There are several different types of military fiction for fans of the military-related novel. Some types are historical and are based around fictional characters and their actions within a real historical conflict. Other fiction types center on specific branches of defense, such as a nation’s army, air defense, or navy. Military science fiction is a popular genre that often tells a futuristic story while using subtle commentary on today’s military training or actions. Another type of military fiction is known as an alternate story, in which the author creates a story based on recreating historical conflicts, often with the side that lost the conflict emerges victorious in history.
The historical military fiction novel is often considered the most common type of novel within this genre. In this type of novel, the author chooses a real historical conflict, such as the American War of Independence or Great Britain’s war on the Falkland Islands. The protagonists of these novels are often soldiers, and the author recreates struggles from the historical conflict through the eyes of characters. History enthusiasts often know the conclusion of this type of novel, because these books are usually based on famous kinds. While fight scenes are usually quite accurate, the author will often weave an adventure story through the plot, based on the actions of the central characters. Examples of popular authors in this genre include Bernard Cornwell and Jeff Shaara.
Military fiction is often based on a particular branch of military service. For example, the author will write a book detailing fictional characters going through boot camp in the US Marine Corps or Navy SEALs or the adventures of a fighter pilot in the US Air Force. These books are often more detailed in the technical aspects of the military, such as weapons and communications equipment. Although they are known for their technical accuracy, these books are often based on completely fictitious military conflicts. Tom Clancy is one of the best known writers in this branch of military fiction.
Alternative story stories often present a variety of options for military fiction. In this genre, a historical military conflict is often at the center of action. The side that actually lost the war is often the victor, however. This allows the author to assess the consequences that military conflicts would have had if their outcome had been different. For example, many military fiction stories in this genre have explored how the world would have been affected if Germany and Japan had won World War II, or if the Confederacy had won the American Civil War. Alternative stories will sometimes also incorporate elements of science fiction, such as a foreign invasion during a conflict between two rival nations.
- Many military fiction stories have explored how the world would have been affected if Germany had won World War II.
- Naval military fiction often involves combat operations that take place between fleets of warships during the wars set in the near future.
