I’m big into sci-fi and fantasy for the most part and I also have a fondness for Tom Clancy novels despite their flaws.
I’m wondering if there is any sci-fi or especially fantasy written similarly to Tom Clancy, although ideally without the overt real-world political overtones his books have. Specifically the things I enjoy about his books are:
– A heavy focus on technical, engineering, and military matters with lots of detail
– Competent characters who are good at their jobs and mostly make intelligent and rational decisions
– Political/social/military thriller plotlines
– Slow burn structure but with enough interest in the early portions to keep you reading
I’ve read a few sci-fi and fantasy books that hit some of those notes.
The Martian – does great with the competence and the heavy technical focus. Less on the slow burn and thriller portions.
The Expanse – does great with the political/military thriller. Pretty good on the competent characters and technical focus. Decent on the slow-burn structure while keeping interest. One of the closest things I’ve found to what I’m looking for.
Pushing Ice by Alastair Reynolds – Another one that’s really close. Great technical focus, competent characters, is sort of a political thriller.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson – Great job on the slow-burn political thriller, mostly competent characters, pretty good on the technical/military details, although I find the technical/magic focus better in some of his other works.
I’d especially love to hear more fantasy suggestions that fit this style.
by The_Real_Scrotus