Adventure fiction authors craft tales of daring exploits, exotic locales, and thrilling suspense. Their work transports readers to new and exciting worlds, where they can experience the thrill of the chase, the excitement of discovery, and the satisfaction of overcoming adversity.
Some of the most iconic adventure fiction writers include H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and Robert Louis Stevenson.
These are just a few of the many adventure fiction writers who have captivated readers for generations. Their stories are full of excitement, adventure, and wonder, and they continue to inspire new readers to discover the joy of storytelling.
In addition to the classic adventure writers listed above, there are many contemporary authors who are carrying on the tradition of crafting thrilling and suspenseful tales. Some of these authors include Clive Cussler, James Rollins and Dan Brown.
These are just a few of the many contemporary adventure fiction writers who are thrilling readers with their exciting and suspenseful stories. Their work continues to prove that adventure fiction is a genre that knows no bounds, and that there are always new and exciting stories to be told.
Adventure fiction is a popular genre for readers of all ages because it offers a chance to escape from the everyday world and experience the thrill of adventure. Adventure fiction writers transport readers to new and exciting worlds, where they can experience the excitement of discovery, the challenges of overcoming adversity, and the satisfaction of achieving their goals.
Here are twenty of the top adventure fiction writers:
Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) was a French writer best known for his historical adventure novels, such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. His novels are characterized by their fast-paced plots, exciting action, and memorable characters. Dumas was a master of storytelling, and his novels have been enjoyed by readers of all ages for generations. His work has also been adapted into numerous films and television shows, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest adventure writers of all time.
Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright, best known for his adventure fiction. He is often called the “father of science fiction” for his visionary tales of space, air, and underwater adventure in classics like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (1869) and Around the World in Eighty Days (1873). Verne’s novels were not only exciting and imaginative, but they were also based on a solid foundation of scientific knowledge. He spent a great deal of time researching his topics, and his work is full of accurate descriptions of new technologies and scientific discoveries. The novels have inspired generations of readers and writers, and his influence can be seen in many modern works of science fiction and adventure. He is truly one of the most important and beloved authors in the genre.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, essayist, poet, and travel writer, best known for his adventure fiction. His novels, such as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, are classics of the genre, and continue to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Stevenson was a master of plot, suspense, and character development, and his stories are full of memorable characters and exciting adventures.
Rider Haggard (1856-1925) was a prolific writer of adventure fiction, known for his exotic settings, thrilling plots, and complex characters. His novels, such as King Solomon’s Mines and She, continue to be popular today, and his influence can be seen in many modern adventure stories. He was a master of adventure fiction, writing novels that were both exciting and thought-provoking. He was a pioneer of the lost world genre, and his stories often featured exotic locations, daring escapades, and mysterious civilizations. Haggard’s characters were complex and well-developed, and his plots were full of twists and turns. His work continues to be enjoyed by readers around the world, and his influence can be seen in many modern adventure stories.
Sir James Percy FitzPatrick (1862-1931) was a South African author, politician, mining financier and pioneer of the fruit industry. He is best known for his book Jock of the Bushveld (1907), a fictionalized account of his adventures with his dog Jock while working as a transport rider in the Transvaal in the 1880s. FitzPatrick’s adventure fiction is characterized by its vivid descriptions of the South African bush, its realistic portrayals of the challenges of frontier life, and its heartwarming stories of friendship and loyalty. His work has been praised for its ability to capture the spirit of the early days of South Africa and for its timeless appeal.
G. Wells (1866-1946) was an English writer best known for his science fiction novels, such as The Time Machine (1895), The War of the Worlds (1898), and The Invisible Man (1897). He was also a prolific writer of non-fiction, and he wrote extensively on a variety of topics, including history, politics, and social commentary. Wells’ adventure fiction is characterized by its imaginative concepts, exciting plots, and thought-provoking themes. His novels often explore the potential consequences of new technologies and scientific discoveries, and they raise important questions about the future of humanity. Wells’ work has had a profound impact on popular culture, and his novels have been adapted into numerous successful films and television shows.
John Buchan (1875-1940) was a Scottish novelist, historian, biographer and politician who served as Governor General of Canada from 1935 to 1940. He is best known for his adventure novels, including The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915) and Greenmantle (1916), which feature the character of Richard Hannay. Buchan’s work is characterized by its fast-paced plots, exotic locales, and memorable characters. His novels have been praised for their ability to capture the spirit of adventure and excitement, and they continue to be popular.
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was an American author best known for his adventure fiction, including the Tarzan series, the John Carter of Mars series, and the Pellucidar series. He was also a prolific writer of other genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and westerns. Burroughs’ adventure fiction is characterized by its exotic settings, thrilling plots, and memorable characters. His novels often feature themes of good versus evil, the power of nature, and the importance of human ingenuity. Burroughs’ work has had a profound impact on popular culture, and his characters have been featured in numerous films, television shows, and other media.
Jack London (1876-1916) was an American writer of adventure fiction set in the Alaskan Klondike and other exotic locations. His novels and short stories are characterized by their fast-paced plots, exciting action, and well-developed characters, novels like The Call of the Wild and White Fang. His work has been praised for its realistic portrayals of nature and its exploration of social and economic issues. London’s adventure fiction often features themes of survival, the human spirit, and the struggle between good and evil. His novels also explore issues such as the exploitation of natural resources. London’s novels have been adapted into numerous films and television shows.
