The Greatest "Adventure, Fiction" Books Since 2000

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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. 51. Children Of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

    "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky is a science fiction novel that explores the evolution of two species, humans and spiders, on different planets. When Earth faces destruction, a group of humans embarks on a mission to terraform a new planet and create a new civilization. However, an experiment involving a virus meant to accelerate the evolution of monkeys goes wrong, leading to the unintended uplift of spiders. The story follows the parallel development of both species, highlighting their struggles, conflicts, and eventual convergence as they vie for dominance in a rapidly changing world.

    The 6924th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 52. The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker

    The novel is a complex epic fantasy that delves into a world on the brink of apocalypse, where political intrigue, ancient prophecies, and religious conflict intertwine. It follows an array of characters, including a manipulative sorcerer, a warrior monk with a troubled past, and a mysterious and intellectually gifted barbarian, as they navigate a landscape fraught with ancient empires and emerging factions. The narrative explores themes of free will, morality, and the human capacity for both great enlightenment and profound darkness, set against the backdrop of an impending holy war that threatens to consume the known world.

    The 6944th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 53. The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor

    In this imaginative retelling of a classic tale, the story transports readers to a fantastical parallel universe where the familiar narrative of Wonderland is turned on its head. The protagonist, a young princess, is forced to flee her queendom after a violent coup led by her malevolent aunt. Finding herself in Victorian England, she struggles to convince anyone of her true identity and the existence of her otherworldly home. As she grows into a fierce warrior, she must gather allies and harness her own inner strength to reclaim her throne, challenging the distorted reflections of reality and confronting the dark forces that seek to control the imagination and power of her realm.

    The 7053rd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

    In a world where the boundary between human and myth blurs, a blue-haired art student in Prague discovers her mysterious past and connection to a war-torn realm inhabited by angels and beasts. As she navigates her life between art school and errands for her chimeric guardian, she uncovers secrets about her identity and a star-crossed love that transcends worlds and species. Her journey reveals the complexities of family, love, and the devastating consequences of old enmities, ultimately leading her to confront her destiny in a battle that could reshape the boundaries of her world and all others.

    The 7157th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly

    In this high-octane thriller, the protagonist, an elite intelligence operative known by his codename, navigates a world brimming with danger and betrayal. After being falsely accused of a horrendous crime, he becomes the target of a global bounty hunt, forcing him to evade capture by bounty hunters and international special forces alike. As he fights to clear his name and uncover the true culprits behind the conspiracy, he must also contend with a series of high-stakes missions that take him across the world. The narrative is a relentless race against time, packed with explosive action and intricate plot twists that keep the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

    The 7162nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

    In this urban fantasy novel, the third installment of a series, the protagonist, a young Shadowhunter, travels to the titular city, a place of great significance to the secretive world of demon hunters, warlocks, vampires, and other supernatural beings. She is on a quest to find a cure for her poisoned mother, but her mission quickly becomes entangled with a larger conflict as she uncovers dark secrets about her family's past and the true nature of the Shadowhunters. As the city becomes a battleground, alliances are tested, and the protagonist must confront a powerful enemy who threatens to destroy everything she holds dear, all while grappling with her evolving feelings for her enigmatic companion.

    The 7768th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. Harsh Cry Of The Heron by Lian Hearn

    "Harsh Cry of the Heron" is set in a mythical, feudal Japan-like setting and continues the tale of the Otori clan, focusing on Lord Takeo and his efforts to maintain peace across the Three Countries. Despite his commitment to a peaceful reign and the abolishment of violent practices like warfare and capital punishment, Takeo faces inevitable betrayal and threats from within his own ranks and from external enemies. As prophecies of doom surface, Takeo struggles with maintaining his ideals and the harsh realities of leadership, leading to a dramatic and poignant conclusion that tests the limits of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.

    The 7810th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi

    Set in a dystopian future along the Gulf Coast, the story follows a young scavenger named Nailer who works on the light crew, stripping copper wiring from grounded oil tankers for a living. The world is ravaged by climate change, with rising seas and devastating hurricanes. After a brutal storm, Nailer discovers a luxury clipper ship washed ashore with a wealthy girl barely alive amidst its wreckage. Faced with the decision to strip the ship for its wealth or rescue the girl, Nailer is thrust into a high-stakes adventure that challenges his understanding of loyalty, morality, and his own survival. As he navigates through treacherous waters, both literal and metaphorical, he confronts ruthless enemies and forms unexpected alliances, all while dreaming of a life beyond the squalor and brutality of his current existence.

