Action & Adventure Fiction
Showing 51–81 of 81 results
The Alaskan
A wilderness story of adventure and intrigue in Alaska in the 1920?s. Summary by Maire Rhode.
The Angel of the Revolution
The Angel of the Revolution: A Tale of the Coming Terror (1893) is a science fiction novel by English writer George Griffith. It was his first published novel and remains his most famous work. It was first published in Pearson’s Weekly and was prompted by the success of The Great War of 1892 in Black and White magazine, which was itself inspired by The Battle of Dorking. A lurid mix of Jules Verne’s futuristic air warfare fantasies, the utopian visions of News from Nowhere and the future war invasion literature of Chesney and his imitators, it tells the tale of a group of terrorists who conquer the world through airship warfare. Led by a crippled, brilliant Russian Jew and his daughter, the ‘angel’ Natasha, ‘The Brotherhood of Freedom’ establish a ‘pax aeronautica’ over the earth after a young inventor masters the technology of flight in 1903. The hero falls in love with Natasha and joins in her war against society in general and the Russian Czar in particular. It correctly forecasts the coming of a great war, but in pretty well all other respects widely misses the mark of the real events that followed. Nevertheless, it is a gripping and exciting story of intrigue and plot interwoven with love and romance played over a background of world war. – Summary by Wikipedia
The Black Arrow
In the unsettled years of England’s War of the Roses, where a man stood on the issue of kingship could make his fortune… or end his life. Dick Shelton, a nobly-born lad, is on the cusp of manhood, and he is thrust bodily into this stew where allegiances shift under one’s feet. Circumstances cause him to fall in with a gentlemaiden in boy’s disguise. Until he learns of the deception, Dick is unaware that the young lady is an heiress whom his guardian Sir Daniel had kidnapped. And the introduction of an outlaw with a penchant for putting black arrows into the bodies of the men who had wronged him affords Dick a worrying hint – that Sir Daniel might have been the man that had murdered Dick’s father! – Summary by Mark F. Smith
The Black Star
The Black Star was a master criminal who took great care to never be identifiable, always wore a mask so nobody knew what he looked like, rarely spoke to keep his voice from being recognized, and the only mark left at the scenes of the crimes which he and his gang committed were small black stars which were tacked as a sign of their presence, and an occasional sarcastic note to signify his presence and responsibility. Even those who worked for him knew nothing of him, all of which were making his crimes virtually unsolvable. The police were at a complete loss as to his identity and at a method of stopping his criminal activities. He seemed to have the perfect strategic setup and all advantages were in his favor. He even somehow knew where the wealthy kept their jewels and money, and knew when they would remove valuable items from their safes and deposit boxes. Thus Roger Verbeck decided to take on the case of the Black Star using his own methodology. The Black Star will keep you guessing from beginning to end, just as he kept the police and Verbeck guessing. Johnston McCulley was a prolific writer in the pulp fiction vein, and his Zorro series would become immensely popular. However, prior to Zorro, the Black Star was among his first repeating characters which kept readers of the day in continual suspense until his next appearance. McCulley also wrote mysteries and detective stories using various pseudonyms, including Harrison Strong. (Introduction by Roger Melin)
The Black Tulip
The Black Tulip, written by Alexandre Dumas p?re and published in 1850, is a historical novel placed in the time of Tulipmania in the Netherlands. The novel begins with the 1672 politically motivated mob lynching of the de Witt brothers and then follows the story of Cornelius van Baerle, godson of Cornelius de Wit. Cornelius Van Baerle has joined the race to breed a truly black tulip ? and to win the prize of 100,000 guilders, as well as fame and honour. As he nears his goal he is jailed and then of course rescued ? by the beautiful Rosa, daughter of the jailer.
