Power and empowerment are common themes. Female soldiers in these novels gain power, whether it's physical, magical or political, and use it to make a difference. In 'Gideon the Ninth', Gideon gains power through her skills as a fighter. Also, friendship and loyalty are themes. Female soldiers form strong bonds with their comrades. In 'The Poppy War', Rin has deep relationships with those she fights beside. And of course, the theme of survival in a harsh and often magical world is prevalent.
One common theme is the struggle for equality. Female soldiers often have to fight not just external enemies but also the sexist attitudes within their own societies in these novels. Another theme is self - discovery. Through their military experiences, they learn about their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, in 'The Traitor Baru Cormorant', Baru discovers her true self as she navigates the political and military world.
Another theme is sacrifice. They may sacrifice personal relationships or their own safety for the greater good, like saving their comrades or protecting civilians. This is often a central part of the emotional depth in these fanfictions.
Another theme is the bond formed through shared experiences. Sometimes the love interest has some connection to the military as well, like being a military family member or having worked with the military. This shared understanding of military life deepens their connection in the romance, as seen in novels like 'Connected by the Military Past'.
The themes usually involve a sense of displacement. The modern soldier is out of his element in the fantasy world. There's also the theme of resource management. His ammo and modern supplies are limited, and he has to figure out how to get by in a world without the conveniences of modern manufacturing. And finally, there's often a theme of heroism. Whether he wants to or not, the soldier often becomes a hero in the eyes of the fantasy world's people, either by using his combat skills to fight off threats or by introducing new ideas.
One common theme is the loss of innocence. Boys are thrust into the brutal world of war and lose their naivete. Another is survival. They have to fight not only the enemy but also the harsh conditions. And there's often the theme of friendship, as they form bonds with their comrades in the military.
Love is a common theme. It could be the love between a soldier and a girl back home, or the love that a girl has for her soldier family member. For example, in many novels, the girl waits patiently for her soldier lover to return from war.
Action and adventure are common themes. The soldier king is often engaged in high - stakes battles and dangerous missions.
The theme of hope is also prevalent. Despite the chaos and destruction of war, the lovers in these novels often hold onto hope that they will be reunited and that their love will endure. This hope can sustain them through the darkest times of war.
Another theme is sacrifice. The soldier may have sacrificed a lot in the war, and the romance is often about the new life they build together. The love they find is like a new hope after all the pain. For example, in many such novels, the soldier has to deal with his past traumas while trying to move forward with the new relationship.
Well, one common theme is the healing power of love. Nurses are in the business of healing, and when they fall in love with soldiers, that love becomes a part of the healing process for both of them, especially for soldiers who have seen the horrors of war. Also, separation is a big theme. Soldiers are often sent away, and nurses have to wait for them, and this separation tests their love and commitment. And there's always the theme of hope. Their love gives them hope in the midst of war and destruction.
Survival is also a major theme. In many 'adopted soldier' light novels, the soldier is placed in difficult situations, such as in the middle of a war or in a harsh military training environment. They have to use their wits and skills to survive. And there is often a theme of redemption. If the adopted soldier has a troubled past, they try to make up for it through their actions in the military.