Face the Unknown with 12 Supernatural Action & Adventure Novels
When the world gets a bit too predictable, where do you turn? Some might suggest a round-the-world trip, a skydiving experience, or even trying a new exotic cuisine. We’ve got a cheaper, less mortal threatening way to get your adventure fix – Supernatural Action & Adventure novels. Let's face it, everyone loves to dive into stories with a sprinkle of the fantastical; stories that send a little chill down the spine while igniting the peddle-to-the-metal action movie lover in all of us.
The beauty of supernatural adventure novels is that they slide you out of the humdrum monotony of regular life and plonk you right into a world brimming with otherworldly creatures, intriguing mysteries, and heart-stopping action sequences. Think rampaging werewolves, sassy witches and lessons in spells, all while you're wrapped snugly in your favorite blanket. We’re here to explore this wildly entertaining genre and help you find your next engrossing read.
The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern
Why The Starless Sea is on this list: Well friends, if an underground labyrinth full of stories doesn't smack of the supernatural, then I clearly don't know what does. Add in some good ol' action and adventure, and boom, it fits right into our theme here.
Oho, this is a treat. 'The Starless Sea' is a mysterious world full of books, stories, and hidden doors. Starting with the discovery of a strange book in a library, our protagonist Zachary Ezra Rawlins goes on a wild journey that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, past and present, fate and choice. One of those banana-pants crazy mystery adventures that you've just got to experience first-hand.
What readers like: Honestly, it's got everything. The utterly unique, immersive setting - down to the beeswax candles and honey, folks - a captivating plot with more twists than a bag of pretzels, and characters you'd want to be pals with. Or possibly avoid, depending on your feelings about honey and/or being lost in mazes. If you've got a taste for the odd, the enigmatic and the beautiful, then grab your comfiest reading chair and meet me by 'The Starless Sea'.
Check Price at AmazonThe Institute
by Stephen King
Why The Institute is on this list: If you're into supernatural adventures with a generous side of action, then 'The Institute' by Stephen King is your kind of roller-coaster. Set in the grey area between science and the supernatural, it's a ride that will keep you on edge from start to finish.
'The Institute' spins an intriguing tale about Luke Ellis, a kid with telekinetic abilities who is kidnapped and taken to 'The Institute'. Here, he meets other kids with special abilities, each subjected to scientific experiments meant to extract and weaponize their hidden powers. As the mystery of the 'Institute' unravels, so does an epic action-packed escape plan.
What readers like: Readers appreciate the mix of action and sci-fi elements neatly weaved into a compelling story, filled with plot twists and suspense. King's character work is truly something, as he creates a sense of camaraderie and resilience among the children. If you enjoy underdog stories with a touch of the unexplained, then this book will surely hook you.
Check Price at AmazonOasis
by Katya De Becerra
Why Oasis is on this list: Oasis remarkably blends elements of the supernatural with high octane action and adventure, making it the perfect read for thrill-seekers with a liking for the mystic and unknown. It's like wanting a sprinkle of magic with your adrenaline.
Oasis transports you to an extraordinary yet terrifying world where nothing is as it seems. The story unfolds with the protagonist, Alif, getting stranded in a desert swarming with supernatural happenings. Our hero must navigate a myriad of mysteries, decode bewildering riddles, and overcome chilling experiences to survive. It's part Indiana Jones adventure, part Stranger Things eeriness.
What readers like: Besides the thrilling narrative, readers also love Becerra's vivid and descriptive storytelling style. The authentic portrayal of characters, their complex relationships, and the uncanny knack of fusing the supernatural seamlessly into the plot has left readers spellbound. It’s one wild desert-chase full of spirits and riddles, with the right amount of suspense - not for the faint-hearted!
Check Price at AmazonChildren of Blood and Bone
by Tomi Adeyemi
Why Children of Blood and Bone is on this list: Supernatural elements and action-adventure go hand in hand in this book. Through a magical and imaginative landscape, characters fight to reclaim their heritage and destiny.
