The Greatest "Adventure, Fiction" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Adventure

The Adventure genre is characterized by stories that take readers on thrilling journeys filled with danger, excitement, and unexpected twists and turns. These books often feature brave protagonists who embark on quests, explore new territories, and face challenges that test their physical and mental limits. Adventure stories can be set in any time period or location, from ancient civilizations to futuristic worlds, and can include elements of romance, mystery, and suspense. Whether it's a treasure hunt, a survival story, or a battle against evil forces, Adventure books offer readers an escape into a world of excitement and adventure.

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  1. 26. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

    In a magical land where witches and wizards exist, a young hat maker named Sophie is cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into an old woman. Determined to break the curse, Sophie seeks refuge in the mysterious moving castle of the feared wizard Howl. As Sophie navigates the castle's enchanting rooms and encounters its eccentric inhabitants, she discovers the power of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. Together with Howl and his apprentice Michael, Sophie embarks on a captivating journey filled with adventure, magic, and unexpected twists that will change their lives forever.

    The 1099th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson

    The book is a sprawling narrative that intertwines two timelines: the first during World War II, focusing on the efforts of cryptographers and mathematicians working to break Axis codes, and the second in the late 20th century, following a group of entrepreneurs and hackers establishing a data haven in Southeast Asia. The novel explores themes of cryptography, mathematics, and the history of computing, weaving together real historical figures with fictional characters. As the plot unfolds across different continents and eras, it delves into the impact of information technology on society and the perpetual conflict between governments and individuals over the control of information and privacy.

    The 1216th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock

    In "Mythago Wood," a man named Steven Huxley delves into the mysterious depths of Ryhope Wood, a forest that holds ancient and mythical creatures known as mythagos. As he explores the ever-changing landscape, Steven encounters his deceased father's mythago, a powerful and seductive woman named Guiwenneth. Drawn into a world of magic and danger, Steven must confront his own desires and confront the dark secrets that lie within the heart of the wood.

    The 1293rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Magician by Raymond E. Feist

    The book is a fantasy epic that follows the journey of a young boy named Pug, who rises from humble beginnings as an orphaned kitchen boy to become a powerful magician in the Kingdom of the Isles. His life takes a dramatic turn when he and his friend Tomas are swept into a conflict against an ancient enemy from another world, threatening not only their homeland but also the very fabric of reality. As Pug masters the arts of magic under the tutelage of the enigmatic magician Kulgan, he must navigate a path fraught with danger, political intrigue, and war. Alongside a diverse cast of characters, Pug's destiny unfolds as he becomes a key player in the struggle to save his world from destruction.

    The 1323rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

    "The Anubis Gates" is a thrilling time-travel adventure set in 19th-century London. When a wealthy industrialist organizes a trip back in time to witness a famous poet's lecture, the journey takes an unexpected turn. The protagonist, Brendan Doyle, finds himself trapped in the past, caught in a web of magic, Egyptian mythology, and a secret society. As he navigates through dangerous encounters and encounters historical figures, Doyle must unravel the mysteries of time travel and find a way back to his own time before it's too late.

    The 1357th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

    The book is a fantastical children's novel that explores the importance of storytelling. It follows the journey of a young boy named Haroun who sets out on a magical adventure to restore his father's ability to tell stories. Along the way, he encounters a vast array of colorful characters and strange lands, including a Sea of Stories. The narrative addresses themes of censorship, the power of storytelling, and the struggle between light and darkness.

    The 1393rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin

    Set in a mythical New York City, this novel follows the life of Peter Lake, a master mechanic and thief, who falls in love with a terminally ill girl, Beverly Penn, after breaking into her house. Peter's life is intertwined with the city's golden age and its criminal underworld, as well as the world of the supernatural. The story is a blend of fantasy, love, and adventure, exploring themes of justice, beauty, and the constant struggle between good and evil.

