The Greatest Australian, French "Adventure" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Adventure

The Adventure genre is characterized by stories that take readers on thrilling journeys filled with danger, excitement, and unexpected twists and turns. These books often feature brave protagonists who embark on quests, explore new territories, and face challenges that test their physical and mental limits. Adventure stories can be set in any time period or location, from ancient civilizations to futuristic worlds, and can include elements of romance, mystery, and suspense. Whether it's a treasure hunt, a survival story, or a battle against evil forces, Adventure books offer readers an escape into a world of excitement and adventure.

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  1. 1. Asterix the Gaul by Rene Goscinny

    In this comic book, a small Gaulish village in ancient France resists Roman occupation with the help of a magic potion that gives them superhuman strength. The story revolves around the adventures of a brave and clever warrior and his lovable, hefty sidekick. Their adventures are filled with humor, satire, and historical references, as they outwit their Roman adversaries and protect their village from various threats.

    The 1870th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Little Nicholas by Rene Goscinny

    "Little Nicholas" is a collection of humorous and heartwarming stories that revolve around the mischievous adventures of a young boy named Nicholas and his group of friends. From pranks at school to family vacations, the book offers a delightful glimpse into the innocent and imaginative world of childhood, filled with relatable anecdotes that will resonate with readers of all ages.

    The 2128th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Papillon by Henri Charrière

    The book is a memoir that chronicles the harrowing experiences of a Frenchman who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to life in the penal colonies of French Guiana. Determined to regain his freedom, he makes numerous escape attempts, facing incredible odds and enduring brutal conditions. His indomitable spirit and will to survive lead him through a series of adventures and misadventures, including solitary confinement, a stint in a leper colony, and living with indigenous tribes. Throughout his ordeal, his nickname, derived from the butterfly tattoo on his chest, becomes a symbol of his unyielding quest for liberty.

    The 2246th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Annapurna by Maurice Herzog

    This book recounts the incredible true story of a French expedition to the Himalayas in the early 1950s. The team, led by an experienced mountaineer, faces extreme weather conditions, challenging terrains, and life-threatening situations in their quest to conquer the Annapurna peak. Despite losing fingers and toes to frostbite, the leader becomes the first person to reach the summit of an 8,000-meter peak, marking a significant milestone in mountaineering history. The narrative is not just about the physical journey but also delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of the climbers.

    The 3626th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Ernest And Celestine by Gabrielle Vincent

    "Ernest And Celestine" is a heartwarming children's book about an unlikely friendship between a bear named Ernest and a young mouse named Celestine. Despite societal expectations and prejudices, the two form a deep bond and defy the norms of their respective worlds. Through their adventures and challenges, they teach readers the importance of acceptance, friendship, and the power of love.

    The 4571st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier

    The book is a captivating narrative of a sailor's solo circumnavigation of the globe during a historic yacht race. Rejecting the trappings of fame and competition, the sailor chooses to continue sailing beyond the finish line, embracing the sea's vastness and his deep connection with nature. His journey becomes not just a test of physical endurance but a spiritual quest, as he reflects on life, the modern world, and the harmony found in simplicity. Through storms, wildlife encounters, and the solitude of the open ocean, the sailor's tale is a profound meditation on the human spirit and our relationship to the Earth.

    The 4933rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Island by Robert Merle

    The novel is a historical fiction set in the 18th century, following a group of mutineers who, after seizing a ship, find themselves on a deserted island. Striving to create a utopian society free from the constraints of their previous lives, the castaways establish a community with egalitarian principles. However, their attempts at an idealistic life are challenged by the complexities of human nature, power struggles, and the difficulties of survival in an isolated environment. As the narrative unfolds, the island becomes a microcosm for the broader human experience, exploring themes of freedom, governance, and morality.

    The 5279th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Le Lion by Joseph Kessel

    The novel is a heartwarming tale set in the vast savannahs of Kenya, where a young girl forms an extraordinary bond with a majestic lion. This friendship transcends the natural boundaries between human and beast, highlighting the beauty and power of nature, as well as the complexities of growing up. The narrative explores themes of love, respect, and the delicate balance of coexistence between humans and wildlife, all while painting a vivid picture of life in the African wilderness. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, readers are invited to consider the profound impact of our interactions with the natural world.

