Richard Fox is a master of modern military science fiction, known for crafting action-packed stories that combine thrilling space combat with relatable, character-driven drama. In his bestselling series, The Ember War Saga, he puts humanity on the brink of extinction, forcing ordinary people to become heroes in a desperate fight for survival. Drawing from his own military experience, Fox excels at depicting both the grit of ground-level combat and the grand strategy of massive fleet battles, all told with a relentless pace that keeps readers hooked.
If you are a fan of Fox's blend of high-stakes action, authentic military detail, and compelling characters, you will find your next mission in the works of these 15 authors.
These authors share Fox's talent for capturing the "boots-on-the-ground" experience of future warfare, focusing on the camaraderie, sacrifice, and brutal realities faced by the soldiers on the front lines.
Marko Kloos is a must-read for fans who appreciate the grounded realism in Fox's work. Kloos creates believable near-future worlds where humanity is fighting tough odds, with a strong focus on the perspective of the ordinary soldier caught up in interstellar conflict.
His novel Terms of Enlistment kicks off the "Frontlines" series with a raw and compelling look at a young recruit who joins the military to escape a bleak life on Earth, only to be thrust into brutal combat on distant worlds.
Jay Allan excels at writing immersive battle scenes and authentic soldier camaraderie. If you enjoy Fox's attention to military detail and the bonds forged in combat, Allan's work delivers a gritty, action-packed look at war in outer space.
Try his book Marines, the first entry in the "Crimson Worlds" series. It skillfully captures the feel of futuristic warfare from the perspective of a hardened super-soldier fighting for a powerful corporation.
John Ringo is known for fast-paced, high-intensity military sci-fi packed with detailed combat scenarios and unflinching realism. He shares Fox's flair for depicting desperate battles against overwhelming alien forces, all told through the eyes of tough, compelling characters.
His novel A Hymn Before Battle is an exciting and explosive start to the "Legacy of the Aldenata" series, where humanity is given advanced technology to become galactic cannon fodder.
Rick Partlow writes visceral, fast-paced military science fiction with an emphasis on intense combat and the elite soldiers who fight it. He shares Fox's ability to create action-driven plots that are both thrilling and immersive.
His book Drop Trooper is a great starting point, following an elite soldier deployed into dangerous conflicts on distant worlds, perfectly capturing the high-risk, high-reward nature of futuristic warfare.
If the epic starship battles and complex strategic maneuvering in The Ember War Saga are what you love most, these authors are masters of large-scale space opera and naval-style fleet combat.
David Weber is a titan of military science fiction, known for expertly blending massive strategic battles with complex political intrigue. He shares Fox's focus on leadership, honor, and loyalty, centered around one of the genre's most iconic starship captains.
His classic novel On Basilisk Station introduces Honor Harrington in a gripping tale of naval tradition, dramatic space engagements, and political maneuvering.
Writing as Jack Campbell, John G. Hemry crafts intelligent military science fiction that emphasizes realistic tactics and the immense challenges of command. He shares Fox's tactical depth, focusing on the discipline and integrity required to lead a fleet in wartime.
His novel Dauntless kicks off "The Lost Fleet" series, in which a legendary hero is awakened from cryosleep to lead a battered fleet home through enemy territory against overwhelming odds.
Joshua Dalzelle creates thrilling military space adventures filled with tense combat, thoughtful strategy, and relatable heroes. Fans of Fox's gritty fleet action will find plenty to enjoy in Dalzelle's stories of outnumbered forces battling daunting threats in deep space.
His novel Warship, the first book in the "Black Fleet Trilogy," is a perfect example, featuring plenty of suspense and well-written starship battles.
Evan Currie creates thrilling military sci-fi with a strong focus on fleet battles and human resilience against overwhelming odds. He shares Fox's talent for creating gripping, high-stakes combat scenarios with clear writing and strong pacing.
Give his novel Into the Black a try. It introduces a courageous crew on humanity's first FTL starship as they venture into deep space, only to find mysterious enemies and hidden dangers.
Christopher G. Nuttall blends strategic military detail with expansive world-building, creating absorbing sci-fi tales. He shares Fox's interest in the complex political dynamics that underpin large-scale military operations.
His book Ark Royal is a great example, highlighting intense space battles between a scrappy humanity and a powerful alien enemy, with an aging but formidable star carrier at the center of the action.
These authors deliver the same kind of thrilling action and compelling characters as Fox, but often with a unique blend of humor, imaginative technology, or genre-bending concepts.
B.V. Larson writes wildly imaginative and engaging science fiction filled with intense action, advanced alien tech, and gritty combat. He shares Fox's fast-paced, action-driven approach, but with a pulp-adventure sensibility that makes his stories incredibly fun.
His novel Swarm, the first book of the "Star Force" series, blends thrilling battles with intriguing alien encounters that will keep you reading late into the night.
Craig Alanson writes military sci-fi with a heavy dose of humor and fantastic characters. If you enjoy the camaraderie in Fox's books, you'll love the dynamic between a regular soldier and a sarcastic, all-powerful AI in Alanson's bestselling series.
Start with Columbus Day, where everyday troops get tangled in an interstellar war, relying on their wits and their hilarious, beer-can-shaped alien mentor to survive.
Glynn Stewart crafts engaging space opera full of strategic battles, heroic characters, and a unique blend of genres. He shares Fox's knack for exciting battle scenes, but adds imaginative magical elements to his most popular series.
Check out Starship's Mage, which introduces a universe where starships are powered by mages, creating a brilliant fusion of science fiction and fantasy.
Scott Bartlett delivers character-driven military sci-fi that blends engaging storytelling with well-crafted tactical maneuvers. He shares Fox's focus on the human element of warfare, even when it's taking place on a massive scale.
In his novel Supercarrier, he creates a vivid portrayal of life and combat aboard a city-sized starship as its crew resists a powerful alien threat, balancing action with believable characters.
Jasper T. Scott is a great choice for fans of big-scale space adventures where humanity confronts overwhelming and mysterious threats. He shares Fox's talent for creating gripping, high-stakes scenarios and epic struggles for survival.
His book Dark Space kicks off a thrilling series that blends suspense, action, and a compelling mystery about a dangerous alien force at the edge of the galaxy.
Michael Anderle offers exciting stories that combine military action, advanced technology, and strong character development, often with a supernatural or urban fantasy twist. He shares Fox's ability to write fast-moving plots with a fun blend of humor and suspense.
A good example is Death Becomes Her, the first book in "The Kurtherian Gambit" series, where high-octane action meets a centuries-old vampire, creating a unique and addictive mix.