The Kill Bill movies are classics for one good reason: they are incredible.

Featuring memorable characters, over-the-top violence, and a non-linear story, the tale of vengeance often feels like a visual novel.

Sadly, there has never been a third one, and it is easy to say that no film since has quite been able to capture the magic they had.

While films haven’t been able to follow Quentin Tarantino’s classics, some books have come close.

Here are five books you should read if you are a fan of Kill Bill:

Billy Summers by Stephen King

Stephen King is famous for his horror and thrillers, but Billy Summers sees him going into an even darker place.

The titular protagonist is a former US Marine who now works as a hitman. He takes on one last job but gets betrayed by his clients, setting him on the path of vengeance.

Although Billy Summers does not feature over-the-top swordfights, its gun action makes up for the loss.

More than that, it’s a fantastic read that sees King trying out something new.

So, if you’re a fan of King and love action, Billy Summers is the novel for you.

One Shot by Lee Child

In many ways, Jack Reacher is quite similar to a ronin. He wanders from place to place and has a personal standard for justice that usually goes beyond the written law.

More than that, he’s never one to shy away from fights and routinely takes on multiple opponents at once.

While they may not feature swordfights, the Reacher books have enough action and crisp dialogue to be a great substitute for the Kill Bill movies.

One Shot is a great place to start your Reacher journey since the books are stand-alone stories.

Lone Wolf and Cub by Kazuo Koike

Given Kill Bill’s style and subject matter, it’s nearly impossible to ignore Japanese manga on this list.

While there are several great mangas about samurai, and some of them feature even more gory images than Kill Bill, no manga has perhaps captured the essence of samurai better than Lone Wolf and Cub.

The classic manga by Kazuo Koike is a must-read for any fan of samurai films or anyone interested in Japanese history and culture. It’s a life-changing experience.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo may seem like a major departure from the samurai and martial arts world of Kill Bill. But there’s one key aspect that links the two: the theme of vengeance.

Ask anyone and you will hear that The Count of Monte Cristo is the greatest tale of vengeance ever told.

Featuring the titular Count, the book is at times a harrowing read that will ingrain itself into your mind for years to come.

If the theme of vengeance and its consequences interests you, The Count of Monte Cristo is something you cannot miss.

The Driver by Hart Hanson

The Driver by Hart Hanson may not be as popular as some of the other books on this list, but it might just be the hidden gem you’re searching for.

Featuring loads of action, great characters, and wonderful dialogue, The Driver often feels like a novelized version of Tarantino’s filmography.