along with fast-paced, electric-action fantasy books that promise thrills and adventure. Do you keep an eye out for stories like this?
if so, this list could be your next great read.
You are reading: Action adventure fantasy books
here are 22 exciting action-adventure fantasy books:
- brentweeks path of shadows
- mistborn: brandon sanderson’s final empire
- goblin wars by stuart thaman
- for the slaughter of kings by howard andrew jones
- judgment of stone by andy peloquin
- ice dragon from d. K. holmberg
- honor guard by nick kyme
- six of crows by leigh bardugo
- gardens of the moon by steven erikson
- aenarion blood by william king
- shadow marauder by alexey pehov
- dragon champion by e. me. knight
- birth of the fire bearer by meredith ann pierce
- the emperor’s edge by lindsey buroker < /li
- miles cameron’s red knight
- lawrence watt-evans dragon weather
- las lies of locke lamora by scott lynch
- the sword of shannara by terry brooks
- rhapsody by elizabeth haydon
- the captive flame by richard lee byers
- half a king by joe abercrombie
- blue moon rising by simon r. green
I’ve included book descriptions, reader ratings, and summaries of positive and negative reviews for each book below.
on the other hand, if you want a quick summary, here is a comparison table.
the path of shadows by brentweeks
description
For Durzo Blint, murder is an art, and he is the most accomplished artist in town.
for azot, survival is precarious. something you never take for granted.
As a guild rat, he grew up in the slums and learned to judge people quickly and take risks. risks such as becoming a durzo blint apprentice.
But to be accepted, Azoth must turn his back on his old life and take on a new identity and name. As Kylar Stern, he must learn to navigate the assassin’s world of dangerous politics and strange magics, and cultivate a knack for death.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.15
Most common score: 5
positive comments
First on our list of action fantasy books is The Way of Shadows. if readers enjoyed this novel, they often praised the story’s fast pace and gritty, brutal setting. however, at the same time, it did not exalt the violence and cruelty of the world of azoth.
Readers also commented that the weeks took on familiar character types and nuanced them through their personal and moral struggles.
negative comments
Readers who didn’t rate the way of shadows highly commented that they thought using familiar character types for weeks on end made the characters look too much like other fantasy stories.
on the other hand, others mentioned that they thought weeks’ simple writing style made it difficult for them to engage with the story.
mistborn: brandon sanderson’s final empire
description
Where ash falls from the sky and mist rules the night, evil covers the land and suffocates all life. Criminal mastermind Kelsier teaches Allomancy, the magic of metals, to another mistborn, Urchin Vin 16.
The unlikely heroine gets distracted by the company’s wealthy heir. Can Kelsier’s gang of thieves stand up to the tyrant ruler and bring color back to his world?
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.45
Most common score: 5
positive comments
The second on our list of action fantasy books is mistborn. readers described this novel with elements and an air of mystery that they found delightful.
also, brandon sanderson has a reputation for his unique magic systems, and this story features just that. the refreshing Allomancy system delighted fans, many of whom praised the thoroughness with which it was developed.
Other readers raved about Vin’s thrilling journey from quiet, distrustful street kid to fierce, confident killer. they described his growth as authentic and compelling, while praising his well-developed character along the way.
on a similar note, readers also really enjoyed vin and kelsier’s mentor/mentee relationship. The interactions between him and Vin, fans said, were one of the highlights of the story.
negative comments
Not everyone enjoyed the Mistborn. these readers said that while the worldbuilding impressed them, they thought the story was slow. the crew’s plans proceed fairly smoothly, while critics expected more conflict or complications.
Others expressed disappointment that no more female characters appeared on the team or participated in the revolution in general. Although these readers appreciated Vin as the main character, they found it unrealistic.
stuart thaman goblin wars
description
a city without a king, a paladin abandoned by his god and goblins beyond the horizon…
The Junk Lady lurks deep within Kanebullar Mountain, building her army of mindless slaves and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Just as the final pieces are about to fall into place and secure your victory, an anomaly is born. A single goblin stands free from Lady Scrapple’s iron-clad hive mind.
A few miles west of Kanebullar Mountain, the border town of Talonrend sits perilously on the brink of anarchy. King Lucius Firesbane has disappeared without an heir and has left the city without a leader.