The Blazed Trail
Stewart Edward White wrote fiction and non-fiction about adventure and travel, with an emphasis on natural history and outdoor living. White’s books were popular at a time when America was losing its vanishing wilderness and many are based on his experiences in mining and lumber camps. The Blazed Trail is the story of early lumbermen in the northern woods of Michigan. The novel portrays the challenges faced by the workers focusing on one, Harry Thorpe, as he endeavors to be successful though completely unskilled when he enters the woods. The author mixes the splendor of nature with suspense, danger, and romance and provides glimpses into corrupt practices in the lumber industry at the time. (Summary by Tom Weiss)
The Blockade Runners
Writing at the end of the American Civil War, Verne weaves this story of a Scottish merchant who, in desperation at the interruption of the flow of Southern cotton due to the Union blockade, determines to build his own fast ship and run guns to the Confederates in exchange for the cotton piling up unsold on their wharves. His simple plan becomes complicated by two passengers who board his new ship under false pretenses in order to carry out a rescue mission, one which Capt. Playfair adopts as his own cause. This is going make the Rebels in Charleston rather unhappy with him.
The Blonde Lady, being a record of the duel of wits between Ars?ne Lupin and the English detective
In “The Blonde Lady, being a record of the duel of wits between Ars?ne Lupin and the English detective” – original title “Ars?ne Lupin contre Herlock Sholmes” – the gentleman-burglar once more meets his enemy, the English detective Herlock Sholmes. If in the last story of “Ars?ne Lupin, gentleman-burglar” Sherlock Holmes arrives too late (the name was at a later date changed to Herlock Sholmes in reply to complaints and threats by Conan Doyle regarding copyrights), in the two stories that compose “The Blonde Lady” these two great intellects are bound in opposite directions. Where one chooses to abide to the law, the other uses his power and wits to crime – and who is going to win? These two stories appeared in chapters and as separate pieces in the magazine Je Sais Tout, during the years of 1906 and 1907, and were published together as a book first in 1908, being the second of the books where Ars?ne Lupin, the kind-hearted and humorous thief, is the main character. (Summary by Leni)
The Blue Behemoth
Shannon’s Imperial Circus was a jinxed space-carny leased for a mysterious tour of the inner worlds. It made a one-night pitch on a Venusian swamp-town?to find that death stalked it from the jungle in a tiny ball of flame. (Summary from the text)
The Blue Lagoon
Two shipwrecked children grow up on a South Pacific island. This beautiful story of adventure and innocent love was H.D. Stacpoole?s most popular work. Parents who may have seen the Hollywood film need not be anxious about the book’s suitability for kids — the author’s treatment of adolescent sexuality is almost mystical and very mild. The story of The Blue Lagoon (1908) continues in The Garden of God (1923) and The Gates of Morning (1925). A ship?s doctor, Henry De Vere Stacpoole (1863?1951) published over 90 works of fiction, poetry, autobiography, and translation. (Summary by Adrian Praetzellis)
The Book of All Power
The Book of All Power by Edgar Wallace is set in London at the beginning, and then the action moves to Russia. The story covers the period from 1910 to 1919 during which the Russian Revolution takes place and this results in drastic changes to Russian society. This book could be described as a romantic adventure story and the main characters are a weird assortment – Malcolm Hay, a young Englishman, a beautiful Grand Duchess of the Russian Aristocracy, a Russian general, a Jewish bookbinder, and an American sharp shooter. Much happens, and the Russian characters, heavily influenced by their religion and politics, provide a fascinating insight into the mind of the Russian people, aristocrats and peasants, and all those in between. – Summary by Peter Thomlinson
The Convict
As young Lord Hadley and his companion Edward Dudley travel along a dark, coastal road, they encounter a young girl pinioned by a fallen wall. They rescue her and alert her father, stationed on the cliff-top, apparently watching for something or someone, before continuing their journey to the home of Sir Arthur Adelon. What was the girl doing out alone at night? What was her father’s business on the cliff? Who is the sinister-looking stranger that young Edgar Adelon spots at the home of his beloved? And does Dudley have a chance with the beautiful heiress Eda, or have her affections been won by his wealthy patron? As tensions rise between Lord and tutor, tragedy strikes and the harsh reality of the penal system is laid bare. With the backdrop of political unrest and the growing Chartist movement, this tale has intrigue, romance and passion.
