Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1883 novel Treasure Island remains one of the quintessential pirate adventures. Following young Jim Hawkins’ journey hunting for buried treasure, the story takes readers on an unforgettable voyage across the high seas. With its larger-than-life characters, thrilling action, and timeless themes of good versus evil, Stevenson’s classic launched popular perceptions of pirates and maritime adventures.
Even more than 100 years after it was first published, Treasure Island still influences today’s writers. For those who enjoyed the risks and thrills in Stevenson’s work, several newer books offer a similar feel of adventure. This list will point out books that are not only engaging and strongly plot-driven but also a great fit for those who enjoyed Treasure Island.
See also: Books You Should Read in Your 20s.
Books Like Treasure Island
Daniel Defoe
Robinson Crusoe
"Robinson Crusoe" is a thrilling adventure story by Daniel Defoe. It follows the journey of a man named Robinson Crusoe who gets stranded on a tropical island after a shipwreck. With only his survival skills, he must find food, shelter, and avoid the native cannibals. This captivating tale is based on the true story of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish castaway who lived on a Pacific island for over four years.
Mark Twain
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" is a book by Mark Twain that follows the exciting escapades of a mischievous schoolboy named Tom Sawyer. Tom lives in the small town of St. Petersburg with his Aunt Polly, half-brother Sid, and cousin Mary. Despite his reputation for causing trouble, Tom is clever and always manages to outsmart his strict Aunt Polly. He often sneaks out at night to go on adventures with his friend Huckleberry Finn, who is considered an outcast in the town. One day, Tom is punished for skipping school by being assigned the task of whitewashing a fence. However, he cleverly tricks the other boys in the neighborhood into doing the chore for him. At school, Tom continues to attract attention with his energetic behavior. He tries to impress a new girl named Becky Thatcher by pretending to be engaged to her, but their relationship falls apart when she discovers he was previously engaged to another girl. Later, Tom and Huckleberry Finn witness a murder in the graveyard, which adds even more excitement to their adventures.
Jules Verne
Around the World in Eighty Days
In this book by Jules Verne, Phileas Fogg makes a bet with his friends that he can travel around the world in only eighty days. He leaves his normal life behind and embarks on a journey with his valet, Passepartout. They encounter different places and face challenges, using any means of transportation available to them. They must overcome obstacles and hurry to complete their journey within the time limit.
Jules Verne
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
In this thrilling adventure, French oceanographer Pierre Aronnax and his assistant Conseil join a mission to hunt down a mysterious sea monster that is threatening ships. However, they soon discover that the monster is actually a futuristic submarine called the Nautilus, commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Together with a Canadian harpooner named Ned Land, they embark on a journey of discovery through undersea forests, coral graveyards, deep trenches, and even the sunken ruins of Atlantis.
Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist
"Oliver Twist" is a captivating book by Charles Dickens that takes readers into the dark and dangerous criminal underworld of London. The story follows the life of Oliver Twist, an orphan who faces numerous challenges and hardships from the moment he is born. After escaping from a workhouse and a pompous beadle, Oliver finds himself drawn into a gang of thieves led by the cunning Fagin. Along the way, he encounters memorable characters such as the Artful Dodger, the ruthless burglar Bill Sikes, and the prostitute Nancy. Dickens combines elements of different genres to create a unique and gripping tale that exposes the cruelty of society. This Penguin Classics edition faithfully reproduces the original text, includes a glossary of Victorian thieves' slang, and features all of George Cruikshank's original illustrations.
Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a book by Mark Twain, part of the "Adventures of Tom and Huck" series. It tells the story of a boy from a town near the Mississippi River in the 1800s. He shares his exciting experiences while journeying down the river with a slave who has escaped. Along the way, they meet a family caught in a long-standing feud, two dishonest individuals pretending to be royalty, and Tom Sawyer's aunt who confuses the boy for Tom.
Jules Verne
Journey to the Center of the Earth
In this exciting book by Jules Verne, a geology professor named Professor Lidenbrock discovers an ancient manuscript that claims to reveal a path to the center of the Earth. Intrigued, he embarks on a journey with his nephew Axel and a local guide named Hans Bjelke. Together, they travel through Iceland and descend into an extinct volcano. As they explore this hidden world, they come across glowing rocks, ancient forests, and incredible underwater creatures. This mysterious place holds the key to understanding the beginnings of humanity.
Jonathan Swift
Gulliver’s Travels: Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World.
"Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift is a clever and humorous book that tells the story of Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon, and his four voyages. In his adventures, Gulliver encounters different societies, including a miniature world, a land of giants, a flying island, and a land of gentle horses. Through these encounters, the book offers insights into human nature and society.