    The 7859th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. The Lone Way To A Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

    In this character-driven space opera, a diverse crew aboard a tunneling spaceship embarks on a treacherous mission to punch wormholes through the far reaches of the galaxy. As they journey to a distant planet fraught with conflict, the crew members—each with their own unique backgrounds, species, and perspectives—navigate the complexities of their interpersonal relationships, cultural differences, and personal struggles. The narrative delves into themes of friendship, family, and acceptance, painting a vivid picture of life in a vast, multicultural cosmos where the vastness of space is matched only by the depth of individual experiences and the bonds that form in the most unlikely of circumstances.

    The 7867th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

    "Sea of Poppies" is a historical novel set in the 1830s, just before the Opium Wars. It traces the intertwined lives of a diverse group of characters, from a raja turned convict, a widowed poppy grower, a French orphan, to a mulatto American freedman, all of whom are brought together on the Ibis, a former slave ship now used for transporting opium. The story explores the social and economic impact of the opium trade, colonialism, and the caste system, while also delving into the personal histories, relationships, and struggles of the characters.

    The 7921st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. Angelfall by Susan Ee

    In a post-apocalyptic world where angels have descended to Earth and unleashed destruction, a resilient teenage girl embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her kidnapped younger sister. With society in ruins and danger at every turn, she allies with a mysterious angel whose motives are unclear, navigating a landscape filled with roving gangs, gruesome creatures, and celestial warriors. As she fights to survive and uncover the truth behind the invasion, she confronts the blurred lines between good and evil, and the potential darkness within herself and her enigmatic companion.

    The 8062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 62. Legend by Marie Lu

    Set in a dystopian future where the United States has fractured into warring nations, the story follows two teenagers from radically different backgrounds. One is a notorious criminal, known for his intelligence and ability to elude capture, while the other is a prodigious student and soldier, working for the government in hopes of avenging her brother's death. Their paths cross when the soldier is tasked with hunting down the criminal, leading to a cat-and-mouse game that unveils a web of lies and corruption. As they learn more about each other and the dark secrets of their society, they must decide where their loyalties lie and what they're willing to fight for.

    The 8062nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. Carter Beats The Devil by Glen David Gold

    Set in the early 20th century, this novel follows the life of a renowned magician, Charles Carter, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of deception and intrigue after he performs a trick on President Harding, who dies mysteriously hours later. Carter is forced to use his skills to clear his name, while also dealing with other challenges including a beautiful, elusive woman, a blind lion tamer, and a rivalry with Houdini. This historical novel weaves together a tale of magic, love, and suspense.

    The 8108th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 64. La Horde Du Contrevent by Alain Damasio

    The book is a French science fiction novel that follows a group of intrepid explorers, known as the Horde, as they embark on an epic quest against a relentless, omnipresent wind to reach the mysterious source of the wind at the far end of their world. The narrative is uniquely structured, with each member of the Horde providing their own perspective, and the story delves into themes of camaraderie, human resilience, and the struggle against nature. As the characters face physical and existential challenges, the novel explores the depths of human experience and the bonds that form in the face of adversity.

    The 8115th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 65. Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In a universe where necromancers hold power, Gideon, a skilled swordswoman, is reluctantly paired with her childhood rival, Harrow, to compete in a deadly trial that could grant them immortality. As they venture into an ancient, decaying mansion filled with secrets and puzzles, they must unravel the mysteries of their world and face sinister forces lurking within. With a blend of dark humor, complex characters, and a gripping plot, "Gideon The Ninth" is a thrilling and unique blend of science fiction and fantasy.

    The 8150th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 66. Rules Of Summer by Shaun Tan

    "Rules of Summer" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking picture book that explores the complex relationship between two young boys during their summer vacation. Through a series of surreal and imaginative illustrations, the book delves into themes of friendship, power dynamics, and the unspoken rules that govern their interactions. With its rich imagery and open-ended narrative, "Rules of Summer" invites readers to reflect on the nuances of human relationships and the lessons learned during the season of growth and change.

    The 8226th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 67. Blowback by Brad Thor

    In "Blowback," readers are plunged into a thrilling narrative where the protagonist, a skilled counterterrorism operative, is tasked with preventing a catastrophic attack on the United States. The plot thickens when he discovers that an ancient weapon of mass destruction, thought to be a myth, has been rediscovered and is in the hands of a dangerous enemy. As the clock ticks down, the operative must navigate a treacherous path of deceit and betrayal, racing across the globe to unravel historical secrets and stop the impending doom that threatens to unleash chaos on a massive scale.

