Best Action Books January 2025

The Veiled Throne

In “The Veiled Throne,” Ken Liu weaves a tapestry of intrigue and power in a world where magic and technology collide. I was captivated by the complex characters, each grappling with their own demons while navigating a treacherous political landscape. Liu’s prose is both lyrical and precise, painting vivid scenes that lingered in my mind long after I closed the book. The exploration of cultural identity and the cost of progress resonated deeply with me, making this more than just another fantasy novel.

The Wall of Storms

In this sweeping epic, Ken Liu weaves a tapestry of myth, magic, and political intrigue. Set in a world inspired by ancient China, the story follows a young empress struggling to maintain her grip on power. As rival factions plot and scheme, a mysterious force threatens from beyond the kingdom’s borders. Liu’s masterful prose brings to life complex characters and a richly imagined world, blending history and fantasy in a tale that will captivate readers until the very last page.

The Grace of Kings

Liu’s epic fantasy reimagines Chinese history through a captivating lens. Two unlikely friends become rivals as they fight to shape an empire’s future. Filled with intrigue, warfare, and mythical elements, the story weaves complex characters into a rich tapestry of ambition and destiny. Liu’s lyrical prose brings this vibrant world to life, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and the price of progress. A masterful blend of Eastern and Western storytelling traditions that will leave readers spellbound.

The Fall of Babel

Senlin’s journey through the Tower of Babel reaches its thrilling conclusion in this final installment. As chaos reigns and long-held secrets unravel, our unlikely hero must confront his greatest fears and make impossible choices. Bancroft’s vivid prose brings the Tower’s bizarre world to life, while exploring themes of power, identity, and the nature of humanity. A masterful blend of steampunk fantasy and philosophical musings, this book will leave you breathless and contemplating long after the last page is turned.

The Hod King

Senlin’s journey through the Tower of Babel takes a perilous turn as he infiltrates the ringdom of Pelphia. Disguised as a noble, he must navigate treacherous politics and uncover the whereabouts of his lost wife. Meanwhile, Voleta and Iren face their own challenges in the ringdom’s deadly arena. Bancroft’s vivid prose brings this steampunk world to life, weaving intrigue and adventure with moments of unexpected humor. As the stakes rise, loyalties are tested, and secrets threaten to unravel everything Senlin holds dear.

Arm of the Sphinx

Senlin’s quest to find his missing wife takes a thrilling turn in this captivating sequel. Aboard the airship “Stone Cloud,” he and his eccentric crew navigate the treacherous Tower of Babel, facing new dangers and uncovering shocking secrets. Bancroft’s vivid prose brings this steampunk world to life, while his complex characters grapple with loyalty, identity, and the price of ambition. I found myself completely immersed, unable to put it down as the mysteries deepened and the stakes grew ever higher.

The Bands of Mourning

Sanderson’s latest Mistborn adventure whisks readers back to the world of Scadrial, where allomantic powers and political intrigue collide. Wax and Wayne, our unlikely heroes, embark on a perilous quest to uncover the mythical Bands of Mourning. As they navigate treacherous landscapes and face formidable foes, the duo’s witty banter and deep friendship shine through. Sanderson’s masterful worldbuilding and intricate magic system kept me turning pages late into the night, eager to unravel the mysteries alongside the characters. A thrilling ride for fantasy lovers and newcomers alike.

Senlin Ascends

Thomas Senlin, a small-town schoolteacher, embarks on a honeymoon adventure to the Tower of Babel, only to lose his wife in the teeming crowds. Determined to find her, he begins a perilous ascent through the Tower’s bizarre and treacherous ringdoms. As he climbs, Senlin unravels the Tower’s mysteries, confronting danger, deceit, and his own naivety. This steampunk-infused journey blends whimsy and darkness, challenging Senlin to evolve from a timid academic into a cunning survivor in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Shadows of Self

Shadows of Self plunges readers back into the gritty, mist-shrouded world of Scadrial. Waxium Ladrian, lawman turned reluctant nobleman, grapples with his dual identity as he investigates a series of mysterious murders. Sanderson’s masterful blend of fantasy and detective noir keeps you guessing until the very end. I found myself completely absorbed, staying up way too late just to unravel one more clue. The witty banter between Wax and Wayne provides welcome moments of levity amidst the mounting tension. A thrilling ride that left me eager for more.

The Alloy of Law

Wax Ladrian, a lawman from the untamed Roughs, returns to the bustling city of Elendel after twenty years away. Haunted by his past, he reluctantly takes up his uncle’s noble title and finds himself thrust into a world of political intrigue and technological marvels. As he grapples with his new responsibilities, a string of mysterious robberies threatens the city’s stability. Wax must dust off his guns and team up with his eccentric friend Wayne to uncover a conspiracy that could shake the very foundations of their society. Sanderson’s blend of Wild West grit and steampunk ingenuity creates a thrilling adventure that kept me up way too late.