The World of Adventure

Adventure Fiction is a genre of fiction in which an adventure or an exciting undertaking involving risk and danger forms the main storyline of the work.

"An adventure is an event or series of events that happens outside the course of the protagonist's ordinary life, usually accompanied by danger, often by physical action. Adventure stories almost always move quickly, and the pace of the plot is at least as important as characterization, setting and other elements of a creative work." - The Encyclopedia of Adventure Fiction

Classic Adventure Fictions are a specific sub-genre of Adventure Fiction that are considered as Classics. 

Classic Adventure Fictions are great for Young Adult readers, as reading them is the best way of entering into the world of literature. Adventure stories stimulate the imagination and encourage creativity among young adults. They are generally curious, adventurous and have a thirst for knowledge. Adventure Fictions can be based on political or historical figures, places, stories and timeframes which also increases the general knowledge of the reader. These characteristics make Adventure Fictions both beneficial and suitable for the young mind.

'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain

Mark Twain is regarded as one of best American writers of nineteenth century. He had written a number of young adult adventure fictions that are still loved by the young readers worldwide. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is one of his most famous classic adventure fictions. The main two characters in this novel are Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Tom is portrayed as a very clever and adventure-loving young boy who lives with his aunt on the banks of the Mississippi river. The other character Huckleberry Finn is a very messy looking, poor, yet freedom-loving, free-spirited young boy from the same area. Tom and Huck Finn builds strong friendship and embark upon various adventures - from being in a graveyard at midnight to witnessing a murder by a native American; from running away and ending up in a cave near by the Mississippi river to suddenly reappearing when the town prepares their funeral accepting that that they are no longer alive. A timeless classic, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer has been a favourite adventure novel for children and young adult alike and will remain so for a long time to come.

Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, New York : Sterling, 2005.

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'The Hobbit' by J. R. R. Tolkien

J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit is one of the best known works of fantasy-adventure fiction genre. Story of the Hobbit takes place 60 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. The protagonist of the novel is Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving, comfort-seeking Hobbit. However, a chain of events and some trickery from the part of Gandalf the wizard makes Bilbo to join a life-altering adventure. Alongside 13 of his dwarf friends, Bilbo sets out to a thrilling quest to reclaim the treasure and Lonely Mountain from Smaug, a wicked dragon. The wise Gandalf leads their way through the middle-earth. Bilbo and his friends have many adventures, overcome many obstacles, defeat many enemies. Each chapter of the novel covers each of these quests in great detail.  Bilbo also acquires the powerful, mysterious ring, which later took him and his friends to the epic adventure of The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit is highly recommended for readers of all ages. Tolkien’s masterful storytelling makes this novel an amazing ride for every reader.

Tolkien, J. R. R.. The Hobbit, HarperCollins Publishers, 1995.

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'The Lost World' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Lost World is a1912 novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The central plot of the novel revolves around an expedition to a mysterious plateau in the Amazonian forest of South America, where protagonists come across prehistoric creatures such as dinosaurs. The central character of this novel is a archetypal mad scientist - Prof. George Challenger, who is convinced that he has found the evidence of dinosaur still roaming some lost part of the Amazonian plateau. Prof. Summerlee, another scientist arrives in the Amazon basin to challenge Prof. Challenger. Alongside Prof. Summerlee is Lord John Roxton, a renowned hunter and Edward Malone, a young journalist from the Daily Gazette and the narrator of the novel. The group sets out to an expedition through inaccessible jungles during which they face various obstacles and encounter strange plant and animal creatures. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a masterful narrator; his vivid depiction of the characters and extinct creatures make the novel a thrilling read.

Doyle, Arthur Conan. The Lost World, London : Oxford University Press, 2008.

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'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe

One of the first novelists in English language, Daniel Defoe’s novel Robinson Crusoe is an inspirational adventure fiction for young adults. The protagonist Robinson Crusoe, rejecting the peace of a quiet middle-class life, decides to answer the call of the sea by becoming a sailor. However, fate had other plans for him as his ship wrecks and he ends up in an island, appropriately named island of despair. Crusoe had to survive for two decades in a harsh environment. How his inner strength, resourcefulness, religious and moral viewpoint allowed him to live through the unbearable solitude in that island is the subject of this novel. Another major character of this novel is Friday, Crusoe’s faithful servant, whom Crusoe rescued from man-eaters of the island. Robinson Crusoe builds a life based on agriculture and animal husbandry, educates Friday and finally escapes the island and returns to mainland. A story of survival, persistence and virtue -Robinson Crusoe will inspire any reader.

