of which lies the survival of humanity. It's as intense as it gets.
This gripping narrative by Andy Weir, the mind behind 'The Martian', tells the story of Ryland Grace, the only survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission to save both the Earth and humanity itself. Grace doesn’t remember his own name, let alone the purpose of his mission. But the memories trickle back and he realizes he's millions of miles away from home, with just two corpses as his fellow crew members. Now, it all comes down to him. No pressure, I guess!
What readers like: Readers love this book for its high-stakes, thrilling journey through space, coupled with Andy’s signature blend of real science and earthy humor. They get hooked to Ryland's mission, uncovering the pieces of his past, rooting for him, and loving the brain tickling science alongside. Not to forget, Andy’s deft handling of space-related mysteries and surprises, that has the readers gasping for breath. A true gut-punch of a sci-fi adventure.
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Recursion
by Blake Crouch
Why Recursion is on this list: Remember when you thought going through the same thing over and over was dreary? Well, too bad 'cause Blake Crouch's Recursion is all about action-packed deja vu that's out of this world. It's intelligent, it's visceral, it's an adventure, and it's marvelously sci-fi.
Imagine this - you're investigating a newly discovered disease, False Memory Syndrome, that drives its victims mad with memories of lives they never lived. Now, mix in time-travel, neuroscience, love, and frightfully high stakes. Hold that thought right there, that's Recursion for you. Our protagonists, a New York City cop Barry and neuroscientist Helena, are sucked into a mysterious plot to alter reality as we know it.
What readers like: Besides the awesome head spin that Recursion leaves you with, readers love the emotional depth of the characters, the fast-paced narrative, a love story that doesn't feel forced, and the science that's just enough, but not too much. A plot that's bursting with originality and suspense, Recursion is the perfect read for anyone after a thrilling time-travel ride.
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Gideon the Ninth
by Tamsyn Muir
Why Gideon the Ninth is on this list: Gideon the Ninth is chock-full of action and fast-paced sci-fi excitement. This is the kind of book that grabs you from the first page and doesn't let you go until you've read the last word.
The book is set in a universe of deadly necromancers and their sword-wielding cavaliers. Our protagonist, Gideon, is a feisty, irreverent swordswoman forced to serve the powerful necromancer who rules her world. The plot really thunders along when both are invited to an intergalactic trial of necromantic skill and treachery. A world of magical artifacts, galactic politics and the undead awaits our heroines. It's kind of like if 'Game of Thrones' met 'Star Wars' in a dark alley and they decided to write a book together.
What readers like: Readers rave about the unique blend of action, humor and imagination in this book. They also love the protagonist Gideon, who's sharp, witty, and pretty unpredictable. Fans of epic sci-fi and off-beat heroines will feel right at home.
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The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
by Suzanne Collins
Why The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is on this list: This book slips right into the theme of our list because it's a riveting sci-fi adventure filled to the brim with suspense and action. Yep, you guessed it – it's a wild ride from start to finish.
Set in the dystopian future, this thrilling prequel to the popular 'Hunger Games' series takes us back to the dark days following the failed rebellion in Panem. Through the eyes of young Coriolanus Snow, we journey through a survival reality show, where he is assigned to mentor a contestant from District 12. Be prepared for unexpected twists and turns as you flip through this intense novel.
What readers like: Fans rave about the elaborate storyline, the in-depth character development, and the gripping portrayal of society's quirks and cruelties. Plus, if you're a Hunger Games enthusiast, you'll get to see some familiar faces in a whole new light. And, let's not forget Suzanne's powerful writing that keeps you on your toes.
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Empire of Silence
by Christopher Ruocchio
Why Empire of Silence is on this list: Empire of Silence effortlessly slides into our 'action-packed sci-fi adventure' collection with its epic universe, relentless action and a killer plot twist that'll make you lose your popcorn.
