Top Military Sci-Fi Books
The Discover Sci-Fi community has thousands upon thousands of military sci-fi fans among its ranks. Military sci-fi is wildly popular, owing in part to its often epic scope, its focus on futuristic technology and breathtaking action, and among much else, its frequently thought-provoking themes. It’s no wonder we’re all drawn to it! There are almost too many great military sci-fi books out there to properly define the best of the genre, but we like a challenge, so we’re going to try. And you, dear readers, are essential to our mission.
Back in 2019 we polled our readers about your favorite military sci-fi series at the time, and after a cut-throat round of voting this top 10 list of titles prevailed.
Now, 5 years later, we turning the question back to you to see how the list may have changed.
So, we've catalogued twenty of the best military science fiction books and series in the poll down below, and we’d love for you to vote for your favorites. Vote for as many as you’d like, and if think of any that aren’t on the list but that you feel deserve a mention, please shout it out in the comments.
Okay, ready? Let’s do this!
A lot on the list are excellent books/series that I can easily enjoy on a reread. Not all of them are what I consider military scifi. That there is a story to tell and enjoy is indisputable, but just having military in it does not make it a military story.
Evan Currie – Odyssey One
Evan Currie – Warrior Wings
The Expanse series
The Carrera series by Tom Kratman.
I would suggest Tom Kratman be added to the list.
Totally agree. Caliphate and a state of disobedience are 2 of my favorite books in general.
I’m eagerly looking forward to his new one as well.
In Her Name by Michael R. Hicks is one of the best Military Sci Fi in my opinion.
The Legion Series – William C. Dietz
This is the grand daddy of military sci-fi–the first place that I ever read about human cyborg composites (which kind of became the mode for everyone else), inter-species families and heck, yeah, even romance. There are 8 novels in all, with the first being LEGION OF THE DAMNED. The battle scenes were breathtaking. I’m surprised you guys didn’t have his work on the list.
John Ringo Troy Rising is the best I think. I wish he had done more on that. I also like David Weber Safehold series and Taylor Anderson Destroyermen books.
Agreed. I’ve been waiting and hoping but I don’t think any more will be coming.
I actually think David Weber, David Drake, and John Ringo have excellent military sci-fi, but of the list, selected Card’s Ender’s Game because it goes into the foundational psychology that justifies both military strategy and tactics at the individual up to the fleet levels. It isn’t just fighting and blowing things up.
Sentenced to War by JN Chaney & Jonathan Brazee
I second this. Am surprised its not on the list!
I would add Glynn Stewart’s Starship Mage series and C. R. Daems’ Tasmanian SFG series.
A great list but I would also add the following.
Hayden War Cycle Series by Evan Currie.
Salvage Title by Kevern Steverson.
The Theogony by Chris Kennady.
Blood on the Stars by Jay Allen.
Did you really have to include so much good military Science Fiction in the list, I could have easily ticked five or six in that list. However since you included Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven Moties books why did you not include Jerry Pournelle’s Co Dominium and Fakenberg’s Legion which share the same “Known Space” as the Moties? I would have also included “Janissaries” by Jerry Pournelle. Thanks for the chance to comment on the lists.
Keith Laumer’s Bolo series
John Ringo
Jerry Pournelle ‘s Falkenberg’s Legion and Janissaries
William C. Dietz
Honestly , I feel blessed to have read a majority of the books listed here over the course my lifetime. Thank you each and every writer for allowing me to enjoy your worlds.
Many excellent novels listed but need to make a correction, it’s the Vorkosigan Series. Sorry, I drive everyone I know crazy about correct spellings .
The Carrera series by Tom Kratman
Black Tide Rising series by John Ringo
also
Troy Rising by John Ringo
I always loved Ian Douglas’ series of The Heritage Trilogy and the follow up Trilogies.
Of course that’s a Pen name of William H. Keith, Jr.
I’m stunned that the “Altered Carbon” trilogy wasn’t included in the available options. It’s a masterpiece.
I would also have cast a vote for Robert Asprin’s charming “Phule’s Company” series, purely to have a little comedy in the mix.
Have to agree. Just about everything Jonathon Brazee should go to the top of any Military Sci-Fi list. His detailed crafting of the militaries in his different series reflect a lifetime in the Service and an understanding – down to minute details – of what makes them work. Add an eminently readable style and relaxed tone propel him to a position near the top of this category.
David Weber and Steve White should have been on here for the Stars at War series. I agree that just because the military “makes an appearance” it doesn’t always make it what I consider to be military sci-fi. Fortunately, most of the books on this list do qualify as quality military sci-fi, and some darned good reads in here.
Evan Currie – Odyssey One
Evan Currie – Warrior Wings
Sentenced to War by JN Chaney & Jonathan Brazee
I’ve read about half of the books on your list and selected two as the best out of those put forth.
That said, I would like to put forward another series…
The ‘Freehold’ series, by Michael Z Williamson
I have to include B.V. Larson’s Undying Mercenaries in any such list. 21 Books of what a future with working respawn machines would look like with a premise for the setting that makes perfect sense. Aliens show up in our ass end of the galaxy, say pick a profession or product that nobody nearby can provide or die. We’re really good at killing each other so…welp. Time for space legions!
Greg Bear’s The Forge of God & The Anvil of Stars.
Charles Stross’ Singularity Sky & Iron Sunrise
Poul Anderson’s Flandry Series
Alan Dean Foster’s Flinx Series & other books in that future history.
Many of Andre Norton’s books & series.
David Weber’s Out of the Dark Series
War doesn’t always look like what what we’ve experienced & are familiar with.
Need to have some Jason Anspach on there, his Galaxies Edge series is an absolute masterpiece, Jack Campbell Lost Fleet series too, totally addictive reading
Some suggestions for the list:
Semper Mars by Ian Douglas
Aurora. CV01 ( Frontiers Saga) by Ryk Brown
Recruit by Jonathan Brazee
Starfist: First to Fight by David Sherman and Dan Cragg