Best Adventure Books January 2025

City of Ghosts

Cassidy Blake’s life changed forever when she nearly drowned. Now, she can see ghosts and cross into the spirit world. When her parents, paranormal investigators, take her to haunted Edinburgh, Cassidy discovers a city teeming with restless spirits. As she unravels a centuries-old mystery, she realizes her gift might be both a blessing and a curse. With her ghostly best friend Jacob by her side, Cassidy must face her fears and confront a powerful entity threatening the living and the dead alike.

Four Seasons in Rome

Doerr’s enchanting memoir transports readers to the Eternal City, where he spent a year with his wife and newborn twins. With lyrical prose and keen observations, he captures the essence of Roman life – from the aroma of fresh espresso to the grandeur of ancient ruins. Doerr’s reflections on parenthood, art, and history intertwine seamlessly, creating a vivid tapestry of his Roman adventure. His infectious curiosity and wonder make this book a delightful journey through Italy’s captivating capital.

About Grace

David Winkler, a hydrologist haunted by premonitory dreams, flees his family to escape a vision of his daughter’s death. Isolated in the Caribbean, he grapples with guilt and longing. Years later, he embarks on a journey home, hoping to reconcile with his past. Doerr’s lyrical prose weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and the intricate patterns of nature. This poignant exploration of a father’s devotion will leave you pondering the delicate balance between fate and free will.

Fool’s Fate

Diving back into the world of FitzChivalry Farseer, Robin Hobb’s “Fool’s Fate” is a masterful conclusion to the Tawny Man trilogy. Hobb’s rich prose and intricate character development shine as Fitz faces his most daunting challenge yet. I found myself completely absorbed, staying up far too late just to read one more chapter. The complex relationships and political intrigue kept me guessing until the very end. A bittersweet, satisfying finale that left me both elated and emotionally drained.

Golden Fool

Fitz’s journey continues in this gripping sequel, weaving political intrigue with magical mystery. Hobb’s masterful storytelling draws you deeper into the Six Duchies, where loyalty and betrayal dance a dangerous waltz. I found myself lost in Fitz’s struggles, his bond with the Fool both touching and complex. The rich world-building and nuanced characters kept me up late, turning pages with bated breath. A must-read for fantasy lovers seeking depth and heart.

Fool’s Errand

Fifteen years have passed since Fitz, the royal assassin, vanished from court. Living quietly as a farmer, he’s haunted by memories of his past and the wolf-bond he once shared. But when his old mentor Chade unexpectedly appears, Fitz is thrust back into a world of intrigue and danger. The kingdom faces a new threat, and only Fitz’s unique skills can save it. As he grapples with his reluctance to return, Fitz must confront his own demons and the price of loyalty. Hobb’s masterful storytelling weaves a tale of sacrifice, duty, and the enduring power of friendship.

Assassin’s Quest

In this gripping finale to the Farseer trilogy, FitzChivalry Farseer faces his greatest challenge yet. Presumed dead, Fitz must navigate a world where his very existence is a threat. With his beloved wolf at his side, he embarks on a perilous journey to save the Six Duchies from the machinations of the evil Regal. Hobb’s masterful storytelling weaves together threads of loyalty, magic, and sacrifice, creating a tapestry of adventure that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

Royal Assassin

Fitz, the royal bastard, returns to Buckkeep a changed man. Haunted by his near-death experience, he grapples with newfound powers and old loyalties. As political intrigue swirls around him, Fitz must navigate treacherous waters, balancing his duties as assassin with his growing bond to the mysterious Fool. Hobb’s masterful prose brings this world to life, weaving a tale of magic, betrayal, and the weight of destiny. A gripping sequel that left me breathless and eager for more.

Assassin’s Apprentice

In a world where magic and politics intertwine, young Fitz, the illegitimate son of a prince, finds himself thrust into the dangerous world of royal intrigue. Trained as an assassin by the enigmatic Chade, Fitz struggles to balance his loyalty to the crown with his own desires for a normal life. As he navigates court politics and hones his skills, Fitz uncovers dark secrets that threaten the kingdom’s stability. Hobb’s rich prose and complex characters draw you into a tale of sacrifice, duty, and the price of power.

The Hero of Ages

Elend Venture’s reign as emperor faces its greatest challenge as the mists grow deadlier, threatening all life. Vin, the Mistborn heroine, grapples with her powers and destiny. As the world teeters on the brink, the crew must unravel ancient prophecies and confront the sinister force behind the mists. Sanderson’s masterful conclusion to the Mistborn trilogy weaves intricate magic, political intrigue, and heart-wrenching sacrifices into an epic tale that left me breathless until the very last page.