Faced with chaos, a man sets out in search of his king.
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 3.76
Most common score: 4
positive comments
The third story on our list of action fantasy books is the goblin war. this book delighted readers with its protagonists and its unique spin on goblins.
Fans reported that the main characters, in particular, were relatable. As the chapters progressed, the novel revealed new layers that made readers eager to hear the rest of her story.
They also mentioned that while goblins may be common fantasy creatures, goblin wars make them new. in particular, readers said they were fascinated by the way the story developed the concept of goblins as part of a hive mind.
negative comments
If readers didn’t enjoy the goblin wars, what did they say?
Oddly enough, critics told fans the opposite about the characters: they thought they weren’t nuanced enough. to them, the characters seemed shallow.
Some readers attributed this to the fast pace of the story. they usually said that because so much happened, there wasn’t enough breathing room to explore the characters.
for the murder of kings by howard andrew jones
description
a cross between the amber chronicles of zelazny and the three musketeers, because the assassination of kings is the first in a new fantasy trilogy by howard andrew jones.
Their peace was somewhat fragile, but it had lasted seven years, mainly because the people of Darassus and the King of the Naor Hordes believed that their fate was foretold on the edge of the greatsword hanging in the hall of champions. the rebellious naor clans might strike across the border, but the king himself would never lead his people to war as long as the sword remained in the hands of his enemies.
but when shieldmaiden elenai’s elderly mentor discovers evidence that the sword in her hall is a forgery, she is forced to flee darassus for her life, her only ally, the reckless and disillusioned kyrkenall the archer.
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Framed for murder and treason, pursued by the kingdom’s greatest heroes, they race to retrieve the royal sword, only to stumble upon a conspiracy that leads them to the darassan queen and her secret advisors.
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They must find a way to clear their name and set things right, all while dodging friends determined to kill them, and Naor’s hordes, invading at last with a deadly new weapon.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.22
Most common score: 5
positive comments
With a riveting murder mystery and world-building revealed layer by layer, it’s not hard to see why readers might love the killing of kings.
Readers also raved about the strange pairing dynamic between the main characters: one an idealistic and up-and-coming recruit, the other a grizzled, frequently drunk veteran.
negative comments
So what did the readers say if killing kings wasn’t for them? Well, several commented that it was the large number of fight scenes. action sequences populate the novel, which these readers found themselves skimming through rather than immersing themselves in.
stone test by andy peloquin
description
a kingdom of death. a war for power and profit. young heroes caught in the crossfire.
Kodyn expected hardship along her journey to return a kidnapped girl to her father. however, the harsh deserts and ruthless bandits prove far less deadly than the enemies that await him in shalandra, the city of the dead.
In the shadows of the golden spiers carved into the stone of the mountain, run deep currents of corruption and vice. The priests of the god of death rule with an iron fist, enforcing a rigid caste system that elevates some to a life of privilege and condemns others to miserable misery.
Together with Aisha, a fierce warrior from the north with the mystical ability to speak to the dead, Kodyn must survive the cesspool of high society deception and betrayal.
polite smiles hide sharp knives. Assassins, criminals, and bloodthirsty cultists lurk around every corner. Can these young men overcome impossible obstacles to save the kingdom?
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 4.50
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on our list of action fantasy books is trial of stone. fans loved the novel’s emotional moments, all of which were driven by characters they could easily get involved with. they mentioned that they loved the interactions of the characters with each other, as well as the multidimensionality of the characters.
Other readers added that the complex plot in the heartwarming fight scenes was a joy to read.
negative comments
If the stone test wasn’t their cup of tea, readers had a consistent reason: they found the worldbuilding too detailed and complicated.
They found people, places, and groups difficult to understand, and they weren’t sure which details were important to remember as they read.
ice dragon by d. K. holmberg
description
When a mysterious stranger brings news of a dragon, Jason’s entire world changes.
The northern mountain town offers protection from the dragon menace, but it’s a tough place, especially for a misfit like jason dreshen.
He spends his days foraging for food for his family, praying for warmth, and trying to hide his strange silver eye that grants him dragon sight.
When a stranger visits during the local freedom festival looking for a different kind of dragon, everything changes.
Forced down the side of the mountain, Jason learns the truth about powers he’s only heard about in rumours. As he flees from the mortal souls of dragons, he discovers that he may have more to do with magic than just the dragon’s sight.
