5 Adventure Books That Will Take You on a Journey This Summer
In need of a little adventure?
Surely all of us were hoping that by the time summer came around, COVID-19 would finally be behind us. But it’s not.
The continued uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic means that many of us won’t be going abroad this summer – at least not physically.
And while we know adventure is best experienced first hand, the next best thing is a good book.
That’s why we read: to travel to other times and places.
So, we’ve put together a list of adventure books that we think will help transport you to faraway places – right from the safety of your home.
Why adventure books you ask?
One of the most important things about an adventure story is the feeling of being on an epic journey. Often, it also contains other ingredients that we love – an impossible quest, action, romance, even danger.
The adventures in the stories we’ve picked come in many forms. But each one of them will connect you with a different reality or culture. You’ll be taken from the deserts of ancient Egypt, to World War II in Germany, to a quest in Antarctica.
The protagonists are nothing short of heroic, making light work of time travel, being faced with impossible decisions, and showing courage, determination, and humility throughout.
Here’s what’s even more compelling about these stories: the authors of these stories are all between the age of 13 and 21.
The Author of Tomorrow Awards
Each of these stories was shortlisted for or awarded The Author of Tomorrow prize by The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation.
It’s an annual competition open to young people across the world designed to find the adventure writers of the future.
These young authors have unfettered imaginations, and that comes across in each one of these stories.
All of the shortlisted authors have their work digitally published on our reading app under the ‘adventure collection’ – inspiring thousands of young readers around the world.
5 stories that will take you on a journey this summer
Without further ado, here are 5 adventure stories that will help you escape while staying safe at home. Please make sure to read these books on your mobile phone, and note that some of the titles are geo-locked.
The Prince’s Gem by Mariam Wallace
Published by Worldreader and The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation
Ages 18+
Prince Cairo had always lived a sheltered life, yet he never stopped yearning to be free from the prison of his home. On one of his escapades he encounters a beautiful sorceress called Kamaria. This could either save him or bring his downfall as he battles for peace and for vengeance.
► Read it here.
The Cherokee Rose by Alice Sargent
Published by Worldreader and The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation
Ages 18+
Ayita is on the cusp of becoming a woman. She is a skilled hunter and she is already being courted by a boy she likes. But then, a fellow Cherokee arrives with terrible news: their homeland has been sold and they can either stay and fight against unfavorable odds or push farther west.
► Read it here.
A Journey Through Darkness by Miles Asuni
Published by Worldreader and The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation
Ages 18+
Disadvantaged and different, Aaron leads a tough life. He is lacking something most of us consider as essential: sight. But when the opportunity arises to prove himself, he jumps at the chance. Can he defeat the odds and surpass expectations?
► Read it here.
The Rabbit’s Tongue by Emily Catterson
Published by Worldreader and The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation
Ages 18+
A life of research and discovery is but a memory now to retiree and botanical witch Winnie Miller. When a vital, yet undiscovered ingredient of her potion ‘Lingua Leporum’ has reportedly been pinpointed to thrive in Antarctic conditions, Winnie faces a choice: abandon her potion 25 years in the making, or start packing.
► Read it here.
The Death of a Soldier by Alice Cox
Published by Worldreader and The Wilbur and Niso Smith Foundation
Ages 18+
World War II—you thought it was over? Wrong. When the art of time travel is perfected in the year 2045, several soldiers are sent back a hundred years with the assignment of keeping Adolf Hitler alive. One, however, is not interested in following orders. Lilith Brandt, aided by 1945 British soldier Marian Hayes, will do anything to prevent the others from her time from succeeding in their mission. No matter the cost.
► Read it here.
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