8 Adventure Fiction Books You Need To Read In 2025

Adventure fiction has long captivated readers with thrilling plots, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking worlds. Whether set in exotic lands, treacherous seas, or fantastical realms, these books take us on journeys beyond imagination. Below is a list of 8 adventure fiction books you need to read in 2025.

1. “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson

“Treasure Island” remains the gold standard of pirate tales, a thrilling narrative of mutiny, buried treasure, and treacherous seas. Young Jim Hawkins discovers a map to a hidden fortune, setting sail on a dangerous voyage filled with swashbuckling pirates, stormy waters, and shifting alliances. At the heart of the story is Long John Silver, a charismatic yet cunning villain who redefined the archetype of the pirate in literature. Stevenson’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in life aboard a ship, the tension of deceit, and the allure of discovery. This timeless classic has inspired countless adaptations, proving its lasting power to ignite the imagination.

2. “The Martian” by Andy Weir

In “The Martian”, Andy Weir delivers a survival story that’s as tense as it is scientifically fascinating. Alone, with limited supplies, Watney must use his ingenuity, engineering skills, and unyielding optimism to survive until rescue is possible. Told through logs and mission updates, the novel balances suspense with humor, making science and problem-solving thrilling to read. It’s a gripping tale of perseverance against impossible odds, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of isolation, danger, and an alien environment.

3. “Master and Commander” by Patrick O’Brian

“Master and Commander” launches Patrick O’Brian’s celebrated Aubrey–Maturin series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. Naval captain Jack Aubrey and ship’s surgeon Stephen Maturin embark on a voyage brimming with naval battles, political intrigue, and friendship tested by the sea. O’Brian’s meticulous attention to maritime detail—rigging, tactics, and life aboard a warship—immerses readers in the golden age of sail. More than a naval adventure, the novel explores loyalty, personal ambition, and the moral ambiguities of warfare. With its blend of thrilling action and character depth, “Master and Commander” stands as one of the finest works in historical nautical fiction.

4. “Around the World in Eighty Days” by Jules Verne

The unflappable Englishman Phileas Fogg wagers that he can travel around the globe in just eighty days—a daring feat in the 19th century. Accompanied by his loyal valet, Passepartout, Fogg’s journey is filled with unexpected delays, daring rescues, and cultural encounters from India to America. Verne’s meticulous attention to detail paints a vivid portrait of each destination, while the ticking clock adds relentless tension. This classic is more than an adventure—it’s a celebration of human ingenuity, determination, and the thrill of seeing the world.

5. “King Solomon’s Mines” by H. Rider Haggard

Led by seasoned hunter Allan Quatermain, the expedition navigates treacherous deserts, deadly wildlife, and hostile terrain. Haggard’s novel was groundbreaking for introducing the “lost world” adventure genre, inspiring generations of explorers and writers. With its blend of danger, discovery, and camaraderie, the story captures both the romance and peril of exploration. Beyond the treasure hunt, it examines loyalty, leadership, and the human thirst for the unknown. Packed with action and suspense, this novel remains a cornerstone of classic adventure literature, steeped in mystery and a sense of wonder.

6. “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts

“Shantaram” is a sprawling, semi-autobiographical epic that immerses readers in the vibrant chaos of Bombay’s underworld. It follows an escaped Australian convict who forges a new life among gangsters, slum dwellers, and spiritual seekers. With richly detailed scenes, Roberts explores themes of redemption, love, and the human need for belonging. The novel’s scope is vast—spanning crime, politics, and the philosophical musings of a man searching for meaning. Every chapter teems with color, danger, and raw emotion, making it as much a portrait of a city as it is a personal journey.

7. “Kim” by Rudyard Kipling

In “Kim”, Rudyard Kipling crafts a vivid adventure set in colonial India. Orphaned street-smart boy Kimball O’Hara becomes involved in the British “Great Game” of espionage, traveling across India as both a disciple to a Tibetan lama and a spy for the British secret service. The novel brims with colorful landscapes, cultural encounters, and dangerous missions, blending political intrigue with spiritual discovery. Kipling’s detailed portrayal of India’s diverse cultures and geography makes this both an adventure story and an ethnographic portrait. “Kim” remains a compelling exploration of identity, loyalty, and the tensions between East and West during the imperial era.

8. “The Sea Wolf” by Jack London

After a shipwreck, literary critic Humphrey van Weyden is rescued—only to find himself trapped aboard the Ghost, commanded by the brutal yet intelligent Captain Wolf Larsen. Life at sea becomes a battle of wills as Humphrey is forced to confront physical hardship, moral dilemmas, and the raw realities of survival. London blends seafaring action with philosophical conflict, exploring power, individualism, and the human capacity for endurance. This novel’s mix of high-stakes nautical adventure and intense character study cements its place as one of London’s finest works.

Conclusion

Adventure fiction endures because it speaks to a timeless human longing for exploration, courage, and transformation. Each of these eight books offers more than a gripping storyline—they invite us to step into worlds where every choice matters, danger lurks at every corner, and the human spirit is tested to its limits. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding action, deep moral questions, or richly imagined worlds, these novels promise adventures that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.