Looking For An Adventure? Here Are 18 Books You Should Read
It's difficult to forget the first adventure novel you ever read: after all, we all remember the first time our imaginations were sparked by whispers of buried treasure, lost worlds, and faraway jungles.
An adventure is defined as a thrilling or unusual experience. It can be dangerous, exhilarating, daring, and exuberant. Skydiving, travel and extreme sports are examples. But that was just a sampling of outdoor activities.
On the other hand, adventure can include watching a thrilling movie, writing an exciting story, or simply reading an adventure book.
Fortunately, we've made it simple for you to find action! This post contains the ultimate list of best adventure books, ranging from thrilling journeys across the land to tales of high-stakes survival at sea. Who knows where you'll end up with your next book? Let us investigate. Whether you consider yourself a bohemian, a wanderer, or a daring adventurer, we dare you to read these top 18 adventure books of all time.
Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote"
Don Quixote, widely regarded as one of the greatest works of literature, recounts the adventures of Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged man who becomes obsessed with chivalric books and decides to imitate them and become a knight-errant. So begins his quest to find a devoted squire, save damsels in distress, and battle windmills.
Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick"
Moby-Dick, if you're not a hermit or have been living under a rock your entire life, you've probably heard of him. If not, here's a quick rundown: Moby-Dick is a novel written by American author Herman Melville that was a watershed moment in his career because it was deemed the masterwork of all time. The story is told by Ishmael, a sailor on board the ship with the obsessive, slightly neurotic Captain Ahab on a quest to find the white whale, Moby-Dick, who has apparently ruined his entire life and now seeks vengeance.
The characters are brilliantly portrayed, as are the descriptions of the exotic locations, which have dark humor. If you haven't already read this book, I strongly advise you to do so immediately.
Homer's "Odyssey"
The novel was set around three thousand years ago, but it is not a novel; rather, it is an epic poem. Homer is an expert in literature, poetry, metaphors, and symbolism. It's based on the ancient Greek sea god Poseidon and the difficulties he faces upon his twenty-year return home. This poem unravels ancient Greek history and retells myths and legends. This should be on your reading list if you enjoy poetry, literary compositions, and adventure.
Alexandre Dumas's "The Three Musketeers"
In Dumas' classic, a young man named D'Artagnan joins the Guard's Musketeers. In doing so, he befriends the King's most celebrated musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis, and sets out on his journey.
Jack London's "The Call of the Wild"
The plot revolves around Buck, an initially domesticated canine before he is kidnapped and moved around, and his adventures. The reader is constantly on edge as the novel takes unexpected turns, with danger lurking around every corner. The book describes this brave dog's indestructible nature and how he endures unpleasant conditions and behavior without fear.
Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island"
This story of "buccaneers and buried gold" by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson spawned a slew of treasure maps, sea chests, Black Spots, and deserted islands.
Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild"
This is a nonfiction account. Fiction adventure books are enjoyable to read; however, we cannot overlook nonfiction because these are the ones that bring you as close to the real adventure as possible. As a result, I've released one of my favorite tragic stories into the wild. This inspiring story is about a young man who abandons all of his possessions to live life on his terms after donating his valuables to charity. He hitchhikes to Alaska, his final destination, to become a wanderer.
However, the world appears to be too harsh on him, and he only gets to live his dream for four months before passing away. After a few months, his body is discovered by a moose hunter.
"The Hobbit" by J. R. R. Tolkien
'Lord of the Rings' fans will be familiar with this novel. The Hobbit follows the same setup as the author's whimsical world. The story revolves around young Bilbo Baggins and his journey into a world that his fellow hobbits may never see. The plot combines fantasy, mystery, and adventure. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery and adventure books.
Jules Verne's "Journey to the Center of the Earth"
Journey to the Center of the Earth is exactly that: a journey to the center of the earth, where German professor Otto Lidenbrock believes volcanic tubes will lead. Another of Jules Verne's magnum opuses is a well-known subterranean fiction example.
Jules Verne's "Around the World in Eighty Days"
The story of Phileas Fogg was also made into a great film, with Steve Coogan playing the main character. The self-conscious Phileas demonstrates his journey around the world in eighty days during a time when the world was not such a global village. The novel brilliantly depicts his thrilling journey through various countries and modes of transportation.
Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels"
A universal read for all ages and across the continent. This book casually mocks various aspects of religion, science, and politics using satire. The main character is taken on strange journeys, mishaps, islands, and philosophies that we have most likely never read before.
H. Rider Haggard's "King Solomon's Mines"
An incredible quest for King Solomon's undiscovered mine in unexplored parts of Africa. Need I say more about three Englishmen, a lost man, an untold story, and an undiscovered kingdom? Enter the world of fantasy, legends, history, and adventure.
Alexandre Dumas's "The Count of Monte Cristo"
The Count of Monte Cristo is the story of Edmond Dantès, a man who is falsely imprisoned without trial in an island fortress off the coast of France. That is, until one day, he escapes and searches for the men who plotted against him. You'll come for the adventure but stay for the vindication.
Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe"
Ivanhoe, first published in 1819, is a story of heroism set in 12th-century England following the failure of the Third Crusade. Are you looking for jousting matches, romance, kidnappings, or witch trials? You've come to the right place.
Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness"
A grim adventure story is one of the most famous and acclaimed English novels in history. The doomed story of Charles Marlow, who wishes to leave behind the civilized world and sail up the Congo in Africa, is told in this 1899 novella by Joseph Conrad. But his journey into the metaphorical — and very literal — the heart of darkness in the middle of the jungle does not bring him what he expected.
Edgar Rice Burroughs' "Tarzan of the Apes"
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs, immortalized by the Disney adaptation, launched the legend of an orphaned boy adopted by apes in the African jungle. Tarzan, the boy, must eventually prove himself on two fronts: the animal kingdom and the even more dangerous world of humans.
Gary Paulsen's "Hatchet"
When Brian Robeson's bush plane crashes in the forest, he is only 13 years old. He must now survive armed only with a hatchet. This book won the Newberry Award in 1987 and has since spawned four sequels.
Michael Crichton's "Congo"
Congo, another of Michael Crichton's well-known adventure/science-fiction books, tells the gripping story of an expedition's desire to find the Lost City of Zinj in Africa, despite the horrors of the jungle and premature deaths.
