For historical military fiction, 'The Last Kingdom' series by Bernard Cornwell is a great choice. It's about the Anglo - Saxon period and the Viking invasions. 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell has elements of military history during the American Civil War. It shows how the war affected the lives of the characters. Also, 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy, which is a massive novel that gives a detailed account of the Napoleonic Wars and how it impacted Russian society.
Well, 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque is a classic historical military fiction. It shows the brutal reality of World War I from a German soldier's perspective. Then there's 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane, set during the American Civil War. It delves into the psychological state of a young soldier. Also, 'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian is a great read. It takes you on a naval adventure during the Napoleonic Wars.
Definitely 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu. Although it's an ancient text, it has been a major influence in military thinking. It's full of strategic wisdom that can be applied not only to military but also to various aspects of life. In a fictional sense, it has inspired many military - themed stories.
Well, 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy is a must - mention. It not only tells a great military - related story during the Napoleonic Wars but also delves deep into the lives of the characters. 'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian is excellent too. It follows the adventures of a British naval captain during the Napoleonic Wars at sea. Then there's 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane, which shows the psychological journey of a young soldier in the American Civil War.
One of the best is 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara. It vividly depicts the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, with well - developed characters on both sides of the conflict. Another great one is 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield, which tells the story of the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae. And 'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian is also excellent, following the adventures of a British naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars.
A good beginner - friendly military fiction book is 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara. It focuses on the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The story is told from multiple perspectives, making it easy to understand the different sides of the battle. 'Red Storm Rising' by Tom Clancy is also suitable. It has a fast - paced plot that can draw in new readers to the genre of military fiction.
You might want to check out 'No Easy Day' which could have been a bestseller in 2017. It offers an inside look at the mission to take down Osama bin Laden. The book details the rigorous training and the high - stakes operation, giving readers a sense of what it's like to be part of such a significant military event.
Ken Follett's 'The Pillars of the Earth' is also a best - selling military historical fiction. Set in 12th - century England, it shows the power struggles, including military ones, between different factions, as well as the building of a cathedral. It gives readers a detailed look at the society, politics, and military affairs of that time.
I'd recommend 'American Sniper' by Chris Kyle. It's a real - life account of Kyle's experiences as a sniper in the Iraq War, giving a very in - depth look at modern military operations and the psychological toll it takes on soldiers. It's extremely realistic.
I think 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara is a great military fiction book. It tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg in a very engaging way. It gives detailed descriptions of the military maneuvers and the characters involved.
I think 'The Guns of the South' series is quite good. It has a unique plot involving time travel and the American Civil War. Another is 'The Centurions' series which shows the life and battles of soldiers. 'The Legion of the Damned' series is also great, with its focus on a special military unit in a science - fiction setting.