Three others I'd mention: Hammer's Slammers by David Drake. Very much written from the point of the spear level of things where thing get dirty. Not surprising given the author was in the 11th ACR in Vietnam. The Honorverse by David Weber. Not just hyper detailed descriptions of space combat but dives deeply in to concepts of duty and leadership. The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold. A lot less about war itself but about a highly militaristic society.
Great suggestions! Hammer’s Slammers, Honorverse, and Vorkosigan Saga are all key works. I’m actually including them in my part 2 video, so stay tuned! Thanks for the input!
I don't know if they would qualify under this topic, but I have always thought Keith Laumer's "Bolo" series of short stories and novellas relevant, especially now with the rise of A.I and drone warfare. Laumer's style and the Bolo's dedication to duty and honor, as well as the creation of personalities in the Bolo, made the stories fun, enjoyable reading, and interesting.
Laumer’s Bolo series is definitely relevant, especially with its exploration of AI, autonomy, and the ethics of warfare-it feels more relevant than ever with the rise of AI and drone technology. I completely agree about the Bolos’ sense of duty and honor adding depth to the stories; they’re such a unique take on military sci-fi. I’m actually including the Bolo series in my upcoming part 2 video, so stay tuned for that! Thanks for highlighting such a fantastic series!
@@BurnEnough Looking forward to your take on Keith Laumer's classic creation - especially now that moderns militaries are integrating AI more and more with weapons systems (such as the "loyal wingman" intelligent drones.)
@@davidm3118 Yes, it's such a classic, and you’re absolutely right - its themes are more relevant today than ever. Stay tuned for my next video-it’ll be fun to dive into this!
Oh, hell yes! How can we forget the Bolos? I love every story or novel written about them. Sadly, they haven't published any since the last Bolo anthology in 2002. Their selfless dedication and sense of honor--even if they're AIs--makes me emotional just thinking about them in the battles they've fought and choices they've had to make.
@@WarDog793 Absolutely! The Bolo stories are unforgettable-their selflessness and honor hit so hard, especially in the tough battles and decisions they face. It’s amazing how much emotion Laumer was able to bring out of these AI-driven machines. It’s a shame we haven’t seen more since 2002, but their legacy in military sci-fi is undeniable!
I would also mention the Lensmen Saga by E.E. Smith. It had a direct effect on modern warfare as it inspired the creation of the Combat Information Center by the United States Navy during WW2.
The Lensmen Saga is a great mention, but wow - I didn't know it inspired that! Amazing! Fiction influencing reality (usually it's the other way around)!
@David-jl1pk Not really, since the first book in the series wasn't published until 1948. It couldn't have inspired the initial concepts, developments and refinements during WWII when it didn't exist at the time.
The thing that really stood out to me about the Forever War was his analysis of how veterans are used and forgotten. Many sacrifice everything in the war, while the rest come home to ruin. The lucky ones reintegrate and move on and can use what they learned to advance themselves. Most just end up tossed on the garbage dump of life, poor, alone, and forgotten.
Definitely, The Forever War powerfully highlights how veterans are often forgotten after their sacrifices. Haldeman’s take on the emotional and social costs of war is still incredibly relevant today. Great point!
You nailed it! Each was the first, best, or both, in their approach and story-telling. “Starship Troopers” was one of the influences that led me to a commission in the Marine Corps in 1972.
Thank you! That’s incredible to hear how Starship Troopers influenced your journey - it’s such a testament to the power of great storytelling. And I completely agree, each of these books was groundbreaking in its own way!
Someone mentioned the VorKosigan Saga by the incomparable Lous McMaster Bujold, Cherryhs' down below, Elizabeth Moon has written great msf but The Deed of Pakensarion is her greatest novel. And my favorite is David Drake's RCNverse, through more of a travelogue, written a few decades after he got the worse of his PTSD out, a lot of it on paper in earlier and frankly corrosive series. "War is Hell and Hell is war, but I'll take Hell over war, it makes more sense", or whatever wisdom Hawkeye prattled out in that one episode of MASH
Superb short list! I am glad you included Steakley's _Armor._ It is out of print now, I think, and often overlooked, unfortunately. These five novels cover quite a range of aspects of war and soldiers.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the list. Armor is such an underrated gem-it deserves more attention despite being out of print. These five do cover a wide range of perspectives on war and soldiers, which is what makes them so timeless.
"Armor" was great. Steakley's "Vampire$", which was made into a rather poor film (Vampires) by John Carpenter, starring James Woods. The book was a great modern take on vampire hunting. Also hard to talk about Starship Troopers and Armor without a hat tip to John Scazi's "Old Man's War", which takes many of those tropes and turns them on the4ir heads. I'm thinking in particular of his drill sergeant who takes off Sgt. Zim in ST rather brutally.
Great point! Tactics of Mistake is often considered one of the stronger entries in the Dorsai series. It really dives deeper into the tactical and psychological aspects of warfare, which makes it stand out. Thanks for bringing it up - it's definitely a gem in the series!
I liked Dorsai, but Dicksons novel Tactics of Mistake was really the one you should have chosen here. Its where the Dorsai went from a planet of armed thugs to a planet that provided professional mercenary soldiers that actually changed the philosophy and rules of war. Cletus Graham developed organizations, tactics, and ideas that caused the Dorsai to completely reorient themselves into the planet of Donal Graeme approx. 150 years later.
Great point! Tactics of Mistake is a fantastic choice. It really lays the groundwork for the evolution of the Dorsai and their philosophy. Cletus Graham’s influence on their tactics and transformation makes it a pivotal part of the series. Thanks for bringing it up!
I think the Childe Cycle (Dorsai) is probably my favorite among these. I could practically write a paper on the series, and I still go back to it every year.
That’s awesome! The Childe Cycle really is a rich series with so many layers - definitely one worth revisiting. It’s great to hear you still go back to it every year. It's clearly one that keeps giving. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Hope you'll enjoy my upcoming Dorsai book review.
@@BurnEnough One of the things I find interesting is that Cletus Grahame (Tactics of Mistake) uses a technique to control pain that the VA now promotes for individuals who suffer from chronic pain like he does. It was also a technique I picked up from the book and had been using for decades before the VA said I should try it.
Thanks so much! Those are definitely classics, and it’s awesome to hear you're a fan of military sci-fi too. There’s something special about a good military themed story! Feel free to follow the channel :) there’s plenty more military sci-fi to discover!
It is like you read my mind on top five lists. Armor is definitely my favorite and I am so surprised anyone else knows about Dorsai! If there was ever an author that died to young it was John Steakley.
Thank you! I'm glad the list resonated with you. Armor is such a standout, and Dorsai! deserves more recognition - it’s a true gem. Totally agree about John Steakley; his passing was a great loss to the genre.
It has to be the Ender saga. Ender's Game was a short story that was fleshed out a few times. The whole series, especially the prequals and subsequent novels set on Earth can probably teach you more about Earth politics than any history book. Card is a magnificent writer who writes more than science fiction, so his research and understanding are top notch. Love my Heinlein and Haldeman though.
Absolutely, the Ender saga is an incredible mix of sci-fi and political commentary. Card's depth in exploring Earth politics and human behavior really sets it apart. Thank you for your comment!
Great video! I've read 4 out of 5 of the books. Interestingly enough our Drill Sergeant made us read Starship Troopers when I was in basic and I absolutely loved it. Then our Cadre in AIT recommend that we read Amor which I also thoroughly enjoyed. One of my section leaders recommended The Forever War, because it was recommended to him by a Vietnam Vet. And lastly I read Ender's Game when I was deployed. I always though of it as a kids book (it was recommended reading for middle school) and boy was I wrong. I shouldn't have passed up on that book for so long. Keep up the with the great content and I'll keep watching and giving it a thumbs up.
Thank you so much for the kind words! It’s awesome how these books ended up being recommended by so many different people throughout your military journey. It's amazing how Starship Troopers and Armor resonated with you during basic training (maybe your Drill Sergeant was a fan of Drill Sergeant Zim), and I totally agree about Ender's Game - it’s a lot deeper than it first seems. Appreciate the support, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the content!
Superb selections. I've owned multiple copies of each as time and usage wore them out. Another insightful look at the psychology of the soldier is 'Soldier, Ask Not'. Not rife with battle of land, but of mind.
Thank you! I love hearing about books that have been read to the point of replacement - that's the mark of a true classic. Soldier, Ask Not is an excellent recommendation. Its psychological depth and focus on the soldier’s mind add a unique layer to military sci-fi. Appreciate the suggestion!
I read as a teenager Heinlein's Starship Trooper and I liked the concept of earning Citizenship through service was intriguing, especially after my own time in military service. (I later found out the concept was not exactly new but dates back to Ancient Athens, Greece. ) I also read Haldeman's Forever War about the same time when it was serialized in Analog. I understood the "disconnect" from society after a tour with a Tactical Commuications Unit in Germany during the height of the Cold War. As for additions to look into, I would recommend Jerry Pournelle's Falkenberg's Legion series. I got hooked on the serial in Analog, of "Spaceship for a King" (later expanded and re-branded as "King David's Spaceship."
Thank you for sharing your perspective! It’s fascinating how Starship Troopers resonated with your military experience, and the connection to ancient concepts of citizenship adds even more depth. The Forever War capturing that feeling of societal disconnect is one of its most powerful aspects-especially meaningful given your Cold War service. I appreciate the recommendation of Pournelle’s Falkenberg’s Legion series and King David’s Spaceship! Pournelle’s work is such a rich part of military sci-fi-I’ll definitely consider including them in future videos. Thanks again for the thoughtful comment!
The only one I've not read was 'Armor' by John Steakley. Of the others, my favourites would be 'Starship Troopers', pretty much for the power armour and 'The Forever War' for the cynicism and the way the troops found the effects of the time dilation affecting their ability to comprehend the society that was sending them out to fight.
Thanks for sharing your favorites! The power armor in Starship Troopers is such an iconic element-it’s influenced so much of sci-fi. And I completely agree about The Forever War-its exploration of time dilation and the disconnect it creates with society is one of the most thought-provoking aspects of the novel. If you get a chance to read Armor, I think you’ll enjoy it-it has a unique take on the psychological toll of combat!
Same here the other four I read in the early 70s and one of the best was Lost Dorsai great take on the price of Honor and keeping to one's principles. Desmond Doss in space.
Thanks for pointing that out! These novels are required reading in our military - it's such a testament to how impactful they are! It's amazing how these novels go beyond just storytelling to influence real-world military thought!