    The 1415th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Holes by Louis Sachar

    This book follows the story of a young boy who is falsely accused of stealing a pair of sneakers and is sent to a juvenile detention center in the middle of a desert. Here, the boys are made to dig holes every day as a form of punishment. As the protagonist digs, he discovers the truth about the warden's obsession with the holes, the mystery of a hidden treasure, and a curse that has been haunting his family for generations. The story is a blend of adventure, mystery, and coming-of-age themes.

    The 1420th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

    This humorous science fiction novel follows the eccentric detective Dirk Gently, who operates based on the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. His cases involve time travel, ghosts, and an Electric Monk, a labor-saving device that believes things for you. Dirk's current investigation revolves around the disappearance of a cat, a multimillionaire, and a horse in a bathroom, all seemingly unrelated events, but in Dirk's holistic world, everything is connected.

    The 1509th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

    A 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short, for a large ransom of gold with the help of his bodyguard, Butler, to restore his family's fortune. In the process, he discovers an underground world of armed and dangerous fairies. The fairies fight back with magic, cunning, and technological weapons leading to a high-stakes battle of wits.

    The 1601st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

    In this dark and imaginative fantasy, a young Londoner named Richard Mayhew finds his mundane life turned upside down when he stumbles upon a young woman named Door, bleeding on the sidewalk. After aiding her, he is thrust into the shadowy, parallel world of London Below, a realm of magic, danger, and intrigue that exists beneath the streets of London Above. As Richard journeys through this eerie underworld with a cast of bizarre and fantastical characters, he must confront malevolent forces and unravel a complex conspiracy to help Door discover why her family was murdered, all while trying to find a way back to his old life.

    The 1654th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Gunslinger by Stephen King

    In a desolate and archaic world that mirrors the Old West, a stoic and enigmatic gunslinger embarks on a relentless quest across a desolate landscape to find the mysterious figure known as the Man in Black. Along his journey, he encounters strange characters, reflects on his troubled past, and confronts both physical and metaphysical challenges. His ultimate goal is to reach the elusive Dark Tower, a place that is said to be the nexus of all universes, where he believes he can right the wrongs of his decaying world. The narrative blends elements of fantasy, horror, and Western genres, creating a unique and haunting tapestry that sets the stage for an epic series of interdimensional proportions.

    The 1665th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe

    "The Book of the New Sun" is a four-volume science fiction series set in a far future, post-apocalyptic Earth, known as Urth. The story follows a journeyman torturer named Severian who is exiled for showing mercy to one of his victims. As he navigates through a world filled with strange and mythical creatures, political intrigue, and ancient technology often perceived as magic, Severian discovers his destiny is far greater than he could have ever imagined. The narrative is dense and complex, filled with allegory and symbolism, making it a challenging yet rewarding read.

    The 1689th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Physician by Noah Gordon

    The book tells the story of a young English boy, Rob Cole, in the 11th century who becomes an apprentice to a barber-surgeon. Rob's ambition to become a physician takes him across Europe and into the heart of the Muslim world, a journey fraught with danger and discovery. He disguises himself as a Jew to study at a school that does not admit Christians. The narrative is a captivating mix of history, science, and adventure, highlighting the protagonist's perseverance and the state of medical knowledge during the Middle Ages.

    The 1755th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Legend by David Gemmell

    In a post-apocalyptic world, an aging warrior known as Druss comes out of retirement to defend his homeland from invading hordes. Despite his advanced age, he is still a formidable fighter and is revered as a living legend. As he prepares for a seemingly impossible battle, he must confront not only his enemies but also his own personal demons and the specter of his own mortality. The novel is a compelling blend of action, adventure, and introspection, exploring themes of heroism, honor, and the human capacity for courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

    The 1774th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan

    The Wheel of Time series is a high fantasy saga that follows a group of friends from a small village as they are thrust into a world teeming with magic, political intrigue, and ancient prophecies. The main protagonist, a young man destined to be the reincarnation of a powerful figure who could either save or destroy the world, must navigate complex alliances, face dark forces, and learn to control his own burgeoning powers. The series is renowned for its detailed world-building, complex plotlines, and large cast of characters.

