A guide to get you started on some of the best action books for adults
Action books for adults have become my go-to whenever I need something exciting to read.
There’s just something about diving into fast-paced stories that keep me hooked from start to finish.
These coffee table books and adventure books have always delivered a solid escape, whether it’s intense battles or clever heists.
If you’re into gripping plots and a bit of adrenaline, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
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Psst..!!? Looking for more inspiration about dazzling books to read? …. here are a few of my favorite book guides:
Table of Contents
Overview: My top Action Books For Adults
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- Empire of Lies by Raymond Khoury
1. The Eye of God
by James Rollins
James Rollins’ The Eye of God is a thrilling adventure that grips you.
It’s one of those action books for adults that feels like a wild ride across continents, with ancient relics, cutting-edge science, and a looming apocalypse.
I loved how the plot moves at breakneck speed, weaving history and mystery into a modern-day race against time.
The characters, especially Painter Crowe and his Sigma Force team, are easy to root for and add an extra layer of depth.
This novel hits all the right notes for fans of adventure fiction books for adults.
It’s packed with action, but the storytelling is clear and easy to follow, making it a perfect pick for something exciting but not too complex.
I just couldn’t put The Eye of God down—it’s pure escapism in the best way.
2. Bloodline
by James Rollins
Bloodline by James Rollins is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that follows the Sigma Force as they uncover a centuries-old secret with global consequences.
The story dives into ancient mysteries and modern technology, touching on everything from secret societies to genetic engineering.
Like other adventure books for adults, the plot keeps you on your toes. The action sequences are intense, while the pacing never lets up.
Bloodline has the right amount of historical intrigue and futuristic science, making it one of the best adventure books for anyone who enjoys a mix of fact and fiction.
I found the storyline around immortality fascinating, and the Sigma team’s mission hooked me from the start.
3. The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
This book throws you into a world of secret societies, hidden messages, and historical mysteries.
The Da Vinci Code follows a professor, Robert Langdon, as he teams up with cryptologist Sophie Neveu to solve a murder at the Louvre.
Their search uncovers clues tied to Leonardo da Vinci’s artwork, leading to a conspiracy that challenges long-held religious beliefs.
The Da Vinci Code has twists and suspense, which I’m always after when picking a book. It’s definitely one of those good action books for adults that’s hard to put down.
4. The Bone Labyrinth
by James Rollins
Bone Labyrinth follows the Sigma Force team as they race to uncover the secret behind human evolution, starting with a discovery in a hidden cave in Croatia.
The story presents cutting-edge genetics, ancient artifacts, and a gripping conspiracy that spans centuries.
It’s a bit different from other science fiction books for adults in the way it explores the origins of intelligence and humanity’s future.
It’s one of those books for adults that balances fascinating ideas with a fast-paced storyline and keeps me engaged throughout.
Bone Labyrinth is worth checking out if you like stories that make you think while delivering plenty of thrills.
5. The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins is an intense dive into a dystopian world where survival isn’t just about food or shelter—it’s about outwitting the system.
It’s about Katniss Everdeen, a young girl forced into a deadly competition where only one person survives.
It’s a brutal fight for survival that constantly makes me wonder how far someone can be pushed before they break.
This gripping book doesn’t shy away from exploring tough choices and the consequences of a corrupt society, making it a perfect choice for adult fiction survival stories.
Katniss is such a fierce and relatable character, and you’ll find yourself rooting for her every step of the way.
Be inspired by this story of resilience, humanity, and sacrifice, and be grateful for what you have in your life.
6. The Sentinel
by Lee Child and Andrew Child
“The Sentinel” by Lee Child and Andrew Child, is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you on edge from start to finish.
Jack Reacher stumbles into a small town dealing with a cyber-attack, and, as always, he can’t resist getting involved.
What I found gripping was how Reacher’s no-nonsense approach to justice clashed with modern threats like hacking and misinformation.
It’s classic Reacher with a fresh twist that fits today’s world. The suspense builds quickly, and there’s never a dull moment as Reacher uncovers hidden agendas and dangerous enemies.
The balance between clever problem-solving and the usual Reacher brute force makes it one of the best fiction books for adults looking for a solid, entertaining read.
7. Savage Son
by Jack Carr
Savage Son is an intense, edge-of-your-seat thriller that dives deep into themes of vengeance and survival.
James Reece, a former Navy SEAL is sent into the wilds of Siberia, where he becomes both the hunter and the hunted in a dangerous game set up by an old enemy.