To save himself and stop the dragon souls, he must learn a truth about himself that brings him closer to what he fears most: dragons.
Somehow, he might be the only one able to protect them from the dragon souls, but how can he protect what he hates?
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.33
Most common score: 5
positive comments
The Ice Dragon is next on our list, one of our newest dragon fantasy books released in late 2019. Fans of this action-packed fantasy tale praised the story overall, saying it was electrifying. with suspense, intrigue and of course. ! – dragons.
These readers often said that this book is a dragon lover’s delight. In addition to the adventure plot of the ice dragon, the characters won over fans. their motivations and through whom they shone. readers often said that the more they read, the more they came to know and like the characters.
negative comments
what did critics say about the ice dragon?
They had two main comments. first was that the beginning of the book was slow. the second was that they felt that the characters were hiding information. this meant that critics felt that the story world could have been explained more or that the cast of supporting characters seemed flat.
guard of honor by nick kyme
description
In the ancient days of the old world, long before the age of men, the dwarves and elves were at the height of their prosperity.
As King Bagrik of the Dwarves and Prince Ithalred of the Elves forge a trade pact, a great horde of Northmen attack the Elven settlement.
When King Bagrik’s son is slain, the dwarves join forces with the elves, eager for revenge. Can the dwarves and elves put aside their differences long enough to prevail over the enemy?
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 3.91
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list of action fantasy books is The Honor Guard. fans praised this fantasy novel, saying it was a treat for those looking for a story with a living, breathing dwarf culture, as well as a plot packed with action, twists, and turns. is a story set entirely in a world of dwarves, painted with rich and vivid detail.
but other than that, readers said that the honor keeper is full of drama, intrigue and great battles. he is also one who provides a tragic and betrayal-laden backstory to the classic ‘dwarf vs. elf’ feud.
many mentioned how the book took hold of their emotions, making them fear for the characters and feel their losses, while also inspiring admiration for the heroism of the dwarves.
negative comments
So what did the critics say?
Overall, critics tended to describe the book as relatively predictable. for example, much of the book’s plot involves betrayal, but these readers were quick to pick up on the deceptions. as such, they thought the honor guard lacked suspense.
six of crows by leigh bardugo
description
ketterdam: a bustling center of international trade where you can have anything for the right price, and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy kaz brekker.
Kaz is offered the opportunity for a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. but she can’t do it alone. . . .
a convict thirsty for revenge
a sniper who can’t give up a bet
a fugitive with a privileged past
See Also: RaeAnne Thayne – Book Series In Order
a spy known as the Specter
a heartbreaker who uses her magic to survive in the slums
a thief with a knack for unexpected escapes
Kaz’s crew is the only thing that could stand between the world and destruction, if they don’t kill each other first.
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 4.46
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on our list of action fantasy books is Six of Crows. fans praised the story’s unique cast of characters, featuring people from all walks of life. they often said it added uniqueness to all the characters, while also introducing themes of class and race.
on the other hand, other readers commented that they liked the story full of action and clever jokes.
negative comments
Readers who didn’t give six of crows a high rating commented that with so many main characters, it was hard for them to connect with more than one or two.
They also seemed to think there were too many elements to the story that made it difficult for them to suspend their disbelief. For example, these readers often mentioned that Kaz’s great fear, praise, and success, even for a criminal prodigy, seemed unfounded.
gardens of the moon by steven erikson
description
The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by endless wars, bitter infighting, and bloody clashes with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and ruthless sorcerers.
Even the Imperial legions, long accustomed to bloodshed, yearn for a respite. However, Empress Laseen’s rule remains absolute, enforced by her fearsome clawed assassins.
For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squadron of bridge burners, and for Tattersail, the surviving wizard of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the Siege of Pale should have been a time of mourning the many dead.
But darujhistan, the last of the genabacki-free cities, is still holding out. it is to this ancient citadel that laseen turns his predatory gaze.
However, it seems that the empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister shadow-bound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand…
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 3.88
Most common score: 4
positive comments
so, what did the fans of gardens of the moon say? These readers frequently praised the author, Steve Erickson, for taking this fantasy story in a different direction than a more Tolkien-like fantasy: while the book has a similar epic feel and scope, it also has a mystery, an violence and tragedy than to appeal to them.
