One great modern action hero novel is 'The Hunger Games' series. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, is a strong and resourceful action hero. She has to fight for her life in the brutal Hunger Games arena, facing various challenges and enemies. Another is 'Jack Reacher' series. Jack Reacher is a tough ex - military man who travels around the country getting involved in dangerous situations and using his combat skills and intelligence to solve problems.
Well, 'Jack Reacher' novels by Lee Child are excellent action hero novels. Reacher is a drifter who has a military background and uses his skills to right wrongs. He's a no - nonsense kind of hero. 'The Punisher' graphic novels also count. Frank Castle, the Punisher, is on a one - man mission of vengeance against criminals. His unrelenting pursuit makes for some great action - packed reading. Then there's 'Dirk Pitt' series by Clive Cussler. Pitt is an adventurer and hero who often finds himself in dangerous underwater and international intrigue situations.
Another one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Lisbeth Salander is a very complex and interesting female lead. She has a troubled past which has made her into a tough and independent woman. She uses her hacking skills and her tenacity to expose a long - running cover - up of a serial killer, all while dealing with her own personal demons.
I'm not entirely sure as I haven't read it specifically. But generally, it might be about an action - hero's final adventure, his last stand against the bad guys, and perhaps some self - discovery along the way.
I think 'Jack Reacher' series by Lee Child can be considered among the best. The main character, Jack Reacher, is a drifter who gets involved in various dangerous situations. His no - nonsense approach to dealing with bad guys and the fast - paced action make these novels really engaging. Then there's 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown. It combines mystery with action - adventure as the protagonist races around Europe to uncover secrets. Also, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is a great action - adventure read with a strong female lead, Lisbeth Salander, who gets involved in solving a complex mystery and facing dangerous adversaries.
One of the best is 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum. It follows Jason Bourne, a man with amnesia who discovers he has a set of extraordinary skills. The action scenes are intense and the spy elements are well - crafted.
Jason Bourne from 'The Bourne Identity' is quite iconic. His ability to adapt and fight, even with his memory problems, makes him stand out. Also, James Bond from the Bond novels. His suave style, along with his expertise in espionage and combat, has made him a symbol of action heroes for decades.
Another great one is Vince Flynn's 'Mitch Rapp' series. Rapp is a CIA operative who takes on the most dangerous terrorists. The novels are filled with non - stop action and complex spy - related plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
I'd recommend 'The Mortal Instruments' series by Cassandra Clare. Clary Fray gets thrown into a world of shadowhunters and demons and she has to learn to fight and be a hero. It's full of action and has a bit of a romantic sub - plot too. Also, 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' by Ransom Riggs. Jacob discovers a world of peculiars and has to help them against the threats, which makes for an exciting action - filled read for young adults.
You could try looking for it in local bookstores. They usually have a wide selection of novels, and you might get lucky and find the 'last action hero novel' there.