    The 5287th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. L'enchanteur by René Barjavel

    The book is a reimagining of the Arthurian legends, focusing on the figure of Merlin the Enchanter. It delves into the life and role of Merlin, exploring his powers, his love for the Lady of the Lake, and his involvement in the fates of the legendary characters of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. The narrative weaves a tale of magic, love, and destiny, as Merlin tries to navigate the complex web of human emotions and political intrigue, while attempting to fulfill his own prophecies and maintain the balance between the forces of good and evil.

    The 6087th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Tomorrow, When The War Began by John Marsden

    The book follows a group of teenagers who return from a camping trip to discover that their country has been invaded and their families taken prisoner. As they grapple with the harsh reality of their situation, they must transform from carefree adolescents into resourceful and determined fighters, struggling to survive and launch a guerrilla war against the occupying forces. The story explores themes of friendship, survival, and the loss of innocence, as the characters are thrust into a brutal conflict that forces them to confront the complexities of adulthood and warfare.

    The 6322nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Ancient Future Trilogy by Traci Harding

    The series blends elements of fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, following the journey of a young woman who is transported back in time to the age of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. With her knowledge of the future and her emerging psychic abilities, she becomes a pivotal figure in the ancient world, influencing historical events and intertwining her destiny with legendary characters. As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she also uncovers mysteries that link the past, present, and future, revealing a timeless battle between light and darkness. Her adventures across time explore themes of destiny, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of all things.

    The 6581st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Ice Station by Matthew Reilly

    In this high-octane thriller, an elite team of American Marines is dispatched to a remote Antarctic research station after a distress signal indicates the discovery of an unknown entity buried deep in the ice. Upon arrival, the team finds themselves embroiled in a deadly battle with foreign commandos who are also intent on securing the mysterious find. As the soldiers navigate treacherous ice caverns and confront the harsh elements, they uncover a secret that could change the course of history, all while fighting to survive against overwhelming odds and prevent the artifact from falling into the wrong hands.

    The 6690th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Deltora Quest Series by Emily Rodda

    The series is a collection of fantasy novels that follow the journey of a young boy named Lief, who is tasked with finding the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Accompanied by his companions Barda and Jasmine, he must travel across the land of Deltora, facing numerous challenges and adversaries, in order to restore the belt's magical properties and overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Shadow Lord. Each gem is hidden in a perilous location and guarded by a fearsome guardian, requiring courage, wit, and perseverance to be retrieved. The quest is not only a physical adventure but also a journey of self-discovery for the heroes as they learn the importance of friendship, trust, and bravery.

    The 6853rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Scarecrow by Matthew Reilly

    In this high-octane thriller, the protagonist, an elite intelligence operative known by his codename, navigates a world brimming with danger and betrayal. After being falsely accused of a horrendous crime, he becomes the target of a global bounty hunt, forcing him to evade capture by bounty hunters and international special forces alike. As he fights to clear his name and uncover the true culprits behind the conspiracy, he must also contend with a series of high-stakes missions that take him across the world. The narrative is a relentless race against time, packed with explosive action and intricate plot twists that keep the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

    The 7187th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Mount Analogue by René Daumal

    The book is a novel that combines surreal adventure with philosophical inquiry, telling the story of an expedition to a mysterious, inaccessible mountain that represents a spiritual quest. The mountain, which connects Earth to Heaven, can only be perceived by those who have refined their inner vision. The narrative follows the explorers as they embark on their journey, facing various challenges and revelations that mirror the inner landscapes of human consciousness and the pursuit of enlightenment. As the climbers ascend, the novel delves into themes of reality, symbolism, and the pursuit of the absolute, ultimately leaving the reader with a contemplation of the unattainable peak of human knowledge and experience.

    The 7193rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. La Horde Du Contrevent by Alain Damasio

    The book is a French science fiction novel that follows a group of intrepid explorers, known as the Horde, as they embark on an epic quest against a relentless, omnipresent wind to reach the mysterious source of the wind at the far end of their world. The narrative is uniquely structured, with each member of the Horde providing their own perspective, and the story delves into themes of camaraderie, human resilience, and the struggle against nature. As the characters face physical and existential challenges, the novel explores the depths of human experience and the bonds that form in the face of adversity.