I've read all five and enjoyed them tremendously. While I've reread Starship Troopers the most, Dorsai and the entire Childe Cycle are my favorites from this list. As others have mentioned, Tactics of Mistake is the best of the lot. Forever War stuck with me for a long time after the first read. Powerful. Ender's Game was pretty devastating when you realized what was actually happening. I related to the characters a lot as I used to play "war" when I was between 6 and 9 all the time. I could see myself in their shoes. Armor is brilliant in it's portrayal of real emotions and emotional conflict. Having been through emotional trauma myself I related to Felix quite strongly. An excellent list and thanks for creating it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It’s amazing how these books resonate in such personal and unique ways. Glad you enjoyed the list! I'll be doing in-depth book review videos for each of these soon (Starship Troopers already out), so stay tuned!
Ah, Bill the Galactic Hero! Such a hilarious and satirical take on military sci-fi. Harry Harrison really nailed the absurdity of bureaucracy and war in that one!
@@BurnEnough When I first read that in ancient days, I was working as a fertilizer operator and am named Bill. I laughed out loud, especially at the irony that there would be such a job in the far, far future! It was such a fun read! 👍
@@bilcal That's such a funny connection- what are the odds? Bill the Galactic Hero is definitely a gem of humor and irony in the genre. Glad it resonated with you so personally!
Only read Starship Troopers...3 or 4 times! I love it! I'll see about the others though, especially Armor. I also have to recommend John Ringo's Military Sci-Fi novels. Especially "The Last Centurion,"
Starship Troopers is definitely a timeless read! If you enjoyed it, Armor is worth checking out for a different take on the soldier’s experience. Thanks for mentioning John Ringo! I’ll definitely keep The Last Centurion in mind for future discussions!
Glad to hear you enjoyed Armor! It’s such a gripping and unique take on the soldier’s experience. Definitely one of those books that stays with you long after reading.
Glad to hear you’ve read some of these classics! Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet series is fantastic - his take on space combat and leadership is top-notch. I love that it’s still going strong!
Fair point! Jerry Pournelle’s work, especially Falkenberg’s Legion and The Mote in God’s Eye (co-written with Larry Niven), definitely deserves an honorable mention. His influence on military sci-fi is undeniable!
@@BurnEnough Dont forget his Janissaries series. Great look at organizing medieval armies and using a combination of modern and earlier tactics to create an effective force. I hate that the writers I grew up with are dying off. And honestly, theyre not being replaced with much but cookie-cutter writers that just throw words into a PC without actually creating adventures you dream about being part of.
@@jefferydraper4019 Great mention! The Janissaries series is a fantastic exploration of strategy and tactics across eras. I agree- it’s tough losing the legendary writers we grew up with. That said, I’ve really been enjoying Rick Partlow’s work lately; his books keep that spirit of adventure alive for me!
@@BurnEnough A very little known writer that quit writing in the 90s named Robert Frezza had a couple of good books. His A Small Colonial War was very interesting. Also the late Joel Rosenberg (the sci-fi writer, not the thriller fiction writer) had a couple of good books, notably Emile and the Dutchman and Not for Glory.
I would suggest both Pournelle's _West of Honor,_ and David Drake's _The General_ (with SM Stirling), as both show the often-dirty reality of the decision-makers, and the troops and officers who have to execute their orders.
Great suggestions! West of Honor and The General both do a fantastic job capturing the gritty reality of war from multiple perspectives. Their exploration of the difficult decisions leaders face and how they impact the troops is what makes them so compelling. Thanks for sharing!
@@bealzabubba Great point! The Mercenary is definitely a cornerstone of military sci-fi, and I'll be sure to include it in my upcoming videos. Pournelle's work really helped shape the genre!
Really, the entire "Future History" arc - now available under one cover, as _The Prince_ - is one of the foundations of the genre....Pournelle and his collaborations with Niven mostly shaped mil-scifi throughout the 70's and 80's. Likewise, Pournelle's _There Will Be War_ anthology deserves a video by itself.
@@TheMajorActual Absolutely! The Prince and Pournelle’s Future History arc laid a cornerstone for military sci-fi. His collaborations with Niven shaped the genre for decades, and There Will Be War is such a monumental anthology - it definitely deserves its own video. Thanks for highlighting these!
To cover sci fi tanks and such, there is Hammers Slammers by David Drake (for hover tanks) and Bolo by Keith Laumer (for AI tanks with heart). These have been mentioned by others. For another look at infantry and asymmetric warfare, there's Jerry Pournelle's Falkenburg's Legion. Your list had almost nothing of shipt-to-ship combat--Lensmen for a very early look, but plenty of others as well. I'm not really seeing Armor as being very influential--the others on your list definitely were/are.
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! You’re absolutely right - Hammer’s Slammers and Bolo are perfect examples of sci-fi tanks, with very different takes on warfare and technology. Falkenburg’s Legion is a great suggestion too, especially with its focus on infantry and asymmetric conflict. I’ll definitely keep them in mind for future videos. As for Armor, I guess it’s a bit more niche, but it has a dedicated fanbase, an interesting take on the soldier's experience, and when I read it, I loved it for its different take on military sci-fi. Appreciate your insights!
Good choices and analysis. I especially like Starship Troopers (the book, not the awful movie rip-off). Another great military science fiction author is David Drake (RIP), who was also an all-around nice guy. I met him twice, and talked one-on-one with him both times. Very knowledgeable, and able to make you feel like you were in the books he wrote. Many of his novels were very dark, but he was in a dark place for years after his service in Vietnam. It wasn't until he wrote Redliners that he was able to let some things go and write the RCN/Lt. Leary series. I would recommend his books to anyone.
Thank you! I completely agree - Starship Troopers (the book) is a classic, and the movie definitely missed the mark. David Drake was indeed a phenomenal writer and a kind person. It’s incredible how much of his own experiences shaped his work, especially with the darker themes that reflect his time in Vietnam. His ability to bring readers into his world is unmatched. In my upcoming videos I’ll definitely recommend his books to anyone who loves military sci-fi!
Good video, good choices, and I am big fan of military scifi and fantasy. I need to reread Dorsai, i read it like 30 years ago when i was a child. Miles Teg is character in "Heretics of Dune" and " Chapterhouse: Dune" is my favorite fictional commander.
Thanks for the kind words! Dorsai definitely holds up to a reread, and it’s fascinating to revisit with new perspectives. Miles Teg is an incredible character - his tactical genius in Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune is unforgettable. A great pick for a favorite fictional commander!
I loved "Starship Troopers". It is a shame that the film versions are very disappointing. I always enjoyed the "Warstrider" series by William H. Keith, Jr. They were very entertaining mech unit novels that are much too underrated IMHO.
Totally agree - Starship Troopers deserves so much better than the film adaptations! Thanks for mentioning Warstrider; underrated mech novels like those deserve more attention. I’ll have to revisit that series (it’s been too long)!
Lol, thank you all! I was so chuffed to see starship troopers when it came out, and came out of the theater in WTF mode. Since then, I've seen God knows how many other movie nerds gushing over the satiric elements, and themes of fascist stupidity, etc. Looking back, I can see it, and I get where there coming from. But back then, the subtle or not so subtle commentary completely missed me. All I could think the whole movie was "Who TF does ......AND THEN YOU DO !?!" I much more got the messaging of the book, but felt like the movie was just done by an idiot as a straight war movie. Bad dialog, ridiculous premises, God tier plot armor etc. I've only seen clips of the second and third. Nope. Though I have to say, the animated traitors of Mars wasn't bad. It at least gets closer to the traditional ape armor.
I actually read four (4) of them, except the last one, Ender's game. I think I will now get around to read Ender's Game. Also, like the other comments, I do believe Keith Laumer's Bolo series should be included on this list, as well as the General and Hammer Slammer series by David Drake.
Thanks for sharing! If you enjoyed the others, I think you’ll love Ender’s Game-it’s a fascinating read. And I agree about Bolo, General and Hammer's Slammers-they’re incredible works. I’m actually including them in my part 2 video. Thanks for the suggestions, and I hope you enjoy Ender’s Game!
Yes - these are considered classics. I've probably read Dorsai but I have read all the rest. People always seem to leave David Drake out - and for actual combat - rather than theories and speculation - his are some of the best. The thing with Dave's works - is that there are a number of them - so it's not just one book. Some of them are collections of short stories - but - there are other entire novels. .
Thanks for the thoughtful comment! You’re absolutely right-David Drake’s works, especially Hammer’s Slammers, deserve a lot of credit for their gritty, realistic take on combat. Now I'm considering a part 2 video :) Thanks for the suggestion!
@@joaoaguiar1714 Interesting point! Mercenaries like those in Hammer’s Slammers definitely blur the line, but their gritty realism and focus on ground-level combat make them a cornerstone of military sci-fi.
@BurnEnough Most definitely! However I have the impression that western society in general, and career military in particular, are disdainful of mercenaries to the point that they're now referred to as "military contracters" to misdirect that dislike. On the other hand the Dorsai are also mercenaries, so maybe it's the Vietnam war's shadow that has hurt "Hammer's Slammers" though it didn't seem to hurt "Forever War".
@@joaoaguiar1714 Interesting observation! Yeah, the Vietnam War’s shadow likely shaped how works like Hammer’s Slammers were received, contrasting with The Forever War, which leaned heavily into its critique of that conflict. And you’re right-the Dorsai being mercenaries complicates the picture, showing how different narratives can frame similar roles in very different ways. Thanks for sharing such an insightful take!
Thank you! I’m so glad this list brought Dorsai! back to mind - it’s definitely worth a re-read. Enjoy diving back into it, and I hope it’s just as great as you remember!
I remember Starship Troopers, The Forever War, the Uplift war, even Dune. Heinlein and Asimov wrote as people who had been around for WW II. Dorsai I was less a fan of. The characters were a little Mary Sue, always the best at everything. Loved Ender's Game. Man-Kzinti war that a Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle idea? David Drake did some tactical level military stuff. Chris Bunch had a nice military version of Asimov's Foundation. Asimov's Foundation series featured some military history elements. Bujold and Weber are more recent military history buffs. i've struggled with Steakley's Armor.
Wow, what a fantastic range of classics! I completely agree - authors like Heinlein and Asimov brought such depth, likely influenced by their experiences around WWII. I can see why Dorsai! might feel a bit 'Mary Sue,' though its ideas helped shape the genre. And yes, the Man-Kzin Wars were a collaboration in Niven’s Known Space universe. Love the mention of Chris Bunch’s take on Foundation - such a fascinating parallel! Bujold and Weber have definitely brought a modern twist with their focus on leadership and strategy. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Thanks so much! Coming from a renowned author and Dragon Award finalist like you, that means a lot. Now we just need to get you to read Starship Troopers! 😉
I still like 'Starship Troopers' as it gives me lots to think about. I've come to believe that 'franchise for service' is just another pie-in-the-sky idea though.
Totally agree - Starship Troopers is one of those books that keeps you thinking long after you’ve read it. The 'franchise for service' concept is fascinating, even if it feels idealistic. Heinlein definitely knew how to spark debate with his ideas!
