Dive into the Unknown: Top 10 Must-Read Adventure Books for Newcomers

Ever feel that itch for something more? That whisper of faraway lands and thrilling escapades? If you’re nodding along, then welcome, fellow explorer! You’ve landed in the right place. The world of adventure literature is vast and exhilarating, but dipping your toes in can feel a little daunting. Fear not! We’ve charted a course through the literary wilderness to bring you the top 10 beginner fantasy adventure books (and beyond!) that are perfect for igniting your inner adventurer. Get ready to turn the page on ordinary and step into extraordinary worlds!

The Top 10 Adventures to Get You Hooked

Alright, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Here are ten incredible adventure books that are perfect for beginners looking to explore new literary landscapes:

The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien:

• • Summary: Bilbo Baggins, a comfortable hobbit, is unexpectedly swept away on an adventure by the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug.
  • Where to Purchase: Major online and physical bookstores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, local independent bookstores.
  • Approximate Length: Around 300 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: The Hobbit film trilogy (An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, The Battle of the Five Armies) starring Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, and Richard Armitage. Released between 2012 and 2014.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions typically range from $10 to $15.

A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas:

• • Summary: When huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature demands retribution. Taken to a magical land, she discovers a world of faeries, dangerous secrets, and unexpected love.
  • Where to Purchase: Widely available at major retailers.
  • Approximate Length: Around 448 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: A television series adaptation is currently in development for Hulu.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions usually cost between $12 and $18.

The Princess Bride” by William Goldman:

• • Summary: A classic tale of true love and high adventure, featuring sword fights, giants, rodents of unusual size, and a daring rescue. Told with a witty and engaging narrative style.
  • Where to Purchase: Available at most bookstores and online retailers.
  • Approximate Length: Around 320 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: The iconic 1987 film adaptation “The Princess Bride” starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions typically range from $10 to $16.

The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins:

• • Summary: In a dystopian future, teenagers are chosen annually as “tributes” to fight to the death in a televised spectacle. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to save her younger sister, sparking a rebellion.
  • Where to Purchase: Found at all major book retailers.
  • Approximate Length: Around 374 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: The Hunger Games film series starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth (2012-2015), and the prequel film “The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” (2023) starring Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions usually cost between $9 and $14.

Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan:

• • Summary: When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he is the son of a Greek god, he is thrust into a world of mythical creatures, quests, and ancient prophecies.
  • Where to Purchase: Widely available online and in bookstores.
  • Approximate Length: Around 377 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: The Percy Jackson film adaptation “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” (2010) starring Logan Lerman, and the Disney+ series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” (2023-present) starring Walker Scobell.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions typically range from $8 to $12.

The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho:

• • Summary: A philosophical adventure following a young Andalusian shepherd boy as he journeys to Egypt in search of treasure, discovering profound truths about himself and the world along the way.
  • Where to Purchase: Available at most book retailers.
  • Approximate Length: Around 197 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: No major film or series adaptation to date.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions usually cost between $11 and $16.

Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine:

• • Summary: Ella is cursed at birth with the “gift” of obedience, forcing her to do anything she is told. She embarks on a quest to break the curse and find her own voice. A delightful fairytale retelling.
  • Where to Purchase: Found at major online and physical bookstores.
  • Approximate Length: Around 232 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: The film adaptation “Ella Enchanted” (2004) starring Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions typically range from $7 to $11.

The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart:

• • Summary: Four gifted children respond to a peculiar advertisement and are sent on a secret mission to infiltrate a mysterious school and uncover a sinister plot. A clever and engaging adventure with a focus on puzzles and teamwork.
  • Where to Purchase: Available at most book retailers.
  • Approximate Length: Around 485 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: The Disney+ series “The Mysterious Benedict Society” (2021-2022) starring Tony Hale.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions usually cost between $10 and $15.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon” by Kelly Barnhill:

• • Summary:
  • A young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon accidentally ingests moonlight, imbuing her with extraordinary magic. A lyrical and enchanting fantasy adventure.
  • Where to Purchase: Widely available at major retailers.
  • Approximate Length: Around 400 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: No major film or series adaptation to date.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions typically range from $12 to $17.

The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau:

• • Summary: In a dying underground city, two teenagers discover an ancient message that may hold the key to their survival and a way to the surface world. A compelling dystopian adventure with a strong sense of mystery.
  • Where to Purchase: Found at all major book retailers.
  • Approximate Length: Around 337 pages.
  • Movie/Series Adaptation: The film adaptation “City of Ember” (2008) starring Saoirse Ronan and Harry Treadaway.
  • Approximate Cost: Paperback editions usually cost between $9 and $14.

Your Adventure Awaits: Taking the First Step

So there you have it – a curated list of ten fantastic adventure books to kickstart your journey into this thrilling genre. Remember, every epic quest begins with a single step (or in this case, the turn of a page!). Don’t be afraid to dive in, explore these new worlds, and get swept away by the excitement.

Ready to embark on your literary adventure? Pick a book that sparks your interest, find a cozy spot, and let the story unfold. Who knows what incredible discoveries you’ll make and what new favorite genres you might uncover? Happy reading, and may your adventures be filled with wonder!