Imagine Game of Thrones mixed with Dune, but on steroids. Yup. We are talking about interstellar empires, lone wolf spacefarers, mind-bending alien cultures and bloody arena fights. Our hero, Hadrian Marlowe, is on a mission to save a civilization. He's accused of being the worst criminal in human history, but all he's trying to do is stop a brutal tyranny. It's a tale of an individual's strength against all odds, on an intergalactic backdrop.
What readers like: You'll love the depth of characters, the detailed world building - you can literally smell the stardust! You'll also enjoy the exquisite mix of philosophy and swordplay. And did we mention monsters? Oh, there are monsters. Keep your lights on.
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Wool
by Hugh Howey
Why Wool is on this list: Wool ticks all the right boxes for a thrilling sci-fi adventure book that will hook you in from the start and keep you hanging on every page.
Imagine a world where humanity has been forced to live in a giant underground silo due to lethal, post-apocalyptic conditions above ground. This, in essence, is Wool’s setting. The inhabitants not only struggle with their confined life but also grapple with a sinister societal system that punishes dissent with a death sentence. The suspense builds up around our protagonist, Juliette, a mechanic who uncovers dark secrets that the silo's governing body wants hidden forever.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the well-developed characters, the gripping tension, and the way Wool takes a familiar trope – a dystopian future – and spins it on its head in ways you'd never expect. They also love the fantastic world-building that Hugh Howey masterfully brings to life with his enthralling writing style.
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The City of Brass
by S.A. Chakraborty
Why The City of Brass is on this list: Ever felt the exhilaration of a magic carpet ride while battling monsters with just a bottle of elixir? That's what 'The City of Brass' offers. This book is a thrilling roller-coaster through a world of fantasy, adventure, and action-packed sci-fi elements.
'The City of Brass' is a magical whirlwind set in the Middle East. It follows Nahri, a young con artist in eighteenth-century Cairo who doesn't believe in magic until she accidentally summons a mysterious Djinn warrior during one of her scams. Suddenly, Nahri's thrown into the mythical city of Daevabad where magic is frighteningly real, and her actions could endanger countless lives. It's a dance with danger, and you don't want to miss a step.
What readers like: Readers love Nahri's resilience and the entrancing magical world filled with wonderful creatures straight out of Arabian folklore. The vast, richly imagined universe and the intrigue that weaves through it keep readers turning the pages late into the night.
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The Fifth Season
by N.K. Jemisin
Why The Fifth Season is on this list: Because it's a thrill ride bursting with fantastical science fiction elements which have an uncanny knack for keeping you on your toes. Plus, action... a whole lot of action.
Set in a world where seasons of apocalyptic climate changes happen every few centuries, The Fifth Season follows Essun, a woman with a powerful command over earth forces. Her life takes a drastic turn when her husband brutally kills their son and kidnaps their daughter. This initiates a journey filled with drama, earth-shattering powers and an onslaught of adventures, all against a backdrop of impending planetary disaster.
What readers like: Readers have enjoyed the complex world-building, the strong female protagonist, and the suspenseful plot twists. The book's portrayal of societal norms and power dynamics makes it provocative and thought-provoking. Plus, Jemisin's spectacular writing style is like the cherry on top of this action-packed sci-fi sundae.
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Aurora Rising
by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Why Aurora Rising is on this list: Aurora Rising is sci-fi adventure at its best. A space voyage, multiple galaxies, and an unlikely band of misfits? How more action-packed can it get? It's an out-of-this-world ride that will leave you thrilled.
Set in the year 2380, the story follows Tyler Jones, the top graduate of Aurora Academy who rescues a girl named Aurora from a space ship full-body cryo-chamber. She's been asleep for two hundred years and woke up to find out that she's the only survivor of a failed mission. They both team up with a group of cadets and set out for an exciting journey filled with surprises and dangers at every turn.
What readers like: Readers will love this book if they're up for a rollercoaster ride through space, teetering on the edge of danger and discovery. The unpredictable plot, snappy dialogue, and well-developed characters will hook you from the start. Expect intergalactic political intrigue, breath-taking action scenes, and a slow-burn romance. It's a treat for those who enjoy their sci-fi with a side of wit and heart.
