Books Like...

'First to Fight' in the 'Starfist' series by authors David Sherman and Dan Cragg is a military science fiction novel that focuses on enlisted Marines in a futuristic setting. The story revolves around the 34th FIST and their battles with futuristic weapons against different enemies. The writing style is described as fast-paced and exciting, with a focus on action and Marine life, drawing readers into the world of the characters without excessive exposition.

'Mutineer' in the 'Kris Longknife' series by Mike Shepherd follows the protagonist Kris Longknife, a young woman from a distinguished political family who joins the space navy to prove herself and make a difference. Throughout the story, Kris faces various challenges, showcases her leadership skills, and navigates through political intrigues while trying to prevent a war between different factions. The plot is solid, filled with unique scenarios, and keeps a steady pace without delving too much into technical details, making it an engaging space opera with a focus on character development.

'A Confederation of Valor' by Tanya Huff is a military sci-fi omnibus containing the first two novels in the Confederation series. The plot revolves around Staff Sergeant Torin Kerr and her Marine platoon as they embark on various missions, including a diplomatic negotiation and a scientific expedition. The writing style focuses on the enlisted personnel rather than the officers, providing a refreshing perspective on military life. The interspecies interactions, humor, and fast-paced storytelling keep readers engaged throughout the book.

"Armor" by John Steakley is a military sci-fi novel that follows the story of Felix, a soldier in a futuristic war against an alien enemy known as the Ants. The narrative alternates between Felix's experiences on the battlefield and the secondary storyline of Jack Crow, a space pirate. The book delves into themes of war, identity, and redemption, with a focus on the psychological aspects of the characters. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with intense battle scenes and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader engaged.

"Hammer's Slammers" by David Drake is a collection of short stories that follows the interstellar mechanized mercenary unit known as the Slammers. The stories depict the evolution of the Slammers from an ad hoc military force to a powerful juggernaut under the leadership of Colonel Alois Hammer. The writing style is described as gritty, brutal, and realistic, providing detailed descriptions of battle scenes and character development, while also highlighting the human cost of the Slammers' actions.

Terms of Enlistment by Marko Kloos is a military science fiction novel set in a dystopian future where protagonist Andrew Grayson seeks to escape the poverty and chaos of Earth by enlisting in the armed forces of the North American Confederacy. The story follows Grayson's journey from basic training to unexpected assignments in space, offering a blend of action-packed sequences and social commentary on the disturbingly familiar society depicted in the narrative. Kloos' writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and with a hint of depth that adds complexity to the otherwise straightforward military sci-fi genre.

In the book 'A Soldier's Duty' by Jean Johnson, readers are introduced to Ia, a precognitive human girl with exceptional abilities. At the age of fifteen, she envisions a devastating future where the human race faces annihilation by an unstoppable force. Determined to change this fate, Ia joins the military, specifically the Terran Space Force Marines, and rises through the ranks with tactical genius and bravery. The plot follows her journey as she navigates complex time streams, manipulates events to prevent the catastrophic future, and earns the nickname "Bloody Mary" for her fearless actions in numerous dangerous situations. The writing style is described as action-packed, rich in detail, and imaginative, keeping readers engaged and invested in Ia's quest to alter the course of history.

'The Myriad' in the series 'Tour of the Merrimack' by R.M. Meluch involves a plot centered around a fragile alliance between a spacefaring Roman Empire and the United States, both engaging in genetic engineering and space travel to combat an alien threat. The story follows a ship commander hunting 'the myriad' who discovers a space-time anomaly and a planet utilizing it, leading to their impending doom. features elements of old-school military SF space opera, blending dialogue, characters, plot twists, and sci-fi elements such as a war between the Roman Empire and the United States, along with a menacing hive of eating bugs that pose a significant threat in space.

In "Hunting Party," ex-military commander Heris Serrano takes on a job as the space yacht captain for a wealthy older woman. The story follows their adventures as they uncover mysteries on the yacht, deal with teenage relatives getting into trouble, and navigate through space while facing obstacles and stereotypes. The plot combines elements of space opera, horse racing, and hunting, with a focus on strong female characters and intriguing relationships. The writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and featuring a blend of science fiction and fox hunting themes.

In 'On Basilisk Station', Honor Harrington, a competent and determined naval officer, is sent to a remote station as punishment. Despite facing challenges from incompetent superiors and outdated equipment, Honor rises to the occasion to tackle smuggling and avert an enemy's plan to claim the Basilisk system. The book blends elements of military science fiction with a focus on leadership, space battles, and character development, set in a universe where traditional naval terms are applied to a starship navy.