The Copper Princess
The Copper Princess: A Story of Lake Superior Mines is an adventure set in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The delightful story features a brave and wholesome hero struggling for his rightful copper mining inheritance against smugglers and bandits. He also encounters a beautiful and mysterious maiden who is caught in her father’s secret crimes. [Summary by Brenda Price] Note: This book contains racial comments that may be offensive to modern listeners.
The Coral Island
Ralph Rover is a traveler at heart, and has always dreamed of shipping out to the South Seas islands. He finally convinces his aging parents to let him go and find his way in the world. But the islands that Ralph finds are not as idyllic as in his dreams. Shipwrecked on a large, uninhabited island, Ralph and his fellow survivors, Jim and Peterkin, discover a world of hostile natives and villainous pirates. Danger, high adventure, and wonders of the sea greet them at every turn. When all seems lost, they find help from an unexpected source. (Summary by Tom Weiss)
The Count of Monte Cristo (version 2)
The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and the Levant during the historical events of 1815?1838 (from just before the Hundred Days through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book. It is primarily concerned with themes of justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, and is told in the style of an adventure story. (Summary by Wikipedia)
The Count of Monte Cristo (version 3)
Le Comte de Monte-Cristo is an adventure novel and one of the author’s most popular works. He completed the work in 1844. The story takes place in France, Italy, islands in the Mediterranean and in the Levant during the historical events of 1815-1838 (from just before the Hundred Days to the reign of Louis-Philippe of France). It deals with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy and forgiveness. The book is considered a literary classic today. (Summary by David Clarke, ref. Wikipedia)
The Country Beyond
The Country Beyond, subtitled A Romance In the Wilderness, is a story of “Jolly” Roger McKay, an outcast on the run from the law; Nada, the girl he falls in love with; and Peter, the devoted mixed-breed dog who links the two together as no human could, as action, adventure, and romance take them through the Northwest Canadian wilderness in search of The Country Beyond. (Summary by Roger Melin)
The Courage of Marge O’Doone
David Raine is travelling, trying to escape his own memories. On the train he meets Father Rolland, who invites him North, to a world of “mystery and savage glory”, to help him find himself again. On the same train, he meets a mysterious woman searching for a man named Michael O’Doone. When she’s gone, he finds a thin package on her seat. It contains the photograph of a girl and David makes it his aim to find her, while following Father Rolland into the mysterious North. (Summary by Rapunzelina)
The Covered Wagon
“Look at ’em come, Jesse! More and more! Must be forty or fifty families.” This is an old-fashioned adventure tale set on the Oregon Trail, just before the California Gold Rush. It is the story of a wagon train bound for the west, and the conflict which arises due to of a love triangle. Indian fights, buffalo hunts, dangerous river crossings and other dangers of the trail add to a gripping and entertaining yarn. (Summary by Lynne Thompson)
The Crimson Gardenia And Other Tales Of Adventure
Published in 1916, this book collects eleven stories originally published in several different magazines. Beach?s adventure stories were immensely popular throughout the early 1900s. – Summary by David Wales
The Crossing
This is an historical fiction novel. Many real characters of history are included, as well as fictitious ones. The saga takes place in the period slightly before the American Revolution, and extends for some years after that war. It covers the first movement of southern colonists, over the mountains, into Kentucky, then into the lands that would become Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The battles to take these lands from the British make up much of the drama. The characters also move into New Orleans to face off with the French. This was a major best selling novel when released. The writer, Winston Churchill, was a most prominent American novelist of the time. The Prime Minister of England, Winston S. Churchill, was his contemporary, but no family relation. This book contains content that some listeners might find offensive. (Summary by Bob Rollins)
The Cruel Painter
This is the story of a daring college student’s quest to win the icy heart of a beautiful girl. Unfortunately, the girl is the daughter of a cunning and sadistic master artist, who takes the student as an apprentice with the express intent of torturing the youth with his own hopeless love. The story is set in late 16 century Prague, amid mysterious happenings and the terrifying rumors of a vampire on the loose. ( Summary by Ned Troxel )
