Immerse Yourself in 9 Historical Action & Adventure Novels
Book RaiderAre you one of those readers who love history but drop the book when all the dates get jumbled up in your head? We get it. History a habit of putting on a stuffy suit and boring the socks off of us. But, hang on a minute! What if I told you that history can give you the chills and thrills and absolutely blow your mind? Yes, I talking about cloak-and-dagger stuff, epic quests too grand to fit in a textbook.
Welcome to the addictive realm of historical action and adventure novels, where the past doesn’t just come alive; it sprints leaps, and sword fights with infectious gusto. Who says a dose of education can't come with pulp and audacity? Pack your adventurer's kit, fasten your seatbelts, and let's plummet headlong into time portals, unfurling yarns of detective genius, formidable heroines, gallant knights, and unforgettable journeys. Just remember - no textbook casualties, please; this is history teaching by stealth.
The Last Kingdom
by Bernard Cornwell
Why The Last Kingdom is on this list: The Last Kingdom whisks readers away in a time-traveling journey to a tumultuous era of Viking invasions and English resistance. It's as if you're stepping right into the visceral action scenes and intricate political backstories.
Set during the Viking Age, this is a tale of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, an English boy captured and raised by Vikings, who finds himself torn between the country of his birth and his adopted. Grow with Uhtred as he navigates this complex world to step into his destiny.
What readers like: Cornwell's writing has the power to transport you right onto the battlegrounds and into the heart of the raids. Readers love the unexpected humor, making even the heart-pounding action scenes feel...almost fun? No spoilers, but if you appreciate a good tale of clash and heroism, then this book's for you.
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Brothers in Blood
by Simon Scarrow
Why Brothers in Blood is on this list: Brothers in Blood whisks you back in time to the Roman Empire, its mighty legions, and colourful characters. The thrilling plot involving alliances, betrayals, and battles is sure to set your heart racing.
The book is a part of the thrilling Eagle Series, set against the brutal and captivating backdrop of the Roman Empire. It throws light on the complex of fraternity and the destructive power of insidious treachery. It follows the journey of two battle-hardened centurions, Macro and Cato, who get tangled in a web of deceit spun by a rogue ex-legionary.
What readers like: Readers find themselves completely absorbed in Scarrow's stunningly realized world of the Roman military. They especially appreciate the author's careful historical accuracy, the detailed and vivid description of Roman warfare and his well-developed characters. Moreover, the plot's unexpected twists and turns coupled with the fast pace keep the readers on their toes.
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Gates of Fire
by Steven Pressfield
Why Gates of Fire is on this list:
Gates of Fire retells the famous Battle of Thermopylae. It's not just about the Spartan 300 warriors, their courage and resilience. Actually, it digs deep into the throes of war, the reality of strategy, tactics, and camaraderie. It beautifully weaves the story of Xeones, a hero who is more than just a soldier, he's the epitome of valor and loyalty.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the realistic depiction of historical events, engaging storytelling and vivid characterization in this book. They like how Pressfield skillfully captures the essence of the Battle of Thermopylae and creates a riveting narrative that keeps them on the edge of their seats. Above all, they enjoy the emotional depth of the storyline, making the heroes feel remarkably human.
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Birdcage Walk
by Helen Dunmore
Why Birdcage Walk is on this list: Birdcage Walk is a historical novel that drags you back kicking and screaming into late 18th century England, right amidst the French Revolution. With romance muddled with mystery and action, it's a rollercoaster ride through history's iconic and turbulent times.
This book tells the tale of Lizzie Fawkes, a woman battling her life in rapidly changing England. With her liberal husband's obsession for a utopia and her mother's dying secrets weaving a web of deceit and suspense, Lizzie's life spirals into a storm of uncharted events. Add in her enigmatic husband's business failing, strange disappearances, and inklings of murder, you've got a recipe for one adventurous, predicate historical story.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the vivid setting of this novel where you can practically hear the horse hooves clopping down cobblestone streets and feel the suspense-filled air. Fans are intrigued by the ever-present tension between the characters and the beautifully intertwined mix of history, mystery, romance, and action. Lovers of character-driven narrative and the nail-biting unfolding of events get their fill from this gripping piece of historical literature.
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The Tattooist of Auschwitz
by Heather Morris
Why The Tattooist of Auschwitz is on this list: Diving headfirst into our historical action and adventure theme, The Tattooist of Auschwitz successfully marries an authentic historical context with a fast-paced and heart-wrenching. Loaded with adrenaline-pumping moments, the narrative also offers a deep dive into a time and place defined the course of world history, making it exactly the kind of immersive historical action we're looking into.