The book, written by John Carr, is packed with tactical details, giving it an authentic feel, while the relentless action keeps the tension high.
When reading it, I just felt how personal his story felt—Reece’s motivations are driven by revenge, but there’s also a lot of reflection on what it means to be a predator.
Savage Son is one of those suspense books for adults that doesn’t let up, filled with brutal moments and unexpected twists.
8. Empire of Lies
by Raymond Khoury
How would you feel if the Ottoman Empire ruled the modern world? I discovered that in Empire of Lies by Raymond Khoury.
It’s about Kamal Arslan Agha, a seasoned Ottoman police officer, as he investigates a mysterious murder that leads him into a deeper conspiracy involving a hidden truth about the empire’s rise to power.
The way Khoury plays with “what if” scenarios makes you question how fragile history is.
The action is non-stop, but there’s also a deep narrative that keeps you thinking beyond just the adventure.
For readers looking for the best action adventure fiction books with a unique twist, Empire of Lies offers an intense ride through a world that could have been.
9. The Devil Colony
by James Rollins
James Rollins takes readers on a thrilling journey in The Devil Colony as the Sigma Force team investigates a mysterious murder linked to ancient Native American legends.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, they uncover secrets that could change history forever.
This book teaches us about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the impact of history on our present.
It highlights how ancient knowledge can still hold relevance in today’s world, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all cultures.
The Devil Colony is for sure one of the most thrilling adventure books for adults on my list.
The fast-paced plot of the Devil Colony and intriguing historical details keep you hooked from start to finish.
Rollins crafts a captivating story that balances excitement with thoughtful reflections, making it both entertaining and enlightening.
10. The Last Oracle
by James Rollins
This is my last pick from James Rolling and the Last Oracle pulls you into a high-stakes race involving ancient prophecies and cutting-edge science.
The mix of history and modern danger keeps the tension high, and the novel is packed with clever twists that make you question who to trust.
I got the perfect balance of action and survival, where every choice can mean life or death, and I love to read books like that in the comforts of my home.
Are you into fiction survival books or action books for adults? The Last Oracle by James Rollins is the kind of story that keeps you on edge from start to finish, and you never know what’s coming next.
The way it ties ancient mysteries to a global conspiracy is fascinating, and the stakes feel real.
11. The Boy At The Top Of The Mountain
by John Boyne
The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne is a story that follows Pierrot, a young boy who finds himself in a dangerous world after losing his parents.
The action picks up when Pierrot is sent to live at Berghof, Adolf Hitler’s retreat in the mountains, where he becomes increasingly influenced by Nazi ideals.
The book’s pace quickens as Pierrot changes, getting caught up in the power and darkness surrounding him.
The characters are well-drawn, especially Pierrot, whose transformation feels both shocking and believable.
The themes of innocence, corruption, and the impact of war resonate throughout the entire book and that was one of the reasons I loved this book so much.
It was a reminder of how easily people can be led astray, and it made me think about choices and morality, even in extreme situations.
I do enjoy reading and with action books for adults like The Boy at the Top of the Mountain it’s easy to improve my reading bucket-list.
12. The Women
by Kristin Hannah
As my last choice, I picked up The Women by Kristin Hannah, a powerful read.
This novel dives into women’s lives navigating survival challenges during World War II, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
The character development is deeply moving, and you can’t help but root for the characters as they confront not only the war but also their own personal battles.
Kristin Hannah beautifully captures the strength and solidarity of these women, making their struggles feel intimate and universal.
It’s a compelling tale that lingers long after the last page, reminding us of the extraordinary courage found in ordinary lives and it’s a top choice in terms of best survival books fiction.
My final thoughts on action books for adults
After reading so many great books, I’ve realized just how much I love action books for adults.
They never fail to get my heart racing and keep me on the edge of my seat.
Whether it’s an intense chase scene or a clever plot twist, these stories always deliver something exciting.
I appreciate how they often explore deeper themes while still packing in the thrills.
If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy read, I recommend picking up some action books that will keep you hooked from start to finish!
FAQ about action books for adults
What are the best action books for adults?
Some of the best action books for adults are The Eye of God by James Rollins, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, or The Devil Colony by James Rollins.
What are the best action books for teens?
Some of the best action books for teens are The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, or Divergent by Veronica Roth.
What are some of the best action books of all time?
Some of the best action books of all time are The Hobbit by J. R. R, the Call of the Wild by Jack London, or The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