    The 1784th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Eye Of The World by Robert Jordan

    In a high fantasy realm woven with magic, prophecy, and conflict, a group of young villagers is thrust into an epic quest when their tranquil lives are shattered by the arrival of a mysterious stranger and a dark pursuing force. Guided by a wise and powerful mentor, they embark on a perilous journey, discovering that one among them might be the reincarnation of an ancient hero destined to confront a malevolent entity threatening the world. As they traverse diverse landscapes and face myriad dangers, they must come to terms with their own burgeoning abilities and the weight of fate upon their shoulders.

    The 1821st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

    This fantasy novel follows the tale of a gifted young man who grows from a precocious child into a notorious wizard, known as the most notorious magician, musician, thief, and assassin. His life is one of hardship and danger, as he seeks knowledge and revenge following the tragic murder of his family by a group of supernatural beings. The story is told in retrospect as the protagonist recounts his past to a chronicler over the course of three days, revealing the truth behind the myths and legends that have come to surround his enigmatic persona.

    The 1887th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One: Lightning Thief, The by Rick Riordan

    The first book in the series introduces Percy Jackson, a young boy with dyslexia and ADHD, who discovers he's actually a demigod, the son of Poseidon. Percy is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods on Long Island, where he learns about his divine ancestry and powers. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen, Percy, along with his friends Annabeth (daughter of Athena) and Grover (a satyr), is tasked with preventing a war among the gods by retrieving the bolt. The trio embarks on a cross-country adventure to confront the thief and restore peace in the divine world.

    The 1916th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon

    The novel is a historical romance that blends adventure, love, and time travel. It follows the story of a World War II combat nurse who is mysteriously swept back in time to 18th-century Scotland. There, she encounters clan rivalries, the harsh realities of life in the past, and a gallant Scottish warrior with whom she falls deeply in love. As she becomes entangled in the intrigues and dangers of a world that is not her own, she must navigate her dual existence and decide where her heart truly belongs.

    The 1994th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Martian by Andy Weir

    A gripping tale of survival and resilience, this book follows the story of an astronaut left stranded on Mars by his crew who believed him dead after a fierce storm. With limited supplies, he must utilize his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to survive and signal to Earth that he is alive. The narrative is a thrilling testament to human willpower and the relentless fight for survival against all odds.

    The 2106th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman

    The final installment in a fantasy trilogy, this novel follows the young protagonists as they continue their journey through parallel universes. They find themselves in the world of the dead, where they lead a rebellion against the oppressive authorities. Meanwhile, celestial forces are gathering for a final, apocalyptic battle. The young heroes must also confront their own destiny, which is tied to a mysterious object known as the amber spyglass. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the nature of consciousness.

    The 2156th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

    In a grim, ash-covered world ruled by the immortal Lord Ruler, a young street urchin discovers she possesses unique magical abilities—Allomancy, the power to ingest and burn metals to enhance physical and mental capabilities. She joins a group of rebel skaa, the oppressed class, led by a charismatic criminal mastermind, to overthrow the centuries-old tyranny. Together, they devise an elaborate heist to infiltrate the noble houses and spark a revolution, uncovering dark secrets and unexpected truths about their world and the origins of the Lord Ruler's power along the way.

    The 2193rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon

    Set in the 1960s in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama, the novel follows the life of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, whose life takes a mysterious turn when he witnesses his father attempt to save a man from a sinking car. The man is already handcuffed to the steering wheel, dead by strangulation. This event triggers a series of adventures and mysteries that Cory must unravel, all the while dealing with the challenges and joys of growing up. The book is a rich blend of nostalgia, magic realism, and the dark undercurrents of life in the American South.

    The 2214th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

    In a fantastical realm where dragons and their riders are the stuff of legends, a young farm boy stumbles upon a mysterious stone that hatches into a dragon, binding their fates together. Thrust into an ancient legacy of dragon riders, the boy and his dragon must navigate a perilous world of dark magic, tyrannical rulers, and hidden allies. As he learns to harness his newfound powers and the wisdom of the dragon, the boy embarks on an epic quest to overthrow a corrupt empire and fulfill his destiny as the last hope for freedom in his war-torn land.

    The 2256th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download