12 Action-Packed Fantasy Books That Will Make You Yearn For Adventure

Thrilling Fantasy: Our 12 Picks

Fun Activities For Fantasy Fans

• Host a magical movie night
• Enter a Magic: The Gathering tournament
• Play a fantasy video game with friends
• Use a Ouija board to contact the spirits
• Create a cosplay of your favorite character
• Have a board game night
• Podcast about your favorite show, movie, or book
• Host a Dungeons and Dragons campaign

8 Great Fantasy Movies

1. Coraline (2009)
2. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
3. Underworld (2003)
4. The Lord of the Rings (2001)
5. Age of the Dragons (2011)
6. Excalibur (1981)
7. The Dark Crystal (1982)
8. The Princess Bride (1987)

How Fantasy Reflects Our World

In Depth

Fantasy novels often feature imaginative worlds full of magical creatures and warring kingdoms, providing readers with heroes' epic adventures, thrust into a war between good and evil with increasingly dangerous situations that test their capabilities. Here, in no particular order, are twelve action-packed fantasy books that will make you yearn for adventure.

First up, at #1, we have "Hero Born," the first book of Andy Livingstone's "Seeds of Destiny" series. After witnessing the deaths of his loved ones, Brann is captured and forced to live as a galley slave. After gaining the attention of the crew and spending some time with the captain, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between warlords and raiders, beginning his journey toward becoming a hero.

Next, at #2, is "The Dragons' Chosen" by Gwen Dandridge. Every century, the dragons from beyond the Crystal Mountains demand a virgin sacrifice. When Princess Genevieve is chosen as the next sacrifice, she surrenders herself in order to save her kingdom. As she sets out for the land of dragons, she encounters a girl named Chris, a strange time traveler from the 1970s. Together, they learn shocking truths about the pact between dragons and humans, leading Genevieve to reconsider giving up her life.

Together, they learn shocking truths about the pact between dragons and humans, leading Genevieve to reconsider giving up her life.

At #3 is "Crow's Revenge" by Marcus Alexander. Charlie Keeper lives in her grandmother's strange old house in London, where she's constantly tormented by her guardian, Mr. Crow. One day, while exploring her home, she meets Jensen, a Treman from the world of Bellania. She soon finds out that her home harbors a portal to Bellania, and upon entering it, Charlie goes on a quest to learn more about her heritage and Mr. Crow, encountering all sorts of magical creatures along the way.

Next up, at #4, we have William Horwood's "Spring." Long ago, humans lost the ability to see or enter the world of the Hydden, fairy-like people who live underground. Jack, a young giant-born member of the Hydden, is sent to live among the humans in order to save the world by finding a lost gem that belongs to the goddess known as the Peace-Weaver. Accompanying him on his quest is Katherine, a girl who the Hydden believe is the prophesied successor of the Peace-Weaver.

At #5 is "Muse Unexpected" by V.C. Birlidis. Still reeling from the death of her father, teenager Sophie discovers that she's a Muse, a descendant of the Greek goddesses of inspiration. Sent to a Grecian island filled with mythological creatures, she is tasked with protecting humanity from the Olympians who threaten the Earth. Now, with the help of her grandmother, she must hone her newfound abilities and fend off those who wish to see her fail.

Still reeling from the death of her father, teenager Sophie discovers that she's a Muse, a descendant of the Greek goddesses of inspiration.

Next, at #6, is Charlie Fletcher's "Dragon Shield." When an evil force awakens in the British Museum, everyone is left frozen in time except for two children, Will and Jo. As statues all over London come to life, Will and Jo must find the source of the evil and vanquish it before everyone in the city succumbs to its influence.

Next up, at #7, we have A.F.E. Smith's "Darkhaven." As the only descendant who inherited her family's ability to shapeshift, Ayla Nightshade is forced to take over as the ruler of Darkhaven. Things take a turn for the worse when she's accused of brutally murdering her father, and the only person who believes that she's innocent is her half-brother Myrren. Now, she must find a way to clear her name and figure out who really killed her father and why.

At #8 is "Oathtaker" by Patricia Reding. As an Oathtaker, Mara is sworn to protect two infants who are next in line to rule over the world of Oosa. Armed with a unique weapon and magical abilities, she must navigate this harsh world and guard the future leaders of Oosa from the evil forces that threaten to destroy them.

Armed with a unique weapon and magical abilities, she must navigate this harsh world and guard the future leaders of Oosa from the evil forces that threaten to destroy them.

Next, at #9, is "For the Killing of Kings" by Howard Andrew Jones. In the land of Darassus, powerful warriors known as the Altenerai fend off the barbaric Naor hordes. It is prophesied that the sword of N'lahr, a dead Altenerai war hero, will spell the end of the Naor king. When squire Elenai's mentor discovers that the sword in the great hall is a forgery, he's suddenly found dead under mysterious circumstances. Framed for murder, Elenai must recover the real sword, and the only person who can help her is Kyrkenall, an old friend of N'lahr.

Next up, at #10, we have "The Queen's Gambit" by Beth Brower. Queen Eleanor of Aemogen is faced with the tough decision of either surrendering her country's sovereignty to the Imirillion Empire or fighting them in an impossible war. When a disenchanted Imirillion soldier, whose past is shrouded in mystery. shows up in Aemogen, Eleanor asks for his help in preparing for the imminent fight.

At #11 is "Annwyn's Blood" by Michael Eging and Steve Arnold. When Princess Marianna is kidnapped by an unknown enemy, the king sends out his best men to bring her back. Young Erik of Birkenshire, who's secretly in love with the princess, is one of the knights sent to find her. He's soon turned into one of the undead, and now he must find a way to rid himself of this curse and free the king's daughter from the influence of Arawn, Ruler of the Dead.

When Princess Marianna is kidnapped by an unknown enemy, the king sends out his best men to bring her back.

Finally, at #12, we have "Swords Against Darkness," an anthology featuring short stories and novellas by several authors that fall under the "Sword and Sorcery" subgenre, edited by Paula Guran. Set in vastly different eras and worlds, these 23 tales showcase the writers' unique styles and their own takes on the fantasy genre.