Defoe, Daniel. Robinson Crusoe, London : Vintage, 2008.

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'Call of the Wild' by Jack London

American author Jack London’s mythical novel Call of the Wild was published in 1903. The story is based on 19th century life in the Canadian territory of Yukon, during the gold rush when sled dogs were used for mining. The main character of this novel is a powerful St. Bernard-Scotch Collie dog named Buck. Buck was originally domesticated, but later sold to the brutal life of a sled dog. He faces cruel treatment from humans and other dogs, fights the harsh climate and cold winter nights using his survival instincts and eventually becomes a leader dog. He develops extraordinary friendship with his new master Thornton, who realises that Buck is a special dog and takes care of him. In turn of few tragic events. Buck finds himself all alone again. Call of the Wild is an extraordinary story of adventure, survival and friendship - which would suit readers of any age, particularly dog-lovers.

London, Jack. Call of the Wild, London : Puffin, 2010.

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'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells

First publised in 1895, H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine is the first novel to conceptualise a vehicle that could take humans to past or future. The protagonist of this novel, The Time Traveller, travels to far future using his time machine and meets a group of peaceful people called Eloi. His time machine goes missing and in search of the vehicle he encounters Morlocks - caveman-like underground creatures who runs the machinery and other technologies to make the Eloi life possible. After a series of events,The Time Traveller manages to recover the vehicle from Morlocks and travel farther into future. He comes across perishing species in a dying earth. The Time Traveller keeps leaping forward in time and observes as the sun dies and the earth becomes a cold, hard, frozen rock. The Time Machine is a fast-paced short novel that will entertain readers of any age.

Wells, H.G. The Time Machine, London : Everyman’s Library, 2010.

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'Tom Jones' by Henry Fielding

First published in 1749, Henry Fielding’s coming-of-age novel The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling or Tom Jones is a funny and entertaining story with a fair bit of social commentary. Set in 18th century England, the protagonist of this novel - Tom Jones is an abandoned child, who grew in the household of Squire Allworthy. Tom grows into a wild young man who is also a womeniser. He, however, has a kind heart, often does the right thing and has developed affection for his neighbors daughter, Sophia - who is also in love with him. However, Sophia is being forced to marry the bully boy Blifil. Sophia runs away to escape from the marriage, meets with Tom at London and starts a new life. The story ends happily ever-after, but not before a series of adventure and misadventure. Tom Jones is a comic novel that will entertain anyone.

Fielding, Henry. Tom Jones, London : Penguin, 1966.

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'Around the World in Eighty Days' by Jules Verne

French novelist Jules Verne is best known for his adventure novels. Published in 1873, Around the World in Eighty Days is an exciting adventure fiction which still remains very popular among readers of all age. The novel tells the story of Phileas Fogg, an eccentric and determined scientist who attempts to circumnavigate the world in eighty days in response to a challenge. Alongside Fogg, is his trusted companion Passepartout, who finds himself in trouble at various times of the journey due to his own misadventure. Fogg travels from London to Suez, Bombay, Calcutta, Hong Kong, Yokohama, San Francisco, New York and back to London, by various means of transport such as balloons, steamboats, elephants and trains. A fast-paced story of extraordinary courage, determination, action, adventure, fun and love - Around the World in Eighty Days will entertain anyone who loves a good adventure story.

Verne, Jules. Around the World in Eighty Days, London : Penguin, 2004.

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'The Thirty-Nine Steps' by John Buchan

Published in 1915, Scottish author John Buchan’s adventure story The Thirty-Nine Steps is the first of five Richard Hannay novels. It is a fast-paced, gripping espionage thriller. Protagonist Richard Hannay is suspected of murdering scudder, a journalist and a spy. Hannay flees through scottish lowland with Scudder’s coded notebook. Chasing him are police, secret agents and German spies - eager to get their hand on that notebook in order to access the secret information. On the run, Richard Hannay, demonstrates his elusive skills and resourcefulness - all of which are required to survive as a fugitive. Richard Hannay eventually manages to reach London where the final showdown happen. Film director Alfred Hitchcock made 3 film adaptations out of this novel - a testament of its strong story line and plot. The novel will interest anyone who enjoys a good story and fast-paced adventure.