    The 8324th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 68. The Rage Of Dragons by Evan Winter

    The book is a gripping fantasy tale set in a world inspired by African mythology, where a caste-driven society is locked in a perpetual war with hordes of dragons. The protagonist, born into the lowest caste, discovers an extraordinary ability to summon the power of dragons and seeks to use this power to avenge the injustices done to his people and to ascend beyond his preordained station. His quest for revenge and personal transformation is fraught with battles, political intrigue, and the challenge of overcoming a rigid social hierarchy, all while the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance.

    The 8347th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 69. The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry

    In this thrilling adventure, an ex-Justice Department operative stumbles upon a dangerous historical puzzle involving the Knights Templar. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself at the center of a deadly conflict between those who wish to protect the Templar's ancient secrets and those who seek to expose them. The quest leads him across Europe, racing against time and pursued by a shadowy cabal, as he tries to unravel centuries-old clues that could shake the foundations of Christianity and alter the world's power structure if revealed.

    The 8411th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 70. We Pierce by Andrew Huebner

    The novel is a poignant exploration of the American experience, focusing on two brothers from a small town who find themselves on divergent paths at the dawn of the 21st century. One brother enlists in the military, driven by a sense of duty and the desire for adventure, and is sent to the Middle East, where he confronts the harsh realities of war. Meanwhile, the other brother remains at home, dealing with his own struggles and the impact of his brother's absence on their family. Their journeys reflect the personal and national conflicts of a country grappling with its identity and the consequences of its actions abroad.

    The 8430th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 71. A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir

    In this gripping fantasy sequel, two fugitives fight to survive and overthrow a tyrannical regime. The former scholar-turned-fugitive and her warrior ally, with the help of a spy and other unexpected friends, embark on a dangerous journey to free the former's brother from a notorious prison. As they navigate through political intrigue and dark magic, they must also confront their own inner demons and the growing feelings between them. With the empire's most brutal forces on their trail, the pair must use all their wits and courage to outsmart their enemies and fan the flames of rebellion, while a prophecy looms over them, threatening to shake the very foundations of their world.

    The 8433rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 72. The Grace Of Kings by Ken Liu

    In a sweeping fantasy epic set in a world inspired by the historical legends of China, two unlikely friends, a bandit and a duke, lead a rebellion against a tyrannical emperor. Their successful revolution ushers in a new era of chaos and conflict as the two heroes, driven by vastly different visions of justice and governance, find themselves at odds. The novel weaves intricate themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of power and ambition, as the characters navigate a richly detailed world of gods, airships, and divine interventions. The story is as much about the cost of victory as it is about the bonds of friendship and the unpredictable nature of grace.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 73. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

    In this reimagined tale inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights," a young woman volunteers to marry a caliph known for taking a new bride each day only to execute her at dawn. She does this to avenge her best friend, one of his previous victims. However, as she weaves stories night after night to postpone her execution, she begins to see a different side to the ruler and uncovers secrets that could alter the course of the kingdom. Amidst a backdrop of magic, betrayal, and political intrigue, the woman finds herself torn between her mission for revenge and the unexpected feelings she develops for the man she intended to hate.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 74. The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

    This novel introduces readers to a world where ancient magic and modern day collide, centered around the life of Nicholas Flamel, a legendary alchemist who possesses the secret to eternal life. When his powerful book, the Codex, is stolen, Flamel and his wife must rely on the help of two teenage siblings, Sophie and Josh Newman, to recover it. The story unfolds across a backdrop of myth and history, weaving together a thrilling adventure that spans across continents and involves figures from lore and legend. As the twins discover their own untapped powers, they become central to the battle between the forces of good and evil, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

    The 8575th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 75. The Lies Of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

    The book follows the tale of a cunning young thief, raised among a band of con artists and pickpockets, as he navigates the perilous underworld of a Venice-like city. Gifted in the art of deception and driven by a love for adventure and riches, he orchestrates elaborate heists, outwitting the wealthy nobility and rival gangs. However, when a mysterious and powerful adversary threatens the fragile peace of the criminal world, the protagonist must use all his wits and bravery to protect his friends, challenge the status quo, and survive the escalating dangers of his chosen life of crime.

    The 8580th 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