As we kick off the summer travel season, we’re also diving into a fantastic reading challenge theme: Adventure. What better companion for your journeys than stories filled with quests, daring escapes, and unforgettable roads less traveled? Whether you’re heading across the country or simply relaxing close to home, adventure novels invite you to step beyond the familiar—following characters who chase something more, face the unexpected, and return changed. This month, we’re celebrating the thrill of the journey, both on the page and in the world around us.
Adventure fiction thrives on high-stakes journeys and even greater risks. Whether it’s a hobbit setting out on an epic quest, a U.S. Marshal fighting to protect a community, an escaped slave traveling in secret toward freedom, or a sword-wielding hero racing to save the day, every page carries the weight of lives on the line. It’s a genre I return to often—especially through series like Prey and Jack Ryan—but I’m always eager to discover something new. Lately, I’ve been exploring recommendations from our StoryGraph community, and I have to say—their picks are absolutely worth the journey:
- The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, Shannon Chakraborty
- The Black Corsair, Emilio Salgari
- The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexandre Dumas
- The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien
- Jurassic Park, Michael Crichton
- The Last Letter of Rachel Ellsworth, Barbara O’Neal
- The Left-handed Booksellers of London, Garth Nix
- Real Breaker, Victoria Aveyard
- Treasure Island, Robert Lewis Stevenson
- Tress of the Emerald Sea, Brandon Sanderson
- The Underground Railroad, Colson Whitehead
Much like fantasy, action and adventure stories often make their way from page to screen. From beloved classics like The Lord of the Rings and Jurassic Park to more literary adaptations like The Count of Monte Cristo, many of these unforgettable journeys continue beyond the book—bringing your favorite heroes and high-stakes adventures to life on screen.
This month brought another overflow of great options for our reading playlist. Perfect for both your next cozy reading session and your next road trip, this lineup is packed with songs you’re sure to recognize and love. With nearly two hours of music, it’s the kind of playlist you can hit play on and enjoy without hearing the same song twice anytime soon.
You can get our Spotify list here. Tell me – what would you add to our adventure playlist?
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What I’m Reading
- Current print book: Killing Lincoln, Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard
- Current audio book: The Mark of Zorro, Johnston McCulley
- Book I’m most looking forward to: Pretty Dead Things, Kelsey Cox
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