Forum: Story Recommendations

Respect

NC-Retired 🚫

In most of Fantasy Lover's tales the main protagonist is a decent person, helping people as possible, going beyond the minimum frequently.

https://storiesonline.net/a/fantasylover

In the tale Escape From Lexington (https://storiesonline.net/s/14823/escape-from-lexington) the protagonist, Lewis Clark, does that with all that deserve help.

Those that are evil, he kills without remorse.

I have zero clue how to formulate a search for similar stories where the main character is decent to most but ruthless to those that fail that simple test.

Can anyone recommend any other tales that embody that character trait?

TIA

LonelyDad 🚫
Updated:

@NC-Retired

Oyter50's stories, especially the Smart Girls ones, exhibit that same willingness to help others that need it, sometimes even before they realize they do.

Banadin's Richard Jackon character also exhibits those traits, if maybe not to the same extent.

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@NC-Retired

If you are looking for stories with those sorts of characters, I recommend you search for SOL for: United States Marines. It seems many authors here have respect for the Corps. Similar to tens of thousands of US Army Soldiers, British Royal Marines, ROK Marines, and others, I had the honor to serve as part of a USMC unit in combat, in my case the US 1st Marine Division, and later the 2nd Marine Division.

I recommend the short story https://storiesonline.net/s/65660/always-a-marine by Ernest Bywater.

There are several other excellent stories about honorable Marines in stories here.

Replies: Mushroom

Mushroom 🚫
Updated:

@Paladin_HGWT

When I was writing my CBCG series, I specifically had the main character join the Marines.

However, it is also unlike most "military stories", as he was not some super-grunt Infantryman, but a computer tech. And there was no combat, mostly his experiences in the Corps and what it is really like.

And my earlier story "Okinawa" was much the same way. Just a guy in the Marines and his job and experiences. That one was even more so, as it was written and set in around 1997, so other than one short war there had been no real combat for the Marines for over two decades.

If any want "non-war" stores about the Corps, those two would be good places I would think. But to be honest, I really don't think I would or could write a "war story" as most would think of it. In much the same way that I do not play "war games" in the conventional sense on the computer, some things I really do not want to write about.

And I am actually not alone in that. I know quite a few that before deployment would spend hours on end playing things like Call of Duty. Then after returning, never play them again.

However, in "The Sensei" I also had the main character be a vet. Army and Special Forces, but actually talks very little about his actual deployments or combat. Mostly glossing over it, as like myself most of us are really not comfortable discussing such things. We will mostly speak in generalities, unless it was with somebody we knew that had been there.

Replies: Paladin_HGWT

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@Mushroom

unlike most "military stories", as he was not some super-grunt Infantryman, but a computer tech. And there was no combat, mostly his experiences in the Corps and what it is really like.

I respect that. During my first decade of my military service I held most "Legs" and REMFs in contempt. Despite that, I have long recognized how essential Logistics are. When everything you have is what you jumped in with, and you have to carry it all in your ruck! Every bullet and every bite of food is precious.

By the time I first deployed to Iraq I had served for nearly two decades. I witnessed Infantry NCOs game the system, and stay "safe" on a FOB while the Postal Clerk participated in clearing buildings room to room when our weekly mail run got hit by a complex Ambush!

While we usually had the initiative, and were hunting the enemy; truck drivers, MPs, and all sorts of other personnel provided our Logistics in convoys that were often Ambushed.

Mechanics fixed our vehicles while we slept. One of our best and toughest medics was a female, barely 20. She asked to use our ad hoc gym, explaining that she needed to be fit enough to fireman's carry one of us if we were WIA. All the male medics in the BAS would have been barely able to drag us! (Medics assigned to the Infantry platoons were fit.)

In my stories I tend to be a bit vague. A soldier shoots at an enemy, they drop... were they hit? Killed? Wounded? Or just taking cover. Sometimes there is no clear target. Just rustling bushes, a muzzle flash, etc. Chaos! Often the perspective is of a small unit leader. Not completely sure of what is happening, just keep your men doing their duties, and trying to not get them needlessly killed. Too busy to be really afraid.

My prayer was, "Lord don't let me Fuck Up Too Bad and get my men killed!"

I made plenty of mistakes, but in training I paid for in sweat and tears, what others paid for in blood. By the grace of God, and the hard training we conducted, on four deployments, and more than 5 years in combat areas, all of the men in my platoon or company (or similar size units) came home alive.

In my stories I depict not just Infantry or "Operators" but also RPA pilots, mechanics, computer technicians, chaplains, Mexican Federal Police, supply Sergeants and intel officers.

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@NC-Retired

My own story Aztlan Portal https://storiesonline.net/s/25148/aztlan-portal
Contains multiple characters with such traits, from a young Mexican civil engineer who saves a couple of teenager employees, but is remorseful he didn't save more; then risks his life going back to Mexico.