It can be taken that way, although Heinlein wrote many things just to provoke thought. If you read the rest, the why (I don't remember that phrase in the book, just the horrible movie marketing) is critical. Here is the paraphrase - why can only vets vote? Initially it was probably they were the ones who fought and created the system, and they only trusted each other. But when you have a veteran, you have a person who has demonstrated the group is more important than their own life (A vet has literally volunteered to give up a portion, or all of their life, for their society). Such a person will not always be right, but they will always try to do what is best for the society. It is designed to contrast our current system of universal sufferage - and the original plan (Land owners - those that had some measure of success, and a connection to the society)
@@chrislenz6634 Great points! Heinlein definitely used Starship Troopers to provoke thought, and that idea about veterans being trusted to vote because they’ve shown a willingness to sacrifice for society is central to the book’s theme. It's a powerful contrast to the way we think about voting today. The distinction between personal sacrifice for the greater good and the broader concept of universal suffrage is what makes Heinlein's ideas so provocative. Thanks for bringing up this deeper interpretation!
@@robgraham5697 so we have a one of the worst mass murders in history. 1 person who was the subject of lawfare at its worst by a corrupt government, they used the unlimited budget of the Fed Government to bankrupt him, then threatened his kids unless he pled guilty. and Rhodes, who I don't know the truth of, and neither do you. They have only released a small part of what happened Jan 6, we don't even have a timeline of events at this point. We don't know how many were FBI, and there were a significant number, by their own admission. And it would not be the first time the FBI started a riot to arrest protestors. (See WTO protests, among others)
It's an interesting collection, but I'd say most of the novels are outliers that are stretching the genre - they are not typical. David Drake's "Hammer's Slammers" should be somewhere (although formally it's a collection of short stories, not a novel), and David Weber's Honor Harrington - not because it's good, but because it firmly established the "Hornblower in Space" trope.
Thanks for the great feedback! You make a solid point-Hammer’s Slammers and Honor Harrington are definitely influential and key to the genre. I focused on these five as classics that helped shape the early foundations of military sci-fi, while Hammer's Slammers and Honor Harrington are more contemporary/modern works. But that's another video I'll make :) Appreciate the input!
@@BurnEnough Your welcome, or course. Hammer's Slammers was published 1979 - two years after the Ender's Game novella, but 6 years before the novel version, so I'd say it fits right in. Weber was later, of course.
@@cypherpunks2002 Great point, and you’re absolutely right-Hammer’s Slammers does fit right in with the classics! It also has a huge influence on the genre, and I really appreciate you pointing that out. Honestly, I’m thinking a part 2 video might be in order to dive deeper into these other influential classic works. Thanks for the inspiration!
Some of the series/titles in my collection have already been mentioned in the other posts. So I'm going to throw in some other series/titles I haven't seen mentioned, including a few alternate history/world stories. The Man Who Never Missed by Steve Perry Draka series by S M Stirling Worldwar series by Harry Turtledove Destroyermen series by Taylor Anderson The Lost Regiment series by William R. Forstchen I would also recommend looking at The Best Military Science Fiction of the 20th Century edited by Martin H. Greenberg & Harry Turtledove. The stories selected range from the 50s to the 80s.
I'll give a shout out to the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown. Most futuristic novels speak of flawed, or "dystopian" societies. But Brown points out the danger that utopia, or "perfect", is literally the enemy of good, too.
Great mention! The Berserker series by Fred Saberhagen is a classic. It’s a fascinating take on AI-driven warfare and the relentless conflict between humanity and machines.
Great suggestion! I haven’t read Modesitt’s Ecolitan Matter series yet, but it’s now on my to-read list. I love exploring the special ops and military intelligence angle in sci-fi. Thanks for the recommendation!
Same here, Armor is such an incredible read! It’s one of those books that sticks with you, no matter how many times you revisit it. Five reads is impressive! I’ll be posting my review of it soon - stay tuned!
Great list - read them all in my youth. I do think it's interesting to look at pre vs. post Vietnam war for both books and movies to see how the we look at war.
Thank you! That’s such an interesting observation-there’s definitely a shift in how war is portrayed in books and movies pre- vs. post-Vietnam. The tone, themes, and even the moral questions around war evolve significantly. It’s fascinating to see how these changes reflect broader societal attitudes. Great point!
I’ve never read the Dickson or Steakley books, but I will put them on my list. As previously noted, Armor is out of print, but a Kindle edition is available for those who use that platform. I also recommend the Frontlines series by Marko Kloos. The first book in the series is Terms of Enlistment.
Glad you're adding Armor and Dorsai to your list! As for Frontlines, that’s a solid recommendation, but this video focuses on the classic works (part 2 coming soon). I’m also doing videos on modern military sci-fi-check out my Rick Partlow videos, and a separate one for Marko Kloos is in the works.
Starship Troopers is still required reading at West Point Military Academy, Annapolis Naval Academy, and the US Airforce Academy due to its moral and ethical study on war, and the citizen soldiers duties and responsibilities to the nation, and the body politic.
Absolutely! The fact that Starship Troopers is still required reading at military academies shows its lasting relevance in exploring duty, ethics, and citizenship.
many are complaining that starship troopers celebrate war, they obviously werent paying any attention. the enders game ending was a total shock. is forever war where he gets released from the military, is a total failure at fitting back into society, fails for years, then gets recalled back into the military because on the front line he had just left yesterday because of time dilation? my favorite space war author currently is moon.
Great points! Starship Troopers is often misunderstood - it’s more about civic duty and responsibility than glorifying war. The ending of Ender’s Game is a masterstroke, and yes, you’re spot on about the time-dilation aspect in Forever War - such a poignant commentary on the alienation of veterans. Scott Moon is a fantastic pick as well!
Thank you! The Forever War is such a powerful book, and its connection to Vietnam really adds depth. Its gritty, 'Army' feel makes it incredibly impactful!
Other mentions could have been the (early) Honor Harrington books (David Weber), Falkenberg's Legion (Jerry Pournelle), Northworld (David Drake) and The War in 2020 (Ralph Peters).
Great mentions! All of these are great examples of military sci-fi. The early Honor Harrington books and Falkenberg's Legion could be considered classics by now, and Northworld is a Drake favorite. I haven’t read The War yet, so adding it to my list!
Four of these are classics. Never heard of Armor, nor it's author. How about: West of Honor - Jerry Pournelle (1976) Bolo - Keith Laumer (also 1976) Hammer's Slammers - David Drake (79) - Berserker - Saberhagen (67) - Honorable mentions since these are collections of short stories.
Thanks for the great additions! West of Honor and Bolo are definitely classics that deserve more attention. Hammer’s Slammers and Berserker are pivotal in the genre, even if they’re collections of short stories. I’ll keep these in mind for future discussions, and appreciate you highlighting them!
Ever read or seen Fullmetal Alchemist? It's steampunk rather than futuristic, but it's definitely one of the best military scifi creations. Zelazny's excellent first Amber (Nine Princes) cycle was partially about conquering the throne of the primary reality.
Great suggestion! While it leans more toward space opera, C.J. Cherryh’s Fading Suns trilogy has some excellent military and political elements that fans of military sci-fi would definitely enjoy.
Great picks, read them all many moons ago. I see you are planning to include Bolo and the rest of the Diochrome Brigade in a part 2. What about Berserker?
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the picks. Yes, Bolo will be in part 2! Berserker is another fantastic suggestion-I’ll definitely include it. Appreciate the input!
That's awesome! Starship Troopers and The Forever War are definitely foundational reads in military sci-fi. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the others on your list too. Each brings something unique to the genre. Happy reading!
Totally agree! Hammer’s Slammers is a classic, and the hover tanks are such a cool element. Pournelle really nailed that gritty, ground-level military sci-fi!
'Old Man's War' is an interesting sideways take. I have read 'Starship Troopers' several time in the decades since it came out. Teh movie was a bit of a let down but not surprising from Hollywood.
Great point! Old Man's War definitely takes a unique spin on the genre. And yeah, the Starship Troopers movie was a bit of a letdown compared to the book, but not surprising with Hollywood’s take heh!
Jerry Pournelle’s works are indeed timeless. His ability to intertwine the struggles of soldiers with the political complexities of collapsing empires is unparalleled. Definitely a master of the genre!
I'd say the Hammer's Slammers series covers all the subjects you mentioned. Often doing it better than some of the others. However, all of these are on my bookshelf, although the rest of the Enderverse is not. Neither is the Honorverse. Weber is a great word smith, but his situations end up too trite and pat, especially with entire books being extended dialogues on simple situations AND too many "oh look, we just happened to catch the bad guys with their pants down" paired with "oh look, we have an unbeatable nifty trick". It hasn't changed since he was a hack writer for the Starfire game in the early 80s.
Interesting take! Hammer’s Slammers definitely excels at covering many core themes of military sci-fi with gritty realism, and I agree it often does so brilliantly. I can understand your perspective on the Honorverse. Weber’s detailed world-building and dialogue-heavy style can feel drawn out at times, but it’s clear he’s built a massive fanbase around it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts - sounds like you’ve got a fantastic bookshelf!
@BurnEnough Like I mentioned, Weber is one of the best wordsmiths I've ever read. If he had the vision and, call it strategic, style, he'd be one of the all time greats IMO. Heh, a lot of my bookshelf comes from having a sister twelve years older who ended up with English as one of her master's. Taught me to read and made me talk about it from the beginning.
That’s awesome! If you enjoyed the others, I think you’ll love Armor-it’s a fantastic read. And yes, the Childe Cycle is brilliant from start to finish!
Interesting how three of these novels revolve around war between humans and a bug inspired hive mind species be it Ants, Arachnids, etc. wonder if it was motivated by the authors shared perceptions of predominantly Asiatic Comintern being literally akin to just these massive hordes of ants during Cold War when most of these books were being written.
Interesting observation! The recurring theme of hive-mind species in these novels does seem to reflect Cold War anxieties, possibly inspired by the fear of communism and the perception of collective over individual identity. It's fascinating how sci-fi mirrors the political and cultural tensions of its time!
There is a collection of short stories that cover much more realistic war in space and Interplantary conflict. "The Man-Kzin Wars" created by Larry Niven but the stories are authored by many of the best authors of the times Poul Anderson, Larry Niven, S. M. Sterling, Jerry Pournelle etc. And they cover everything from war in space, planet killers, special operations etc etc etc. They actually cover the spectrum of real total war. Why build star fleets when we can simply hurl asteroids at a home world and wipe it out?
Great suggestion! "Old Man's War" by John Scalzi is a great series. While this video focuses on classic works, Scalzi's series is on my list for future videos covering more contemporary military sci-fi.
