Hi Aaron,
Copied from my book suggestions thread....discussed with Spook and he thought this was a more appropriate place...in hindsight I must agree.
These are not sci fi, but damn good.
Try Bernard Cornwells "Sharpe" series...set during the 1800's and the 20-25 years of the Napoleonic period.....follows Richard Sharpe's rise and fortunes from a young private to a Lt Colonel at Waterloo and beyond.
Each book details the battles and intrigues of the era, and his link to Lord Arthur Wesley, Duke of Wellington.
Each work of fiction is written against a historical background.
Sharpes Tiger - the Seige of Seringapatam 1799
Sharpes Triumph - the Battle of Assaye 1803
Sharpes Fortress - the Seige of Gawilghur 1803
Sharpes Rifles - the French Invasion of Galicia 1809
Sharpes Eagle - the Talavera Campaign 1809
Sharpes Gold - the Destruction of Almeida 1810
Sharpes Battle - the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro 1811
Sharpes Company - the Seige of Badajoz 1812
Sharpes Sword - the Salamanca Campaign 1812
Sharpes Enemy - the Defence of Portugal 1812
Sharpes Honour - the Vitoria Campaign 1813
Sharpes Regiment - the Invasion of France 1813
Sharpes Siege - the Winter Campaign 1814
Sharpes Revenge - the Peace of 1814
Sharpes Waterloo - the Waterloo Campaign 1815
Sharpes Devil - the Emperor 1820-21
As you can see. I am into these books. Some of the Titles were made into Telemovies in the UK in the early nineties, starring Sean Bean. Well worth the read and the watch. If ever the new BSG casts "Cain" then suggest they watch one or more of the movies. He is a few years older now and looks perfect for the part....plus he would probably be in budget.
The author has also done another series, ironically entitled the "Starbuck Chronicles" set during the American Civil War. It follows a young Northerner who choses to fight alongside his Southern freinds against the Union. I read the first book, but havent been able to find more.
The titles are;
Rebel
Copperhead
Battle Flag
The Bloody Ground.
You probably wont get the chance to, but you never know.
Cheers!