This novel takes you on an adventure in the mythical land of Orïsha, where magic was once a part of life but has disappeared. Our bold heroine, Zélie, blessed with a gift from the gods, is Orïsha's last hope to restore magic and topple the ruthless monarchy. She is joined by her brother and a rogue princess, together they face unimaginable obstacles, including vengeful spirits of the deceased.
What readers like: Readers seem to enjoy the powerful combination of magic, resistance and empowerment that stands out in this novel. Not to mention the well-built characters and an enthralling storyline that keeps you on the edge throughout your reading journey. It's a bucketload of adrenaline, topped with some solid supernatural sauce.
Check Price at AmazonHarry Potter and the Cursed Child
by J.K. Rowling
Why Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on this list: This book embarks you on an adventurous journey of magic and the supernatural realms, smacked right in our world. It's like clutching onto a rollercoaster as it dips, funnels, and spins you into the unknown.
This story is an extension to the well-loved Harry Potter series, which takes place 19 years after Battle of Hogwarts. We are flung into the lives of Harry's youngest son Albus who, along with his buddy Scorpius (yeah, Draco's kid - remind you of any other famous magical duo you know?), must face a past cursed back to life. Time turners, feuds, and a stage play style of writing, make this a whirlwind of a read.
What readers like: Readers adore the nostalgic trip back to the magical universe mixed generously with the thrill of a new adventure. The exploration of relationships, especially between fathers and their children, gave the story a bitter-sweet twist. You can expect humor (the sort that's as satisfying as a hot Butterbeer) and a host of familiar faces. This book offers a hearty soup of emotions with a magical breadstick on the side.
Check Price at AmazonA Darker Shade of Magic
by V.E. Schwab
Why A Darker Shade of Magic is on this list: The book displays a mesmerizing mix of supernatural action and adventure which makes it the perfect fit for our list. It's the literary equivalent of diving headfirst into a world of unknown shadows and emerging with a cape full of magical confidence.
A Darker Shade of Magic takes you on a ride to parallel Londons, each with a different degree of magic. Kell, our main protagonist, is a magician with a rare ability to travel between these universes. It's all smooth sailing, or rather, smooth teleporting, until he gets entangled in a perilous plot that leaks chaos into these otherwise separate worlds. Here is where the supernatural action truly kicks in, keeping you gripped and turning pages faster than Kell can travel universes.
What readers like: The readers rave about the imaginative storytelling and rich character development along with the novel’s dark, enchanting undertones. Schwab's book is a wild ride of magic, mayhem, and multiple Londons; it's like taking a vacation in a series of parallel universe, without any of the jet lag.
Check Price at AmazonThe Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Why The Cruel Prince is on this list: This book is a riveting amalgamation of otherworldly elements, bravery, and fiendish quests that perfectly fits the list of supernatural action & adventure books.
The Cruel Prince ticks all the boxes for a supernatural action novel. It centers on Jude, a mortal girl living in the High Court of Faerie with her two sisters. She longs to belong despite her mortality, but the fey despise humans, especially Prince Cardan, the cruelest of them all. Jude's desire to win a place at the Court pushes her into a web of deceit and civil war. If you fancy a journey with treacherous faeries, intense battles, and deadly conspiracies, this book is your ticket.
What readers like: Readers love the beautiful yet dangerous Faerie world that Holly Black has created, along with her complex characters like the fiery, stubborn Jude. Fans often rave about the plot twists, the political intrigue, and of course, the love-hate relationship between Jude and Prince Cardan. This book is a perfect cocktail of supernatural thrill, action, betrayal, and a hint of romance that'll glue you to your reading chair.
Check Price at AmazonNinth House
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Ninth House is on this list: If you ever had a plan to face the unknown, but then thought - 'Ah, wait a minute. Whoa, there! Shouldn't we maybe first check out if there's any supernatural action happening?' - then, my friend, 'Ninth House' got you fully covered. This tale is both wild with supernatural wonders and dripping with adventurous excitement.
