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Action and adventure fiction Books
Best books
Johnston McCulley
The further adventures of Zorro
"The Further Adventures of Zorro" by Johnston McCulley is a thrilling novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows the legendary masked hero Zorro as he confronts pirates and defends the oppressed in Southern California, a setting rife with danger and intrigue. Through its vibrant characters and plot twists, the book explores themes of honor, bravery, and the fight against injustice. At the start of the story, a sinister pirate ship approaches the coast, commanded by the brutal Barbados and his treacherous lieutenant, Sanchez. As they plot an ambush for the unsuspecting town of Reina de Los Angeles, the narrative hints at the legendary Zorro's imminent return. Meanwhile, preparations for a wedding between Don Diego Vega and Señorita Lolita Pulido unfold, juxtaposing the impending chaos with personal stakes. The opening chapters effectively set up a gripping tale of adventure, as Zorro's past exploits against tyranny and villainy loom over the unfolding events.
Will Levington Comfort
Somewhere south in Sonora : $b A novel
"Somewhere South in Sonora" by Will Levington Comfort is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of family, identity, and cultural divides, centering around the life of Bob Leadley and his mixed-race son Bart in a small mining town in Arizona. As Bart navigates his heritage and the cultural tensions within the community, the narrative delves into the challenges faced by father and son, illustrating their struggles for acceptance in a divided society. The opening of the novel introduces Bob Leadley, who finds himself on a fateful night in the town of Bismo, Arizona. He receives distressing news about the birth of his son, Bart, whose mother has passed away shortly after childbirth. The narrative dives into Bob’s complex feelings regarding his son’s identity as a child of a Mexican mother in a predominantly white mining community. As Bart grows up, he embodies a blend of cultures, drawing the ire and scorn of the townsfolk while also solidifying a deep bond with his Mexican heritage. This sets the stage for a poignant exploration of their relationship, alongside the tensions of their environment, deepening the themes of belonging and identity that will likely unfold throughout the novel.
Unknown
The adventures of Hatim Taï, a romance
"The Adventures of Hatim Taï" by Forbes and Alger is a romance novel written in the late 19th century. This captivating tale follows Hatim Taï, a legendary Arabian hero known for his exceptional bravery, wisdom, and generosity, as he embarks on thrilling adventures filled with moral lessons and enchanting characters. The story weaves together elements of magic and ethics, drawing readers into a world reminiscent of the legendary "Arabian Nights." At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Husn Banu, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, who is faced with turbulent changes after her father's death. She displays her wisdom and generosity by using her inherited wealth to help others, while also setting out a series of challenging propositions to any suitor seeking her hand. Hatim Taï, intrigued by her renowned beauty and intellect, vows to explain her seven remarkable sayings, setting off on a remarkable journey filled with tests and encounters that will shape his destiny. As the narrative unfolds, themes of love, heroism, and the pursuit of truth are established, promising readers a deeply engaging tale steeped in rich cultural traditions.
Ridgwell Cullum
The riddle of Three-Way Creek
"The Riddle of Three-Way Creek" by Ridgwell Cullum is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of loyalty and justice as it follows the lives of Jim Pryse, a man sentenced to prison for defending his brother, and Corporal Andrew McFardell, the Mountie escorting him. Set against the backdrop of the harsh Canadian wilderness, the novel explores the consequences of compassion and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to a frozen trail leading into a valley where two horsemen traverse the cold landscape: Corporal McFardell and his prisoner, Jim Pryse. Their dialogue reveals Pryse’s sense of loyalty towards his brother, who is accused of murder, and the policeman’s frustration at the situation that has led them there. As snow begins to fall, the story quickly escalates when McFardell falls from his horse, giving Pryse an unexpected opportunity to escape. The narrative captures the tension of their predicament and sets the stage for the unfolding drama as Pryse makes a daring decision that will shape his fate and those around him.
Gordon Stables
Hearts of Oak : $b A story of Nelson and the Navy
"Hearts of Oak: A Story of Nelson and the Navy" by Gordon Stables is a historical adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around sea life during the age of Horatio Nelson, focusing on the deeds and character of the famed naval hero. While Nelson features prominently as an inspiration and model, the tale also follows original characters such as young Tom Bure, the invalid Uncle Bob, and other figures connected to naval life and British coastal communities. The book is likely aimed at younger readers, with an intent to capture the heroism, camaraderie, and seafaring spirit of the Royal Navy. The opening of "Hearts of Oak" introduces the peaceful and close-knit world of Uncle Bob, a disabled sailor lovingly cared for by his brother Dan, niece Ruth, and a loyal dog named Meg. Tom Bure, an energetic and bright boy with mysterious origins, assumes a central role as both companion and protégé to Uncle Bob. The narrative quickly shifts from domestic tranquility to maritime excitement, as Tom observes a shipwreck from a makeshift crow's nest and helps coordinate a rescue, showcasing themes of courage, quick thinking, and community action. The early chapters also establish Tom's backstory as the orphaned son of Captain Bure and Miss Raymond, highlighting the bonds of family, friendship, and duty that run through the novel.
