Books Like...

"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.

'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.

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.

'A Hymn Before Battle' is a military science fiction novel that follows the story of Earth being tapped to battle an approaching alien threat, the Posleen. The plot involves the recruitment of humans by a galactic federation to counter the Posleen invasion, with new technology infused into human industries. The writing style is described as vivid, powerful, and exciting, with well-paced action sequences that immerse readers into the battle scenes.

Commissioner Nils Hansen is drafted from his role as head of an elite futuristic SWAT team to investigate a missing planet called Northworld. The story unfolds across various worlds, some peaceful and others militaristic, including a medieval teutonic Icelandic fantasy setting with artificially intelligent armor and weapons systems. As Hansen navigates the challenges of literal gods, the plot delves into Norse mythology elements and heroic quest motifs. The narrative blends action-packed scenes with godlike power dynamics and complex character interactions, all set in a science fiction backdrop.

Author David Drake's writing style incorporates Icelandic myth and Norse saga elements, providing a unique and intriguing storyline that combines space opera with mythological themes. The book features brief chapters, fast-paced action sequences, and memorable characters, with a clear and engaging narrative that keeps readers immersed in the unfolding events.

A space captain named John Black Jack Geary is rescued from his escape pod after 100 years, finding the Alliance and the Syndic still at war. Forced to take charge of the fleet, Geary must navigate through politics and enemy attacks to deliver a hypernet key to the Alliance. The book focuses on military strategy, space battles, and Geary's struggles with being a hero and a leader in a society where he feels out of place.

The story follows Geary as he adjusts to a world that has changed drastically during his hibernation, dealing with the challenges of being in command of a fleet deep in enemy territory. The book combines elements of military sci-fi with character development, space battles, and political intrigue, offering a fast-paced and engaging read with a focus on military discipline and strategic maneuvers.

The Praxis is the 1st novel in the Dread Empire series, detailing the end of the Shaa reign and the transition to rule by previously conquered races, including humans. The story follows the struggle against the Naxid race's attempt to take control, focusing on the development of the main characters, Gareth and Sula, as they navigate the changing political landscape. The book introduces a far-future space opera setting with a hierarchical society and minimal introduction of new technologies, emphasizing character evolution and a slow start leading to a war scenario.

'March Upcountry' is the first book in the 'Empire of Man' series by David Weber and John Ringo. The story follows Prince Roger McLintock and his bodyguards, a troop of marines, who crash land on a hostile alien planet and must traverse its dangerous terrain to make their way home. The book is a blend of military science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on survival, character development, and epic battles. The writing style incorporates humor, intricate world-building, and detailed character stories, making it a captivating and fast-paced read for fans of the genre.

'First Light' by Linda Nagata is a military science fiction novel set on Earth, focusing on Lieutenant James Shelley and his army unit engaged in conflicts in Africa. The story involves a program in the Cloud that has gone autonomous, influencing people's actions, and a defense contractor known as Dragons who nukes America to eliminate the threat. The narrative explores themes of technology interfacing with the human body, political corruption, and the nature of war, all through a fast-paced and action-filled plot.