Maybe an incredibly niche idea, but I’ve decided to shoot my shot. I like the idea of magical or immortal characters set in times of war, because I think it would be a compelling story. Like an immortal WW2 soldier, or something along those lines. It’s an idea I’ve had, but I’m not sure something like this actually exists.
by Holy_lettuce
9 Comments
Wonderwoman
I’m recommending the Chronicles of Amber series by Roger Zelazney.
It satisfies the “immortal” part in spades, and while it *does* have war, it’s not the main focus.
It’s pretty much multiversal Game of Thrones with immortal demigods.
The Black Company series by Glen Cook
The Casca series might fit that niche.
“Casca is a series of historical fantasy novels created by author Barry Sadler in 1979. The stories revolve around the exploits of Casca Rufio Longinus, the Roman legionary who drove the Holy Lance into the side of Jesus Christ on Golgotha. As a result of this action, Casca is cursed with immortality, and he is to wander the Earth aimlessly, always as a soldier, until the Second Coming. The character is loosely based on the Longinus legend of Christianity.”
Maybe not what you’re looking for, but Life after Life by Kate Atkinson
My favorite is exactly what you are asking for: *Ilium* and *Olympos* by Dan Simmons. Greek gods fighting the Trojan War in the future on Mars and documented by a resurrected scholar. The 2 books are long, but I really enjoyed them. I like almost anything Simmons writes, so I’m probably biased, but what’s not to love about a future Trojan War and brutally vengeful, callous god-things?
Quite a few within fantasy/sci-fi, if you’re OK with that.
The recent Joe Abercrombie book, The Devils, features a knight character who is immortal due to a curse, and has lived through countless wars, duels, etc. He’s only one member of a great ensemble cast, but there are quite a few cool moments featuring him.
Malazan book of the fallen has some non-human characters that are basically immortal, and the whole series has a ton of war going on. Really epic, badass fantasy series.
The “Non Men” in R Scott Bakker’s dark epic fantasy series The Second Apocalypse (mostly in the second half of the series, The Aspect Emperor), are an immortal non-human race who have been heavily involved in wars since the dawn of time. A very brutal, bleak series.
Like Dr. Manhattan interfering in Vietnam from “Watchmen”? 😅
In the Highlander series, each immortal served in many wars and many of them were at war with each other.
Honor Harrington series by David Weber; a female protagonist who rises through the ranks of a space navy. Not immortal but preternaturally smart and lucky.
Superhuman Nature by Brandon Overall: ROTC Cadet discovers he can control the world with his mind. His powers attract the attention of the US Military.