They also mentioned how imaginative they found the story, particularly the world building, and appreciated how instantly the story launched them into the story of a gigantic war.
negative comments
What did readers say that didn’t enjoy the novel?
It turns out that while they agreed the story was epic in scope, they often felt the sheer amount of information being told meant they had little idea what was going on or why it mattered.
Also, these readers said that the characters were difficult to get emotionally invested in: there were too many to cover for them to get much development.
In a similar vein, others mentioned that the dialogue between the characters felt like a standard fantasy book rather than individualized speech styles.
aenarion blood by william king
description
the twins tyrion and teclis are the greatest high elf heroes yet to survive on earth. they are as different from each other as dark and light.
Tyrion is a peerless swordsman, warrior and superlative strategist since birth. he inspires courage and loyalty in those around him. champion of the eternal queen, he is the greatest protector of ulthuan.
the gift of teclis is magic. The greatest natural sorcerer of the age, his power rivals that of the legendary caledor. Wise advisor to the high elves, teclis was one of the first to teach magic to the race of men and gave them the means to defend themselves against chaos…
From their humble beginnings in the wilds of Chrace, Tyrion and Teclis were destined for a great destiny. they come from the lineage of aenarion, the first king of ulthuan and cursed champion of that magical island…
When the witch-king Malekith learns of the twins’ existence, their lives are in danger and they are taken to Lothern to protect them and learn the arts of war.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.09
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on the list of action fantasy books is blood of aenarion. This fantasy novel captivated readers with its fast pace and exciting, grandiose battles.
Even as the story progressed at a breakneck pace, readers reported that it provided engaging and developed main characters, as well as a cast of characters made up of likeable heroes and menacing villains.
The story, readers said, was compelling and a fun, family-friendly “sword and sorcery” tale done right. once they picked up the book, fans were glued to the pages.
negative comments
Blood of Aenarion reviewers had no unified reason why they didn’t enjoy the book. for the most part, they characterized it as a light and fun read, but not one that would surprise them.
what if you had to pick a “most common” review? if so, I’d say critics generally thought the story looked like a standard “coming of age” fantasy. they seemed to be expecting a familiar story, but were expecting more twists.
shadow prowler by alexey pehov
description
an army is gathering; Thousands of giants, ogres, and other creatures are joining forces from across the wastelands, united, for the first time in history, under a black banner.
by spring, or perhaps sooner, the nameless one and his forces will be on the walls of the great city of avendoom.
Unless Shadow Harold, Master Thief, can find some way to stop them.
Epic fantasy at its finest, Shadow Prowler is the first in a trilogy that follows Shadow Harold on his quest for a magical horn that will restore peace to the kingdom of Siala.
Harold will be joined on his quest by an elven princess, Miralissa, her elven escort and ten Wild Hearts, the most experienced and dangerous fighters in their world…and by the king’s court jester (who may be more than it seems … or less).
Reminiscent of Moorcock’s Elric series, Shadow Prowler is the first work published in English by best-selling Russian fantasy author Alexey Pehov.
The book was translated by Andrew Bromfield, best known for his work on the hit series Night Watch.
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 3.96
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list of action fantasy books is shadow prowler. fans went into this story expecting its heavy use of classic fantasy tropes. as such, they didn’t mind, and instead reveled in the book’s twist on common characters, origins, and settings.
Readers also praised the fun and often hilarious interactions between the characters. Circumstances force fantasy groups to work together, be they dwarves and goblins or elves and orcs. their clashes kept readers smiling.
Other than that, readers mentioned that a combination of the shadow prowler’s breakneck pace and its witty, soft-spoken main character immediately sucked them into the story.
negative comments
if readers didn’t like shadow prowler, what did they say?
Usually these were readers who couldn’t buy the premise. they either described the story as clichéd overall or didn’t think the book added enough twists to specific tropes.
Other readers said they thought the main character, shadow harold, initially entertained them with his sarcasm. however, eventually the humor began to seem predictable.
dragon champion by e. me. knight
description
High in the mountains, deep in the safety of a cave, a brood of dragons is born. the four youths are among the last of a dying race, the dragons’ last hope for survival.
