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While on the subject of "military fiction" I must add that the Griffin series on the US Army ("The Lieutenants", through "The Generals)" and the Marine Corps.  

Like Clancy, Griffin develops characters within the context of the period and events, with great attention to detail.

I like Flashman.  Cowardly upper class English twit who was the bully in the book "Tom Brown's School days".  He spends his life narrowly avoiding being killed, running away, being awarded for bravery and bedding anything in a skirt that moves.  Very very funny in places.

These Griffen books sound good as well.

Will

Derek Robinson is a must read.  WW1 and WW2 fiction.  'Piece of Cake', the story of a RAF FC squadron s his masterpiece.  Also, try a 'Damned Good Show', the story of a BC squadron in WW2.  If you like WW1, 'Hornet Squadron'.

All are about the British, though.  Based before the Ameicans even entered WW2.

[quote]Derek Robinson is a must read.

Trust me, Woody...it's top class...it's based on a TV series, OK, but the same guy wrote the TV series.

Check this out: [b]I first read Derek Robinson's "Piece of Cake" a few years ago, and have since picked it up many times. It is a book which I can safely say is one of my very favourite books and a great read. Following the coming of age of an RAF Fighter Squadron ("Hornet") from the outbreak of WWII up until the climatic drama at the height of the Battle of Britain, "Piece of Cake" is a masterpiece. Like all Robinson's books, the dialogue is unspeakably good, and there is a very black vein of humour which courses throughout. This combined with some simply tragic events has the reader at times caught between laughter and tears, a strange mix but one which probably suits the absurdity of war. The dogfight scenes are brilliantly rendered and perfectly capture the sudden brutality and adrenaline fuelled excitement of these aerial encounters. It sounds clich

Sorry Whitey. My memory might be failing but I remember reading "Piece of Cake" when it was first published & being disappointed. The TV doc-drama it was based on also came in for a lot of criticism from those "in the know". It might be a good thriller but I'm not convinced it's too authentic. "First Light" by Geoffrey Wellum, that Woody mentioned is excellent & I highly recommend it.

If on the topic of fiction/fantasy then I really recommend Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer. Its got guns for those who like em. Fairys for those who like em and a clever yet funny story line.

I've just started First Light, and I can't put it down! Its incredible. I really hate Mr. Wellum, he got to fly Tiger Moths, Harvards and Spitfires, and got paid to do this!!! This makes me sick, I'm so green with envy there are no words to describe my jealousy!!
Actually its superbly written, and beautifully detailed, a must have for WWII enthusiasts, in particularly Spitfire nuts......

Ozzy

I've just started First Light, and I can't put it down! Its incredible. I really hate Mr. Wellum, he got to fly Tiger Moths, Harvards and Spitfires, and got paid to do this!!! This makes me sick, I'm so green with envy there are no words to describe my jealousy!!
Actually its superbly written, and beautifully detailed, a must have for WWII enthusiasts, in particularly Spitfire nuts......

Ozzy

Not to mention extreemly funny in places.

V.True Woodie.
Err aren't you meant to be on holiday? Giving your bottom a break from the royal throne?

Ozzy

Ah yes... I leave tomorrow so you'll have to keep the insulting posts away for another 24 hours.

I bought Griffin's book "the Soldiers Spies" a while ago but haven't read it yet. I buy books to go on vacation but end up never reading them.