10 Books Like Indiana Jones
Ever find yourself craving the thrill of ancient mysteries, daring adventures, and spine-tingling escapades?
If so, you’re likely on the lookout for books that capture the essence of the legendary Indiana Jones.
From hidden treasures to heart-pounding action, these novels promise to whisk you away on exhilarating journeys reminiscent of everyone’s favorite archaeologist.
So, buckle up your metaphorical fedora and get ready to explore a world filled with excitement and intrigue as we delve into a selection of books sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure.
Books Like Indiana Jones
1. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
“The Da Vinci Code” is a fast-paced thriller that follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they unravel a series of puzzles and codes hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci.
The story takes them across Europe in a race against time to solve a mystery that could shake the foundations of Christianity. Along the way, they encounter secret societies, hidden history, and a deadly adversary who will stop at nothing to keep the secret safe.
Major Similarities:
Like Indiana Jones, “The Da Vinci Code” features a protagonist who combines knowledge of history and symbols to solve ancient mysteries. The narrative is driven by an exhilarating treasure hunt that leads to historical revelations, blending action, adventure, and scholarly detective work.
The theme of unraveling secrets of the past with implications for the present is central to both stories, appealing to readers who enjoy a mix of history, mythology, and suspense.
2. The Mummy by Anne Rice
Under the pen name A.N. Roquelaure, Anne Rice penned “The Mummy or Ramses the Damned,” a thrilling blend of historical fiction, romance, and supernatural elements.
The story revolves around Ramses the Great, who awakens in Edwardian England after drinking an elixir of life. As he navigates this new world, he becomes entangled in a love triangle, faces old enemies, and explores the limits of his immortality.
Major Similarities:
This book shares the adventurous spirit of Indiana Jones through its excavation of ancient Egyptian mythology and the blending of historical settings with supernatural elements.
The protagonist’s quest for knowledge and survival in different eras mirrors Indy’s journeys through time and culture. Both narratives also feature exotic locations, ancient curses, and the moral dilemmas associated with immortality and archaeological discovery.
3. Seven Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly
“Seven Deadly Wonders” is an action-packed thriller that follows a diverse team of soldiers, scholars, and adventurers led by Australian Captain Jack West Jr. as they race to find the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Their mission is to prevent a catastrophic event predicted by an ancient prophecy, facing off against rival nations and private mercenaries along the way. The story combines high-stakes adventure with intricate puzzles and historical mysteries.
Major Similarities:
The book mirrors the Indiana Jones series in its globe-trotting adventure, pursuit of ancient artifacts, and the integration of historical and mythical elements.
Like Indy, Jack West Jr. is a charismatic leader who uses his knowledge of history and archaeology to solve puzzles and navigate dangers. The emphasis on teamwork to achieve a greater good and the mix of action, strategy, and ancient lore are also common threads.
4. The Hunt for Atlantis by Andy McDermott
“The Hunt for Atlantis” introduces readers to archaeologist Nina Wilde and ex-SAS bodyguard Eddie Chase as they embark on an epic quest to discover the lost city of Atlantis.
Their adventure spans the globe, from icy Scandinavian landscapes to the rainforests of South America, facing off against a ruthless billionaire and his mercenaries who are determined to exploit the power of Atlantis for their own ends. The narrative is filled with thrilling action sequences, ancient puzzles, and a touch of humor.
Major Similarities:
This novel captures the essence of Indiana Jones through its blend of archaeology, action, and humor. Nina and Eddie’s dynamic relationship adds a personal dimension to their quest, similar to Indy’s interactions with his allies and enemies.
The hunt for a legendary lost city, the mix of historical speculation with modern-day adventure, and the presence of a morally ambiguous antagonist reflect the adventurous spirit and ethical questions explored in the Indiana Jones series.
5. The Secret of Excalibur by Andy McDermott
In “The Secret of Excalibur,” Andy McDermott returns with another thrilling adventure featuring Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase. This time, the duo is on the trail of the mythical sword Excalibur, believed to possess untold powers.
Their journey takes them from the ruins of Arthurian England to the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, battling a secretive organization with dark ambitions for the sword’s power. The narrative is a mix of historical myth, explosive action, and cutting-edge technology.
Major Similarities:
Like Indiana Jones, “The Secret of Excalibur” thrives on the exploration of legendary artifacts and their historical significance. The protagonists’ blend of academic expertise and physical prowess mirrors Indy’s skill set, and their commitment to preserving history against those who would misuse it resonates with the themes of the Indiana Jones series.