But hope is shattered when a murderous group of slave-trading dwarves bursts into the cave, leaving a trail of death and destruction… only the young auron, a rare and defenseless gray dragon, manages to escape. Armed with nothing but his own claws and a boundless determination to survive, he sets out in search of his kind.
But to find other dragons, or at least figure out who’s killing them, Auron will have to search a world of mercenary elves, vicious humans, and dangers of all kinds.
Finding allies in the strangest of places, and finding himself along the way, Auron is about to take the trip of a lifetime.
what are readers saying?
valuation of good readings: 3.98
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Another story on our list of action fantasy books is dragon champion, a coming-of-age story told from the perspective of a dragon. Readers characterized this story as an action-packed story that adult fantasy readers and young adult readers alike would find delightful!
the point of view of auron, the scaly protagonist of dragon champion, fascinated them. Unlike stories in which the non-human characters seem human in all but name, Auron has a perspective that comes off as appropriately and intriguingly alien.
negative comments
on the other hand, readers who didn’t enjoy dragon champion mentioned the ongoing violence as negative. several critics felt there was too much brutality overall, but others boiled down to how much of that brutality came from the protagonist’s hands.
For example, the first chapter features the protagonist hatching and immediately killing his siblings. readers described the rest of the story’s tone as the same. Because of this, it made the story’s antagonists unnervingly justify themselves and Auron seem like a cold-blooded killer.
Other readers, however, said that the fight scenes were so frequent that they lost their impact. Instead of inspiring emotion, the action-oriented moments lulled them into apathy.
birth of the bearer of fire by meredith ann pierce
description
Jan, the prince of unicorns, is spirited, reckless, and the despair of his mighty father, Korr.
Reluctantly, Korr allows Jan to accompany the other warrior initiates on a pilgrimage. Soon, Jan’s curiosity leads him, along with his friend Dagg and his mentor, the Tek warrior, into the greatest dangers: deadly griffins, cunning pans, wyverns, pards, and renegade unicorns.
Yet time and time again they are rescued, leading Jan to wonder: am I heir to a special destiny?
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.14
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Birth of the Fire Eater is next on our list of action fantasy books. Written in suggestive and evocative prose, this novel powerfully brought her story to life for readers. Readers consistently praised the book for the beauty of its mythical world, characters, and plot.
Other readers raved about the story. they described the book as full of twists and an electric beat. once they started reading, they found themselves charging through the pages to the end.
negative comments
What did critics say about the birth of the fire-eater? they had two general reasons why they didn’t enjoy the story.
The first was that the birth of the fire-eater seemed more like a prequel to a story than the story itself. in particular, these readers mentioned that because the book ends on a cliffhanger, they felt it didn’t have a satisfying conclusion.
Others expressed disappointment that Birth of the Bringer of Fire portrays unicorns without magical abilities. For these readers, this strayed too far from what attracted them to unicorns in the first place.
the emperor’s edge by lindsey buroker
description
imperial lawman amaranthe lokdon is good at her job: she can deter thieves and appease thugs, if not with a blade, then by knocking an eight-foot stack of coffee cans over their heads .
But when devastated bodies turn up on the boardwalk, an arson fire covers up human sacrifices, and a powerful business coalition plots to kill the emperor, she feels a bit overwhelmed.
Worse yet, Sicarius, the empire’s most notorious assassin, is in town. he is related to chaos in some way, but amaranthe would be a fool if he got in his way. Unfortunately, his superiors order him to go after him.
Either they have an unprecedented belief in her abilities… or someone wants her dead.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.04
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list of action fantasy books is The Emperor’s Edge. Readers who enjoyed this fantastic adventure mentioned how colorful, witty, and entertaining the characters were.
Overflowing with a light and fun tone, readers praised this epic steampunk fantasy as a delight. plus, the slow romance between the two leads had plenty of humor that made fans smile.
negative comments
So what did the critics say? It turns out that the same funny tone that drew fans in had the opposite effect on critics.
Emperor’s Perk doesn’t take itself too seriously, which means the positive reviewers didn’t mind that the political background and technology weren’t further detailed. however, negative reviewers felt that without further explanation, it was difficult to accept some aspects of the plot.
miles cameron’s red knight
description
Twenty-eight guilders a month is a high price to pay for a man to come between you and nature.
