Best Adventure Books January 2025

The Near Witch

In a village where wind whispers secrets and shadows dance, Lexi has always been drawn to the eerie legend of the Near Witch. When children start vanishing, suspicion falls on a mysterious stranger. But Lexi sees beyond fear, sensing a connection to the enigmatic boy. As she unravels the truth, she discovers a world where magic thrums beneath the surface, and love blooms in the most unexpected places. Schwab’s haunting prose weaves a spellbinding tale that lingers long after the last page.

Origin

In “Origin,” Dan Brown weaves a thrilling tapestry of science and religion, challenging our very understanding of existence. As symbologist Robert Langdon races through Spain, he uncovers a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape humanity’s future. Brown’s signature blend of art, history, and cutting-edge technology creates a pulse-pounding adventure that kept me up all night. I found myself questioning everything I thought I knew about our origins and purpose. A mind-bending journey that’ll leave you breathless.

Code Name Helene

In “Code Name Helene,” Ariel Lawhon weaves a gripping tale of Nancy Wake, a fearless WWII spy. I was captivated by Nancy’s transformation from glamorous socialite to ruthless resistance fighter. Lawhon’s vivid prose transported me to war-torn Europe, where I felt the weight of Nancy’s dangerous missions. The blend of romance and espionage kept me on edge, and I found myself holding my breath during close calls. A powerful tribute to an unsung heroine that left me in awe of her courage.

The Huntress

Sarah’s world shatters when she discovers her British fiancé’s dark past. Across the Atlantic, Nina, a fierce Russian fighter pilot, hunts Nazi war criminals. Their paths collide in post-war Boston, where they join forces with Ian, a war correspondent, to track down a ruthless Nazi known as the Huntress. Quinn weaves a gripping tale of vengeance, justice, and unexpected alliances, keeping readers on edge until the very last page.

Dead Wake

Erik Larson’s “Dead Wake” plunges readers into the harrowing final voyage of the Lusitania. With his trademark blend of meticulous research and gripping narrative, Larson brings to life the passengers, crew, and historical figures caught in the crosshairs of World War I. As the liner steams towards its fate, tension mounts, and personal stories intertwine with global events. I found myself holding my breath, even knowing the outcome. A riveting tale that haunted me long after the last page.

Rule of Wolves

Leigh Bardugo’s “Rule of Wolves” plunges readers back into the Grishaverse, where danger lurks in every shadow. As war looms, Nikolai Lantsov fights to save his country and his soul, while Nina Zenik seeks vengeance for her fallen love. The stakes have never been higher, and alliances shift like sand. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late, completely enthralled by Bardugo’s masterful storytelling and complex characters. A thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that left me craving more.

King of Scars

I found myself utterly captivated by Leigh Bardugo’s “King of Scars.” This gripping tale follows Nikolai Lantsov, the young king of Ravka, as he grapples with dark magic threatening to consume him. Bardugo’s masterful world-building and complex characters drew me in from the first page. The way she weaves political intrigue with supernatural elements is simply mesmerizing. I couldn’t put it down, staying up far too late just to see what would happen next. A must-read for fantasy lovers!

Crooked Kingdom

Kaz Brekker’s crew barely escaped with their lives after pulling off a daring heist in the impenetrable Ice Court. Now, they’re back in Ketterdam, nursing wounds and facing impossible odds. With powerful enemies closing in, Kaz must devise a scheme to outwit them all. As loyalties are tested and old wounds reopened, the gang fights not just for revenge, but for their very survival. Bardugo’s gritty, fast-paced sequel plunges readers into a world of intrigue, where every alliance is fragile and every victory comes at a cost.

Shadow and Bone

Alina Starkov’s ordinary life is shattered when her hidden power awakens, thrusting her into the lavish world of the magical elite. As she struggles to hone her newfound abilities, dark forces conspire against her. Caught between loyalty and love, Alina must unravel the secrets of her past to save her country from the Shadow Fold. Bardugo’s richly imagined Grishaverse comes alive with intrigue, romance, and heart-stopping action that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Ninth House

Galaxy “Alex” Stern never expected to be offered a full ride to Yale. But when she wakes up in a hospital bed—the sole survivor of a multiple homicide—everything changes. Alex is tasked with monitoring Yale’s secret societies, where the future elite engage in sinister occult practices. As she delves deeper into this shadowy world, Alex uncovers a dark conspiracy that threatens everything she holds dear. Bardugo’s adult debut is a gritty, haunting tale that blends the supernatural with real-world issues, creating a gripping narrative that will keep you up at night.