The adventurous spirit, complex puzzles, and moral dilemmas presented by the pursuit of powerful artifacts make this book a fitting companion for fans of the franchise.
6. The Emperor’s Tomb by Steve Berry
“The Emperor’s Tomb” features Cotton Malone, a retired U.S. Justice Department operative turned rare-book dealer, who finds himself entangled in a geopolitical conflict that revolves around the secrets of the ancient Chinese Emperor and the mysteries of the terra cotta warriors.
The adventure takes Malone from Denmark to Belgium, and then deep into the heart of China, where political intrigue and historical puzzles intertwine, leading to an ancient tomb with earth-shattering secrets.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares the globetrotting adventure and historical mystery elements that are hallmark of the Indiana Jones series. Malone, like Indy, is a knowledgeable protagonist who uses his understanding of history to unravel ancient secrets, facing both moral and physical challenges along the way.
The mix of real historical artifacts and fictional conspiracy adds depth to the narrative, much like the blend of archaeology and myth in Indiana Jones’ quests.
7. Sandstorm by James Rollins
“Sandstorm” is the first book in the Sigma Force series, where science and history collide in an explosive mix of adventure and action. The story begins with a tragic explosion in the British Museum, which leads to a quest across deserts, through ancient cities, and into the heart of a mystical storm in the Arabian Peninsula.
The team of Sigma Force, a secret arm of the Defense Department specializing in historical and scientific mysteries, must unravel a millennia-old secret to prevent a global catastrophe.
Major Similarities:
Like Indiana Jones, “Sandstorm” combines the thrill of adventure with the intrigue of historical mysteries, featuring a team that uses their scientific expertise and combat skills in equal measure.
The exploration of ancient civilizations and the dangerous quest for knowledge against a backdrop of exotic locales echoes Indy’s journeys.
The narrative’s mix of cutting-edge technology, ancient lore, and moral quandaries provides a modern twist on the classic adventure formula.
8. The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
“The Last Templar” begins with a dramatic heist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, leading archaeologist Tess Chaykin and FBI agent Sean Reilly on a thrilling chase to uncover the secrets of the medieval Knights Templar.
Their quest uncovers a centuries-old mystery that challenges the foundations of modern faith, taking them from the dark alleys of Manhattan to the lost ruins of medieval monasteries in Europe.
Major Similarities:
The book captures the essence of Indiana Jones through its blend of historical intrigue, adventure, and the quest for ancient relics that hold power and secrets.
The dynamic between Tess and Sean mirrors the collaborative partnerships seen in Indy’s adventures, where brains and brawn combine to solve puzzles.
The narrative’s exploration of historical and religious mysteries, set against the backdrop of a modern-day treasure hunt, evokes the spirit of Indiana Jones’ legendary quests.
9. Sphinx by Robin Cook
“Sphinx” is a thrilling novel that explores the mysteries of ancient Egypt through the eyes of Erica Baron, a young and ambitious archaeologist.
After witnessing a murder in a bazaar in Cairo, Erica finds herself drawn into a dangerous quest to find a legendary pharaoh’s tomb.
The journey leads her through the complexities of Egyptian politics, black market antiquities, and deep into the heart of the Sahara, where ancient secrets lie buried.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares Indiana Jones’ love for ancient Egyptian mythology and archaeology, featuring a protagonist who is passionate about uncovering the past.
The combination of archaeological exploration with suspense and danger echoes Indy’s encounters with both historical wonders and nefarious adversaries.
Erica’s journey is fraught with puzzles and ethical dilemmas about cultural heritage and preservation, themes often explored in Indiana Jones’ adventures.
10. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
“Labyrinth” is an enthralling novel that weaves together the lives of two women, separated by centuries, who find themselves connected by the mysteries of the medieval Languedoc.
In the present day, Alice Tanner discovers two skeletons in a forgotten cave in the French Pyrenees, uncovering a labyrinth symbol that sets her on a quest tied to the history of the Cathars and the search for the Holy Grail.
Parallel to this, the story follows Alais, a young woman in the 13th century, who is given a book that contains the secret of the Grail.
Major Similarities:
“Labyrinth” shares with Indiana Jones a deep-rooted fascination with historical puzzles and the quest for sacred artifacts. The dual timeline narrative explores the impact of history on the present, a theme prevalent in Indy’s adventures.
Both stories feature protagonists who are thrust into danger and intrigue as they uncover secrets meant to be hidden. The rich historical backdrop and the blend of myth, history, and adventure make “Labyrinth” a compelling read for fans of Indiana Jones’ treasure-hunting exploits