Twenty-eight guilders a month isn’t enough when a wyvern’s maw snaps shut on your helmet in the heat of battle and the beast begins to rip your head from your shoulders.
but if standing and fighting is difficult, leading a company of men, or worse, a company of mercenaries, against the intelligent and deadly creatures of nature is even more difficult.
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It takes all the advantages of birth, training, and the devil’s luck to do it.
The red knight has all three, he has youth on his side and he is determined to make a profit.
so when he hires your company to protect an abbess and her convent, it’s just another job. Abby is rich, the nuns are pretty, and the monster that preys on them is something he can’t deal with.
It’s just not just a job. it’s going to be a war…
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.11
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on our list of action fantasy books is The Red Knight. what did the fans say about this novel?
First of all, they praised the story’s living-breathing world-building. The author, Christian Cameron, also writes historical fiction focused on the medieval era. As such, readers praised the story’s details about medieval life, weapons, and warfare, which they said was exceptionally engaging and refreshing.
Fans also enjoyed the protagonist, who entertained them with both his humor and his impressive martial feats. Especially when he is combined with a cast of characters that includes mercenaries, knights, nuns, and more, watching him interact with other characters was a delight.
negative comments
So what did critics say about the Red Knight? For the most part, the main reasons readers didn’t enjoy the book had to do with the way it portrayed romance or religion.
As for the former, critics said the red knight’s interest in amicia seemed too sudden. after that, it seemed to them a situation where he followed her to wear down his resistance to her advances. readers described this as anything from irritating to disturbing.
In terms of the world-building of the book, the red knight directly includes Christianity rather than being inspired by it. whether readers shared the Christian faith, had a different one, or none at all, they tended to find this jarring or even offensive. for one thing, the story mentions real religious concepts and people. but on the other, it also had characters throwing fireballs and becoming invisible.
While readers’ feelings were mixed, they at least tended to say this confused them and broke their immersion in the story.
dragon time by lawrence watt-evans
description
arlian had never left her hometown in the obsidian mountains. Green hills, white peaks, and black glass were all he had ever known of life, and though he dreamed of traveling and adventures, he knew in his heart that he would probably never leave.
until the dragon weather came. incredible heat, oppressive humidity, dark and angry clouds. . . and dragons dragons without feelings, without empathy, without use for humans; dragons that destroyed his entire village and everyone in it. everyone, that is, except arlian.
Orphaned and alone, the Arlian boy is captured by looters and sold as a mining slave. Seven years later, Arlian the Man escapes, fueled by years of hatred for the dragons, bandits, and slavers who took his youth, and a personal vow to exact retribution from those who have wronged him.
As Arlian moves through life, he is obsessed with the concept of justice, and that obsession informs every task, every decision.
Even Black, the man he befriends and comes to love like a brother, has little leverage against Arlian’s obsession. His whole life has one purpose, and one purpose only: to dispense justice.
but can a just man change the whole world for the better? Or is he doomed by his own actions to become as unjust as those he seeks to destroy?
what are readers saying?
valuation of good readings: 4.00
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Next on our list of action fantasy books is dragon weather, a novel praised by readers for its thrilling action and breakneck pace. The story is a story of Arlian’s quest for revenge and her growth along the way.
As such, readers appreciated the book’s honest and ugly portrayal of combat. the battles were intense and brutal, even hair-raising. those who enjoyed grittier, darker fantasies thought this was a great aspect of the novel.
Also, the growth of Arlian’s character into a more mature and kind individual was insightful enough to get these readers thinking about questions of justice and revenge without seeming preachy.
negative comments
However, if readers didn’t like the dragon’s weather, it was for the same reason many of the book’s fans loved it: the brutality.
dragon weather takes no prisoners with its portrayal of violence and cruelty. readers mentioned, for example, characters having their hands and feet cut off. Others said that the frequent sexual assaults and abuse faced by the women in the story particularly bothered them.
the lies of locke lamora by scott lynch
description
The life of an orphan is hard, and often short, in the mysterious island town of Camorr. But young Locke Lamora dodges death and slavery, becoming a thief under the tutelage of a talented con man.
As leader of the band of light-fingered brothers known as the Bastard Knights, Locke soon finds himself infamous, tricking even the most feared ruler of the underworld.
