10 Best Adventure Books To Read In 2025

Adventure books have the power to transport us to thrilling worlds, where we can experience perilous journeys, uncharted territories, and the triumph of the human spirit. Whether you crave heart-pounding action, breathtaking landscapes, or a touch of the unknown, these adventure books will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are the 10 best adventure books that every explorer at heart should read.

1. Into the Wild – Jon Krakauer

Jon Krakauer’s "Into the Wild" is a gripping true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his conventional life for the allure of the Alaskan wilderness. McCandless sought to live off the land, embracing the raw beauty and danger of nature. However, his journey ultimately turned tragic, highlighting the thin line between adventure and recklessness. Krakauer delves deep into McCandless's motivations, piecing together his final days through interviews and McCandless's own writings.

2. The Road – Cormac McCarthy

In The Road by Cormac McCarthy, readers are transported into a post-apocalyptic world where a father and son struggle to survive in a landscape destroyed by an unnamed disaster. As they journey southward, hoping to reach a warmer climate, they encounter dangers such as cannibals, scarcity of food, and the harsh elements. Despite these trials, the bond between father and son remains at the heart of the story, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the bleakness of their world.

3. The Lost City of Z – David Grann

This non-fiction adventure tells the incredible story of British explorer Percy Fawcett, who disappeared in the Amazon jungle while searching for a mythical lost civilization. David Grann expertly reconstructs Fawcett’s perilous journey, exploring the dangers of the Amazon, including deadly wildlife, uncharted rivers, and hostile tribes. The book delves into Fawcett’s obsessive quest and how it influenced future explorations. Grann’s immersive storytelling and meticulous research make "The Lost City of Z" a gripping tale of adventure, ambition, and the pursuit of the unknown.

4. The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett

Though The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is often considered a children’s novel, its themes of transformation, friendship, and the healing power of nature make it a captivating adventure for all ages. The story follows Mary Lennox, a spoiled, lonely girl who is sent to live with her uncle in a remote Yorkshire estate. There, she discovers a secret, locked garden that has been abandoned for years. As Mary begins to nurture the garden, she uncovers a path to healing not just for the garden but for herself, her new friend Dickon, and her cousin Colin.

5. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage – Alfred Lansing

For those who love true survival stories, "Endurance" is an absolute gem. Alfred Lansing chronicles Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated 1914 Antarctic expedition, where his ship, the Endurance, became trapped in ice for over a year. Shackleton and his crew faced extreme cold, dwindling supplies, and treacherous ice floes. Lansing’s account, based on firsthand diaries and interviews, highlights Shackleton’s extraordinary leadership and the crew’s unbreakable spirit.

6. Life of Pi – Yann Martel

A fascinating blend of adventure, philosophy, and survival, "Life of Pi" tells the story of Pi Patel, a young boy who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. As they drift across the ocean, Pi must use his intelligence and resourcefulness to survive. Martel’s novel delves into themes of faith, storytelling, and the blurred line between reality and imagination. "Life of Pi" is a deeply thought-provoking adventure that challenges perceptions and immerses readers in a world of wonder and danger.

7. Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson

A swashbuckling classic, "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson is the ultimate pirate adventure. The novel follows young Jim Hawkins as he discovers a treasure map and sets sail on a perilous voyage with a crew that includes the cunning and treacherous Long John Silver. Filled with mutinies, tropical islands, and thrilling battles, "Treasure Island" is an exhilarating tale of bravery, betrayal, and treasure hunting.

8. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail – Cheryl Strayed

Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, "Wild", recounts her transformative journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Struggling with personal loss and self-destructive behavior, she embarks on a grueling 1,100-mile solo hike in an attempt to heal and rediscover herself. Battling exhaustion, extreme weather, and physical pain, Strayed’s raw and introspective writing captures the true essence of adventure. "Wild" is an inspiring tale of resilience, personal growth, and the healing power of nature, making it a must-read for those who dream of undertaking their own life-changing journey.

9. The River of Doubt – Candice Millard

A thrilling historical adventure, "The River of Doubt" chronicles former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt’s treacherous journey through the Amazon rainforest. After his failed third-term bid, Roosevelt embarks on an expedition to chart an uncharted river in Brazil. Facing starvation, disease, and deadly wildlife, Roosevelt and his team battle the harsh jungle environment. Candice Millard’s masterful storytelling brings this perilous expedition to life, highlighting Roosevelt’s resilience, the unforgiving nature of the Amazon, and the indomitable spirit of adventure.

10. The Man Who Would Be King – Rudyard Kipling

The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling is a thrilling short story about two British adventurers, Peachy Carnehan and Daniel Dravot, who venture into the wild, uncharted regions of Afghanistan. There, they manage to set themselves up as rulers of a local tribe, believing their Western power will allow them to reign over the people. However, as the story unfolds, their adventure turns into a journey filled with betrayal, deception, and the unforeseen consequences of their greed and arrogance.

Final Thoughts

Adventure books transport us to distant lands, challenge our perspectives, and ignite our sense of wanderlust. Whether based on true events or from imagination, these books capture the thrill of the unknown and the indomitable spirit of exploration.