Based on a harrowing true tale, this book follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, who is coerced into becoming the tattooist of Auschwitz during World War II. Drawing numbers on his fellow prisoners while battling for survival himself, Lale turns a horrifying situation into an act of rebellion and humanity, a heart-stopping narrative that redefines love and resilience in impossible circumstances.
What readers like: Readers fanatically rave about Morris' ability to make the characters leap off the pages, and her brilliant way of painting hope in dark times. They adamantly believe that this book impeccably balances historical truth with a captivating narrative. The depth of character development and the realistic portrayal of an unthinkable time period are what have kept readers engrossed until the very last page.
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Conclave
by Robert Harris
Why Conclave is on this list: Ever wondered what shenanigans could go down in the Vatican of all places? Hold on to your hats, it's historical, it's action-packed, and it's definitely not your usual adventure novel.
Conclave is a suspense novel like no other. It's set in the Vatican, where 118 Cardinals have to choose a new Pope. There might not be swords or pistols at dawn, but with political intrigue, personal ambition, and weighty consequence, the action and adventure are flowing non-stop. But don't be fooled; 'Conclave' is not cropped up in a language that might make readers feel like they're reading an actual papal decree. It's as modern as historical gets.
What readers like: Fans of this book often say how cool it is to get a behind-the-scenes look at something as secretive as a Papal Conclave. They love the blending of factual history and the creative liberties the author takes to create a gripping and thrilling plot. Also, they love Harris's knack for creating characters that get your heart racing and keep you turning the pages.
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The Falcon of Sparta
by Conn Iggulden
Why The Falcon of Sparta is on this list: Historical action and adventure all in one? Yes, please! In 'The Falcon of Sparta', Iggulden transports us back in time to the-tingling world of ancient Persia, where battle cries echoed, steel clashed and adrenaline ruled.
The tale is spun around the true story of 10,000 Greek soldiers stranded amidst a hostile territory, thousands of miles away from home. Led by a Spartan General, their only hope lies in traversing treacherous lands, battling hostile tribes and finally, reaching home. It's a harrowing, inspiring and gripping story of survival against all odds.
What readers like: Readers love the impeccable historical detail and immersive battle scenes in this book. It's like living through an exhilarating historical adventure. Not to mention Iggulden's deft storytelling skills that keep you hooked from the first page to the last. Add to this a dash of Spartan courage and resilience, and you've got yourself a book that's quite simply a cracking good read.
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A Column of Fire
by Ken Follett
Why A Column of Fire is on this list: Did you ever wonder what it'd be to be smack dab in the middle of a 16th century religious conflict, while also to find your footing in your personal and professional life? No? Well, that’s what this book such a ripe choice for this list of historical action & adventure novels. Ken Follett trades your predictable day-to-day routine for the wildly and thrillingly dangerous world of 1558 Europe.
Set in the times of Queen Elizabeth I, this novel dives into the disputes between Catholics and Protestants. The story revolves around Ned Willard who wants nothing more than to marry Margery Fitzgerald. But life has other plans. Confronted with religious turmoil, business ventures and conspiracies, can love find a way through this column of fire?
What readers like: Readers have been hooked by the intricacies of political and religious manoeuvrings, as well as the resilient spirit of the principal characters. They've applauded the artfully created suspenseful atmosphere and the masterful weaving of historical facts with fiction. Follett's knack for making you feel like a time-travelling adventurer is something readers didn't know they signed up for but were more than happy to go along with.
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The Burning Chambers
by Kate Mosse
Why The Burning Chambers is on this list: For those who get their kicks from being teleported right back into the heart of historical action and adventure, The Burning Chambers is your invitation to the 16th century France. Full of intricate turns and unexpected happenings, it's like getting into a time machine with adrenalin on tap.
This novel is a haunting story that takes place during the French Wars of Religion. It follows Minou, a young woman trying to survive in a world of danger and deceit. From a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger to the discovery of an anonymous note bearing a cryptic message, Minou finds herself embroiled in a heart-stopping quest. There are family secrets, religious conflict, enduring love, and heartbreaking betrayal - enough to fulfill anyone's historical action-adventure fantasies.
What readers like: Readers are hooked on the vivid character portrayals by Mosse, the pulsating events that keep them on the edge of their seats, and the well-researched history that smoothly blends with the fictional narrative. They also can't get enough of the intriguing mystery, the undercurrents of romance, and the attention to detail that paints so real a picture, you might find yourself speaking in Old French!
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