Best Adventure Books June 2025

Time’s Convert

Deborah Harkness’s “Time’s Convert” weaves a spellbinding tale of love, history, and vampiric transformation. As Marcus MacNeil grapples with his past and future, readers are transported between revolutionary America and modern-day Paris. Harkness’s rich prose brings to life the complexities of immortality, family bonds, and the weight of centuries-old secrets. I found myself completely immersed in this world, unable to put the book down as I followed Marcus’s journey of self-discovery and redemption. A must-read for fans of paranormal romance and historical fiction alike.

The Book of Life

Deborah Harkness’s “The Book of Life” weaves a spellbinding tale of love, magic, and ancient secrets. As Diana and Matthew return from their time-traveling adventure, they face new challenges that threaten their future. With richly drawn characters and a world steeped in history and lore, Harkness captivates readers, drawing them into a mesmerizing blend of romance, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. I found myself completely lost in the pages, savoring every twist and turn of this beautifully crafted conclusion to the All Souls trilogy.

Shadow of Night

Deborah Harkness’s “Shadow of Night” plunges readers into a captivating world of time travel and supernatural intrigue. As historian Diana Bishop and vampire Matthew Clairmont journey to Elizabethan London, they’re thrust into a dangerous web of politics, magic, and secrets. Harkness’s meticulous research brings the past to life, while her deft storytelling keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely lost in this rich, atmospheric tale, unable to put it down until the very last page.

The Snow Child

Mabel and Jack, a childless couple, venture to 1920s Alaska seeking a fresh start. One snowy night, they build a child from snow, only to find it gone by morning. Mysteriously, a wild young girl appears in the forest. As they grow to love her, they wonder: Is she real or a fleeting dream born of their longing? Ivey’s haunting tale weaves frontier grit with magical realism, exploring the power of hope and the fragility of happiness in a harsh, beautiful landscape.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Bruno’s world turns upside down when his family moves to a strange new house near a fence. Lonely and curious, he befriends Shmuel, a boy he sees through the wire. Their innocent friendship blossoms, oblivious to the harsh realities that divide them. As Bruno’s understanding grows, so does the reader’s heartache. Boyne’s haunting tale, told through a child’s eyes, reminds us of the human cost of hatred and the enduring power of compassion in the darkest times.

The Giver of Stars

Nestled in the rugged hills of Kentucky, “The Giver of Stars” unfolds a tale of resilience and female friendship. Jojo Moyes weaves a captivating narrative of the Pack Horse Librarians, brave women who defied societal norms to bring books to isolated Appalachian communities. Through Alice’s journey, we experience the harsh beauty of the mountains, the warmth of unexpected bonds, and the transformative power of literature. Moyes’ vivid prose brings to life a little-known chapter of history, reminding us that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin with a simple act of kindness.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Elsa is seven, precocious, and utterly devoted to her eccentric grandmother. Their nightly adventures in a fantastical world of fairy tales are Elsa’s refuge from school bullies and her parents’ divorce. When her beloved granny dies, Elsa is left with a series of letters, each a quest to deliver an apology. As she embarks on this treasure hunt, Elsa uncovers the colorful, often painful stories of the quirky tenants in her apartment building, realizing that her grandmother’s imaginary world wasn’t so make-believe after all. A touching, whimsical tale of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

The Last Runaway

Honor Bright, a young Quaker woman, leaves England for America in 1850, seeking a fresh start. Alone in Ohio after tragedy strikes, she finds herself drawn into the dangerous world of the Underground Railroad. As Honor grapples with her conscience and the harsh realities of frontier life, she must choose between her principles and her heart. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the sights, sounds, and textures of 19th-century America, weaving a tale of courage, love, and the pursuit of freedom that will stay with you long after the last page.

The Lady and the Unicorn

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 15th-century Paris with Tracy Chevalier’s “The Lady and the Unicorn.” This captivating tale weaves together art, passion, and intrigue as it unravels the story behind a set of mysterious medieval tapestries. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era, while her complex characters grapple with desire, ambition, and societal expectations. I found myself utterly entranced, unable to put the book down as I followed the intertwining fates of nobles, artisans, and dreamers.

Remarkable Creatures

Mary Anning’s keen eye and relentless curiosity unearth extraordinary fossils along England’s Jurassic Coast, challenging 19th-century scientific beliefs. As she forms an unlikely friendship with Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-class spinster, their shared passion for paleontology defies societal norms. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the salty sea air and the thrill of discovery, while exploring themes of female friendship, class divide, and the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated field. A captivating tale of two remarkable women who dared to challenge the world’s understanding of prehistoric life.