Buchan, John. The Thirty-Nine Steps, Sydney : Crows Nest, 2010.

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'The Scarlet Pimpernel' by Baroness Emmuska Orczy

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a romantic adventure story, Set at the time of French Revolution. Sir Percy, a charismatic English aristocrat, is the protagonist of this novel. He and his adventure-loving friends, known as the the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, set out to rescue the members of the French aristocracy from the daily execution at the guillotine during the reign of terror. Sir Percy, or the Scarlet Pimpernel - is a master of disguise, elusive and able to escape from the stickiest situation. Like a clever thief, every time the Scarlet Pimpernel escapes, he leaves a card with a picture of scarlet pimpernel behind for his enemies. The Scarlet Pimpernel becomes a sensation and the French authorities start an international manhunt to catch him. It is a slow-paced novel, with a strong, unpredictable plot - that would keep the reader occupied.

Orczy, Emmuska. The Scarlet Pimpernel, London : Everyman’s Library, 1999.

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'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson’s quintessential pirate lore Treasure Island is a thrilling coming-of-age story, seen through the eyes of young Jim Hawkins. Jim’s normal life turns upside-down when he meets Billy Jones, a strange man with a secret map. The map marks the location of the fabled Treasure Island, which many people want to find out to get the riches. After a chain of unexpected events, Jim finds himself in the middle of a roller-coaster sea voyage - full of adventure, treachery, treasure hunt, suspense, spirit, superstition, murder, mutiny and battle for the island. Long John Silver - an archetypal pirate, Machiavellian in nature is the main character of the novel. Robert Louis Stevenson’s masterful storytelling made Treasure Island fast paced, engaging page turner - which will suit anyone who enjoys a good story.

Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Treasure Island, London : Penguin, 2009.

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'King Solomon's Mines' by Sir H. Rider Haggard

Sir H. Rider Haggard’s novel King Solomon's Mines is part of his African adventure tales. It is a trilling tale; full of suspense, excitements, action, savage life and exotic locations. Allan Quatermain, a well-known hunter, is the protagonist and the narrator of the novel. He is the leader of a group of adventurers which includes Sir Henry Curtis, in search of his lost brother Nevil. It is believed that Nevil came to Africa in search of King’s Solomon’s lost diamond’s mines and later disappeared. Umbopa, a mysterious Zulu guide with a secret, lead them through the unexpected tracts of Africa into a long lost kingdom, where the group come across an evil king and sorceress. This fast-paced, at times humorous novel would suit anyone who loves a good adventure story. 

Haggard, H. Rider. King Solomon's Mines, New York : Dover, 1951.

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'Le Morte d'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory

 

Sir Thomas Malroy’s Le Morte d'Arthur is the best example of Arthurian literature. Published in 1485, this monumental collection of tales depicts the story of one of the most iconic legends of all time - King Arthur. Among other tales, the book covers the birth and rise of Arthur, his war against the Romans, the tale of Sir Lancelot, the guest of holy grail and breaking of the knights of the round table and finally the death of King Arthur. The widely disparate Arthurian tales have been collected and compiled by Sir Thomas Malroy to make up the volume. Naturally, some of the stories are a little repetitive, however this collection offers a comprehensive narrative of the adventures and the legends of King Arthur.

Malroy, Thomas. Le Morte d’Arthur, London : Collector’s Library Editions, 2007.

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'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes

First published more than 500 years ago, Don Quixote has become a quintessential comic adventure fiction and a great work of spanish literature. Alonso Quijano, the main character of the novel is a hidalgo, a member of the Spanish nobility. After reading too many books of chivalry, he starts to daydream of becoming a knight. He renames himself Don Quixote and embark into adventure, with his skinny horse Rocinante and foolish neighbor Sancho Panza. Don Quixote loses his grip on reality and gets completely absorbed by his fantasy. After many such adventures and wondering around, a defeated and humiliated Don Quixote returns back to his country town, where he writes his final will before he dies. Don Quixote is a tragicomic adventure fiction which will suit any reader. 

Cervantes, Miguel de. Don Quixote, London : Everyman’s Library, 1991. 

