Characteristics? Well, they often play with the idea of power dynamics. If the Axis had won, who would be in control and how? These novels also tend to be very atmospheric. Take 'The Man in the High Castle', the descriptions of the occupied territories create a sense of unease and a different kind of world. They also explore moral and ethical questions. What if the Nazis had continued their rule? How would people resist or conform? And they can bring in elements of science fiction or the supernatural in some cases to further distort the known historical picture.
One of the great ones is 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It presents an alternate world where the Axis powers won World War 2. It's a thought - provoking look at what could have been, exploring themes of power, identity, and the nature of reality.
A third example is 'SS - GB' by Len Deighton. In this alternate history, Britain has been invaded and occupied by the Germans. It delves into the complex relationships and power struggles in this occupied Britain, exploring how different characters adapt or resist the new order.
One great alternate World War 2 novel is 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It presents an alternate reality where the Axis powers won the war. Another is 'Fatherland' by Robert Harris, which imagines a world in which Germany won the war and is set in 1964. 'SS - GB' by Len Deighton is also notable, with a story set in a Britain occupied by the Nazis.
Robert Conroy is another popular author. His World War 1 alternate history novels usually involve unique twists on the events of the war. He might change the political situation in one of the warring countries, for example, and show how that affects the entire course of the war.
The sense of 'what if' is a big draw. For example, in 'The Man in the High Castle', seeing how the United States is divided between Japan and Germany makes readers wonder about the power dynamics that could have emerged. It's like exploring a parallel universe that's both familiar and yet so different.
One common character is a fictional Allied spy who manages to infiltrate the highest levels of the Nazi regime. They often play a crucial role in uncovering secret plans or preventing disasters. For example, they might discover the details of a new weapon the Nazis are developing.
I also recommend 'Resistance' by Owen Sheers. It's not as well - known as some others, but it's really good. It tells the story of what could have happened if the Germans invaded Wales during World War 2. It's a bit more focused on the local resistance and the human side of the story, which makes it a great read for those new to the genre.
One classic alternate war novel is 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It presents an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II. Another is 'Fatherland' by Robert Harris, which imagines a world in which Nazi Germany won the war. 'Bring the Jubilee' by Ward Moore is also notable. It tells a story in an alternate America where the South won the Civil War.
One interesting scenario could be if Hitler had been assassinated early in the war. This might have led to a power struggle within the Nazi regime and potentially a quicker end to the war in Europe. Without Hitler's fanatical leadership, the military strategies might have changed drastically.