Something action packed and gripping

[Synek]

Hello guys!
I was wandering if you know of some books that have loads of battles and stuff happening in them.
I have fallen in a bit of a rut lately, mainly because the books I read had like three action scenes in them and the rest was just blah blah blah.
So, yeah, if you would be so kind to give me some recommendations of stories where stuff constantly happens, preferably battles and fights, but plots and assassinations' are okay to, something fast paced and gripping!
Thank you :*

[Ian]

For science fiction, With the Lightnings by David Drake is the first book in a long series about the Republic of Cinnabar Navy (RCN in some Amazon headings), Military SF / Space Opera, including the exploits of the human galaxy’s most dangerous librarian, along with a stalwart RCN officer Daniel Leary (also given as a series name). Weapons include everything from electromagnetic dueling pistols to thermonuclear plasma cannons, so there is a lot of variety in the combat scenes.

For fantasy, The Worm Ouroboros by E.R. Eddison is available in a number of cheap Kindle editions, so you can get a fair taste without buying one of the more expensive better versions. It may be too loaded with descriptions for your taste, and the frequent Elizabethan or Jacobean English may be an obstacle, but it is also packed with action, from a wrestling match to naval engagements and pitched battles, in a world that seems compounded of Homeric Greece, Icelandic Sagas, and the Renaissance.

[Melanie, the neutral party]

Patient Zero

[Roy]

and
Are the best action packed books I've read recently. \[T]/

[Eva]

Blake Crouch: Recursion
Jay Kristoff and Amy Kaufman: Illuminae series or Aurora Rising series
Percy Jackson series
Naomi Novik: A Deadly Education
John Birmingham: The Cruel Stars
Brandon Sanderson: Skyward
Devin Madson: We Ride the Storm

All of the above are fast-paced and gripping, I think.

[Michelle]

Marko Kloos has an excellent military scifi starting with Terms of Enlistment.

[Sarah]

Have you tried something like Ascend Online or Viridian Gate Online: Path of the Blood Phoenix- not sure if you like that kind of thing but it's definitely action-packed.

[Colin]

You might want to try Hammer's Slammers by David Drake. That is the first book of a lengthy series that follows the adventures of these mercenaries. Good description of futuristic tanks. Also by Drake, consider Redliners. This book is not just action. There is depth to the characters and to the emotional issues they deal with, so this may not be what you are looking for, but I do think it is superb military SF.

[Lore]

One of the best authors for fast paced action is Matthew Reilly. He has 2 series (Jack West Jr and Scarecrow)and other stand alone books, if your looking for something that has a scifi spin to it then start with the Jack West Jr series.
Another author that I would recommend is Neil Asher and his Polity series.

[Michelle]

Redliners looks as it it would be right up my alley, Colin. I'm glad you posted about it!

[Leonie]

Michelle wrote: "Marko Kloos has an excellent military scifi starting with Terms of Enlistment."

I'll second Terms of Enlistment - I've really enjoyed this series.

[Colin]

Michelle wrote: "Redliners looks as it it would be right up my alley, Colin. I'm glad you posted about it!"

Michelle, I hope you have a chance to read it and that you find it excellent. If you can get it, I would suggest the 20th anniversary edition, which has an introduction by Drake, an afterword from him, and some letters from readers.

[Michelle]

I'll see if I can find that addition, then. Thanks! And thank you Synek for the cool thread!

[Archi]

enders game maybe? If you are into sci-fi of course

[Gary]

I’m going to suggest a novel by Joe Abercrombie. There are nine novels in his fantasy grimdark First Law World Series. If you want action in a self-contained book I recommend reading The Heroes by Joe Abercrombie. The novel is about a big battle covering the whole battle from both sides including many POVs with different goals.

[Jan]

Have you tried David Weber's Honor Harrington series? It's a little old school (1990s) but I read the first one On Basilisk Station earlier this year and enjoyed it. There are a whole lot more if you get hooked.

[Rebecca]

I'm just finishing up book 3 in the Fallen Empire series, a fast paced scifi series by Lindsay Buroker. Starting with a prequel Last Command novella, with the first book Star Nomad. For me this has the perfect combo of fast paced action, some politics, and fun found-family dynamics. Its kinda smack in the middle of the spectrum if Becky Chambers and Red Rising were at either ends.

[Ann-Marie]

Gary wrote: "I’m going to suggest a novel by Joe Abercrombie. There are nine novels in his fantasy grimdark First Law World Series. If you want action in a self-contained book I recommend reading"

I just finished The Blade Itself today, re-read for me but it's been 10+ years so basically a new read. Character driven but action packed, I love this book.

[John]

Can recommend Hell Divers series. Can be dark but definitely action packed.