Ninth House is a suspenseful mix of secret societies and dark magic, swadled up in a Yale University setting. We delve into the story with Alex Stern, the most unlikely member of Yale's freshman class, and her responsibility to monitor the activities of Yale's secret societies. The societies don't just perform strange rituals - they're also gateways to downright unnatural magic which, when abused, can lead to some spine-chilling consequences.
What readers like: Readers love the dimension Leigh Bardugo weaves in this novel; it's not your run-of-the-mill supernatural action. Plus, the protagonist, Alex, ain't just another damsel. She's tough and has a sarcastic wit that tickles our humor bone even in tense situations. It's simply a mesmerising read that keeps you on your toes from the first page to the last.
Check Price at AmazonAmerican Gods
by Neil Gaiman
Why American Gods is on this list: In 'American Gods', you're not just facing the unknown; you're road tripping with it across America. Exactly what you'd picture when you think 'supernatural action & adventure', right?
The protagonist, Shadow, is a recently released convict who is drawn into a bizarre and dangerous conflict when a mysterious man named Mr. Wednesday offers him a job. From coin tricks to life-sized game of checkers, the story is filled with gods old and new, sparking fights that are certainly exciting, but certainly not what you'd call 'normal'. It’s a wild ride that explores and reimagines America's cultural and mythical roots in a way you've never seen before.
What readers like: Readers have called 'American Gods' a brilliantly engaging piece that melds fantasy and reality. They enjoy Gaiman’s unique take on mythology, folklore, and American culture. It’s full of twists, turns and eccentric characters that keep you guessing till the very last page. And if you like a side of deep thoughts with your supernatural shenanigans, this book has plenty of those too.
Check Price at AmazonShatter Me
by Tahereh Mafi
Why Shatter Me is on this list: This book totally fits in our list because the protagonist literally has a deadly touch, talk about supernatural! Alongside, the turbulent action and breath-taking adventure she undertakes will have you on the edge of your seat.
Shatter Me follows the story of Juliette, a young girl locked away for her paranormally lethal touch. With the world collapsing outside her prison, Juliette suddenly finds herself free, propelled into a struggle for power where she must decide to be a weapon or a warrior. It is her journey of harnessing her supernatural ability, navigating political intrigue and fighting for her freedom.
What readers like: Fans of the book rave about Juliette's resilience, the romantic tension sprinkled throughout and the vivid world-building, not forgetting the extraordinary power she possesses that adds a whole 'touch' of supernatural to this action-packed adventure tale.
Check Price at AmazonMiss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs
Why Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is on this list: Let's face it, nothing says 'supernatural action and adventure' quite like a house full of kids with weird powers right? This book has got so much of that, the unknown would run for cover!
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a story set in a whimsically terrifying orphanage for kids with unique abilities, each one stranger than the next. The protagonist, Jacob, embarks on a journey to the home after his grandfather's intriguing tales and ends up getting much more than just a tour. Just imagine a deranged version of Hogwarts, leading to a serious bundle of kick-butt action and adventure.
What readers like: Readers love the unique, haunting atmosphere, the complex characters who are lovely yet 'peculiar' and the countless plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat. Moreover, if you can appreciate a good puzzle and love adventures that are a little offbeat, you'll not only like - but genuinely enjoy - the challenging narrative and dark-yet-fun imagery.
Check Price at AmazonThe Lightning Thief
by Rick Riordan
Why The Lightning Thief is on this list: If you ever wondered what it would be like if Greek gods were real, and their demigod children had insane adventures, then 'The Lightning Thief' is perfect for you to dive into the supernatural action and adventure.
The Lightning Thief is actually about a twelve-year-old kid named Percy who finds out he's no regular kid – he's the son of Poseidon, the God of the Sea. In this rip-roaring saga, Percy must catch a thief who's stolen lightning from Zeus himself, prevent a war among the gods, and kind of survive the school year, all while trying not to get pulverized by monsters. Talk about a crazy Tuesday.
What readers like: Readers love Percy's snarky humor, the nail-biting action and the way mythology is woven into the modern world. The book is also a great blend of bizarre creatures, bravery and some old guys in togas, which keeps you hooked until the last page.
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