20 Best Action Novels

Best Action Novels captivate readers with heart-pounding action filled with stories that will keep your adrenaline pumping just as you read. These books will lead you to a world where heroes confront extraordinary challenges, villains plot nefarious schemes making the lines between life and death blurry.

So here is a list of the Best Action novels of all time holding within them twenty titles that you would love to read at your leisure to get your thrill going.

20 Best Action Novels Listed

Here is a list of the 20 Best Action novels of all time:

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton: A groundbreaking science fiction novel written by Michael Crichton, first published on 20 November 1990 certainly one of the Best Action Novels of its time.  This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of genetic engineering and features a zoological park with genetically recreated dinosaurs. This will provoke your thoughts and keep you captivated with vivid imaginations to its end.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: A beloved children’s fantasy novel by JRR Tolkien. First published in 1937 and since then recognized as a classic children’s literature with its imaginative storytelling and richly detailed world making this one of the Best Action Novels of all time. The novel has been printed and has been adapted into several types of Multimedia formats making it a timeless piece of literature.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: A dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins which was published in 2008. It is part of a trilogy, the story is set in a post-apocalyptic nation called Panem. In the story, there is one Capitol and twelve other poorer districts. The annual hunger games are held by the capitol to force their control over other districts and have a fight to the death until there is only one victor. The book is praised and acclaimed for its compelling plot and thought-provoking themes making this one of the Best Action Novels of all time.

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien: The first volume of  JRR Tolkien’s epic fantasy novel Lord of the Rings. Set in the fictional universe of Middle-earth and begins with the journey of Frodo Baggins as he sets out to destroy the one ring. The story gives you a captivating and immersive reading experience and will enjoy your adventure in Middle-earth.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: A mystery thriller novel by Dan Brown was first published on March 18, 2003. It is the second book in the Robert Longdon series. The book explores alternative religious history and has sparked widespread interest in topics such as the Holy Grail legend and Mary Magdalene’s role in Christianity. it has been translated into 44 languages making this one of the best Action Novels of its time and inspired a film adaptation released in 2006.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: A psychological thriller novel by Swedish author and journalist Stieg Larsson published after he died in 2005. It is the first book in the Millennium series and has become an international bestseller making this one the Best Action Novels of all time. This book has left a significant impact on the thriller genre and has been adapted into successful Swedish and American film versions.

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum: A spy fiction thriller written by Robert Ludlum, first published in 1980. The book introduces Jason Bourne who has remarkable survival abilities but also is suffering from retrograde amnesia. the book has been praised for its complex plot earning the fame of being one of the Best Action Novels out there. This book has left a significant impact on the thriller genre making this a must-read and enjoy this thrilling adventure.

The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy: This is the debut novel of American author Tom Clancy, published in 1984. It’s in the techno-thriller genre featuring the story of a soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius as he goes rogue with his country’s cutting-edge ballistic misibls submarine, Red October. The story’s blend of military, espionage, and historical fiction elements and details writing style makes it one of the best action novels of its time.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas: An adventure novel written by French author Alexandre Dumas that was completed in 1844. The story is set during the time of Bourbon restoration in France and follows the life of a man who is wrongfully imprisoned as he escapes prison he acquires a fortune and sets out on a path of vengeance. The novel has been one of the best action novels among Alexandre Dumas’s works. If you are interested in a tale of betrayal, and retribution set against the historical backdrop of the early 19th century then this is the right book for you.

The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien: The third and final novel of JRR Tolkien’s epic fantasy series “The Lord of the Rings” It was first published in 1955, the story continues as the characters prepare for the final confrontation with the Dark Lord Sauron in the Kingdom of Gondor. The story volume also contains important appendices that provide further background on the lore and languages of Middle-earth. If you a fan of high fantasy and epic adventures, this book is a musread and a fitting end to a beloved trilogy making this one of the Best Action Novels of all time.

The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow:  A Memoir by David Crow was published on May 7, 2019. The book recounts Crow’s horrifying childhood growing up on the Navajo Indian Reservation with his three siblings and their father. The book details Crow’s struggle to escape the cycle of abuse and his journey towards personal success. The story presents a narrative about survival the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit. If you are interested in gripping memoirs then this is among one of the Best Action Novels you can find.

The Terminal List by Jack Carr: A top-of-the-time Political Thriller novel brought to you by Jack Carr. It was first published on March 6, 2018. The narrative of the book brings with it an authentic drawing from the author’s own experiences in special operations in Navy Seals. The book has been well received for its gripping storytelling and has been adapted into a television series too, making this one of the Best Action Novels of its time.

The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci: A thriller novel by David Baldacci, first published on July 12, 2022. The novel is filled with thriller themes and complex characters with fast-paced plots. If you are a fan of thrillers with a mix of mystery, crime, and suspense this book is one of the Best Action Novels just for you.

The Summer House by James Patterson: A thriller novel written by James Patterson and Brenda Dubois that was first published on June 8, 2020. The book starts with a historic lake house where the scene becomes a grisly nighttime mass murder involving seven victims. The book is a tense thriller that explores themes of military honor, justice, and the complexities of uncovering the truth in a small town. If you’re a fan of action novels, then this is one of the Best Action Novels just for you.

The Edge (6:20 Man Book 2) by David Baldacci: The second book in the 6:20 Man Series which was published in 2023 14 November following the release of its first book. The story continues as the protagonist is dropped into a small coastal town in Maine to solve the murder of a CIA Agent who knew America’s dirtiest secrets. if you liked the first installment of the series then I am sure this will also make you love it as it can be considered one of the Best Action Novels of the author.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson: An adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson originally serialised from 1881 to 1882. The novel is considered a coming-of-age story and is noted for its atmosphere. It has had a significant impact on popular perceptions of pirates, including elements such as deserted tropical islands making this one of the Best Action Novels of its time.

The Martian by Andy Weir: It is a science fiction novel by Andy Weir which was first published in 2011 as a self-published work on Weir’s blog in a serialized format. Later as it gained popularity, it was re-released in February 2014 after Crown Publishing Group acquired the exclusive publishing rights. Since it was published, it can be considered among one of the best action novels of its time for its thrilling survival stories and space adventures and the gripping tale of human perseverance and the spirit of exploration.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad: A novella by Plish-English novelist Joseph Conrad which is published as a three-part series story in Black Woods Magazine in 1899 and 1902 as a book. The is known for having a profound psychological insight and its portrayal of the complexities of imperialism and human nature. If you are interested in a classic that delves into the darkness of the human psyche and the horrors of colonialism, this is one of the best action novels for you.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding: The book revolves around a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island and their disastrous attempts to govern themselves. This book written by William Golding is considered one of the Best action novels of its time and continues to be read among the community for it;’s individuality, rational and emotional reactions, and mortality and immortality that it presents.

Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory: This is a reworking of the legendary tales of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table by Sir Thomas Malory. If you are interested in the chivalric romance and the rich tapestry of Arthurian legends then this book will offer you a comprehensive collection making it the best action novel of its kind.

Afterwords On Our Best Action Novels List

These 20 best action novels of all time will thrill you and give you an escape into realms brimming with danger, bravery, and relentless pursuit. So I am sure you have been thrilled if you were here for Best Action novels.

There are still a lot of Best Action Novels out there, so be sure to check out our collection of books in Action and keep sating your hunger for action.