Books matching: morality of warfare
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- #1
Save:A doorstop-sized, high-octane space opera stuffed with tech, plot twists, and action - sometimes unwieldy, but unforgettable fun for epic sci-fi fans.
'Judas Unchained' is the second part of the Commonwealth Saga series by Peter F. Hamilton. The book continues the epic space opera storyline from 'Pandora's Star', featuring a galaxy-spanning techno thriller with elements of hard science fiction. The plot revolves around humanity facing a potential extinction at the hands of hostile aliens, advanced technology, and political intrigue within the Commonwealth. Hamilton's writing style is characterized by intricate world-building, a vast cast of characters, and a blend of action, mystery, and futuristic concepts like immortality, hyper space travel, and alien conflicts.
The harsh sound of ion pistol shots sizzled out of the speakers to reverberate round the LA Galactic security office. They were swiftly drowned out by the screams. Commander Alic Hogan watched the scr... - #2
Save:A layered sci-fi whodunit with top-notch world-building - perfect for the patient reader who enjoys their mysteries with plenty of cosmic history and clever twists.
'A Talent for War' by Jack McDevitt follows the story of Alex Benedict, an antique dealer who inherits a mystery from his uncle about relics from a past interstellar war. The plot revolves around Alex's quest to uncover the truth behind the war hero and the secrets surrounding the historical events. The writing style is described as quiet and soothing, with a focus on character actions and dialogues rather than extensive observations and thoughts. The story unfolds as Alex navigates through layers of history, geography, and military ethics in a slow-paced investigation of a historical mystery.
Cam Chulohn loved the plain stone chapel. He knelt on the hard bench and watched the crystal water dribble across Father Curry's fingers into the silver bowl held by the postulant. The timeless symbol...1989•340 pages - #3
Save:A classic, pulpy WWII thriller with supernatural chills and creative twists. Not perfect, but loads of creepy fun if you love horror with a historical (and slightly bonkers) edge.
In an eerie mountain fortress in Transylvania, two Nazi officers seek help from outside when an unknown killer sucks out the light and warmth from a room, leaving only bloodless mutilated corpses behind. The Nazis must bring in a Jewish local folklore expert to help them. The battle has begun. On one side, the ultimate evil created by man, and on the other...the unthinkable, unstoppable, unknowing terror that man has inevitably awakened. The Keep is a high kind of mini castle set in the mountains of Romania, where a detachment of German army soldiers is sent to serve as a watchtower, but soon they are being picked off one by one by an ancient evil. The book delves into the conflicts and choices faced by the characters, including a Jewish scholar, German soldiers, and an ailing Jewish scholar, as they confront the horrors within the Keep.
IN SUMMATION: The refining complex at Ploiesti has relatively good natural protection to the north. The Dinu Pass through the Transylvanian Alps offers the only overland threat, and that a minor one....1981•425 pages - #4
Save:A punchy, engaging pop history that raises big questions and entertains - even if it sometimes favors style over scholarly depth. Best enjoyed on audio for full effect.
'The Bomber Mafia' by Malcolm Gladwell explores the history of strategic bombing during World War II, focusing on the development of high altitude precision aerial bombardment strategies by the Bomber Mafia. The narrative delves into the contrasting approaches of military leaders like Major General Haywood S. Hansell and Major General Curtis LeMay, highlighting the moral dilemmas and tactical decisions made during the war. Through vivid descriptions and detailed accounts of bombing missions, the book examines the evolution of bombing tactics and the impact on civilian populations, ultimately questioning the effectiveness and ethics of precision bombing.
His name was Carl L. Norden. Throughout his life, Norden shunned the limelight. He worked alone—sometimes returning to Europe during crucial periods to tinker and dream at his mother’s kitchen table....April 2021•257 pages How the End Begins by Ron Rosenbaum is a thought-provoking exploration of the current state of nuclear weapons and the potential for a catastrophic world war. Through a combination of real scenarios, historical events, and ethical discussions, the author delves into the complexities of nuclear deterrence, the risks of accidental launches, and the geopolitical tensions that could lead to a global nuclear conflict. Rosenbaum's writing style interweaves personal reflections with in-depth research, offering a chilling portrayal of the ongoing threat posed by nuclear arsenals and the delicate balance of power in the world.