Agree with Starship Troopers and the Forever War. Haven’t read Armor or Dorsai. Enjoyed Ender’s Game - it was like the OG Sci-fi version of an M. Night Shamaylan plot. I would second all of the Hammer’s Slammers stories, and would submit “Second Variety” by Phillip K. Dick - a novella that inspired movies like Blade Runner and Screamers.
Great to hear your thoughts! I love the comparison of Ender’s Game to an OG M. Night Shyamalan plot-spot on! Hammer’s Slammers is definitely getting a lot of love in the comments, and I’m starting to think it deserves its own spot in a follow-up video. Second Variety is a fantastic suggestion, too-Dick’s ability to inspire so many iconic sci-fi films is unmatched. Thanks for sharing!
Great point! The Lensman series was hugely influential and introduced so many foundational tropes in military sci-fi. Definitely a classic worth mentioning - thanks for bringing it up!
Interesting, some of these I would not consider groundbreaking or outstanding. Simply because I'm German and besides the fact that there are some mil SF that was never translated into German or German-written books that never made it to the international market, there are some differences in what the readers like or can relate to. For example, while the Vietnam trauma was a huge problem for the US at the time the German audience had a hard time relating to it. Intellectually we could but emotionally? That changed with Germans participating in wars since the Kosovo but back before that? Anyway, my favourite from that selection is Starship Troopers. I was a teen when I first read it and raised the topic of having to earn citizenship and the right to vote. Which I thought was actually a VERY good idea and of course the military action and historical "lessons" in it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! You bring up a really important point about how cultural context shapes our relationship with military sci-fi. The Vietnam War’s impact certainly resonates more with American readers, but for German readers, the emotional connection is different. It’s interesting to think about how books like Starship Troopers raise ideas like earning citizenship-it’s one of those concepts that sparks deep debate, no matter where you're from. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it so much when you first read it! Please make sure to check out part 2 video I'll upload later.
Great suggestion! The original Ender's Game short story definitely has a different feel and pace - many fans agree it packs a powerful punch in a shorter format. It’s always interesting how different formats can change the experience. Glad you enjoyed it!
Interesting take! 'Armor' does share some thematic overlap with Donal Graeme’s story - both explore the toll of war on individuals, but each offers a distinct perspective and style. Great observation!
i have read 3 of the 5 . but that was 40 yrs gone. i thought of them as well written stories. i did not see them as thought provoking, i guess that make me kinda shallow. but i have 1,000's of books from every genre. so for me ,if it does not capture my interest. then on to the next story.
Reading across genres like that sounds amazing! You’ve definitely built up a diverse library! These stories just click differently for each person, and that's what makes reading such a personal journey. Maybe revisiting one of these after 40 years might spark a new perspective!
"A True Story" by Lucian of Samosata While sailing across the Atlantic, he and his friends get swept to the moon and get involved in a war between the moon and sun over possession of Venus. I hate to admit it always loses me when he lists page after page of chimeric creatures that make up the armies. If nothing, the endless army list influenced war gaming. The first place they visit, an island where the women entice men into their embrace only to grow roots into their flesh, appears in one of Drake's novels.
I disagree with two and a half of your picks. 😁 "Armor" and "Ender's Game" are stories that were effected by earlier military science fiction novels. "Armor" is a great grandchild of "Starship Troopers". I read the original "Ender's Game" which ended with Ender and his buddy merrily going off, after completing a computer game for the military, not knowing they had just destroyed an alien race. The half is "The Tactics of Mistake" which is the prequel to "Dorsai!", before they became Jedi Knights, and a much better story. Better picks for influential novels have been mentioned in posts below including the Bolo series, the Hammer's Slammers series, and the Falkenberg's Legion series. All these books were written, or at least started, in the 1970s and very much effected by the Vietnam War. "The Mercenary" has a line at the end of one of the stories when, after Falkenberg and his troops put down a rebellion by killing and wounding hundreds of rebels, the planet's President thanks him for saving them... "Damn you, don't say that! I haven't saved anything. All a soldier can do is buy time. I haven't saved Hadley. You have to do that. God help you if you don't."
Great points! I agree that Armor and Ender’s Game are deeply influenced by earlier works. As for The Tactics of Mistake, it’s a fantastic entry into the Dorsai universe - definitely a strong contender. I’ll be covering the Bolo, Hammer’s Slammers, and Falkenberg’s Legion series in upcoming videos, as they’ve shaped the genre in their own ways, especially with Vietnam War echoes. Oh, and that "The Mercenary" line is awesome - it really captures the grim reality of a soldier's role!
The Stainless Steel Rat is a classic! Harry Harrison’s wit and humor make it such a fun and memorable series. Slippery Jim diGriz is one of sci-fi’s most charming antiheroes!
Great suggestion! The "There Will Be War" series offers a fantastic sampling of writers and themes in military sci-fi. It’s definitely worth checking out!
Great point! Doc Smith’s Lensman series is a major influence on space opera and military sci-fi. Definitely deserves a mention in my next videos. Thanks for bringing it up!
@@hankrearden20 Agreed! Felix’s complexity and resilience make him such a compelling character. His journey is a big part of what makes Armor so memorable.
I Find Star Trek Polluted the waters of Science Fiction for years. The Prime Directive seemed to filter into the consciousnesses of authors and a do no harm mentality took over. If you lock at SciFi before Trek and after trek until the eighties it was all so handringingly moralistic and not like the rolicking fiftiess SciFi. You have 2 fifties books two mid eighties books and only one from the seventies on your list.
Interesting perspective! It’s true that Star Trek had a huge influence on the genre, especially with its emphasis on the Prime Directive and moral dilemmas. I think that shift toward more philosophical themes did affect the tone of sci-fi in the following decades. You're right about the 50s and 80s being well represented, but I do plan to include more from the 70s and beyond in future videos. Thanks for bringing this up - it's a great point to consider!
I rather think your selections are presumptuous in the extreme. I knew only of two of those stories, Starship Troopers and Enders Game. Starship Troopers was a propaganda post for a government run by the military. Note its reference to Argentina, a country ruled by a Junta that was brutal and murderous. Enders Game I saw in the movie and I despised the ending. The boy is left to deal with his own emotions over the obliteration of another species. One that was happy to do the same to any other life in the universe and announced its presence with a devastating attack on Earth. The author was a muppet in attempting to generate sympathy for that species. It would be like saying, OK the NAZIS were a little misguided but if we put them back in the boundaries of their own country where they slaughter and gas their own people, no problem. The other 3 never heard of and I suspect they lack the same impact as say War of the Worlds, the theme of facing and implacable, undefeatable, superior enemy and how to deal with it. Or say DUNE, where the resistance comes from multiple sources and there is no reliable ally in war. I suspect you have to go back to class.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I know these books can spark strong opinions. The ones I selected have had a big influence on military sci-fi. Glad you’re engaging with the discussion!
One thing you didn’t mention - both Haldeman’s “Forever War” and Steakley’s “Armor” were specifically written in reaction to “Starship Troopers”. Heinlein had significant praise for “Forever War”.
@@Tara_Li Excellent point! Both Forever War and Armor do serve as fascinating counterpoints to Starship Troopers, each exploring war from very different perspectives. It’s especially interesting that Heinlein himself praised Forever War - a testament to Haldeman's powerful storytelling.
Three others I'd mention:
Hammer's Slammers by David Drake. Very much written from the point of the spear level of things where thing get dirty. Not surprising given the author was in the 11th ACR in Vietnam.
The Honorverse by David Weber. Not just hyper detailed descriptions of space combat but dives deeply in to concepts of duty and leadership.
The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold. A lot less about war itself but about a highly militaristic society.
Great suggestions! Hammer’s Slammers, Honorverse, and Vorkosigan Saga are all key works. I’m actually including them in my part 2 video, so stay tuned! Thanks for the input!
All GREAT additions to the list, especially Hammers Slammers (RIP David Drake who we just lost.)
@@jefffreese947 RIP, his work will continue to inspire future generations!
@@jefffreese947 Crap. I did not know that.
They should make a miniseries of the Vorkosigan Saga with Peter Dinklage. That pitch writes itself.
I don't know if they would qualify under this topic, but I have always thought Keith Laumer's "Bolo" series of short stories and novellas relevant, especially now with the rise of A.I and drone warfare. Laumer's style and the Bolo's dedication to duty and honor, as well as the creation of personalities in the Bolo, made the stories fun, enjoyable reading, and interesting.
Laumer’s Bolo series is definitely relevant, especially with its exploration of AI, autonomy, and the ethics of warfare-it feels more relevant than ever with the rise of AI and drone technology. I completely agree about the Bolos’ sense of duty and honor adding depth to the stories; they’re such a unique take on military sci-fi. I’m actually including the Bolo series in my upcoming part 2 video, so stay tuned for that! Thanks for highlighting such a fantastic series!
@@BurnEnough Looking forward to your take on Keith Laumer's classic creation - especially now that moderns militaries are integrating AI more and more with weapons systems (such as the "loyal wingman" intelligent drones.)
@@davidm3118 Yes, it's such a classic, and you’re absolutely right - its themes are more relevant today than ever. Stay tuned for my next video-it’ll be fun to dive into this!
Oh, hell yes! How can we forget the Bolos? I love every story or novel written about them. Sadly, they haven't published any since the last Bolo anthology in 2002. Their selfless dedication and sense of honor--even if they're AIs--makes me emotional just thinking about them in the battles they've fought and choices they've had to make.
@@WarDog793 Absolutely! The Bolo stories are unforgettable-their selflessness and honor hit so hard, especially in the tough battles and decisions they face. It’s amazing how much emotion Laumer was able to bring out of these AI-driven machines. It’s a shame we haven’t seen more since 2002, but their legacy in military sci-fi is undeniable!
I would also mention the Lensmen Saga by E.E. Smith. It had a direct effect on modern warfare as it inspired the creation of the Combat Information Center by the United States Navy during WW2.
The Lensmen Saga is a great mention, but wow - I didn't know it inspired that! Amazing! Fiction influencing reality (usually it's the other way around)!
The Lensmen series became so influential over its long life. E. E. Smith definitely deserves a mention in this genre.
@David-jl1pk
Not really, since the first book in the series wasn't published until 1948. It couldn't have inspired the initial concepts, developments and refinements during WWII when it didn't exist at the time.
Besides the excellent suggestions by others, i would add John Scalzi's "Old Man's War."
Great suggestion! Old Man's War is a fantastic modern military sci-fi, though it's more contemporary than the classics discussed here.
Jerry Pournelle’s Faulkenberg’s Legion series is must read military sci-fi.
Absolutely agree - Jerry Pournelle’s Falkenberg’s Legion series is a must-read for any military sci-fi fan. It's on my list for future videos!
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The thing that really stood out to me about the Forever War was his analysis of how veterans are used and forgotten. Many sacrifice everything in the war, while the rest come home to ruin. The lucky ones reintegrate and move on and can use what they learned to advance themselves. Most just end up tossed on the garbage dump of life, poor, alone, and forgotten.
