9 thrilling action adventure reads for fans of Marvel
Author Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie recommends nine pacy reads packed with action, intrigue, superpowers, and adventure.
Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie
Growing up, I loved action adventure and superhero stories, and I still do. From James Bond and Transformers to Marvel’s X‑Men and Spider-Man, the action sequences, pacy storytelling, and characters with special powers have had a big influence on my writing.
My solo debut Jamaal Target: PHANTOM Agent is a pacy action adventure about an ordinary boy who discovers he has extraordinary powers and is destined to join an elite but secret organisation.
So if you’re a fan of Marvel’s high-energy action adventure and superhero stories, like me, then here are some books I think you’ll love…
1. Beast Mode by JJ Arcanjo
Three kids wake up with no memory of who they are, what is going on, and who the bad people that are chasing them are. They don’t even know each other, but are forced to work together while on the run.
Beast Mode is a rush throughout, and the fact that our protagonists have the ability to morph into animals raises the intrigue and excitement up several notches.
2. Onyeka series by Tọlá Okogwu
Billed as ‘Black Panther meets X‑Men’, the Onyeka series is a fast-paced and action-packed gem.
Following Onyeka, a girl who discovers her natural afro hair holds unimaginable power, there are fight scenes. Psychokinetic powers. A school for those with superpowers. What’s not to love?
3. Young Bond series by Charlie Higson
I read these books growing up but come back to them every now and then to this day. We follow a teenage James Bond, who is just as smooth but a bit less experienced than his adult counterpart.
It’s exhilarating, packed with smarts, poise, and thrilling action scenes.
Image: Gashwayne Hudson
4. Spirit Warriors by Ashley Thorpe
Valiant heroes, ancient magic, and evil spirits possessing people left and right!
This thrilling adventure, set in a fictional version of the Caribbean island Jamaica, will have you hooked. For those who like the more mystical or fantastical side of Marvel, Spirit Warriors will be perfect for you!
5. Loki series by Louie Stowell
If you love Marvel, a book centred on the trickster god Loki should be right up your street.
When he is banished to Earth and trapped in the body of an 11-year-old boy, Loki habitually treads the line in his “attempts” to be good. Hilarious, mischievous, and just overall fun!
6. Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz
Pure action. Missions. Gadgets. Alex Rider is a staple in the spy action genre, and will have any fan hooked. With shades of Captain America: Winter Soldier, it’s covert, high stakes, and non-stop action.
Image: Coke Navarro
7. 21% Monster series by P. J. Canning
In this high-octane action adventure, two boys who would otherwise never have crossed paths are thrust together in an unlikely alliance. Darren is 21% monster, and Marek is 19% alien.
Both have superhuman abilities. Both have been experimented on by the secret organisation XSP. Together, the pair do everything in their power to take down the evil forces that created them.
8. Zero Override by Steve Blackman
If you enjoy the parts of Marvel where technology and artificial intelligence is at the forefront (think Ultron), then look no further!
We have humans and humanoid bots living together in a near-future dystopian London, AI, androids, rebel hackers, and a sophisticated virus threatening society as they know it. Zero Override is bags of intrigue and high-stakes fun!
9. Tristan Strong series by Kwame Mbalia
Daring and enthralling, this is a brilliant action adventure. Tristan Strong has everything a fan of the Marvel genre is looking for to entertain them!
A mythological-based fantasy with a fantastic protagonist that’s easy to root for, this tale packs a punch.
Jamaal Target: PHANTOM Agent by Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie is out now.
