A selection of the best adventure books of all times, from the classic ones to contemporary books.
Ready for an armchair adventure? Sink your teeth into a great book and let yourself get swept away to far-off lands full of mythical creatures, daring heroes, and unexpected plot twists.
Whether you’re looking for something exciting to occupy your downtime or just want some pure escapism, I’ve rounded up the best adventure books to transport you from home comforts.
No matter what type of thrilling story you crave — fantasy epics, swashbuckling classics, gripping thrillers — our list has something for everyone.
So sip your tea (or glass of wine!), grab a cozy blanket, and enjoy these fantastic adventure tales.
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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: The Best Adventure Books
| Category | Name | Image | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best under $10 | Treasure Island |   | Check here |
| Best for Travelers | Into the Wild |   | Check here |
| Best for suspense | The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo |   | Check here |
| Best for young adults | Harry Potter Books |   | Check here |
| Best classic read | The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn |   | Check here |
| Best movie book | Life of Pi |   | Check here |
1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
As an avid reader, I must say that the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle is one of the best fiction books ever.
The exploration of mystery and deduction throughout the stories kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to piece together clues alongside the brilliant detective himself.
From the iconic characters to the intricate plotlines, it’s no wonder that Doyle’s creation profoundly impacted the detective genre.
As I devoured each page, the book transported me to another world filled with intrigue and excitement.
If you haven’t enjoyed reading the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, I highly recommend it – you won’t regret it!
2. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
Growing up, I remember reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson as one of the best adventure books for teenagers.
The story of young Jim Hawkins and his journey to find a hidden treasure with a crew of infamous pirates was captivating from beginning to end.
The vivid descriptions of the characters and the exotic locations they explored fueled my imagination and left me with a sense of wonder long after I finished the book.
The enduring influence of Treasure Island on adventure literature is evident in the countless pirate tales and treasure hunt stories published since its release.
As a fan of the genre, it is clear to me that Stevenson’s classic will continue to inspire new generations of young readers for years to come.
3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
I remember diving into the world of Middle-earth with J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. It was a tale of epic adventure that whisked me away from reality into a world of danger and wonder.
From Bilbo Baggins’ reluctant departure from the Shire to his thrilling encounter with Smaug the Dragon, this book has everything a fantasy lover could want.
The fantastical elements, from trolls to wizards, made the story come alive in a way that still sticks with me today.
The Hobbit remains one of the best fantasy adventure books of all time, and I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone looking for an escape into a magical world.
4. The Lord of the Rings Saga by J.R.R. Tolkien
After finishing The Hobbit, I was left wanting more of the magical world created by J.R.R. Tolkien.
That’s when I decided to delve into The Lord of the Rings Saga, and it did not disappoint.
From The Fellowship of the Ring to The Two Towers and culminating in The Return of the King, I was completely captivated by the epic tale of Frodo and his journey to destroy the One Ring.
Tolkien’s ability to craft such intricate and memorable characters and a vast and immersive world solidifies the Lord of the Rings as one of the most outstanding fantasy books of all time.
I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience.
5. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
As I delved into the pages of Jon Krakauer’s book, Into the Wild, I found myself on a journey alongside Christopher McCandless’ exploration of the Alaskan wilderness.
Krakauer takes every opportunity to draw his readers in, with his vivid descriptions of the rugged landscape and grasping at the emotional state of the eccentric young man at the center of the narrative.
It was fascinating to read about someone so captivated by the call of the wild, so much so that they chose to leave behind all creature comforts for a chance at actual survival.
Krakauer masterfully captures the essence of this story, making it a true classic in adventure literature.
There’s no doubt that this book should be on every avid reader’s shelf as one of the best adventure books ever written.
6. The Revenant by Michael Punke
The Revenant by Michael Punke is unlike any historical survival tale I’ve ever read.
The way Punke explores the limits of human resilience with one of the best survival stories books based on true stories.
The story follows the true-life experience of fur trapper Hugh Glass, who is attacked by a bear and left for dead in the wilderness.
Watching Glass fight for survival against all odds left me in utter disbelief. Punke’s skillful writing truly brought the story to life for me, and it quickly became one of the best fiction adventure books for adults I’ve ever read.
I couldn’t put it down until I knew how Glass’ story would end. The Revenant is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves tales of adventure and triumph over adversity.
7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
I recently picked up The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson and couldn’t put it down.