The Cruise of the Esmeralda
After his father died, Captain Saint Leger and his family are left destitute. However, the Saint Legers have a family secret: an ancestor is said to have buried a vast fortune in gold and jewels somewhere in the Eastern Seas. The catch: all directions are encrypted. Nevertheless, Captain Saint Leger decides to take a chance and sails east. A journey full of adventure begins, including pirates, storms and mutiny… (Summary by Carolin)
The Exploits of Juve
Fant?mas was introduced a few years after Ars?ne Lupin, another well-known thief. But whereas Lupin draws the line at murder, Fant?mas has no such qualms and is shown as a sociopath who enjoys killing in a sadistic fashion. He is totally ruthless, gives no mercy, and is loyal to none, not even his own children. He is a master of disguise, always appearing under an assumed identity, often that of a person whom he has murdered. Fant?mas makes use of bizarre and improbable techniques in his crimes, such as plague-infested rats, giant snakes, and rooms that fill with sand. The Exploits of Juve chronicles some of Juve?s adventures in pursuit of this master criminal and ends with what may be Fantomas? revenge on the detective. (Introduction by Wikipedia and Don Jenkins)
The Exploits of Juve (version 2)
The second book in the Fant?mas series by the prolific authors Marcel Allain and Pierre Souvestre (they published 32 Fant?mas novels between 1911 and 1913.) Fant?mas broke the mold of the Gentlemen burglars like Raffles and Arsene Lupin. He killed without compunction. His anarchic ruthlessness, especially as portrayed by silent film pioneer Louis Feuillade, made Fant?mas the darling of the French avante garde, such as the artist Ren? Magritte and novelist Robert Desnos. (Summary by Alan Winterrowd)
The Extraordinary Adventures of Ars?ne Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar (version 2)
This collection of independent stories first published between 1905 and 1907 in the magazine Je Sais Tout recounts the tales of Ars?ne Lupin, the famous gentleman-burglar: the first story marks the introduction of the character to the public, and its success encouraged author Maurice Leblanc to write several others, collected and published as a book in 1907. Ars?ne Lupin would go on to be the main character in several short stories and novels, written by Leblanc and others, and whose legacy would appear also in comics, movies and video games, becoming the icon of the affable and charming man who, choosing to walk on the wrong side of law, still can be a force for good. – Summary by Leni
The Extraordinary Adventures of Ars?ne Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar (version 3)
A series of loosely related short stories of the early adventures of France’s famous gentleman burglar, Ars?ne Lupin, as told by an admirer and trusted friend. (Cate Barrat)
The Fearsome Island
No ordinary sailor’s tale, this. Based allegedly on the real experiences of Silas Fordred, Master Mariner of Hythe, this is a story of shipwreck on an uncharted island and his supernatural adventures there with a witch, a hairy man, and various devilish devices and traps. The author, Kinross, adds an appendix purporting to explain the marvels which Fordred encountered. Kinross claims to have stolen the sailor’s original account from Hythe Town Hall while helping the Town Clerk to sort newly discovered old papers. This is credible, as it is well-known that there were many such documents rescued from destruction in the late nineteenth century. The names of Fordred and his shipmate Snoad are also old-established Hythe families. However, even if Fordred’s account is mentioned in the annals of Hythe Borough, it is impossible to know how much was invented by Kinross. “Believe or doubt!” the author says. Much as I would like to believe, I know which way I incline. (Introduction by Ruth Golding)
The Female American
?The Female American; Or The Adventures of Unca Eliza Winkfield, Written by Herself in Two Volumes? was anonymously published under the pseudonym Unca Eliza Winkfield in 1767. Unca Eliza, a half-Native American and half-English woman, is shipwrecked on an island. Discovering the remnants of past civilization, Unca Eliza utilizes the tools she finds and her extensive knowledge (derived from her experience with both the English and Native Americans) to survive the island and immanent encounters with indigenous peoples. This audiobook is a collaborative project by graduate students in the English Department at the University of Oregon. – Summary by Kathleen Gekiere
The Wit and Humor of America, Vol 08
The Wit and Humor of America is a 10 volume series. In this, the eighth volume, 40 short stories and poems have been gathered from 35 authors. This volume is sure to delight listeners. (Summary by Linette Geisel)