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A Darker Shade of Magic
by V.E Schwab
Why A Darker Shade of Magic is on this list: If you're hungry for some hardcore action wrapped up in a mind-bending sci-fi universe, then V.E. Schwab's A Darker Shade of Magic won't disappoint. This epic adventure will yank you out of your comfy reading nook and clip you into a spaceship hurtling through worlds unknown.
In a gripping tale of magic and parallel Londons, we meet Kell, a magician with the rare ability to travel between the different versions of the city - Red, Grey, White, and (once upon a time), Black. With a knack for smuggling and a habit of finding trouble, Kell's story takes a drastic turn when he's forced on a dangerous, heart-pounding adventure, propelling this book right at the top of your must-read list.
What readers like: Readers are nuts about this book's captivating narrative and gorgeously grim universe. The potent mix of high-stakes action, eclectic characters, and Schwab's signature imaginative storytelling tends to keep folks up past their bedtime. And let's not forget the magical shenanigans - they're the cherry on top of this deliciously thrilling sci-fi sundae.
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Scythe
by Neal Shusterman
Why Scythe is on this list: If you've been on the hunt for an impressive mix of spine-tingling action and mind-bending sci-fi, Neal Shusterman's 'Scythe' has got your name written all over it. This book is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, perfect for anyone intrigued by the promise of a futuristic society governed by artificial intelligence.
In a world where disease has been eradicated and human life can virtually go on forever, the role of a Scythe is to maintain population control, quite literally as the harvesters of death. This may sound spectacularly grim, but don't worry, 'Scythe' is a thrilling exploration of morality, the value of life, and the impact of life's innate imperfections in a seemingly utopian world. Our main characters, Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice a Scythe - a role neither wants, but must learn to navigate the complexities and perils of.
What readers like: Readers rave about the unique premise and Shusterman's world-building skills. The characters are richly developed and the plot is so enthralling it will dwarf your soda spills and popcorn crunches. Plot twists and moral dilemmas keep you hooked, making it tough to put down. And let's face it, who doesn't love the idea of defying death in a book?
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Defy the Stars
by Claudia Gray
Why Defy the Stars is on this list: This book makes the cut because it redefines action-packed sci-fi adventures. Filled with spaceship chases, bot battles, and inter-galactic standoffs, it's essentially a Hollywood blockbuster in book form.
Dive into an intriguing tale of defiance where Noemi Vidal, a teen soldier from the planet Genesis, forms an unlikely alliance with Abel, an advanced mech prototype, in her quest to save her home planet. As the war between Earth and Genesis intensifies, Noemi is forced to question her beliefs about enemies and allies.
What readers like: Readers are drawn in by the depth of the characters, authentic science-fiction elements, and the intricate yet smoothly flowing plotline. Packed with thrilling action scenes and sprinkled with a touching love story, it truly offers an immersive reading journey.
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Prador Moon
by Neal Asher
Why Prador Moon is on this list: With a mashup of futuristic technologies, interstellar warfare, and hair-rising alien encounters, 'Prador Moon' perfectly fits into our list of action-packed Sci-Fi adventure reads.
If you've ever wondered how 'Jaws' would look like in space, 'Prador Moon' might be just the answer. The book captures a universe where the human Polity is at war against the crab-like alien Prador, both using advanced AI, nanotech, and deadly weaponry. Toss in some espionage and intrigue, and you've got an adventure that'll keep you turning pages faster than a photon torpedo.
What readers like: Readers love 'Prador Moon' for its meticulous world-building and high-intensity action sequences. Asher's imagination is larger than a star cluster, and he uses it to build a universe peeking into mankind's future. All while keeping the adventure pulsating at a speed of light. Mix that with some spicy intrigue, and you have a book that's harder to put down than a hyperactive space octopus.
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