Do you love books by Clive Cussler, James Rollins or Dan Brown? Are you a fan of movies like Indiana Jones, National Treasure or Lara Croft: Tomb Raider?
If yes, you’re an action-adventure and archaeological thriller fan, and in this article, I share some fantastic series you can binge read right now for your next pulse-pounding escape.
These books combine the excitement of a modern-day treasure hunt with the allure of ancient mystery and historical intrigue. They feature daring characters who face off against formidable adversaries while uncovering secrets buried for centuries.
Whether its deciphering ancient codes, exploring forgotten ruins, or thwarting global conspiracies, the stakes are always high, and the action is relentless.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of series that cater to all tastes within the genre. Each promises to deliver non-stop excitement, characters you want to spend more time with, intriguing historical elements, and plots that will keep you guessing until the very end. You can read them as stand-alone adventures, or binge the whole series.
(1) Sigma Force Series by James Rollins (18 books)
The Sigma Force novels revolve around a covert team of former Special Forces operatives with expertise in various scientific disciplines tasked with protecting the world from emerging threats by uncovering scientific secrets and ancient mysteries. Each mission plunges them into high-stakes situations that blend cutting-edge technology with historical intrigue.
I also love Rollins’ The Order of the Sanguines co-written with Rebecca Cantrell, which is more supernatural/religious thriller and still fast paced adventures.
(2) James Acton Thrillers by J. Robert Kennedy (40 books)
Professor James Acton, an archaeologist and historian, finds himself entangled in dangerous missions involving ancient artifacts and modern conspiracies. The series blends historical research with action-packed adventures.
(3) Robert Langdon Series by Dan Brown (5 books)
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon unravels complex codes and ancient mysteries hidden within famous works of art and historical monuments. A mix of fast paced action adventure, ancient mysteries, and religious conspiracy, Brown’s books inspired my own ARKANE thrillers.
(4) Dirk Pitt Series by Clive Cussler (27 books)
The iconic NUMA series follows the adventures of Dirk Pitt, a marine engineer and adventurer, as he uncovers ancient mysteries and thwarts sinister plots across the globe. With its mix of historical intrigue and high-octane action, this series is a must-read for fans of the genre.
I grew up wanting to be Dirk Pitt and even studied marine biology for a while as well as learning to scuba dive because of Cussler’s inspiration.
(5) Gabriel Allon Series by Daniel Silva (24 books)
Gabriel Allon, an art restorer and Israeli intelligence officer, balances his covert operations with a passion for art. The missions often blend international espionage with intricate plots and historical contexts.
While not such a break-neck pace, I love the aspects of religion, European culture and art that weave through these books. Always on my pre-order list.
(6) Cotton Malone Series by Steve Berry (18 books)
Former Justice Department operative turned antiquarian book dealer, Cotton Malone, delves into conspiracies rooted in historical secrets. Each novel combines intense action with fascinating historical puzzles, making it a thrilling ride for history buffs and action lovers alike.
(7) ARKANE Series by J.F. Penn (13 books)
Morgan Sierra, ex-military psychologist, joins ARKANE, a secret British agency investigating supernatural mysteries and ancient religious artifacts around the world. Each mission is a modern day, fast-paced thriller inspired by historical artifacts, religious conspiracy, and archaeology. For fans of Dan Brown, James Rollins, and Indiana Jones/Lara Croft.
Spear of Destiny, book 13, is available in a signed special edition hardback edition, as well as early access to the other editions and entire series bundle deals here on Kickstarter.
[Yes, this is my series! I continue to write these kinds of thrillers because I am a reader first and love the genre. I hope you enjoy the adventures.]
(8) Ben Hope Series by Scott Mariani (29 books)
Ex-SAS operative turned rescue specialist Ben Hope takes on missions that blend historical and religious mysteries with modern-day threats. The series is fast-paced, with a mix of action, intrigue, and historical depth.
(9) Jack West, Jr Series by Matthew Reilly (7 books)
Jack West Jr, a former SAS soldier, embarks on global quests filled with ancient puzzles and deadly adversaries. Extremely fast paced with lots of puzzles to solve, combining historical mysteries with explosive action.
(10) Dane Maddock Adventures by David Wood (15 books)
Dane Maddock, a former Navy SEAL turned treasure hunter, embarks on thrilling quests to uncover lost artifacts and ancient secrets. With his partner, Bones Bonebrake, Maddock navigates danger and adventure across the globe.
(11) Eden Black Archaeological Thrillers by Luke Richardson (5 books)
Archaeologist and treasure hunter Eden Black uncovers ancient secrets and faces modern-day dangers. This series combines archaeological intrigue with heart-pounding action.