J. M. (Josephine Martin) Callwell
A little Irish girl
"A Little Irish Girl" by J. M. Callwell is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on Norah O'Brien, a lively and imaginative young Irish girl navigating the challenges and changes in her life after being orphaned and sent to a London boarding school. The book follows Norah's experiences at school, her friendship with the gentle Lily Allardyce, and the dramatic shift when a small inheritance allows her and her siblings to return to their ancestral roots in Ireland. At its heart, the novel explores themes of family, heritage, resilience, and the contrast between English and Irish ways of life. The opening of the story introduces readers to Treherne House, a girls’ school in a London suburb, where Norah finds herself daydreaming and struggling with homesickness. After receiving disappointing news that she cannot spend the Easter holidays with her friend Lily, Norah's spirits are lifted when her sister Anstace arrives with news of an unexpected inheritance—a small estate in Ireland left to them by an old relative. This change promises a reunion with her siblings and an escape from the loneliness of school. The narrative then follows their journey to their new Irish home, depicting their arrival at the coastal, rain-swept Kilshane and the lively domestic scenes that greet them. Norah’s exuberance, the family's adjustment to rustic Irish life, and the vibrant details of their new surroundings set the stage for the unfolding story of belonging and adaptation.
John G. (John Gabriel) Rowe
Sergeant Dick of the Royal Mounted Police : $b A thrilling story of the Canadian woods
"Sergeant Dick of the Royal Mounted Police : A thrilling story of the Canadian…." by John G. Rowe is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. Set along the Canadian Rockies near the U.S. border, it follows Sergeant John Dick of the Mounties as he tangles with the masked White Hood rustlers and a rising threat from Paquita Island’s Reservation. Aiding him are Muriel Arnold and her family, who inhabit “Water Castle,” a fortified lake house with a sailing scow known as the Ark. The focus is on fast-paced chases, sieges, and frontier ingenuity. The opening of the story finds Sergeant Dick battling a gale in Crooked Gulch when he stumbles upon a stagecoach robbery by hooded outlaws; wounded in the skirmish, he’s rescued by Muriel Arnold and her cousin Jenny and brought to their unique stronghold on Lake Paquita. After a brisk tour of the cleverly fortified “Water Castle,” news arrives that the Arnolds’ men are fleeing in canoes from armed Indigenous pursuers, and a running firefight—amplified by the lake’s uncanny echo—follows. As reinforcements of canoes appear, the family and Dick prepare the house for siege; Dick’s attempt to parley with the chief, Howling Wolf, is answered with treachery, and a night assault begins. The attackers try a silent climb onto the verandah, narrowly miss felling the defenders with thrown weapons, and are driven off by Dick’s shooting. When Howling Wolf attempts to cut the Ark free and use it as cover, Muriel’s blazing tar-barrel illuminates the scene, and Dick and the Arnolds shift the fight aboard the Ark, where the opening portion closes with them repelling boarders from within the shuttered cabin.
Roy Rockwood
Rival ocean divers : $b or, The search for a sunken treasure
"Rival ocean divers : or, The search for a sunken treasure" by Roy Rockwood is a juvenile adventure novel written in the early 20th century. It follows teen diver Dave Fearless and his father Amos as they join Captain Broadbeam’s government ship, the Swallow, to locate a fortune lost with the wrecked Happy Hour in the Pacific, while the wealthy Lemuel Hankers and his son Bart mount a rival hunt aboard the Raven. Expect inventive deep-sea gear (notably a new diving bell), fierce marine creatures, South Seas hazards, and a bitter family rivalry over a long-lost inheritance. The opening of this novel sets the stakes and the chase in motion: Dave learns of the treasure and the Happy Hour’s probable resting place; Bart Hankers eavesdrops and his father rushes to get a head start, even planting a hireling to frame Dave in Washington (a ploy that fails). Dave and Amos ship on the Swallow, descend in the bell, and survive a harrowing encounter with monstrous deep-sea fish, followed by a shark attack at the surface. A violent storm strikes; lightning leaves Amos alive but unable to speak. At San Murio Island, Dave and young engineer Bob Vilett go ashore, fall into underground caverns, and Dave is captured after overhearing Lemuel Hankers and his man Rackley plotting to sabotage the Swallow by infiltrating her as a “castaway.” Bob rescues Dave from a jaguar; the pair endure a gorilla attack, then reach the beach only to be seized by islanders occupied with butchering a stranded whale. The section closes with the boys bound inland as a group approaches, including a white man disguised among the natives.
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