“You can’t enjoy action from a book; it’s better off left on-screen.” That’s what newbie writers often think when they find out that action has its own genre in literature. Sure, you won’t have visually stimulating explosion-filled car chases or epic choreographed fights, but make no mistake that books can also be a source of action adventure.

With a heart-pounding plot and fast-paced story, you can devour a book in a single sitting. If you’re searching for legal thrillers with romance or simply a page-turning escape into exhilarating escapades, look no further. This list offers the perfect blend of action, adventure, and fantastic fiction mystery to fuel your next binge-reading session.

O8 Action Adventure Books to Read Right Now:

• The Boss: Success Has Its Price by Jack Allen

The glitz and glamour of the billionaire lifestyle often mask a darker reality. In Jack Allen’s The Boss: Success Has Its Price, we delve into a world of ruthless ambition, where wealth intertwines with greed, murder, and thrilling mystery.

Meet Tom Kelly, a shrewd Wall Street lawyer. His life takes an unexpected turn when he falls for the daughter of a powerful Russian oligarch. Suddenly, the bustling streets of New York are replaced by the opulent mansions and cutthroat world of his new family’s business. Secrets lurk in the shadows, and trust is a rare commodity.

Torn between his newfound love and a web of deceit, Tom is forced to confront the hefty price tag that comes with immense wealth. He soon realizes this isn’t your typical high-powered job. Faced with danger, Tom turns to his former comrades from his Navy SEAL days. Together, they go on a quest to unravel the family’s secrets and protect their loved ones in this legal thriller with a romance novel.

• Black Flag by David Ricciardi

This pulse-pounding thriller throws you right into the heart of a terrifying heist. A ruthless gang of thieves is hijacking oil tankers using high-speed boats, leaving a trail of dead bodies in their wake. CIA agents Jake Keller, a tech whiz, and John Pickens, an old-school investigator, are tasked with cracking the case.

Their investigation leads them to the violent underworld of Mogadishu, Somalia, where they must face not only ruthless thieves but also a terrifying pet alligator! Buckle up for a nonstop action ride filled with twists and turns that will keep you on your toes until the very end.

• The Sentinel by Lee Child and Andrew Child

The legendary Jack Reacher is back! This time, he finds himself in Nashville, unexpectedly drawn into a situation where a bar owner is mistreating a group of musicians. Reacher, with his unwavering sense of justice, can’t help but intervene.

However, what starts as a simple act of helping the underdog quickly spirals into a complex web of intrigue. As the action sequences unfold, Reacher’s sharp intellect and relentless pursuit of the truth will keep you glued to the pages, eager to see how he dismantles this tangled mess.

• Hour of the Assassin by Matthew Quirk

In this action-adventure, you’re introduced to Nick Averose, a former Secret Service agent owner of a security company who finds himself in a precarious situation. Hired to test the security system of a former CIA director’s home, he stumbles upon a murder scene and becomes the prime suspect.

Framed for the crime, Nick is forced to go on the run, desperately trying to clear his name. As he unravels the truth, he realizes the conspiracy goes deeper than he could have imagined, connecting back to a presidential candidate and a mysterious event from his past. Nick’s fight for survival and relentless pursuit of the truth make this a high-octane thriller you won’t want to miss.

• Wrath of Poseidon by Clive Cussler and Robin Burcell

If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones, then you’ll enjoy reading this one. This thrilling adventure by the legendary Clive Cussler (co-authored with Robin Burcell) takes you on a treasure hunt spanning continents and decades. We rewind the clock to a chance encounter between a young Sam and Remi Fargo, where they set their sights on a legendary sixth-century BCE treasure.

However, a powerful drug lord thwarts their plans, forcing them to abandon the quest and disappear. Ten years later, the Fargos returned to Greece to finish what they started. But their old nemesis is back, deadlier than ever, and determined to claim the treasure for himself. Get ready for booby traps, daring escapes, and thrilling discoveries as Sam and Remi utilize their wits and brawn to outsmart their foe and claim their prize.

• The Ancient Nine by Ian K. Smith

This unique, fantastic fiction mystery novel by Ian K. Smith boasts a blend of historical intrigue and heart-pounding suspense. Set in 1988 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the story follows two unlikely friends, Dalton and Spenser. Drawn together by curiosity, they delve into the dark secrets of Harvard’s most prestigious and exclusive finals club, the Delphic Club.

As they uncover the club’s hidden past, they find themselves pitted against a formidable group of powerful alumni – the Ancient Nine – who will do anything to protect their secrets. With a plot inspired by real events and a sprinkle of approval from thriller maestro Harlan Coben, this fast-paced mystery will keep you guessing until the very end.

• Coastal Pursuit by J.D. Dudycha

If you’re looking for a new action series to binge-read, look no further than J.D. Dudycha’s FBI Heist series. This explosive first book throws you headfirst into the action with FBI Special Agent Jasper James. A chance encounter with one of the FBI’s Most Wanted criminals leaves James with two bullets in the chest (thankfully stopped by his vest!).

Determined to get revenge, James embarks on an investigation which quickly spirals into a web of deceit. As dead ends pile up, James realizes there’s more to this case than a simple revenge plot. Buckle up for a breakneck adventure filled with car chases, shootouts, and shocking twists that will leave you desperate to find out what happens next.

• Gale Force by Owen Laukkanen

If you crave seafaring adventures, Owen Laukkanen’s Gale Force is a perfect storm of action and suspense. This exhilarating story centers around the crew of the Gale Force, a tugboat operated by a group of tough-as-nails salvagers. When a thief stashes $50 million on a cargo ship headed for disaster, the race is on.

Captain McKenna Rhodes and her crew see an opportunity – a $30 million reward awaits the team that can successfully tow the crippled ship to port. But they’re not the only ones after the prize. A ruthless competitor and the desperate thief create a tense game of cat and mouse, with lives hanging in the balance. Laukkanen’s masterful storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat as the crew of the Gale Force battles the elements and outwits their adversaries.

Final Note:

So, there you have it! From pulse-pounding chases across continents to mind-bending puzzles and whispers of the supernatural, this list offers a taste of the fantastic action adventures waiting for you on the page. Whether you crave classic action adventure, a dash of fantastic fiction mystery, intricate legal thrillers with romance, or something completely unique, there’s a book on this list ready to whisk you away on an unforgettable journey.