Definitely, The Forever War powerfully highlights how veterans are often forgotten after their sacrifices. Haldeman’s take on the emotional and social costs of war is still incredibly relevant today. Great point!
You nailed it! Each was the first, best, or both, in their approach and story-telling. “Starship Troopers” was one of the influences that led me to a commission in the Marine Corps in 1972.
Thank you! That’s incredible to hear how Starship Troopers influenced your journey - it’s such a testament to the power of great storytelling. And I completely agree, each of these books was groundbreaking in its own way!
Glad to find your channel, added 2 books for 2025 ! Armor and Dorsai.
Welcome to the channel! Great picks - Armor and Dorsai are must-reads. Hope you'll enjoy them!
Someone mentioned the VorKosigan Saga by the incomparable Lous McMaster Bujold, Cherryhs' down below, Elizabeth Moon has written great msf but The Deed of Pakensarion is her greatest novel.
And my favorite is David Drake's RCNverse, through more of a travelogue, written a few decades after he got the worse of his PTSD out, a lot of it on paper in earlier and frankly corrosive series.
"War is Hell and Hell is war, but I'll take Hell over war, it makes more sense", or whatever wisdom Hawkeye prattled out in that one episode of MASH
Great picks! Bujold, Cherryh, and Moon are legends. Drake’s RCN series is a favorite too - his experiences really shine through. Love that MASH quote!
Superb short list! I am glad you included Steakley's _Armor._ It is out of print now, I think, and often overlooked, unfortunately. These five novels cover quite a range of aspects of war and soldiers.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the list. Armor is such an underrated gem-it deserves more attention despite being out of print. These five do cover a wide range of perspectives on war and soldiers, which is what makes them so timeless.
@@BurnEnough Have you read _Armored,_ an anthology inspired by Steakley's _Armor?_ That is really good too.
@@WarDog793 I’ve heard about Armored - it’s definitely on my radar. Inspired by Armor, so of course I’ll have to check it out soon heh!
"Armor" was great. Steakley's "Vampire$", which was made into a rather poor film (Vampires) by John Carpenter, starring James Woods. The book was a great modern take on vampire hunting.
Also hard to talk about Starship Troopers and Armor without a hat tip to John Scazi's "Old Man's War", which takes many of those tropes and turns them on the4ir heads. I'm thinking in particular of his drill sergeant who takes off Sgt. Zim in ST rather brutally.
I lost my paperback copy of *Armor* at some point but found it on Kindle. It reads much differently in middle age than it did as a teen.
In the case of Gordon R. Dickson, to me one of the Dorsai Novels was far better than Dorsai itself, and that was Tactics of Mistake.
Great point! Tactics of Mistake is often considered one of the stronger entries in the Dorsai series. It really dives deeper into the tactical and psychological aspects of warfare, which makes it stand out. Thanks for bringing it up - it's definitely a gem in the series!
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I liked Dorsai, but Dicksons novel Tactics of Mistake was really the one you should have chosen here. Its where the Dorsai went from a planet of armed thugs to a planet that provided professional mercenary soldiers that actually changed the philosophy and rules of war. Cletus Graham developed organizations, tactics, and ideas that caused the Dorsai to completely reorient themselves into the planet of Donal Graeme approx. 150 years later.
Great point! Tactics of Mistake is a fantastic choice. It really lays the groundwork for the evolution of the Dorsai and their philosophy. Cletus Graham’s influence on their tactics and transformation makes it a pivotal part of the series. Thanks for bringing it up!
I think the Childe Cycle (Dorsai) is probably my favorite among these. I could practically write a paper on the series, and I still go back to it every year.
That’s awesome! The Childe Cycle really is a rich series with so many layers - definitely one worth revisiting. It’s great to hear you still go back to it every year. It's clearly one that keeps giving. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Hope you'll enjoy my upcoming Dorsai book review.
I like how he continued the series many years later. Also one of my favorites.
@@BurnEnough One of the things I find interesting is that Cletus Grahame (Tactics of Mistake) uses a technique to control pain that the VA now promotes for individuals who suffer from chronic pain like he does. It was also a technique I picked up from the book and had been using for decades before the VA said I should try it.
Cool. Well done. I've read three; Starship Troopers, Forever War, and Ender's Game. Classics all. I"m a sucker for good military sci-fi.
Thanks so much! Those are definitely classics, and it’s awesome to hear you're a fan of military sci-fi too. There’s something special about a good military themed story! Feel free to follow the channel :) there’s plenty more military sci-fi to discover!
It is like you read my mind on top five lists. Armor is definitely my favorite and I am so surprised anyone else knows about Dorsai! If there was ever an author that died to young it was John Steakley.
Thank you! I'm glad the list resonated with you. Armor is such a standout, and Dorsai! deserves more recognition - it’s a true gem. Totally agree about John Steakley; his passing was a great loss to the genre.
It has to be the Ender saga. Ender's Game was a short story that was fleshed out a few times. The whole series, especially the prequals and subsequent novels set on Earth can probably teach you more about Earth politics than any history book. Card is a magnificent writer who writes more than science fiction, so his research and understanding are top notch. Love my Heinlein and Haldeman though.
Absolutely, the Ender saga is an incredible mix of sci-fi and political commentary. Card's depth in exploring Earth politics and human behavior really sets it apart. Thank you for your comment!
Great video! I've read 4 out of 5 of the books. Interestingly enough our Drill Sergeant made us read Starship Troopers when I was in basic and I absolutely loved it. Then our Cadre in AIT recommend that we read Amor which I also thoroughly enjoyed. One of my section leaders recommended The Forever War, because it was recommended to him by a Vietnam Vet. And lastly I read Ender's Game when I was deployed. I always though of it as a kids book (it was recommended reading for middle school) and boy was I wrong. I shouldn't have passed up on that book for so long. Keep up the with the great content and I'll keep watching and giving it a thumbs up.
Thank you so much for the kind words! It’s awesome how these books ended up being recommended by so many different people throughout your military journey. It's amazing how Starship Troopers and Armor resonated with you during basic training (maybe your Drill Sergeant was a fan of Drill Sergeant Zim), and I totally agree about Ender's Game - it’s a lot deeper than it first seems. Appreciate the support, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the content!
Superb selections. I've owned multiple copies of each as time and usage wore them out. Another insightful look at the psychology of the soldier is 'Soldier, Ask Not'. Not rife with battle of land, but of mind.
Thank you! I love hearing about books that have been read to the point of replacement - that's the mark of a true classic. Soldier, Ask Not is an excellent recommendation. Its psychological depth and focus on the soldier’s mind add a unique layer to military sci-fi. Appreciate the suggestion!
I read as a teenager Heinlein's Starship Trooper and I liked the concept of earning Citizenship through service was intriguing, especially after my own time in military service. (I later found out the concept was not exactly new but dates back to Ancient Athens, Greece. ) I also read Haldeman's Forever War about the same time when it was serialized in Analog. I understood the "disconnect" from society after a tour with a Tactical Commuications Unit in Germany during the height of the Cold War.
As for additions to look into, I would recommend Jerry Pournelle's Falkenberg's Legion series. I got hooked on the serial in Analog, of "Spaceship for a King" (later expanded and re-branded as "King David's Spaceship."
Thank you for sharing your perspective! It’s fascinating how Starship Troopers resonated with your military experience, and the connection to ancient concepts of citizenship adds even more depth. The Forever War capturing that feeling of societal disconnect is one of its most powerful aspects-especially meaningful given your Cold War service.
I appreciate the recommendation of Pournelle’s Falkenberg’s Legion series and King David’s Spaceship! Pournelle’s work is such a rich part of military sci-fi-I’ll definitely consider including them in future videos. Thanks again for the thoughtful comment!
The only one I've not read was 'Armor' by John Steakley. Of the others, my favourites would be 'Starship Troopers', pretty much for the power armour and 'The Forever War' for the cynicism and the way the troops found the effects of the time dilation affecting their ability to comprehend the society that was sending them out to fight.
Thanks for sharing your favorites! The power armor in Starship Troopers is such an iconic element-it’s influenced so much of sci-fi. And I completely agree about The Forever War-its exploration of time dilation and the disconnect it creates with society is one of the most thought-provoking aspects of the novel. If you get a chance to read Armor, I think you’ll enjoy it-it has a unique take on the psychological toll of combat!
You will enjoy it. A great novel.
Same here the other four I read in the early 70s and one of the best was Lost Dorsai great take on the price of Honor and keeping to one's principles. Desmond Doss in space.
Dude read ARMOR !!!!!
It's a toss-up between Ender's Game and Armour as to which of these books is my favorite.
"The Tactics of Mistake" is still studied at West Point on the principles of asymmetric warfare. (part of the Dorsi child cycle)
Not sure if it still is, but Starship Troopers was also required reading for cadets.
Thanks for pointing that out! These novels are required reading in our military - it's such a testament to how impactful they are! It's amazing how these novels go beyond just storytelling to influence real-world military thought!
My favorite is Dorsai; I've read all five & they are all excellent.
Dorsai is a fantastic choice! It’s great to hear you’ve read all five books in the series - they’re definitely classics of the genre.
I've read all five and enjoyed them tremendously. While I've reread Starship Troopers the most, Dorsai and the entire Childe Cycle are my favorites from this list. As others have mentioned, Tactics of Mistake is the best of the lot. Forever War stuck with me for a long time after the first read. Powerful. Ender's Game was pretty devastating when you realized what was actually happening. I related to the characters a lot as I used to play "war" when I was between 6 and 9 all the time. I could see myself in their shoes. Armor is brilliant in it's portrayal of real emotions and emotional conflict. Having been through emotional trauma myself I related to Felix quite strongly. An excellent list and thanks for creating it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It’s amazing how these books resonate in such personal and unique ways. Glad you enjoyed the list! I'll be doing in-depth book review videos for each of these soon (Starship Troopers already out), so stay tuned!
Bill the Galactic Hero
Ah, Bill the Galactic Hero! Such a hilarious and satirical take on military sci-fi. Harry Harrison really nailed the absurdity of bureaucracy and war in that one!
@@BurnEnough When I first read that in ancient days, I was working as a fertilizer operator and am named Bill. I laughed out loud, especially at the irony that there would be such a job in the far, far future! It was such a fun read! 👍
@@bilcal That's such a funny connection- what are the odds? Bill the Galactic Hero is definitely a gem of humor and irony in the genre. Glad it resonated with you so personally!
Only read Starship Troopers...3 or 4 times! I love it! I'll see about the others though, especially Armor. I also have to recommend John Ringo's Military Sci-Fi novels. Especially "The Last Centurion,"
Starship Troopers is definitely a timeless read! If you enjoyed it, Armor is worth checking out for a different take on the soldier’s experience. Thanks for mentioning John Ringo! I’ll definitely keep The Last Centurion in mind for future discussions!