As a fan of good adventure books, I was thrilled by the modern mystery and unexpected twists that kept me on my seat.
The characters were complex and intriguing, and I couldn’t help but become invested in their stories.
From the very first chapter, I was hooked by the thrilling elements of the plot. As I followed along with the protagonist’s investigation, I found myself unraveling the secrets alongside her.
I highly recommend the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to anyone seeking an engaging and thrilling read.
8. Harry Potter Books by J. K. Rowling
I remember when I first opened the pages of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling and was immediately transported to a world of magical wonder.
The Harry Potter universe is expertly crafted, with fantastical creatures and intricate spells that seem so real you almost wish you knew them yourself.
As a teenager, reading these books was the ultimate adventure. I felt like I was beside Harry, Ron, and Hermione as they faced challenges and went on missions to save the wizarding world.
It’s no wonder these books have become a classic and are still considered the best adventure books for teenagers.
Rowling’s writing is so captivating that I couldn’t put the book down until I had read every last page.
The Harry Potter universe truly is a place where anything is possible and where the possibilities for adventure are endless.
9. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
As a adventure lover and a voracious reader, I can confidently say that the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of the best adventure books ever.
Mark Twain’s masterful storytelling takes the reader down the Mississippi River with the clever and daring Huck Finn.
As I read through the pages, I felt like I was right there with Huck and his friend Jim, experiencing the thrill of their escape and the danger of being hunted.
What sets this book apart from others is the depth of character development and the commentary on social justice issues that still resonate today.
Huck’s inner struggle with his conscience and the societal norms of his time make for a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for an escape from reality, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a must-read that will stay with you long after the last page.
10. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
I can’t help but feel excited every time I pick up my copy of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This book has everything I look for in a good read: thrilling mystery, historical intrigue, and non-stop global adventure.
From the opening pages, I was hooked on Robert Langdon’s journey to unravel the secrets of the past and decode the clues to an ancient conspiracy.
The intricate puzzles and hidden symbols throughout the book had me at the edge of my seat, always eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
No wonder this book is considered one of the best adventure mystery books ever. For anyone who loves a good mystery that spans across time and continents, the Da Vinci Code is a must-read.
11. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
When I first picked up Yann Martel’s Life of Pi, I had no idea what sort of adventure I was in for.
As I turned each page, I found myself captivated by the story of a young boy named Pi and his journey across the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
The book is a true masterpiece in travel and adventure literature, offering readers a firsthand account of Pi’s harrowing experience on the high seas.
From heart-stopping battles with sharks to the breathtaking beauty of bioluminescent jellyfish, Life of Pi is one of the best travel and adventure books about the sea I’ve ever read.
It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope for survival.
12. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite adventure books – Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe.
This classic novel follows the story of a man stranded on a deserted island after a shipwreck.
As he struggles to survive, he learns to adapt to his new surroundings and becomes an expert at hunting, building shelters, planting crops, and more.
What I love about this book is how realistic it feels – Defoe did extensive research to ensure that Crusoe’s survival skills were based on facts and could be accomplished on a real-life deserted island.
It’s a thrilling and uplifting tale of one man’s determination to overcome the odds and make the most of his situation.
Anyone who loves realistic fiction and wilderness survival books with a strong sense of adventure should check out Robinson Crusoe.
My final conclusion on the best adventure books
So if you’re ready to embark on a stimulating and thrilling journey, why not begin with some of the best adventure books around?
From classic authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and Daniel Defoe to contemporary favorites such as J. K. Rowling and Dan Brown, there will surely be something just right for those looking for an enjoyable escape from the mundane.
Take your time exploring the outer reaches of imagination-packed stories that many generations have thrilled in before you.
And never forget— when it comes to adventure literature, the possibilities are truly endless! So grab your pickaxe and start mining for gold— or should I say, uncovering the treasured literary gems hidden within each carefully crafted story.
The best adventures start with a tiny step, so what are you waiting for? Dive into today’s top picks to find your next favorite book! Best of luck on your own personal literary adventure.
FAQ about the best adventure books
What are the best adventure books for adults?
Some of the best adventure books for adults are Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Angels & Demons by Dan Brown, or Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
What are the best action books?
Some of the best action books are the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, or the Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas.
What are the most popular non fiction adventure books?
Some of the most popular non fiction adventure books are Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado, or Adrift: Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea by Steven Callahan.
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! 🌍🚀