(12) Joe Ledger Series by Jonathan Maberry (10 books)
Joe Ledger, a former Baltimore cop and Army Ranger, is recruited by the Department of Military Sciences (DMS) to lead a covert task force against global threats. Joe and his team tackle bioterrorism, ancient conspiracies, and advanced technologies, sometimes with an edge of the supernatural. This is one of my favorite series from one of my favorite authors!
(13) Vanessa Michael Munroe Series by Taylor Stevens (6 books)
Vanessa Michael Munroe, a skilled information hunter and mercenary, takes on dangerous assignments across the globe, using her unique ability to blend in and gather intelligence. Deadly combat, complex conspiracies and action-packed adventure with psychological depth.
(14) Sean Wyatt Series by Ernest Dempsey (23 books)
Archaeologist and former secret agent Sean Wyatt races against time to find and protect ancient treasures. Deep research, historical intrigue with relentless action.
(15) Dominic Grey Series by Layton Green (6 books)
Dominic Grey, a private investigator specializing in religious phenomenons, is drawn into mysterious and dangerous cases involving ancient rituals, secret societies, and dark conspiracies. With his background in martial arts and experience in diplomatic security, Grey travels across the globe unraveling complex mysteries and facing perilous threats.
(16) Payne & Jones Series by Chris Kuzneski (9 books)
The series follows Jonathon Payne and David Jones, former Special Forces operatives turned treasure hunters, as they solve ancient puzzles and thwart global conspiracies.
(17) Matt Drake Series by David Leadbeater (35 books)
Ex-SAS soldier Matt Drake goes on a series of high-stakes adventures that take him around the world in search of ancient artifacts and lost treasures. Relentless pace, intricate plots, and well-researched historical contexts.
(18) Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase Series by Andy McDermott (17 books)
Archaeologist Dr. Nina Wilde and her ex-SAS bodyguard Eddie Chase race against time to uncover ancient artifacts and prevent global disasters.
(19) Alex Hunter Series by Greig Beck (11 books)
Alex Hunter, the Arcadian, is an elite soldier with extraordinary abilities, leading a covert team to tackle threats from ancient mysteries to cutting-edge scientific dangers.
(20) Phoenix Quest Series by K.T. Tomb (7 books)
Thalia Phoenix is an amateur archaeologist and collectibles shop owner. She’s also a relic hunter embarking on fast-paced adventures. You can also check out the Chyna Stone and the Found History series.
(21) Dan Kotler Archaeological Thrillers by J. Kevin Tumlinson (13 books)
Dan Kotler, archaeologist and researcher, delves into historical mysteries that have modern-day implications, combining gripping archaeological puzzles with thrilling action sequences.
(22) The Belial Series by R.D. Brady
Archaeologist Delaney McPhearson is thrust into a world of ancient legends and modern-day threats as she uncovers secrets that could alter the course of history. The series blends mythology, historical mysteries, and cutting-edge science, as Delaney and her team face off against powerful adversaries intent on unlocking the secrets of the past for their own gain.
(23) Tyler Locke Series by Boyd Morrison (4 books)
Engineer Tyler Locke uses his skills to solve ancient puzzles and prevent catastrophic events. Well-researched historical elements, innovative technology, and relentless pacing.
(24) Harvey Bennett Thrillers by Nick Thacker (15 books)
Harvey Bennett, a former park ranger turned reluctant hero, takes on global threats linked to scientific discoveries and ancient mysteries. The series offers a mix of science fiction, action, and historical intrigue.
(25) VanOps Series by Avanti Centrae (3 books)
The VanOps team, a covert group of operatives, tackles threats linked to ancient mysteries and modern science. The series combines espionage, historical intrigue, and fast-paced action for an exhilarating read.
(26) Sam Reilly Series by Christopher Cartwright (29 books)
Former marine troubleshooter Sam Reilly follows clues from history to solve modern day mysteries.
(27) Sam Harris Adventures by P.J. Skinner (7 books)
Geologist Sam Harris navigates the treacherous world of mineral exploration and archaeological discoveries. Combines geological intrigue with action-packed adventures.
(28) Thomas Lourds Series by Charles Brokaw (4 books)
Dr. Thomas Lourds, a renowned linguist and archaeologist, uncovers ancient texts and artifacts that lead to thrilling adventures.
(29) Jack Howard Series by David Gibbins (10 books)
Marine archaeologist Jack Howard dives into the depths of history, uncovering lost civilizations and ancient artifacts that hold the key to modern-day mysteries.
(30) Chase Baker Thrillers by Vincent Zandri (11 books)
Chase Baker, a writer and adventurer, travels the world uncovering ancient secrets and hidden treasures. A mix of archaeological mystery and thrilling action.
Happy reading!