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'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas

Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers is historical adventure novel. Originally published in French in 1844, this novel quickly became one of the best selling novels of English language. The novel is set in 17th century France. D’Artagnan, the protagonist, a poor boy from the provinces sets out to join the king’s bodyguard in Paris and become a Musketeer. His companions are the magnificent trio - Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Along the path of fulfilling his dreams, D’Artagnan finds that the evil Cardinal has disbanded the Musketeers to uproot the current King of France. They face conspiracy, misadventure and assassination - among other things. The Three Musketeers is a fast-paced adventure novel, with enchanting description of characters and settings, sword-fighting, French court politics and timeless love.

Dumas, Alexandre. The Three Musketeers, New York : Everyman’s Library, 2011.

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'The Prisoner of Zenda' by Anthony Hope

  

First published in 1894, Anthony Hope’s romantic adventure novel The Prisoner of Zenda offers an entertaining story. Although set in the backdrop of 1890s England, the events of the story unfolds in the fictional kingdom of Ruritania. Prince Rudolf, the rightful king of Ruritania has been imprisoned and drugged by his evil brother Prince Michael right before the scheduled coronation. Protagonist Rudolf Rassendyll, a British gentleman who was on holiday in Ruritania at that time - incidentally closely resembles the kidnapped king. Rassendyll was approached by Prince Rudolf’s close attendants to impersonate the king at the coronation. A chain of events including plots, counter-plots and swordplay along the way lead the story. The Prisoner of Zenda is a fast-paced, easy and entertaining read.

Hope, Anthony. The Prisoner of Zenda, London : Oxford, 2009.

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'Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll

Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland has captured the imagination of children, young adult and adults for almost a century and half. Alice, a little girl, falls down a rabbit hole and emerges into a strange, magical, fantastic and at times scary world. The wonderland has many surprises, such as the smiling Cheshire cat and other imaginary creatures who all can talk like humans. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is written in literary nonsense style. It is divided into 12 chapters; each full of numerous characters, symbolism, metaphors, allegories and logical fallacies that make up Alice’s thrilling adventures in the wonderland. Lewis Carroll’s iconic work still remains a cultural icon and has been adapted into numerous films and television series.

Carroll, Lewis. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, New York : W.W.Norton & Company, 1960.

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'Moby Dick' by Herman Melville

Herman Melville’s 1851 novel Moby Dick is one of the greatest novels ever written. The novel is a tale of adventure and anticipation. The narrator Ishmael is an wandering sailor onboard a whaling ship Pequod. The ship is commanded by Captain Ahab, who is forever obsessed to hunt down and kill Moby Dick, a rare white sperm whale which is responsible for crippling Ahab in a previous adventure. The novel is slow-paced, requires some patience from readers part - but it is immensely rewarding at the end. Ahab damages his ships, loses a number of crews and loses his own life in pursuit of Moby Dick. Narrator Ishmael survives to tell the tale, which still remains one of the greatest stories ever written.

Melville, Herman. Moby Dick, London : Everyman’s Library, 1991

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'The Jungle Book' by Rudyard Kipling

The Jungle Book is a collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling, winner of the 1907 Nobel prize for literature. The protagonist is Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves, in the jungle of India. In each story, Mowgli and his animal friends  - Baloo the bear, Bagheera the black panther, Kaa the python, Akela the lone wolf - come across various adventures and dangers in the jungle. Against them is one of the antagonist of the stories - the fierce man-eating tiger Shere Khan.The Jungle Book provides the reader with a richly written magical landscape of maharajas, ruined temples and snake charmers. Even though The Jungle Book was published over a century ago, it still remains a masterful collection of stories for adventure-lovers. 

Kipling, Rudyard. The Jungle Book, London : Sterling, 2007.

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'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift’s famous novel Gulliver’s Travels can be described as a philosophical masterpiece, a fairy story or a political comedy, but above all it is an entertaining satire-adventure. The novel tells the story of Lemuel Gulliver, who was a surgeon but decides to go out to the sea to travel. He goes to four voyages - A Voyage to Lilliput, A Voyage to Brobdingnag, Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Luggnagg, Glubbdubdrib, and Japan and A Voyage to the Country of the Houyhnhnms. Gulliver encounters various strange beings, cultures and customs and provides detailed account of his adventure from a comical point of view. After almost 300 years of original publication, Jonathan Swift’s novel Gulliver’s Travel remains a funny and mesmerising read.

Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver's Travels, London : Everyman’s Library, 1991.

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