I've read all the others, guess I'd better check out this Steakley fellow. Thanks!
I just finished Armor a couple weeks ago. It was fantastic
Glad to hear you enjoyed Armor! It’s such a gripping and unique take on the soldier’s experience. Definitely one of those books that stays with you long after reading.
I've read a few of these very long ago. Jack Campbell's Lost Fleet series is quite good and still ongoing.
Glad to hear you’ve read some of these classics! Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet series is fantastic - his take on space combat and leadership is top-notch. I love that it’s still going strong!
I cannot believe Jerry Pournelle isnt an honorable mention.
Fair point! Jerry Pournelle’s work, especially Falkenberg’s Legion and The Mote in God’s Eye (co-written with Larry Niven), definitely deserves an honorable mention. His influence on military sci-fi is undeniable!
@@BurnEnough Dont forget his Janissaries series. Great look at organizing medieval armies and using a combination of modern and earlier tactics to create an effective force. I hate that the writers I grew up with are dying off. And honestly, theyre not being replaced with much but cookie-cutter writers that just throw words into a PC without actually creating adventures you dream about being part of.
@@jefferydraper4019 Great mention! The Janissaries series is a fantastic exploration of strategy and tactics across eras. I agree- it’s tough losing the legendary writers we grew up with. That said, I’ve really been enjoying Rick Partlow’s work lately; his books keep that spirit of adventure alive for me!
@@BurnEnough A very little known writer that quit writing in the 90s named Robert Frezza had a couple of good books. His A Small Colonial War was very interesting. Also the late Joel Rosenberg (the sci-fi writer, not the thriller fiction writer) had a couple of good books, notably Emile and the Dutchman and Not for Glory.
I would suggest both Pournelle's _West of Honor,_ and David Drake's _The General_ (with SM Stirling), as both show the often-dirty reality of the decision-makers, and the troops and officers who have to execute their orders.
Great suggestions! West of Honor and The General both do a fantastic job capturing the gritty reality of war from multiple perspectives. Their exploration of the difficult decisions leaders face and how they impact the troops is what makes them so compelling. Thanks for sharing!
I Think Pournelle's The Mercenary is more important to the genre.
@@bealzabubba Great point! The Mercenary is definitely a cornerstone of military sci-fi, and I'll be sure to include it in my upcoming videos. Pournelle's work really helped shape the genre!
Really, the entire "Future History" arc - now available under one cover, as _The Prince_ - is one of the foundations of the genre....Pournelle and his collaborations with Niven mostly shaped mil-scifi throughout the 70's and 80's. Likewise, Pournelle's _There Will Be War_ anthology deserves a video by itself.
@@TheMajorActual Absolutely! The Prince and Pournelle’s Future History arc laid a cornerstone for military sci-fi. His collaborations with Niven shaped the genre for decades, and There Will Be War is such a monumental anthology - it definitely deserves its own video. Thanks for highlighting these!
To cover sci fi tanks and such, there is Hammers Slammers by David Drake (for hover tanks) and Bolo by Keith Laumer (for AI tanks with heart). These have been mentioned by others.
For another look at infantry and asymmetric warfare, there's Jerry Pournelle's Falkenburg's Legion.
Your list had almost nothing of shipt-to-ship combat--Lensmen for a very early look, but plenty of others as well.
I'm not really seeing Armor as being very influential--the others on your list definitely were/are.
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback! You’re absolutely right - Hammer’s Slammers and Bolo are perfect examples of sci-fi tanks, with very different takes on warfare and technology. Falkenburg’s Legion is a great suggestion too, especially with its focus on infantry and asymmetric conflict. I’ll definitely keep them in mind for future videos. As for Armor, I guess it’s a bit more niche, but it has a dedicated fanbase, an interesting take on the soldier's experience, and when I read it, I loved it for its different take on military sci-fi. Appreciate your insights!
Good choices and analysis. I especially like Starship Troopers (the book, not the awful movie rip-off). Another great military science fiction author is David Drake (RIP), who was also an all-around nice guy. I met him twice, and talked one-on-one with him both times. Very knowledgeable, and able to make you feel like you were in the books he wrote. Many of his novels were very dark, but he was in a dark place for years after his service in Vietnam. It wasn't until he wrote Redliners that he was able to let some things go and write the RCN/Lt. Leary series. I would recommend his books to anyone.
Thank you! I completely agree - Starship Troopers (the book) is a classic, and the movie definitely missed the mark. David Drake was indeed a phenomenal writer and a kind person. It’s incredible how much of his own experiences shaped his work, especially with the darker themes that reflect his time in Vietnam. His ability to bring readers into his world is unmatched. In my upcoming videos I’ll definitely recommend his books to anyone who loves military sci-fi!
Good video, good choices, and I am big fan of military scifi and fantasy.
I need to reread Dorsai, i read it like 30 years ago when i was a child.
Miles Teg is character in "Heretics of Dune" and " Chapterhouse: Dune" is my favorite fictional commander.
Thanks for the kind words! Dorsai definitely holds up to a reread, and it’s fascinating to revisit with new perspectives. Miles Teg is an incredible character - his tactical genius in Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse: Dune is unforgettable. A great pick for a favorite fictional commander!
Bravo. Short and sweet.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. 😊
I loved "Starship Troopers". It is a shame that the film versions are very disappointing. I always enjoyed the "Warstrider" series by William H. Keith, Jr. They were very entertaining mech unit novels that are much too underrated IMHO.
Totally agree - Starship Troopers deserves so much better than the film adaptations! Thanks for mentioning Warstrider; underrated mech novels like those deserve more attention. I’ll have to revisit that series (it’s been too long)!
@@BurnEnough Thanks for your reply! I enjoyed your discussion of these 5 influential novels. Happy reading! ; )
Lol, thank you all! I was so chuffed to see starship troopers when it came out, and came out of the theater in WTF mode.
Since then, I've seen God knows how many other movie nerds gushing over the satiric elements, and themes of fascist stupidity, etc.
Looking back, I can see it, and I get where there coming from.
But back then, the subtle or not so subtle commentary completely missed me.
All I could think the whole movie was "Who TF does ......AND THEN YOU DO !?!"
I much more got the messaging of the book, but felt like the movie was just done by an idiot as a straight war movie.
Bad dialog, ridiculous premises, God tier plot armor etc.
I've only seen clips of the second and third. Nope.
Though I have to say, the animated traitors of Mars wasn't bad. It at least gets closer to the traditional ape armor.
I actually read four (4) of them, except the last one, Ender's game. I think I will now get around to read Ender's Game. Also, like the other comments, I do believe Keith Laumer's Bolo series should be included on this list, as well as the General and Hammer Slammer series by David Drake.
Thanks for sharing! If you enjoyed the others, I think you’ll love Ender’s Game-it’s a fascinating read. And I agree about Bolo, General and Hammer's Slammers-they’re incredible works. I’m actually including them in my part 2 video. Thanks for the suggestions, and I hope you enjoy Ender’s Game!
Yes - these are considered classics. I've probably read Dorsai but I have read all the rest.
People always seem to leave David Drake out - and for actual combat - rather than theories and speculation - his are some of the best.
The thing with Dave's works - is that there are a number of them - so it's not just one book. Some of them are collections of short stories - but - there are other entire novels.
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Thanks for the thoughtful comment! You’re absolutely right-David Drake’s works, especially Hammer’s Slammers, deserve a lot of credit for their gritty, realistic take on combat. Now I'm considering a part 2 video :) Thanks for the suggestion!
Perhaps David Drake's "Hammer's Slammers" are left out because they are mercenaries, ie not "real" soldiers?
@@joaoaguiar1714 Interesting point! Mercenaries like those in Hammer’s Slammers definitely blur the line, but their gritty realism and focus on ground-level combat make them a cornerstone of military sci-fi.
@BurnEnough Most definitely! However I have the impression that western society in general, and career military in particular, are disdainful of mercenaries to the point that they're now referred to as "military contracters" to misdirect that dislike. On the other hand the Dorsai are also mercenaries, so maybe it's the Vietnam war's shadow that has hurt "Hammer's Slammers" though it didn't seem to hurt "Forever War".
@@joaoaguiar1714 Interesting observation! Yeah, the Vietnam War’s shadow likely shaped how works like Hammer’s Slammers were received, contrasting with The Forever War, which leaned heavily into its critique of that conflict. And you’re right-the Dorsai being mercenaries complicates the picture, showing how different narratives can frame similar roles in very different ways. Thanks for sharing such an insightful take!
Thanks for reminding me about Dorsai. I haven't read that since the '80s. Now I'm going to re-read them. This is a good list.
Thank you! I’m so glad this list brought Dorsai! back to mind - it’s definitely worth a re-read. Enjoy diving back into it, and I hope it’s just as great as you remember!
I remember Starship Troopers, The Forever War, the Uplift war, even Dune. Heinlein and Asimov wrote as people who had been around for WW II. Dorsai I was less a fan of. The characters were a little Mary Sue, always the best at everything. Loved Ender's Game.
Man-Kzinti war that a Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle idea?
David Drake did some tactical level military stuff. Chris Bunch had a nice military version of Asimov's Foundation. Asimov's Foundation series featured some military history elements. Bujold and Weber are more recent military history buffs.
i've struggled with Steakley's Armor.
Wow, what a fantastic range of classics! I completely agree - authors like Heinlein and Asimov brought such depth, likely influenced by their experiences around WWII. I can see why Dorsai! might feel a bit 'Mary Sue,' though its ideas helped shape the genre. And yes, the Man-Kzin Wars were a collaboration in Niven’s Known Space universe. Love the mention of Chris Bunch’s take on Foundation - such a fascinating parallel! Bujold and Weber have definitely brought a modern twist with their focus on leadership and strategy. Thanks for sharing your insights!
Great Video as always!
Thanks so much! Coming from a renowned author and Dragon Award finalist like you, that means a lot. Now we just need to get you to read Starship Troopers! 😉
I still like 'Starship Troopers' as it gives me lots to think about. I've come to believe that 'franchise for service' is just another pie-in-the-sky idea though.
Totally agree - Starship Troopers is one of those books that keeps you thinking long after you’ve read it. The 'franchise for service' concept is fascinating, even if it feels idealistic. Heinlein definitely knew how to spark debate with his ideas!
It can be taken that way, although Heinlein wrote many things just to provoke thought. If you read the rest, the why (I don't remember that phrase in the book, just the horrible movie marketing) is critical. Here is the paraphrase - why can only vets vote? Initially it was probably they were the ones who fought and created the system, and they only trusted each other. But when you have a veteran, you have a person who has demonstrated the group is more important than their own life (A vet has literally volunteered to give up a portion, or all of their life, for their society). Such a person will not always be right, but they will always try to do what is best for the society.