But in the shadows lurks someone even more ambitious and deadly. Faced with a bloody coup that threatens to destroy everyone and everything that has meaning in his life as a mercenary, Locke swears to beat the enemy at their own brutal game, or die trying.
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 4.30
Most common score: 5
positive comments
another story on our list of action fantasy books is the lies of locke lamora. readers who rated this novel highly commented on the great black humor and how fun it was to read the plans and camaraderie of the gang. It starts out more like a mischief story, but the book also shifts into a mystery plot.
Others mentioned that they liked that the author didn’t shy away from making the world building violent or dark; it gave a sense of realism and depth.
negative comments
Readers who didn’t rate Locke Lamora’s lies mentioned very often that they found him to take too long in his descriptions of the world. to them, they seemed like digressions.
The story is also told from both the present and the past: readers perceived this as a build-up of tension or a break from the fast pace.
shannara’s sword from terry brooks
description
Living in a peaceful shady valley, Shea Ohmsford knew little of the troubles plaguing the rest of the world.
Then the giant and menacing Allanon revealed that the supposedly dead Witch Lord was plotting to destroy the world.
The only weapon against this power of darkness was the Sword of Shannara, which could only be used by a true heir of Shannara, Shea being the last of the line, on whom all hope rested.
Soon, a skull bearer, a fearsome minions of evil, flew into the valley intent on destroying Shea. to save the valley, shea fled, dragging the skull bearer after him…
what are readers saying?
good read rating: 3.76
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Our next action fantasy book is The Sword of Shannara, featuring Shea, a part-elven protagonist. Fans of this Lord of the Rings-inspired fantasy novel enjoyed that it was a classic fantasy tale and said it was very well done.
Readers commented that while the world building is vivid, the characters captured their imagination. this adorable team inspired their devotion to one another and warmed them up with overarching themes of friendship, kindness, hope, and more.
Other readers raved about it because the exciting and action-packed plot of Sword of Shannara was immensely compelling. especially given how attached they became to the characters in the story, readers said this made it difficult to put the book down. the battles in particular caught them and put them on the edge of their seats.
negative comments
what did the critics say? For the most part, readers who didn’t enjoy Sword of Shannara objected to how similar it was to Lord of the Rings. many expected some similarities, but found many more than they expected.
Because of this, these reviewers perceived the book as persistently full of all-too-familiar story elements. instead of being moved by the story, they felt numb to it.
elizabeth haydon rhapsody
description
rhapsody is a woman, a singer of some talent, who finds herself drawn into events of momentous importance.
On the run from an old romantic interest who won’t take no for an answer, rhapsody literally runs into a pair of shady characters: half-breeds who come to her rescue just in time. only the rescue turns into a kidnapping, and rhapsody is soon swept up on an epic journey, one that spans centuries and traverses a fantasy world filled with wonder.
what are readers saying?
valuation of good readings: 3.95
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Next on our list of action fantasy books is rhapsody. Readers who rated this story very often commented on the vivid world-building, as well as the varied and developed cast of characters.
negative comments
If readers didn’t give the novel a high rating, they generally mentioned that the main character seemed too idealized and that the middle of the story was slow.
richard lee byers’ captive flame
description
aoth and his band of mercenaries, the griffin brotherhood, are hired to put an end to a disturbing series of ritual murders.
As they manage to take down the perpetrators, aoth can’t seem to shake the feeling that there is more to these mysterious murders than meets the eye.
Still, resist the urge to investigate. after all, it’s just a business. until an assassin’s knife almost finds a home between his shoulder blades, and aoth finds himself entangled in a deadly web of intrigue.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.11
Most common score: 5
positive comments
Another story on our list of action fantasy books is The Captive Llama. This exciting fantasy tale captured readers’ attention with its fast pace and fascinating twists and turns. once picked up, readers said, they found themselves flying through the pages to the end of the book.
Overall, though readers commented that the story doesn’t have any “trailer” elements per se, but it’s a delightfully quick and entertaining read.
negative comments
So what did the readers who didn’t enjoy the captive llama say? overall, critics commented that the story is a decent hack and slash adventure, but not a great one.
For the reasons why, some cited their characters, which they described as not particularly memorable characters.
