Top 8 Military Action Thriller Novels You Must Read
Book RaiderAh, the rousing world of military action thrillers! Nothing screams excitement like the adrenaline-filled pursuits, daunting combats, and intricate strategies these novels dish out in heavy doses. In these pages, you'll find guns humming, heroes hustling, and, time and again, the world itself hanging in the balance. If sheer audacity could be paperback and hardcover, it would be these intense reads.
But wait! With so many novels wafting through the marketplace, where do you start? Fear not adventuring bookworm, we've done the gritty work for you. Here's a rundown of top military action thriller novels that deserve a slot in your reading schedule. These are stories that will have you biting your nails, ignoring your alarm clock, and telling your friends, "I can't come out tonight, I'm saving the world." Well, at least through the pages of a book.
Near Dark
by Brad Thor
Why Near Dark is on this list: If a thriller had a love child with military action, it would be Near Dark. This powerhouse novel has everything - suspense, spies, sabotage, and more guns than a military parade.
Near Dark is the latest in a long line of nail-bitting Scott Harvath series books. Our hero, now the most hunted man on the planet, has to pay the highest price to stay alive – an astronomical bounty that sparks a race among the world's most deadly assassins. The race is on, and Harvath must outwit, outmaneuver, and outlast his enemies to discover why he's become the scapegoat of an international conspiracy. Spoiler alert: it won’t be a picnic in the park.
What readers like: Readers rave about Near Dark's high-octane pacing and intricate plot twists, making it perfect for those who like their hearts to beat a little faster when they're safely tucked up in bed. Brad Thor's knack for crafting realistic, yet utterly terrifying, scenarios keeps his fans coming back for more. If you like your sleep, don’t start reading it late at night.
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Savage Son
by Jack Carr
Why Savage Son is on this list: Jack Carr's expertise from his former career as a Navy SEAL is poured into 'Savage Son', making it a top-notch military action thriller novel. If you're thrilled by high-stakes missions, covert military operations, and intricate plot twists, this is your kind of read.
'Savage Son' is the third installment in the 'Terminal List' series and focuses on protagonist James Reece. A conspiracy against Reece's peace forces him back into action, drawing him into an international hunting expedition, where he becomes the hunted. This is an adrenaline-pumping ride that weaves through military intrigue, survival savagery, and heart-pounding action.
What readers like: Readers praise Carr's cinematic style of storytelling that is rich with technical detail, adding authenticity to the plot. The brutality of the survival warfare and the dynamic character development makes it near-impossible to put down. Others love the evolution of James Reece's character and how his military intelligence adds a strategic nuance to the plot, keeping them on their toes until the last page.
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Deep State
by Chris Hauty
Why Deep State is on this list: If you are in search of an unparalleled military action thriller novel full of intense drama, your search ends here. Deep State by Chris Hauty brings a perfect blend of politics, military action, and suspense to the fore.
Deep State tosses its readers straight into a heart-pounding plot. A quiet, relentless civil servant becomes the unsung hero when the Silicon Valley big shot, who was appointed as the President's Chief of Staff, is found dead. Rumors of an imminent coup heat up as our heroine, Hayley Chill, uncovers a conspiracy plot right inside the White House. Oh boy, talk about a twisty ride.
What readers like: Readers found themselves unable to pull away from the dynamic storytelling and gripping plot. They loved the fact that the protagonist is a strong, female character, proving that you don't need to be a stern military man to carry an action thriller. The intense and unexpected climax holds a special place in the readers' hearts, leaving them yearning for more.
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The Gray Man
by Mark Greaney
Why The Gray Man is on this list: If your adrenaline-thirsty soul constantly seeks some electrified military action blended with suspenseful twists, then Mark Greaney's The Gray Man is a surefire hit to turn your craving into satisfaction.
The saga revolves around Court Gentry, also known as 'The Gray Man', a lethal yet noble ex-CIA assassin, constantly on the run from the agency that betrayed him. Highly detailed war strategies, pulse-pounding pursuits, and cyber espionage are the cherry on this action-packed cake.
