Books with battle scenes

J.D. Oswald · Post by **J.D. Oswald** » Sat October 6th, 2012, 9:22 am

At the Historical Novel Society Conference, I heard Angus Donald, Doug Jackson, Russell Whitfield and Bernard Cornwell talking about writing battle and fight scenes. I've only read a couple of Bernard Cornwell's and none of the other authors. Could anyone recommend a novel from any of these authors that would be a good starting point?

fljustice · Post by **fljustice** » Sat October 6th, 2012, 3:29 pm

I read and reviewed Angus Donald's Outlaw the first in a series about Robin Hood. Review is here: http://www.historicalfictiononline.com/ ... php?t=4536

J.D. Oswald · Post by **J.D. Oswald** » Sat October 6th, 2012, 6:16 pm

thanks - I loved the Antonia Fraser Robin Hood books when I was young so Robin as mafia don might be a bit challenging for me too! It sounds like an exciting story though.

Wolfshead · Post by **Wolfshead** » Sat October 6th, 2012, 9:41 pm

I didn't look in this thread to talk about my own novel, but since you say you like Robin Hood, take a look at my Facebook page where you can find my first chapter: http://www.Facebook.com/RobinHoodNovel Give the page a "like" if you, well, like it.

On the recommendations, everyone should read Cornwell's "The Winter King" and following novels in that series.
Douglas Jackson's "Hero of Rome" kicks some major arse, well worth reading.

annis · Post by **annis** » Sun October 7th, 2012, 12:35 am

I know he's not on your list, but have to recommend one of my favourite writers of historical miltary fiction - Christian Cameron. His novels are set in the ancient Greek world and are excellent. It's my belief that his personal experience as a former Special Forces soldier is what adds such compellingly ruthless authenticity to his battle scenes.

lauragill · Post by **lauragill** » Sun October 7th, 2012, 4:55 am

David Gemmell's Troy series has quite a few battle scenes in it.

J.D. Oswald · Post by **J.D. Oswald** » Sat October 13th, 2012, 12:55 pm

Thanks to everyone for these recommendations - lots to add to my to-read list.

Antoine Vanner · Post by **Antoine Vanner** » Sat October 20th, 2012, 12:44 pm

The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monserrat is in my opinion one of the best and most heart-felt novels of WW2, written on the basis of first-hand experience of service and command. It deals with the Battle of the Atlantic in detail and conveys the sheer monotonous misery of life at sea year-in, year-out on a small ship, interspersed with moments of absolute horror and terror. There are no false heroics. It is above all about the power of the human spirit to endure and to prevail.

Almost equally worthwhile and honest is C.S.Forester's "The Ship", which covers one day in the life of an Arethusa-class light cruiser in the Mediterranean in 1941. It depicts the responsibilities of the crew at all levels, from the captain down. The closing paragraph is one of the most inspiring I have ever read. I have carried it with me through life as a Sacred Text.

Historical Fiction Online

Books with battle scenes

Books with battle scenes

Best WW2 Sea Warfare Descriptions