H. Rider Haggard
If you love action-adventure novels, you owe it to yourself to read H. Rider Haggard's Ayesha, one of the undisputed classics of the genre. In this sequel to the ever-popular She, intrepid explorer Allan Quatermain returns to Africa and again encounters a fascinating lost civilization ruled with an iron fist by the enchanting warrior queen Ayesha.
Transport yourself back to the turbulent atmosphere of early modern England with this exciting historical novel from H. Rider Haggard, one of the luminaries of the action-adventure genre. After an exhilarating romance, a deeply-in-love young couple is wed. But will the scheming local abbot allow them to live their lives in peace?
Though he was best known as a writer of fantastic action-adventure tales, including the Allan Quatermain series from which the modern-day Indiana Jones films drew inspiration, H. Rider Haggard also worked in the genre of historical fiction from time to time. This novel is a fictionalized account of the Israelites' enslavement and eventual escape from Egypt.
4) The Brethren
Revered by fans as a master of the action-adventure genre, Henry Rider Haggard's books are rip-roaring yarns in the classic sense of the term. Although many of his novels are set in far-flung locales, The Brethren is set in early medieval-era England. The plot hinges on a romantic rivalry between two brothers, with plenty of battlefield action thrown in for good measure.
Setting aside the exotic action-adventure tales that were long his stock in trade, acclaimed author H. Rider Haggard explores the realm of the supernatural in the bone-chilling romance Stella Fregelius. When an eccentric inventor falls head-over-heels in love, he foresees nothing but happiness in his future. But when a tragedy tears him from his beloved, he learns that there are some bonds that are so strong that they transcend the material
...Set in Africa, H. Rider Haggard's Elissa is sure to satisfy if you're craving a foray into classic action-adventure territory. Exotic travels, warring clans, damsels in distress, long-lost civilizations, intrepid explorers—this thrilling novel has it all.
Lauded by many as one of the greatest storytellers of the Victorian period, H. Rider Haggard is best remembered for his action-adventure tales set in exotic foreign lands, a formula he milks to full effect in the thrilling page-turner Queen Sheba's Ring. It's a must-read for fans who can't get enough of Haggard's inimitable style.
If you're hankering for a classic H. Rider Haggard action-adventure tale, dive into Black Heart and White Heart. Set amidst the Zulu nation, this gripping account of a blood feud among the ranks of the tribe unspools at a breakneck pace. With all of the elements that made Haggard one of the most popular writers of his time, this classic adventure novel is sure to satisfy.
9) Jess
Set in nineteenth-century South Africa during a time of conflict, deprivation and hardship, the tale Jess is something of a departure from the typical formula of H. Rider Haggard's novels. Following the travails of a pair of sisters who are fighting to save their family's farm, Jess is a captivating look at the brave sacrifices that so many people are called on to make in wartime.
10) Child of Storm
In the novel Child of Storm, H. Rider Haggard's most famous character, Allan Quatermain, continues to indulge his penchant for globe-trotting adventure in a tumultuous journey across Africa. Upon his arrival, he discovers that one of his closest friends has fallen head over heels in love with one of the most beautiful -- and dangerous -- women in the world, and he will stop at nothing to win this accused witch's affection. Will Quatermain
...11) Nada the Lily
Another of Henry Rider Haggard's renowned action-adventure tales, Nada the Lily tells the story of revered warrior Umslopogaas, an illegitimate son of the Zulu monarch Chaka, who is forced into exile and must fight to defend his honor -- as well as to win the love of the sought-after and seemingly unattainable beauty Nada. With plenty of battlefield action and stirring romance, this rollicking tale has something to offer every reader.
...Though best known for creating the series featuring the unforgettable adventurer Allan Quatermain, author Henry Rider Haggard's other action-adventure heroes are just as compelling and believable. The People of the Mist recounts explorer Leonard Outram's exploits in Africa. Haggard loyalists and other fans of the genre are sure to delight in this thrill-a-minute page-turner.
Raised in near-isolation in South Africa, a young Dutch girl named Swallow spends her days gazing upon the sea and dreaming of a happier life filled with friends, family and love. Soon, her daydreams begin to become reality in ways she could never have imagined possible. Ranking among H. Rider Haggard's best novels, Swallow deftly combines romance, historical detail, and adventure.
Gear up for an astonishingly exciting African adventure from author H. Rider Haggard, master of the classic action novel. In The Yellow God, a retired officer decides to undertake a hazardous quest to seek out the lost treasures of the mysterious Asiki tribe. Will he and his faithful manservant be successful—or will they fall prey to one of the many dangers they are sure to encounter along the way?
Intrepid adventurer and explorer Allan Quatermain can't turn away from a challenge, especially if an injustice has been perpetrated. In this tale of a hunting trip that goes horribly awry, Quatermain has met his match, joining forces with an African warrior princess who is dead-set on revenge.
A quest for a rare orchid may not seem like the most exciting premise for an action-adventure tale, but in Allan and the Holy Flower, master of the genre H. Rider Haggard works his unique magic once again. Filled with the trademark touches that have made gentleman explorer Allan Quatermain a fan favorite for nearly a century, this novel is a must-read for thrill-seeking readers.
17) The Ghost Kings
Young missionary Rachel Dove has spent most of her life in the darkest depths of Africa, sacrificing her health and happiness to support her father's charitable initiatives on the continent. Little does she know that a nefarious villain and a renowned African warrior are scheming to whisk her away and make her the queen of a long-lost civilization. Will her beloved be able to rescue her in time?
H. Rider Haggard unleashes another full-throttle action-adventure tale, this one set during biblical times. Readers who appreciate a richly rendered historical setting, strong characters of integrity, and plenty of captivating action will delight in Pearl-Maiden.
19) Doctor Therne
Though regarded as one of the towering figures in the action-adventure genre, H. Rider Haggard's body of work is sometimes regarded as slightly lacking in terms of thematic heft and thought-provoking insight. Doctor Therne proves that assertion wrong. The novel is a fascinating glimpse into nineteenth-century medical ethics and the creation of the smallpox vaccine, but yet is still filled with the kind of pulse-pounding suspense that has
...Much of H. Rider Haggard's body of work focuses on the globetrotting adventures of grizzled explorer Allan Quatermain. The thought-provoking tale The Mahatma and the Hare finds the author in a more philosophical mood. Almost fable-like in its simplicity, this profound story probes questions of morality, fairness and life after death.