Novel Category
These categories help readers find suitable books based on their interests.
Horror
Science Fiction
Western
Romance
Chick Lit
Children’s Fiction
Adventure
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Top 20 American Martial Arts Novels
| The Way of the Peaceful Warrior | Dan Millman | A semi-autobiographical novel that combines philosophy, spirituality, and martial arts. |
| Shibumi | Trevanian | This novel follows the life of a master of Go and a highly skilled assassin with martial arts prowess. |
| The Ninja | Eric Van Lustbader | The first book in the Nicholas Linnear series, which blends martial arts with thriller elements. |
| Musashi | Eiji Yoshikawa | While originally Japanese, this classic has been widely read in America and features the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. |
| The Last Kingdom | Bernard Cornwell | Although more historical fiction, it includes martial arts elements through its depiction of Viking battles. |
| Taiko | Eiji Yoshikawa | Another Japanese classic available in English, featuring samurai warfare and martial arts. |
| The Bourne Identity | Robert Ludlum | Known for its action sequences and protagonist skilled in martial arts. |
| The Legend of Drizzt | R.A. Salvatore | A fantasy series featuring a highly skilled dark elf warrior. |
| Iron and Silk | Mark Salzman | A memoir that includes Salzman’s experiences studying martial arts in China. |
| Storm Dragon | James Wyatt | Part of the “Draconic Prophecies” series, combining fantasy with combat and martial arts |
| The 47th Samurai | Stephen Hunter | A thriller that involves samurai swords and martial arts action. |
| The Chronicles of Master Li | Barry Hughart | A series that blends Chinese mythology and martial arts with mystery. |
| Way of the Warrior Kid | Jocko Willink | A children’s book series that emphasizes discipline and martial arts training. |
| The God of War | Matthew Stover | Based on the video game, featuring martial arts and mythological themes. |
| The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories | Ken Liu | Features stories that blend Chinese culture, including martial arts themes. |
| Ghost in the Shell | Masamune Shirow | While originally a manga, its influence in America is significant, and it often involves martial arts elements. |
| The Broken Sword | Poul Anderson | Combines Norse mythology with sword fighting and martial arts. |
| The Book of Five Rings | Miyamoto Musashi | A classic text on strategy and martial arts, widely read in America. |
| The Tao of Jeet Kune Do | Bruce Lee | A martial arts philosophy book by the legendary Bruce Lee. |
| The Hero and the Crown | Robin McKinley | A fantasy novel with elements of martial prowess. |