The London-based Spectator is the oldest continuously published periodical in the English language, dating back to eighteenth-century London coffeehouse literary culture. It has survived as a respecte...2010•317 pages- #6
Save:'The Road Past Mandalay' by John Masters is a captivating memoir that follows the life of a British Indian Army officer from the start of World War II to its end in 1945. The book provides a fascinating look at the twilight of the British empire and the sacrifices made by those dedicated to their profession during a tumultuous period. Through vivid storytelling, the author transports readers to the Burma campaign, showcasing the horrors of combat and the complexities of leadership during wartime. The writing style is described as simply told with great warmth, blending the love for Gurkha soldiers with the harsh realities of war.
Before dawn, the order reached us: The armoured cars of the 13th Lancers were to make a wide outflanking movement into the desert, round the right of the enemy’s position defending the small Syrian to...January 1961•374 pages - #7
Save:Set in the far future, the Slammers are a group of mercenaries who sell their talent for destruction and unwavering loyalty to the highest bidder. Hammer's Slammers is a world of military SF created by the brilliance of David Drake, who wrote many of the stories during the Vietnam War. This edition is the complete collection of all the books in the way that David Drake intended them to be read. The series explores themes such as the future of warfare, the moral ambiguity among the Slammers, and the effects of war on people's psyche and personality.
They'd told Tyl Koopman that Bamberg City's starport was on an island across the channel from the city proper, so he hadn't expected much of a skyline when the freighter's hatches opened. Neither had...December 2005•500 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hammer's Slammers ) - #8
Save:One of the best and most authentic military sci-fi series out there - raw, gritty, not for the faint of heart, but absolutely essential if you want to know what futuristic war could really feel like.
Hammer's Slammers by David Drake is a collection of military science fiction stories centered around a mercenary armored regiment in the future. The series is known for its gritty realism and is drawn heavily from Drake's own experiences as a soldier in Vietnam. The Slammers, led by Colonel Alois Hammer, engage in various conflicts across planets, providing military prowess to the highest bidder. The narratives explore the lives of soldiers, often depicting the psychological impacts of war, without glorifying heroism.
Drake's writing style is characterized by a direct and powerful approach, utilizing short stories that consist of intense battle sequences and moral ambiguities about warfare. The collection features different characters and situations, reflecting the complexities of combat and the harsh realities of being a soldier. While the stories can be dark and brutal, they also convey insights into the human condition and the bonds formed in the face of danger. Overall, Hammer's Slammers is celebrated for its authenticity and depth, making it a pivotal work in the realm of sci-fi military fiction.
1979•283 pages - #9
Save:A powerful, unflinching memoir that stands out for its honesty and literary style - If I Die in a Combat Zone is a Vietnam War classic that lingers in your mind long after you finish the last page.
If I Die in a Combat Zone by Tim O'Brien presents a profound exploration of the Vietnam War through O'Brien's personal experiences as a young soldier. The book chronicles his journey from his home life and feelings of confusion about the war to his harrowing year in Vietnam, showcasing the psychological and moral struggles of combat. O'Brien's writing is characterized by stark honesty, rich imagery, and a thought-provoking, philosophical depth that challenges notions of courage, duty, and the reality of warfare. He expertly weaves together vivid descriptions of military life with introspective reflections on the nature of war, making the narrative both immersive and emotionally resonant.
1973•223 pages A riveting blend of history, science, and spy thriller - Bomb is a gripping, accessible read that makes real events feel more exciting than most fiction. A must-try for curious minds and adventure lovers alike!
'Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon' by Steve Sheinkin is a historical non-fiction account that delves into the suspenseful and terrifying race to build the atomic bomb during World War II. Sheinkin narrates the development of the bomb, intertwined with espionage, moral dilemmas, and the impact on the world. The book captures the dangerous and secretive nature of the Manhattan Project, shedding light on the key figures involved and the espionage that shaped the outcome of the war.
The writing style of 'Bomb' is described as a mix of a spy novel and a thrilling action story, incorporating real-life events and interviews seamlessly. Sheinkin's storytelling is engaging, with short and informative chapters that end in cliffhangers, keeping readers hooked on the narrative. The book is praised for its educational value, presenting historical events in a narrative style that brings the history of the atomic bomb to life, making it an exciting and thought-provoking read.
HARRY GOLD WAS RIGHT: This is a big story. It’s the story of the creation—and theft—of the deadliest weapon ever invented. The scenes speed around the world, from secret labs to commando raids to stre...September 2012•279 pages