Alexandre Dumas
The Three Musketeers
"The Three Musketeers" is an exciting adventure set in France during the 1620s. It follows the story of d'Artagnan, a young man seeking glory, as he becomes involved in a world of romance, espionage, and conspiracy. Along the way, he encounters captivating characters such as the seductive "Milady," the cunning Cardinal Richelieu, and the three musketeers themselves - Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. This book is filled with stolen diamonds, masked balls, secret letters, and thrilling sword fights, making it a timeless and entertaining read.
Jack London
The Call of the Wild
"The Call of the Wild" is a famous book by Jack London, first published in 1903. It is considered to be his best work. The story is based on London's own experiences as a gold prospector in the Canadian wilderness. It explores the themes of nature and the struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of the frozen Alaskan Klondike.
Johann D. Wyss
The Swiss Family Robinson
"The Swiss Family Robinson" is a thrilling adventure novel by Johann D. Wyss. It tells the story of a Swiss pastor, his wife, and their four young sons who are shipwrecked on a tropical island after a storm. Determined to survive, the Robinson family builds a home and explores the island, encountering strange creatures and discovering exotic fruits and plants. Full of action and suspense, this exhilarating novel takes readers on a journey to a dangerous yet beautiful place, where the courageous Robinson family embraces a thrilling new life of adventure and discovery.
Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is a heartwarming holiday tale that reminds us of the true Christmas spirit. This special book brings back favorite memories of characters like Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and the Ghosts of Christmas. It shows us that the joy of Christmas comes from giving with love. The book also includes a heartwarming account of Dickens' first reading of the story and a brief biography of the author.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Kidnapped
"Kidnapped" is a thrilling and romantic adventure written by Robert Louis Stevenson. The story follows David Balfour, a young heir who is betrayed by his greedy uncle and forced into slavery. Despite the dangers he faces, David's bravery and loyalty are rewarded as he survives kidnapping and shipwreck. With the help of a daring rogue, he manages to escape and embark on an exciting journey through the untamed Scottish highlands.
Roger Lancelyn Green
Tales of the Greek Heroes
This book is part of the Tales of the Greek Heroes series by Roger Lancelyn Green. It retells some of the oldest and most well-known stories in the world, such as the adventures of Perseus, the labors of Heracles, and the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts. The book presents these stories in a single, connected narrative, covering the Heroic Age from the arrival of the Immortals to the initial downfall of Troy.
Roger Lancelyn Green
The Adventures of Robin Hood
"The Adventures of Robin Hood" by Roger Lancelyn Green is a timeless tale of social justice and cleverness. Robin Hood, a hero for the underprivileged, fights against the oppressive rule of Prince John and the ruthless Sheriff of Nottingham. With his loyal group of followers, he seeks refuge in Sherwood Forest and uses his wit to outsmart his adversaries.
James Matthew Barrie
Peter Pan
"Peter Pan", written by James Matthew Barrie, tells the story of a young boy named Peter Pan who enters the bedroom of three children, Wendy, Michael, and John, in search of his lost shadow. Wendy manages to help Peter reattach his shadow, and in return, Peter invites the siblings to join him in Neverland, a magical world filled with adventure and excitement. However, they soon discover that Neverland is also home to the villainous Captain Hook.
Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows
"The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame is a book that has been enjoyed by generations of children. The story follows the adventures of Rat, Mole, Toad, and Badger as they explore the English countryside. Originally written as bedtime stories for the author's son, these timeless tales of friendship and nature have captivated readers of all ages. The book begins with Mole leaving his burrow to discover the magic of the river, with the help of his friend Rat. They spend their days exploring the river and enjoying cozy fireside feasts. Along the way, they meet the pleasure-loving Toad and reclusive Badger, and together they work to reclaim Toad Hall from an invasion of stoats, ferrets, and weasels.
Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a heartwarming tale about a young girl named Mary Lennox who moves to her uncle's grand house on the Yorkshire Moors. As an orphan, Mary is intrigued by the mysteries that surround her new home. With nearly one hundred rooms and her uncle's reclusive nature, the mansion holds many secrets. In the quiet of the night, Mary hears the sound of crying echoing through the corridors. The vast gardens become Mary's sanctuary, until she stumbles upon a hidden garden, locked behind walls and missing a key.
Johanna Spyri
Heidi
"Heidi" is a heartwarming story about a cheerful 5-year-old orphan who goes to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps. With her love for nature, Heidi brings joy and transformation to the people around her, including a young girl from a wealthy family, a goatherd, and her blind grandmother.
Herman Melville
Moby-Dick or, The Whale
Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville is a captivating story about a man's relentless pursuit of a mysterious and dangerous sea creature. This novel is not only an exciting adventure but also explores themes of American identity, character, faith, and perception.