What readers like: Readers have a soft spot for this book for its gripping narrative, fleshed-out characters, and seamless, edge-of-your-seat military maneuvers. Despite being heavily action-oriented, it checks all the boxes in giving you a taste of friendship, loyalty, and the human struggle for survival in a world of shadows.
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The Russian
by Ben Coes
Why The Russian is on this list: The book is a potent blend of military operations, geopolitical tensions, and covert schemes, perfect for those seeking a thrilling reading experience that feels closer to reality. It's so thrilling, it brushes your teeth better than your electronic toothbrush.
The Russian delivers a high-octane plot reviving the Cold War tension. Our hero, Rob Tacoma, finds himself in the middle of covert operations set up by CIA to bring down a Russian Mafia threatening US interests. Roped in as an assassin rather than a soldier, Tacoma faces dangerous, power-hungry characters as he navigates through a labyrinth of suspense and relentless action.
What readers like: Readers have raved about Ben Coes' tight plot, his knack for creating compelling characters, and his attention to detail that gives the book a solid realistic touch. They appreciate how Coes effortlessly blends military strategy with stimulating suspense. Think of it like a Michael Bay movie, but less explosions and more you flipping pages faster than a hummingbird beats its wings.
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Sand and Fire
by Tom Young
Why Sand and Fire is on this list: If you're a fan of adrenaline-pumping military action thrillers, you must get your hands on Sand and Fire. Packed with action, strategy, and intrigue, Young's detailed depiction of military maneuverings would give any Hollywood spy movie a run for its money.
Sand and Fire features Young's series regular, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Parson, coming face to face with his most challenging assignment yet in the scorching deserts of Libya. Parson, along with his friend Sophia, must Air-Force-Ninja their way past terrorists, smugglers, and the blistering heat to prevent an enormous catastrophe. Expect a full-throttle ride from start to finish.
What readers like: Readers love the authenticity that Tom Young, a veteran himself, brings to his stories. The gripping narrative, heart-wrenching tension, and detailed military operations make you feel like you're battling it out in the middle of a formidable desert. The friendship between Parson and Sophia adds a human touch to the chaos, so you can feel the camaraderie even amidst all those bullets flying about. Fair warning however, this book may make you want to wear your favourite aviator glasses and don a khaki green attire, just to feel a part of the action!
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Reset
by Brian Andrews
Why Reset is on this list: Reset perfectly encapsulates the essence of a high-octane military action thriller, combining an intensely realistic military setting with gripping, nail-biting intrigue. It's the kind of book that will keep you glued to your seat, turning pages until you reach the thrilling conclusion.
Reset is an incontrovertible blend of sci-fi, military action, and mind-bending realities. In the story, a Navy SEAL team encounters an unknown device during a remote mission in Africa, which throws them into alternative realities filled with danger, challenges, and secrets to unfurl. As the plot progresses, the stakes amplify in these parallel worlds, with some brutal enemies (ones you wouldn't want to meet even in your worst nightmares) waiting at each crossroad.
What readers like: Readers love Reset for its gripping storyline, smartly intertwined with plausible scientific elements. Brian Andrews' knack for painting a meticulous picture of military operations offers an exciting insider look at the life of a SEAL. The realistic characters and their relatable struggles resonate with readers, making it more than just an exhilarating thrill ride. It's a book that adds a whole new dimension to late-night reading marathons.
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I Am Pilgrim
by Terry Hayes
Why I Am Pilgrim is on this list: If you're a fan of military action and thrilling suspense, I Am Pilgrim is your kind of book. It takes the phrase 'nail-biting' to a whole new level while integrating complex military procedures, a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected twists.
This book is an epic tale of a secret agent – codenamed Pilgrim – who races against time to stop a biological terrorist attack. The witty, intelligent, and at times terrifying storytelling won't just keep you on the edge of your seat, it'll probably make you regard everyone with a tad bit of suspicion. But hey, that's the fun of it right?
What readers like: Readers adore the intricate storytelling, a protagonist who has got his stuff figured out (mostly), and the heart-racing suspense that refuses to let them put the book down. There's a detailed web of characters that readers find themselves engrossed in, trying to figure out who's who before the characters themselves do.
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