Military fantasy & science fiction
The War Shelf
Military fantasy and science fiction: where to start and what to read next.
202 books · every one shows who recommends it
Start here
Pick your war



47 books
Military Fantasy Books
Soldiers, sieges, mercenaries and the classics.
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28 books
Military Science Fiction Books
From Starship Troopers to Honor Harrington.
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35 books
Flintlock Fantasy: The Complete Guide
Muskets, cannon and magic.
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10 books
Pike-and-Shot Fantasy Books
Pikes, early muskets and the Thirty Years' War.
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23 books
Grimdark Fantasy Books
Soldiers and wars without the reassurance.
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22 books
Warhammer 40K Books
Which Black Library novel to read first.
Open the guideHow to read the ribbons
Every book wears its backing
- My pickRead and recommended by Sandro
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- ReadersGoodreads and Reddit
- Book sitesReviews and book websites
- AwardsPrizes and shortlists
- The authorThe book’s own author
My picks
From my own shelf
Cadia StandsJustin D. Hill
First and OnlyDan Abnett
Iron CompanyChris Wraight
Mistborn: The Final EmpireBrandon Sanderson
The Name of the WindPatrick Rothfuss
Red RisingPierce Brown
Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the ImperiumSandy Mitchell
Guns of the DawnAdrian Tchaikovsky
Double EagleDan Abnett
Hawkwood's VoyagePaul Kearney
EisenhornDan Abnett
His Majesty's DragonNaomi Novik Essays
What Flintlock Fantasy Books Get Right About Musket Warfare20 min read
Matchlock vs Flintlock6 min read
The History Behind The Poppy War5 min read
Where Red Rising Comes From4 min read 

