It is designed to contrast our current system of universal sufferage - and the original plan (Land owners - those that had some measure of success, and a connection to the society)
@@chrislenz6634 Great points! Heinlein definitely used Starship Troopers to provoke thought, and that idea about veterans being trusted to vote because they’ve shown a willingness to sacrifice for society is central to the book’s theme. It's a powerful contrast to the way we think about voting today. The distinction between personal sacrifice for the greater good and the broader concept of universal suffrage is what makes Heinlein's ideas so provocative. Thanks for bringing up this deeper interpretation!
@@chrislenz6634 In reply I give Mike Flynn, Stewart Rhodes, and as an extreme example, Adolf Hitler.
@@robgraham5697 so we have a one of the worst mass murders in history.
1 person who was the subject of lawfare at its worst by a corrupt government, they used the unlimited budget of the Fed Government to bankrupt him, then threatened his kids unless he pled guilty.
and Rhodes, who I don't know the truth of, and neither do you. They have only released a small part of what happened Jan 6, we don't even have a timeline of events at this point. We don't know how many were FBI, and there were a significant number, by their own admission. And it would not be the first time the FBI started a riot to arrest protestors. (See WTO protests, among others)
It's an interesting collection, but I'd say most of the novels are outliers that are stretching the genre - they are not typical. David Drake's "Hammer's Slammers" should be somewhere (although formally it's a collection of short stories, not a novel), and David Weber's Honor Harrington - not because it's good, but because it firmly established the "Hornblower in Space" trope.
I agree with both of those!!
Thanks for the great feedback! You make a solid point-Hammer’s Slammers and Honor Harrington are definitely influential and key to the genre. I focused on these five as classics that helped shape the early foundations of military sci-fi, while Hammer's Slammers and Honor Harrington are more contemporary/modern works. But that's another video I'll make :) Appreciate the input!
@@BurnEnough Your welcome, or course. Hammer's Slammers was published 1979 - two years after the Ender's Game novella, but 6 years before the novel version, so I'd say it fits right in. Weber was later, of course.
@@cypherpunks2002 Great point, and you’re absolutely right-Hammer’s Slammers does fit right in with the classics! It also has a huge influence on the genre, and I really appreciate you pointing that out. Honestly, I’m thinking a part 2 video might be in order to dive deeper into these other influential classic works. Thanks for the inspiration!
Some of the series/titles in my collection have already been mentioned in the other posts. So I'm going to throw in some other series/titles I haven't seen mentioned, including a few alternate history/world stories.
The Man Who Never Missed by Steve Perry
Draka series by S M Stirling
Worldwar series by Harry Turtledove
Destroyermen series by Taylor Anderson
The Lost Regiment series by William R. Forstchen
I would also recommend looking at The Best Military Science Fiction of the 20th Century edited by Martin H. Greenberg & Harry Turtledove. The stories selected range from the 50s to the 80s.
I'll give a shout out to the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown. Most futuristic novels speak of flawed, or "dystopian" societies. But Brown points out the danger that utopia, or "perfect", is literally the enemy of good, too.
Great shoutout to Red Rising! While not purely military sci-fi, its battles and strategies fit the genre. A solid recommendation! Thanks
Great video!
Thank you!
Berserker series
Great mention! The Berserker series by Fred Saberhagen is a classic. It’s a fascinating take on AI-driven warfare and the relentless conflict between humanity and machines.
I'd add L.E. Modesitt's Ecolitan Matter series, The Ecolitan Operation & The Ecologic Secession; maybe more special ops/military intelligence.
Great suggestion! I haven’t read Modesitt’s Ecolitan Matter series yet, but it’s now on my to-read list. I love exploring the special ops and military intelligence angle in sci-fi. Thanks for the recommendation!
I love that book Armor. I got it shortly after it came out and have read it about 5 times.
Same here, Armor is such an incredible read! It’s one of those books that sticks with you, no matter how many times you revisit it. Five reads is impressive! I’ll be posting my review of it soon - stay tuned!
Great list - read them all in my youth. I do think it's interesting to look at pre vs. post Vietnam war for both books and movies to see how the we look at war.
Thank you! That’s such an interesting observation-there’s definitely a shift in how war is portrayed in books and movies pre- vs. post-Vietnam. The tone, themes, and even the moral questions around war evolve significantly. It’s fascinating to see how these changes reflect broader societal attitudes. Great point!
I’ve never read the Dickson or Steakley books, but I will put them on my list. As previously noted, Armor is out of print, but a Kindle edition is available for those who use that platform.
I also recommend the Frontlines series by Marko Kloos. The first book in the series is Terms of Enlistment.
Glad you're adding Armor and Dorsai to your list! As for Frontlines, that’s a solid recommendation, but this video focuses on the classic works (part 2 coming soon). I’m also doing videos on modern military sci-fi-check out my Rick Partlow videos, and a separate one for Marko Kloos is in the works.
Starship Troopers is still required reading at West Point Military Academy, Annapolis Naval Academy, and the US Airforce Academy due to its moral and ethical study on war, and the citizen soldiers duties and responsibilities to the nation, and the body politic.
Absolutely! The fact that Starship Troopers is still required reading at military academies shows its lasting relevance in exploring duty, ethics, and citizenship.
Showed up to see if Forever War was included!
Glad to hear The Forever War brought you here! It’s such a standout in military sci-fi and had to be on the list. Hope you enjoyed the video!
many are complaining that starship troopers celebrate war, they obviously werent paying any attention.
the enders game ending was a total shock.
is forever war where he gets released from the military, is a total failure at fitting back into society, fails for years, then gets recalled back into the military because on the front line he had just left yesterday because of time dilation?
my favorite space war author currently is moon.
Great points! Starship Troopers is often misunderstood - it’s more about civic duty and responsibility than glorifying war. The ending of Ender’s Game is a masterstroke, and yes, you’re spot on about the time-dilation aspect in Forever War - such a poignant commentary on the alienation of veterans. Scott Moon is a fantastic pick as well!
Love your picks, The Forever War was my favorite because I was influenced by Vietnam. It was so "Army"
Thank you! The Forever War is such a powerful book, and its connection to Vietnam really adds depth. Its gritty, 'Army' feel makes it incredibly impactful!
Other mentions could have been the (early) Honor Harrington books (David Weber), Falkenberg's Legion (Jerry Pournelle), Northworld (David Drake) and The War in 2020 (Ralph Peters).
Great mentions! All of these are great examples of military sci-fi. The early Honor Harrington books and Falkenberg's Legion could be considered classics by now, and Northworld is a Drake favorite. I haven’t read The War yet, so adding it to my list!
Four of these are classics. Never heard of Armor, nor it's author. How about:
West of Honor - Jerry Pournelle (1976)
Bolo - Keith Laumer (also 1976)
Hammer's Slammers - David Drake (79) - Berserker - Saberhagen (67) - Honorable mentions since these are collections of short stories.
Thanks for the great additions! West of Honor and Bolo are definitely classics that deserve more attention. Hammer’s Slammers and Berserker are pivotal in the genre, even if they’re collections of short stories. I’ll keep these in mind for future discussions, and appreciate you highlighting them!
Ever read or seen Fullmetal Alchemist? It's steampunk rather than futuristic, but it's definitely one of the best military scifi creations. Zelazny's excellent first Amber (Nine Princes) cycle was partially about conquering the throne of the primary reality.
Thanks for the suggestion! I haven’t read Fullmetal Alchemist or Amber yet, but they sound fascinating. I’ll add them to my list!
Harry Harrison's Bill the Galactic Hero should be on anyone's list. Still studied by real war fighters.
Great point! Bill the Galactic Hero is a brilliant satirical take on military life and definitely deserves recognition.
I'm not sure if it truly counts as military sci-fi, but I'd also recommend C.J. Cherryh's Fading Suns trilogy
Great suggestion! While it leans more toward space opera, C.J. Cherryh’s Fading Suns trilogy has some excellent military and political elements that fans of military sci-fi would definitely enjoy.
Great picks, read them all many moons ago. I see you are planning to include Bolo and the rest of the Diochrome Brigade in a part 2. What about Berserker?
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the picks. Yes, Bolo will be in part 2! Berserker is another fantastic suggestion-I’ll definitely include it. Appreciate the input!
I have read Strarship Troopers (and seen the movie, which is barely related), and The Forever War. The others are on my read list.
That's awesome! Starship Troopers and The Forever War are definitely foundational reads in military sci-fi. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the others on your list too. Each brings something unique to the genre. Happy reading!
Jerry Pournelle's "Hammer's Slammers" is top notch. Hovertanks.
Totally agree! Hammer’s Slammers is a classic, and the hover tanks are such a cool element. Pournelle really nailed that gritty, ground-level military sci-fi!
@@BurnEnough I'd have to throw in Pournelle's Falkenberg's Legion books as well, Very similar vein.
That is the late great David Drake for Hammers Slammers.
'Old Man's War' is an interesting sideways take. I have read 'Starship Troopers' several time in the decades since it came out. Teh movie was a bit of a let down but not surprising from Hollywood.
Great point! Old Man's War definitely takes a unique spin on the genre. And yeah, the Starship Troopers movie was a bit of a letdown compared to the book, but not surprising with Hollywood’s take heh!
Two Words: Bo -Lo
Haha, two words that say it all! Don’t worry, Bolo is getting the spotlight in my part 2 video. Stay tuned!
anything by Jerry Pournelle....timeless stories about soldiers amid the politics of a far flung dying empire...
Jerry Pournelle’s works are indeed timeless. His ability to intertwine the struggles of soldiers with the political complexities of collapsing empires is unparalleled. Definitely a master of the genre!
I'd say the Hammer's Slammers series covers all the subjects you mentioned. Often doing it better than some of the others. However, all of these are on my bookshelf, although the rest of the Enderverse is not. Neither is the Honorverse. Weber is a great word smith, but his situations end up too trite and pat, especially with entire books being extended dialogues on simple situations AND too many "oh look, we just happened to catch the bad guys with their pants down" paired with "oh look, we have an unbeatable nifty trick". It hasn't changed since he was a hack writer for the Starfire game in the early 80s.
Interesting take! Hammer’s Slammers definitely excels at covering many core themes of military sci-fi with gritty realism, and I agree it often does so brilliantly. I can understand your perspective on the Honorverse. Weber’s detailed world-building and dialogue-heavy style can feel drawn out at times, but it’s clear he’s built a massive fanbase around it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts - sounds like you’ve got a fantastic bookshelf!
@BurnEnough Like I mentioned, Weber is one of the best wordsmiths I've ever read. If he had the vision and, call it strategic, style, he'd be one of the all time greats IMO.
Heh, a lot of my bookshelf comes from having a sister twelve years older who ended up with English as one of her master's. Taught me to read and made me talk about it from the beginning.