Eight US Army special operations personnel who volunteer to parachute into hostile territory to provide medical care to surrounded Mexican soldiers.

Mexican soldiers and police who risk their lives, some paying the ultimate price defending their fellow citizens from fearful opponents.

A pilot and her aircrew who continue their mission despite damage to their aircraft, knowing dozens, perhaps hundreds of people depend upon them.

There are characters who are self serving, perhaps evil. Not all of them are the invaders. Among the invaders are stalwart individuals who care for their comrades, and even an abandoned puppy. There are plenty of gray areas, however, most of the main characters demonstrate the qualities you are seeking.

I have had to delay uploading chapters for several months. I will be resuming posting after Veterans Day, or perhaps Thanksgiving in the USA.

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@NC-Retired

https://storiesonline.net/s/24485/a-deployment-to-afghanistan

Has a very good description of combat in Afghanistan.

The author is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, and has several other stories he is working on. He had mild heart attack, but is recovering. He contacted me and a couple others here. He should begin posting again soon.

ralord82276 🚫

@NC-Retired

Second Chance by Number 7

MC is a man that seems to have been chosen (by the Universe?) to be continually "re-cycled" into other people's bodies who have recently been severely injured in some manner. He becomes that person and proceeds to live their life which at some point usually ends up in conflict with mobsters, terrorists, etc. He is a guardian-type personality so is very helpful to those he deems needs help and totally remorseless and deadly to those that seek to harm/kill others. The 1st book is very long and details over a dozen of these "recycled lives" that he goes through. The author has started a second book in the series but in comparison to the first book has not yet gotten very far into it.

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@NC-Retired

Silver Wings is one of the best stories on SOL.
https://storiesonline.net/s/58786/silver-wings
I served 28 years in the US Army, mostly as an Infantry NCO, but I also served several years in Recon, and several more in SOCOM. The "Benning School For Boys" where I received some good training, including Airborne School, as well as Fort Bragg, Camp MacKall, where I received excellent training, and Fort Lewis (now JBLM Joint Base Lewis McChord), as well as Fayetteville the Spring Lake are all well described. Although I was there in the last two decades of the Twentieth Century and first two decades of the Twenty First.

This reads like a True Story.

NC-Retired 🚫
Updated:

@NC-Retired

With the exception of the stories of Oyter50, I have read all that have been recommended so far.

These stories are focused on military scenarios. Nothing wrong with those sorts of tales as I too am a Navy vet, with service during the Viet Nam war.

But when I posed the question I was thinking more in terms of non-military focused tales.

Again, by Fantasy Lover, https://storiesonline.net/s/20316/when-in-rome-by-fantasylover

This tale has a time displacement of a wounded Marine to a civilian setting in ancient Rome. The protagonist does lots and lots to help the 'plain people' to thrive with their work. Plenty to eat and no abuse by the ruling class. Yes, the ruling class also benefits, but the regular folks more so. And yes, there is some military action in the later chapters. But that is in tune with the idea of eliminating the bad guys. The regular conscripts are released and generally treated well.

So... any other recommendations for stories that focus on good deeds with a minor focus on military action?

Thanks for the recommendations, I'm off to read some of the Smart Girls tales!

Cheers!

Replies: tendertouch

tendertouch 🚫

@NC-Retired

CE Savage's Nexus stories sound like a good fit, the entire series stemming from one man's compassion, and focused on helping others.

Aaron Stone's 'American Teen' is driven by a decent young man's actions against a bully and his compassion for others.

Kraken's Robledo Mountain books might fit as well, though there is the element of time travel thrown in.

MattHHelm's Somewhere in time book, 'A Trip to Waco', is way over the top but that's pretty much the story of its heroes

Replies: awnlee jawking charles.smith

awnlee jawking 🚫

@tendertouch

Look for medical/healing related stories. 'Healing Hands' by Raven Soule and Sweet Biscuit is worth a look.

AJ

charles.smith 🚫

@tendertouch

Thanks so much for the kind words about my stories! Very appreciated!

Radagast 🚫

@NC-Retired

Rlfj's Grim Reaper series. The MC is an unknowing avatar of justice. Loving son, husband, father. From kid, to soldier, to cop. Lethal to all who would harm innocence.

Replies: Paladin_HGWT

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@Radagast

Radagast suggested this well written and interesting series. Here is a link to the first story.

https://storiesonline.net/s/11339/the-grim-reaper-romantic-story

Gauthier 🚫

@NC-Retired

https://storiesonline.net/a/lazlo-zalezac
Lazlo Zalezac heroes share the same altruistic trait.
Some of them are ruthless too.