Others, however, said the pacing of the story was uneven. sometimes it seemed too slow, while other times it seemed too rushed. because of this, some reviewers described the story as disjointed or seemed to jump around.
half king of joe abercrombie
description
Betrayed by his family and left for dead, Prince Yarvi, reluctant heir to a divided kingdom, vowed to reclaim a throne he never wanted.
But first he must survive the cruelty, the chains, and the bitter waters of the same shattered sea, all with one good hand. Born a weakling in the eyes of a harsh and cold world, he cannot wield a shield or wield an axe, so he has sharpened his mind to a lethal limit.
Gathering together a strange group of outcasts, he discovers that they can help him more than any nobleman. still, yarvi’s path may end as he began: in twists, traps and tragedy…
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 3.97
Most common score: 4
positive comments
Another one of our action fantasy books is Half a King. Readers who praised this novel enthusiastically reported that it had Joe Abercrombie’s penchant for gritty, dark, and even bleak settings.
while half a king is aimed at young adults, these readers had read abercrombie’s adult fantasy books. they were pleased that this book still had what they enjoyed from their worldbuilding. they also mentioned that while the story is a fast-paced and bleak survival story, it never made them feel sad or overwhelmed.
Another highlight they mentioned was the characters. From the main character, Yarvi, to the rest of the cast, each one added to the story in their own way. several fans mentioned that the genuine friendship between the characters was particularly touching for them.
negative comments
If readers didn’t connect with the story, they often said it was because it was too familiar. While a thriller, Half a King struck these readers as a standard revenge story in both plot and cast of characters.
appreciated that yarvi was a smart and cunning version of the avenging hero rather than the typical warrior archetype. however, they did mention that they had seen this particular twist in previous stories as well.
blue moon rising by simon r. green
description
rupert didn’t particularly want to be a prince. and he certainly never asked to be the second son of a royal line that didn’t really need a spare.
so he was sent to slay a dragon and prove himself, a quest straight out of legend.
but he also discovered the kind of things that legends tend to leave out, as well as the usual demons, goblins, the dreaded night witch, and even worse terrors lurking in the shadows of the dark forest.
rupert found a fire dragon and a beautiful princess to rescue. But the dragon turned out to be a better friend than anyone in the castle, and with Darkwood Evil spreading, Rupert was going to need all the friends he could get.
what are readers saying?
assessment of good readings: 4.09
Most common score: 5
positive comments
And last on our list of action fantasy books is Blue Moonrise.
A unique blend of comedy and fantasy, readers who praised Blue Moonrise applauded it for its fast-paced, witty, and humorous nature. especially considering it’s a huge number of pages!
They also mentioned how memorable and funny each of the characters was. Unlike other books where only the main character shines, readers happily reported that it wasn’t just Rupert who delighted them. it was a pleasure reading about the entire cast for hundreds of pages.
Overall, readers described Rise of the Blue Moon as an action-packed, comedic adventure suitable for all ages. Since dark and gritty fantasy is the current trend, this book came across as a refreshing change!
negative comments
So, if readers didn’t like the novel, what did they say?
well, some of them said they found the story too fast. these readers thought that due to pacing, the book sacrificed characterization. they would have preferred the cast to have more details than flesh them out.
Others reported that the humor of the story did not resonate with them. in his opinion, the light tone of the story was at odds with the fact that the characters were fighting to stop an impending apocalypse fueled by demons.
22 exciting action-adventure fantasy books
how do these fantasy novels compare?
22 exciting action-adventure fantasy books
- walk of shadows by brentweeks
- mistborn: the final empire by brandon sanderson
- goblin wars by stuart thaman
- by the carnage howard andrew jones kings
- andy peloquin stone test
- d. k. holmberg
- honorkeeper by nick kyme
- six of crows by leigh bardugo
- gardens of the moon by steven erikson
- blood of aenarion by william king
- shadow prowler by alexey pehov
- dragon champion by e. me. knight
- birth of the fire bearer by meredith ann pierce
- the emperor’s blade by lindsey buroker
- the red knight by miles cameron
- dragon weather by lawrence watt-evans
- the lies of locke lamora by scott lynch
- the sword of shannara by terry brooks
- rhapsody by elizabeth haydon
- the captive flame by richard lee byers
- half king by joe abercrombie
- blue moon rising by simon r. green
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