    The 8143rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Arthur And The Invisibles by Luc Besson

    This enchanting tale follows the adventures of a young boy named Arthur, who embarks on a thrilling journey to save his grandmother's house from being repossessed. In his quest, Arthur discovers a secret world inhabited by tiny beings called the Minimoys. With the help of these magical creatures and their princess, Arthur navigates through a series of challenges and battles the evil Maltazard to find a hidden treasure. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the importance of believing in oneself. This story blends fantasy, action, and heartwarming moments, captivating readers with its imaginative world and memorable characters.

    The 8161st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Rules Of Summer by Shaun Tan

    "Rules of Summer" is a visually stunning and thought-provoking picture book that explores the complex relationship between two young boys during their summer vacation. Through a series of surreal and imaginative illustrations, the book delves into themes of friendship, power dynamics, and the unspoken rules that govern their interactions. With its rich imagery and open-ended narrative, "Rules of Summer" invites readers to reflect on the nuances of human relationships and the lessons learned during the season of growth and change.

    The 8251st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Sabriel by Garth Nix

    In a world where the living is bordered by the realm of the dead, a young woman named Sabriel inherits the role of Abhorsen from her father, tasked with keeping the dead at bay and maintaining the balance between life and death. Raised in a boarding school away from the magical Old Kingdom, she must quickly master the art of necromancy and wield the power of the Charter—a set of magical symbols—to navigate through perilous lands and confront a powerful evil that threatens to overwhelm the world of the living. Along her journey, Sabriel is aided by a mysterious cat-like creature and a young man ensnared by a powerful spell, as she seeks to fulfill her destiny and restore harmony to her fractured world.

    The 8491st Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Gagner La Guerre by Jean-Philippe Jaworski

    Set in a richly detailed fantasy world inspired by Renaissance Italy, the novel follows the cunning and resourceful Benvenuto Gesufal, a master assassin and spy in the service of the powerful city-state of Ciudalia. After a perilous mission to ensure his city's victory in a critical war, Benvenuto finds himself embroiled in a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and murder. As he navigates the dangerous corridors of power, he must use all his skills to outwit his enemies, fulfill his duties, and ultimately, to "win the war" both for his city and for his own survival, all while grappling with the moral complexities of his actions and the consequences they bring.

    The 8608th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Conquistadors of the Useless by Lionel Terray

    "Conquistadors of the Useless" is a riveting memoir of a renowned mountain climber, sharing his thrilling experiences in the world of mountaineering. The book takes the reader on a journey through some of the most challenging and dangerous climbs, including the first ascents of Annapurna and Makalu. The author also provides a profound insight into the psyche of climbers, the risks they take, and the reasons behind their seemingly irrational passion for climbing. The book is not just about climbing but also about the human spirit and its relentless pursuit of achievement.

    The 8736th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Descent of Pierre Saint-Martin by Norbert Casteret

    This book is a gripping account of a group of explorers who descend into the Pierre Saint-Martin cave, one of the deepest caves in the world, located in the French Pyrenees. The narrative follows their intense journey as they navigate the dangerous and unknown depths of the cave, overcome obstacles, and deal with the physical and psychological challenges that arise. The explorers' passion for discovery, their bravery and their camaraderie are central themes in this thrilling tale of subterranean adventure.

    The 8745th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Planet Of The Apes by Pierre Boulle

    In this thought-provoking novel, a group of astronauts crash-land on a planet where apes are the dominant species and humans are primitive creatures. The story follows the protagonist as he struggles to survive and understand this upside-down world, ultimately challenging the reader's notions of civilization, intelligence, and the nature of humanity.

    The 9878th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Frogkisser by Garth Nix

    "Frogkisser" by Garth Nix is a whimsical fairy tale about a young princess named Anya who is tasked with saving her kingdom from an evil sorcerer. Along the way, she must go on a quest to gather magical items and enlist the help of various creatures, including talking dogs and a transformed prince who has been turned into a frog. With humor and heart, Anya learns the true meaning of bravery, friendship, and what it means to be a hero.

    The 10809th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download