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer and philologist, best known for his high fantasy works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He is widely regarded as the father of modern fantasy literature.Tolkien’s adventure fiction is characterized by its epic scope, richly detailed world-building, and complex characters. His stories often feature themes of good versus evil, friendship, and courage. Tolkien’s work has had a profound impact on popular culture, and his books have been adapted into numerous successful films and television shows.
William Golding (1911-1993) was an English novelist, poet, playwright, and essayist, best known for his allegorical novel Lord of the Flies (1954). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983. Golding’s adventure fiction is characterized by its dark and disturbing themes, its exploration of the human condition, and its complex and well-developed characters. His novels often feature themes of good versus evil, the fragility of civilization, and the dangers of unchecked power. Golding’s work has had a profound impact on popular culture, and his novels have been adapted into numerous films and television shows.
Alistair MacLean (1922-1987) was a Scottish novelist best known for his adventure thrillers, such as The Guns of Navarone (1957), Ice Station Zebra (1963), and Where Eagles Dare (1967). His novels are characterized by their fast-paced plots, suspenseful cliffhangers, and well-developed characters. His work is also known for its realistic portrayals of military operations and extreme environments.The adventure fiction features themes of courage, teamwork, and the triumph of good over evil. His novels have been adapted into numerous successful films and television shows, and they continue to be popular with readers.
Wilbur Smith (1933-2021) was a South African novelist best known for his adventure fiction, set in Africa and other exotic locations. His novels are characterized by their fast-paced plots, exciting action, and well-developed characters. His work has been praised for its vivid descriptions of nature and its accurate portrayal of historical events. Smith’s adventure fiction often features themes of good versus evil, the power of love, and the importance of family. His novels also explore issues such as racism, colonialism, and the environment. Smith’s work has had a profound impact on popular culture, and his novels have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold over 120 million copies worldwide.
Clive Cussler (1931-2020) was an American author best known for his adventure novels, featuring the character of Dirk Pitt. His novels are characterized by their fast-paced plots, exotic settings, and cutting-edge technology. Cussler’s work – novels like Raise the Titanic! Sahara and The Sea Hunters – has been praised for its realistic portrayals of the maritime world and its exploration of historical mysteries.
Ken Follett (born 1949) is a Welsh author best known for his epic historical thrillers, such as The Pillars of the Earth (1989), World Without End (2007), and A Column of Fire (2017). He has also written a number of contemporary thrillers, including Eye of the Needle (1978) and Jackdaws (2001). Follett’s adventure fiction is characterized by its sweeping scope, complex plots, and well-developed characters. His novels feature large casts of characters from different walks of life, and he explores themes of power, corruption, and social justice. Follett’s work is also known for its vivid descriptions of historical settings and events.
David Baldacci (born 1960) is an American author best known for his thriller novels, including the John Puller series, the Amos Decker series, the Atlee Pine series, and the Will Robie series. He has also written a number of stand-alone novels, such as Absolute Power (2006) and Split Second (2019). Baldacci’s adventure fiction is characterized by its fast-paced plots, suspenseful cliffhangers, and complex characters. His novels often feature themes of revenge, justice, and the power of love. Baldacci’s work is also known for its realistic portrayals of law enforcement and the military.
James Rollins (1961) is an American author best known for his adventure thriller novels, featuring the Sigma Force series. His novels are characterized by their fast-paced plots, exotic locales, and cutting-edge technology. Rollins’ work has been praised for its realistic portrayals of the military and the scientific community, as well as its exploration of historical mysteries and lost civilizations. Some of Rollins’ most famous adventure novels include: Sandstorm (2004) Map of Bones (2005) Black Order (2006) and The Judas Strain (2007)
Dan Brown (born 1964) is a best selling American author best known for his thriller novels, including the Robert Langdon novels Angels & Demons (2000), The Da Vinci Code (2003), The Lost Symbol (2009), Inferno (2013), and Origin (2017). His novels are treasure hunts that usually take place over a period of 24 hours. They feature recurring themes of cryptography, art, and conspiracy theories. His books have been translated into 57 languages and, as of 2012, have sold over 200 million copies. Brown’s adventure fiction is characterized by its fast-paced plots, suspenseful cliffhangers, and intriguing mysteries. His novels are also full of fascinating facts and trivia about art, history, and science. Brown’s work has been praised for its ability to entertain and educate readers at the same time.
Jeff Somers (born 1971) is a prolific American author of science fiction and fantasy novels, as well as short stories. He is best known for his Avery Cates series, which includes novels such as The Electric Church (2007), The Digital Plague (2008), and The Machines of War (2023). Somers’ adventure fiction is characterized by its fast-paced plots, exciting action, and complex characters. His novels often feature themes of technology, power, and social justice. Somers’ work is also known for its dark humour and its willingness to tackle difficult topics.
Jack Carr (born 1978) is an American author of thriller novels, best known for his James Reece series, which includes novels such as The Terminal List (2018), True Believer (2019), Savage Son (2020), and The Devil’s Hand (2021). He is a former Navy SEAL and served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Carr’s adventure fiction is characterized by its realistic portrayals of military life and combat, its fast-paced plots, and its suspenseful cliffhangers. His novels often feature themes of patriotism, honor, and the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. Carr’s work has been praised for its authenticity and its ability to transport readers into the world of the Navy SEALs.
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And that’s our list of the 20 best adventure fiction authors. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or any adventure fiction writers not on this list that you feel should make the list?