I’ve read them all except Armour. All awesome books. Chylde Cycle, excellent from first book’Necromancer to the last.
That’s awesome! If you enjoyed the others, I think you’ll love Armor-it’s a fantastic read. And yes, the Childe Cycle is brilliant from start to finish!
@@BurnEnoughI’ll have to try and find it. 👍
Interesting how three of these novels revolve around war between humans and a bug inspired hive mind species be it Ants, Arachnids, etc. wonder if it was motivated by the authors shared perceptions of predominantly Asiatic Comintern being literally akin to just these massive hordes of ants during Cold War when most of these books were being written.
Interesting observation! The recurring theme of hive-mind species in these novels does seem to reflect Cold War anxieties, possibly inspired by the fear of communism and the perception of collective over individual identity. It's fascinating how sci-fi mirrors the political and cultural tensions of its time!
There is a collection of short stories that cover much more realistic war in space and Interplantary conflict. "The Man-Kzin Wars" created by Larry Niven but the stories are authored by many of the best authors of the times Poul Anderson, Larry Niven, S. M. Sterling, Jerry Pournelle etc. And they cover everything from war in space, planet killers, special operations etc etc etc. They actually cover the spectrum of real total war. Why build star fleets when we can simply hurl asteroids at a home world and wipe it out?
Excellent mention! The Man-Kzin Wars series is a must-read as well!
I am pretty sure I have all of these in my books.
Nice! Sounds like you’ve built an amazing collection. These are definitely must-haves for any military sci-fi fan!
I would add the Old Man's War series by John Scalzi
Great suggestion! "Old Man's War" by John Scalzi is a great series. While this video focuses on classic works, Scalzi's series is on my list for future videos covering more contemporary military sci-fi.
Haven't read armo(u)r, will do now.
Awesome! Armor is a fantastic read-hope you enjoy it. Share your thoughts later!
Agree with Starship Troopers and the Forever War. Haven’t read Armor or Dorsai. Enjoyed Ender’s Game - it was like the OG Sci-fi version of an M. Night Shamaylan plot.
I would second all of the Hammer’s Slammers stories, and would submit “Second Variety” by Phillip K. Dick - a novella that inspired movies like Blade Runner and Screamers.
Great to hear your thoughts! I love the comparison of Ender’s Game to an OG M. Night Shyamalan plot-spot on! Hammer’s Slammers is definitely getting a lot of love in the comments, and I’m starting to think it deserves its own spot in a follow-up video. Second Variety is a fantastic suggestion, too-Dick’s ability to inspire so many iconic sci-fi films is unmatched. Thanks for sharing!
I feel that the list is missing the Lensman series by E.E. Doc Smith. A lot of the tropes of military SF started with that series.
Great point! The Lensman series was hugely influential and introduced so many foundational tropes in military sci-fi. Definitely a classic worth mentioning - thanks for bringing it up!
Interesting, some of these I would not consider groundbreaking or outstanding. Simply because I'm German and besides the fact that there are some mil SF that was never translated into German or German-written books that never made it to the international market, there are some differences in what the readers like or can relate to. For example, while the Vietnam trauma was a huge problem for the US at the time the German audience had a hard time relating to it. Intellectually we could but emotionally? That changed with Germans participating in wars since the Kosovo but back before that?
Anyway, my favourite from that selection is Starship Troopers. I was a teen when I first read it and raised the topic of having to earn citizenship and the right to vote. Which I thought was actually a VERY good idea and of course the military action and historical "lessons" in it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! You bring up a really important point about how cultural context shapes our relationship with military sci-fi. The Vietnam War’s impact certainly resonates more with American readers, but for German readers, the emotional connection is different. It’s interesting to think about how books like Starship Troopers raise ideas like earning citizenship-it’s one of those concepts that sparks deep debate, no matter where you're from. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it so much when you first read it! Please make sure to check out part 2 video I'll upload later.
If any have not read the original Ender's Game short story, give it a shot. I enjoyed it more than the novel. Just me, I'm sure!
Great suggestion! The original Ender's Game short story definitely has a different feel and pace - many fans agree it packs a powerful punch in a shorter format. It’s always interesting how different formats can change the experience. Glad you enjoyed it!
I always thought "Armor" was just Donal Graeme as a Starship Trooper.
Interesting take! 'Armor' does share some thematic overlap with Donal Graeme’s story - both explore the toll of war on individuals, but each offers a distinct perspective and style. Great observation!
Pournelle's Jannissaries is great as well. You think these authors will always be with us but......
Absolutely, Janissaries is a fantastic series! These legendary authors won’t be with us forever, but their works will continue to inspire generations.
Dominant Species by Michael Marks
Great mention! Sounds fascinating - I haven’t read it yet, but it’s definitely on my to-read list now. Thanks for the recommendation!
i have read 3 of the 5 . but that was 40 yrs gone. i thought of them as well written stories. i did not see them as thought provoking, i guess that make me kinda shallow. but i have 1,000's of books from every genre. so for me ,if it does not capture my interest. then on to the next story.
Reading across genres like that sounds amazing! You’ve definitely built up a diverse library! These stories just click differently for each person, and that's what makes reading such a personal journey. Maybe revisiting one of these after 40 years might spark a new perspective!
"A True Story" by Lucian of Samosata
While sailing across the Atlantic, he and his friends get swept to the moon and get involved in a war between the moon and sun over possession of Venus. I hate to admit it always loses me when he lists page after page of chimeric creatures that make up the armies. If nothing, the endless army list influenced war gaming.
The first place they visit, an island where the women entice men into their embrace only to grow roots into their flesh, appears in one of Drake's novels.
I disagree with two and a half of your picks. 😁
"Armor" and "Ender's Game" are stories that were effected by earlier military science fiction novels. "Armor" is a great grandchild of "Starship Troopers". I read the original "Ender's Game" which ended with Ender and his buddy merrily going off, after completing a computer game for the military, not knowing they had just destroyed an alien race.
The half is "The Tactics of Mistake" which is the prequel to "Dorsai!", before they became Jedi Knights, and a much better story.
Better picks for influential novels have been mentioned in posts below including the Bolo series, the Hammer's Slammers series, and the Falkenberg's Legion series. All these books were written, or at least started, in the 1970s and very much effected by the Vietnam War.
"The Mercenary" has a line at the end of one of the stories when, after Falkenberg and his troops put down a rebellion by killing and wounding hundreds of rebels, the planet's President thanks him for saving them...
"Damn you, don't say that! I haven't saved anything. All a soldier can do is buy time. I haven't saved Hadley. You have to do that. God help you if you don't."
Great points! I agree that Armor and Ender’s Game are deeply influenced by earlier works. As for The Tactics of Mistake, it’s a fantastic entry into the Dorsai universe - definitely a strong contender. I’ll be covering the Bolo, Hammer’s Slammers, and Falkenberg’s Legion series in upcoming videos, as they’ve shaped the genre in their own ways, especially with Vietnam War echoes.
Oh, and that "The Mercenary" line is awesome - it really captures the grim reality of a soldier's role!
@@BurnEnough You know, I think we are all forgetting a very important early novel: H. G. Wells "War of the Worlds" (1895).
@@timberry4709 Great point! War of the Worlds (1895) is a sci-fi classic that laid the groundwork for many military sci-fi themes.
HONOR HARINGTON SERIES!!!!!
Yes! The Honor Harrington series is a must-read for any military sci-fi fan. It's such an epic saga with incredible depth!
Armor is the only one I have not read.
Armor is definitely worth picking up - hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
The Stainless Steel Rat
The Stainless Steel Rat is a classic! Harry Harrison’s wit and humor make it such a fun and memorable series. Slippery Jim diGriz is one of sci-fi’s most charming antiheroes!
Warhammer 40k baby!
I haven't read Armor.
Armor is definitely worth checking out! It’s a unique and emotional take on military sci-fi. Let me know what you think if you decide to read it!
Get a taste of a bunch of writers with the "There Will Be War" series. Not sure if reprints.
Great suggestion! The "There Will Be War" series offers a fantastic sampling of writers and themes in military sci-fi. It’s definitely worth checking out!
What, no Doc Smith?
Great point! Doc Smith’s Lensman series is a major influence on space opera and military sci-fi. Definitely deserves a mention in my next videos. Thanks for bringing it up!
Armor
I also like Armor, but some of my friends didn't like the Jack Crow part. What about you?
True, Felix was by far a more interesting character.
@@hankrearden20 Agreed! Felix’s complexity and resilience make him such a compelling character. His journey is a big part of what makes Armor so memorable.
I Find Star Trek Polluted the waters of Science Fiction for years. The Prime Directive seemed to filter into the consciousnesses of authors and a do no harm mentality took over. If you lock at SciFi before Trek and after trek until the eighties it was all so handringingly moralistic and not like the rolicking fiftiess SciFi. You have 2 fifties books two mid eighties books and only one from the seventies on your list.
Interesting perspective! It’s true that Star Trek had a huge influence on the genre, especially with its emphasis on the Prime Directive and moral dilemmas. I think that shift toward more philosophical themes did affect the tone of sci-fi in the following decades. You're right about the 50s and 80s being well represented, but I do plan to include more from the 70s and beyond in future videos. Thanks for bringing this up - it's a great point to consider!
X Great..
But your audio is awful. plus fix it
I rather think your selections are presumptuous in the extreme. I knew only of two of those stories, Starship Troopers and Enders Game. Starship Troopers was a propaganda post for a government run by the military. Note its reference to Argentina, a country ruled by a Junta that was brutal and murderous. Enders Game I saw in the movie and I despised the ending. The boy is left to deal with his own emotions over the obliteration of another species. One that was happy to do the same to any other life in the universe and announced its presence with a devastating attack on Earth. The author was a muppet in attempting to generate sympathy for that species. It would be like saying, OK the NAZIS were a little misguided but if we put them back in the boundaries of their own country where they slaughter and gas their own people, no problem. The other 3 never heard of and I suspect they lack the same impact as say War of the Worlds, the theme of facing and implacable, undefeatable, superior enemy and how to deal with it. Or say DUNE, where the resistance comes from multiple sources and there is no reliable ally in war.
I suspect you have to go back to class.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I know these books can spark strong opinions. The ones I selected have had a big influence on military sci-fi. Glad you’re engaging with the discussion!
Sounds like you read a couple of books and are unwilling to explore further. Break out of your shell.
One thing you didn’t mention - both Haldeman’s “Forever War” and Steakley’s “Armor” were specifically written in reaction to “Starship Troopers”. Heinlein had significant praise for “Forever War”.
@@Tara_Li Excellent point! Both Forever War and Armor do serve as fascinating counterpoints to Starship Troopers, each exploring war from very different perspectives. It’s especially interesting that Heinlein himself praised Forever War - a testament to Haldeman's powerful storytelling.