Books Like...

"The Cold Between" by Elizabeth Bonesteel is a military sci-fi space opera with elements of mystery and romance. The story follows the protagonist, Elena Shaw, who gets involved in a complex plot after her former lover is murdered and a man she spent a night with is framed for the crime. As Elena delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a conspiracy involving a missing starship, wormholes, and conflicting loyalties. The writing style is fast-paced, high-stakes, and filled with twists and reversals, keeping readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next.

Yukikaze is a military science fiction novel that follows the story of Rei Fukai, a skilled pilot in the Faery Air Force, who is tasked with collecting data on the alien race known as JAM. Set on the planet Faery, the novel explores themes of war, humanity's relationship with technology, and the impact of advanced fighter aircraft in the ongoing battle against the JAM. The writing style is described as engaging, with kinetic and hazardous air battles that have terrifying implications, making it a thought-provoking read.

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.

Excession by Iain M. Banks is a science fiction novel set in the 'Culture' series, focusing on a post-scarcity society encountering an event known as an excession, where a more advanced society threatens their existence. The story delves into the interactions between human and AI characters, particularly the ship Minds, as they navigate secret agendas, power struggles, and the implications of the excession event. The book is praised for its intricate plot, vivid portrayal of AI Minds, and the balance between grand space opera elements and intimate character dynamics.

Death Note is a gripping story revolving around Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook capable of killing those whose names are written in it. As Light uses the notebook to eliminate criminals, a game of cat and mouse ensues when the world's greatest detective, known as L, is called in to uncover the mysterious killings. The book delves into themes of horror, death, and suicide, drawing readers in through elements of humor, action, and romance. The plot is described as a psychological journey where Light's initial intentions to create a crime-free world spiral into a battle to evade the law and maintain his power.

The setup for Death Note involves a death god dropping a notebook in the human world out of boredom, leading to a series of events where humans wield the power to cause deaths. The story evolves into a detective narrative with a touch of the supernatural, maintaining mystery and suspense that keeps readers engaged. The book is commended for taking the mystery murder genre to the next level, exploring the consequences of individuals wielding immense power and the moral dilemmas that arise from it.

In "Smiley's People," the final book of the Karla Trilogy, George Smiley embarks on a legendary battle against his arch nemesis, the Russian spy master, Karla. The book delves into the world of espionage, exploring themes of deception, the end of empire, and the personal sacrifices made by master spies. Le Carre's writing style is described as rich in characters, evocative prose, and a slow burn plot that culminates in a bittersweet and satisfying conclusion to the Karla saga.

'Bolo' in the series by Keith Laumer revolves around intelligent military tanks known as Bolos. The stories are a collection of short stories set in different time frames, ranging from the near future to the far future. The plot explores the concept of supertanks with self-awareness, honor, and duty, creating a unique and intriguing universe. The writing style is a blend of action, humor, and emotional tension, making it an engaging read for fans of science fiction.

"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.

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.

'Dorsai!' by Gordon R. Dickson follows the story of Donal Graeme, a military expert and mercenary from the planet Dorsai, known for breeding the best military personnel in the galaxy. The plot revolves around Donal's rise in the military ranks, his interactions with Prince William of Ceta, and his discovery of his extra-human abilities. is described as a mix of soldier adventure and a tale of humanity's development, focusing on Donal's character growth and his role in shaping the fate of many worlds.

The writing style of 'Dorsai!' is noted to be fast-paced and engaging, with a focus on humanity in general to keep the story classic. is commended for its terseness, allowing readers to use their imagination, and despite being published in 1959, it is praised for not feeling dated. The interactions between characters, particularly between Donal and Anea Marlivana, are highlighted as traditional and somewhat dulcet, fitting the overall tone of the novel.