Books matching: historical fiction adventure
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- #1
'The Smoke Hunter' by Jacquelyn Benson follows the story of Eleanor Mallory, a determined and courageous young woman in 1898 who embarks on an adventurous journey to a lost city in Honduras. Facing challenges such as sexism and mysterious artifacts, Ellie is accompanied by a partner, Adam, who respects and teaches her rather than belittling her. The plot, reminiscent of Indiana Jones, is fast-paced and filled with evil villains, historical elements, and a touch of the supernatural, all set in a lush landscape inspired by Edwardian culture and mythology from Aztec and Mayan civilizations.
ELEANORA MALLORY SAT IN the office of Mr. Henbury, assistant keeper of the rolls, waiting to be fired. It was morning, and the narrow, high-ceilinged room was silent save for the drumming of the rain ... - #2
'Captain Alatriste' is set in 17th century Spain during the turbulent times of the Inquisition, focusing on the titular character, Captain Alatriste, a former soldier turned sword-for-hire in Madrid. The narrative is presented through the eyes of his young charge, Inigo Balboa, who recounts Alatriste's adventures as he navigates a world filled with intrigue, political machinations, and the decadence of the Spanish Golden Age. The plot kicks off when Alatriste is hired to confront two English travelers, unaware that one of them is a future king, which leads to a series of dangerous entanglements that could have far-reaching consequences for both Spain and Europe.
The writing style is characterized by elegant prose and vivid descriptions that bring the historical setting to life, making the environment of Siglo de Oro Madrid palpable. While the plot may not be extremely complicated, it effectively establishes the characters and the backdrop for future installments in the series. The book has a light, enjoyable tone, reminiscent of classic swashbuckling tales, yet it sometimes delves into deeper themes of honor and survival in a world rife with danger and deception.
He was not the most honest or pious of men, but he was courageous. His name was Diego Alatriste y Tenorio, and he had fought in the ranks during the Flemish wars. When I met him he was barely making e... - #3
"Slave to Fortune" by D.J. Munro is a captivating historical fiction novel following the adventures of Tom Cheke, a teenage English boy who is kidnapped by Barbary pirates and sold into slavery in Algiers. The plot unfolds with Tom's life as a slave, his journeys across different countries like England, France, Italy, and Turkey, and his encounters with various characters such as high-ranking officials and Knights of Saint John. The story is rich in historical details, including descriptions of sea life, naval battles, and the cities of Algiers, Valletta, and Venice. The narrative is filled with suspense, danger, and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader engaged till the end.
The writing style of D.J. Munro in "Slave to Fortune" has been praised for its depth of character development, realistic portrayal of historical events, and engaging storytelling. The author expertly weaves together elements of adventure, intrigue, and human resilience, making the reader feel connected to the protagonist's journey of survival, self-discovery, and determination in the face of adversity.
- #4
The Burning Shore by Wilbur Smith is an epic novel set in Africa, focusing on the journey of the heroine, Centaine De Thery, as she navigates through war, survival, love, and loyalty. The book opens during World War I, depicting intense aerial dogfights and the brutalities of war, setting the stage for Centaine's escape to Africa after her family estate is destroyed. The story transitions to Centaine's survival in the Kalahari Desert, where she forms a deep bond with desert dwellers and embarks on a journey filled with danger, perseverance, and unexpected twists. Wilbur Smith's vivid descriptions and immersive writing style bring the African landscape and characters to life, captivating readers with each page.
Michael lay in the darkness under the weight of six woollen blankets and watched the gunfire flicker through the canvas of the tent like some dreadful aurora borealis. The blankets felt cold and clamm...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Courtney ) - #5
Louis L'Amour's "How The West Was Won" simplifies the western expansion of the United States by focusing on the Prescott family. The story covers various historical events like the mountain man era, the California Gold Rush, and the building of the railroad, all through the generations of the Prescott family. L'Amour's writing style is characterized by larger-than-life characters, strong women, action-packed scenes, and a straightforward storytelling approach that contributes to the development and nurturing of the myth of the American West.
A man of infinite patience, he was patient now, sitting his line-backed buckskin in the dappling shadow of the aspens. Behind him trailed three pack horses carrying his winter’s catch of furs, while b...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures ) - #6
'Devil's Ballast' by Meg Caddy is a historical fiction novel that follows the adventures of Anne Bonny, a female pirate, as she joins the crew of Calico Jack to escape an abusive past. The story is narrated from two perspectives, Bonny's in first person and Barnet's in third person, providing a unique insight into their characters. Set against the backdrop of pirate life in the 18th century, the novel explores themes of identity, friendship, and survival as Bonny navigates dangerous waters while keeping her true identity hidden.
- #7
'Embracing the Elephant' by Lori Hart Beninger is a captivating tale of early American travel, following eleven-year-old Guine as she embarks on a perilous journey from Boston to San Francisco during the Gold Rush era. The book vividly portrays the dangers and delights of traveling by ship in the mid-1800s, exploring the vibrant landscapes and characters along the way. Through Guine's eyes, readers experience a coming-of-age story intertwined with thrilling adventures, historical events, and emotional depth that immerses them in a world of bravery and determination.
The narrative style of 'Embracing the Elephant' is praised for its vivid descriptions that make the characters and scenes come alive, transporting readers back in time to the early days of California settlements. The author, Lori Hart Beninger, skillfully weaves together historical accuracy with a compelling storyline, creating a page-turner that educates, entertains, and resonates with readers long after they turn the final page.
- #8
King of Ithaca is a captivating historical novel that delves into the world of Greek mythology, specifically focusing on the adventures of Odysseus in his quest to reclaim the throne of Ithaca. The author, Glyn Iliffe, weaves a complex storyline populated with a myriad of characters, showcasing a vast knowledge of Greek myths and creating new, interesting narratives around familiar figures from ancient epics. The plot follows Odysseus as he faces challenges, battles foes, and navigates through a world filled with action, intrigue, and suspense, all while staying true to the essence of the original stories.
The writing style of King of Ithaca is praised for its immersive quality, with readers getting completely absorbed into the world created by Glyn Iliffe. The story flows extremely well, keeping all the different threads together in a seamless fashion. The book is commended for its attention to detail, its ability to bring ancient texts to life, and the natural flow of necessary fantasy elements within the narrative.
It was a chill dawn on the foothills of Mount Parnassus. The sun rose slowly in the east, infusing the dark, empty skies with a pale radiance. A collar of mist clung to the upper reaches of the purple... - #9
The Requiem Shark by Nicholas Griffin is a historical fiction novel set in the early eighteenth century, focusing on the life of pirates. The story follows the adventures of William Williams, an English scholar turned pirate, who chronicles the fortunes of the notorious pirate captain Bartholomew Roberts, also known as Black Bart. The narrative provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of the unglamorous life of pirates, delving into the challenges faced by the crew as they quest for treasure across the oceans. The writing style is accessible, with a swift narrative progression that keeps readers engaged in the swashbuckling tale.
- #10
"Caravans" by James A. Michener is a captivating tale set in post-WW2 Afghanistan, following the journey of a young American diplomat, Mark Miller, as he searches for a missing American woman named Ellen who has married an Afghan. The book provides a vivid depiction of the diverse cultures and complex history of Afghanistan, offering insights into the political landscape and social dynamics of the region. Through engaging characters and a fast-paced narrative, the story unfolds as a mix of adventure, romance, and exploration of personal and cultural identities.
On a bleak wintry morning some years ago I was summoned to the office of our naval attaché at the American embassy in Kabul. Captain Verbruggen looked at me with an air of frustration and growled, “Da...