A salute to all current and former military on America's Veterans Day!

I never served, but I had the honor of working with military colleagues around the world while doing IT support for Boeing's defense programs. They're modern-day warriors who sacrifice a lot to keep us all safe.

In the spirit of Veterans Day, here are some of my favorite medieval military fantasies.

Kingslayer by Honor Raconteur

First of a 2-book series about an honorable general who kills his corrupt, oath-breaking king and flees to an enemy land. A solid story about strategy, tactics and leadership that also asks deep questions about the meaning of loyalty and valor. As a bonus, both books are in Kindle+.


The Black Company by Glen Cook

First in the classic 13-book fantasy series about an elite mercenary unit. The 13 books follow the company as they fight alternately for and against an empire, deal with shady employers and survive betrayals by both enemies and allies. Most books are currently in Kindle+.


Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson

10-book series starting with Gardens of the Moon about conflicts in the multi-world Malazan Empire. In addition to great characters and epic storytelling, the series offers a fascinating take on military tactics when both magic and traditional weapons are involved.


The Red Knight (The Traitor Son Cycle #1) by Miles Cameron

Starts a completed 5-book series about a mercenary company in a world where magical creatures from the Wild threaten civilization. The author is a military veteran with a degree in medieval history, so it's smart and accurate as well as imaginative.


Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera #1) by Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher, author of the Dresden Files—what else do you need to know? It features epic battles with Roman Legion-style tactics augmented by magic.


Whatever your battles, fight them well and with honor, and never stop reading.