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@NC-Retired

Tommy Gunn is about a US Border Patrol Agent https://storiesonline.net/s/24804:263337/chapter-4-tommy-gunn-book-1-revenge-on-the-border

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@NC-Retired

An alternative Earth, blending SciFi with alternate history, a starfigher pilot, stranded in remnants of the Roman Empire in Britain.

https://storiesonline.net/s/27853/the-trumpets-of-mars

Not just military and combat, diplomacy, politics, intrigue, and building the building blocks, to be able to eventually accelerate technology and perspectives.

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@NC-Retired

If you liked Escape From Lexington, you might enjoy the Wyld Wood Boys.

https://storiesonline.net/library/storyInfo.php?id=59936

Paladin_HGWT 🚫

@NC-Retired

The John Taylor series by Lumpy

https://storiesonline.net/series/1243/john-taylor

NC-Retired 🚫

@NC-Retired

Thanks all! Much winter reading. Gotta buy some fresh hot chocolate mix!

itsmehonest 🚫

@NC-Retired

Try Dual Writer and his Florida Friends series, Florida Friends

Replies: NC-Retired

NC-Retired 🚫

@itsmehonest

I've read them all and I cannot re-read any of them.

For me, accuracy of the known physical is critical to my enjoyment.

There are too many instances where one of the characters does something that is physically unlikely in the time frame cited.

Fiberglass epoxy takes a while to cure. Paint only dries so fast. Asphalt parking lots need preparation. Welding a race car frame with no jig to hold the pieces? Not likely. Construction times measured in days when in real life the same building takes weeks from ground breaking to completion.

Each story has many of these sorts of exaggerations that, again, for me, completely spoil the tale.

As always, YMMV.

Nizzgrrl 🚫

@NC-Retired

Your description fits every story I have read in the Damsel in Distress story universe created by Lazlo Zalezac. I particularly liked Shiloh by The Scot and Ernest Bywater.

Argon 🚫

@NC-Retired

Many years ago, I wrote "Return from the Dark Side". The MC fits your profile
https://storiesonline.net/s/51938/return-from-the-dark-side

Replies: NC-Retired

NC-Retired 🚫
Updated:

@Argon

A great tale! I've read all of your posted stories and this is one of the best!

Thanks for your dedication to writing.

Cheers!

Nizzgrrl 🚫

@NC-Retired

Have you read the Dark Days 2 story series by Reluctant Sir? The mc and his suport circle are as decent as they can be and they devote their lives and fortunes to helping others. The start is tough to read, but hang on to your hat and keep going. It is a great read.

Replies: NC-Retired

NC-Retired 🚫

@Nizzgrrl

Dark Days did not appeal after a chapter. Too dark maybe?

But Union in crisis is appealing. I would not have look at the author without your suggestion.

Thanks!

Replies: helmut_meukel

helmut_meukel 🚫

@NC-Retired

But Union in crisis is appealing.

It's Book 1 of the Union Trilogy, which in fact is only a duology.

HM.

Replies: NC-Retired NC-Retired

NC-Retired 🚫

@helmut_meukel

I've just had lunch, now back to chapter 6 of book 2, Union Rebelling.

Can't help but wish there were more in this series.

NC-Retired 🚫

@helmut_meukel

Please see my review of this duo.

https://storiesonline.net/library/get_review.php?id=12706

Good stuff! The sort of tales I was looking for when I started this thread.

NC-Retired 🚫
Updated:

@NC-Retired

Also the sorts of tales I like are from H. Beam Piper.

There are two on Finestories - https://finestories.com/a/H_Beam_Piper

I am now re-reading his otherwhen tales. Calvin Morrison get shanghaied to an alternate reality. There he becomes Lord Kalvin and later King Kalvin. He helps decent folks overcome those that would do innocents harm.

Replies: NC-Retired awnlee jawking

NC-Retired 🚫

@NC-Retired

Oh... H. Beam Piper fan fiction by Gina Marie Wylie here on SOL.

Tangent and The Cost of Time.

https://storiesonline.net/a/Gina_Marie_Wylie

awnlee jawking 🚫

@NC-Retired

Damn, I've read everything of his on Scifistories - I never thought to look on Finestories :-(

AJ

Nizzgrrl 🚫
Updated:

@NC-Retired

Are you still looking to add to your list of books to be read? I have not seen A True History Universe by StarFleet Carl on this topic. It is highly rated, the mc is definitely doing good for others and I do not recall any swapping - but there is a growing harem. Try it. It has been a good read for four+ books. https://storiesonline.net/universe/1159/a-true-history

richardshagrin 🚫

@NC-Retired

How can it be "a true history" if it is fiction?

Replies: Nizzgrrl

Nizzgrrl 🚫
Updated:

@richardshagrin

Ask StarFleet Carl. He is the one creating the true history. I just wish I had a great imagination and I could write. Anyone who can depict eastern Kansas as a central industrial growth center has a vivid imagination. Me, the only things I miss about Kansas are the meadow larks and the red-wing black birds.

Replies: richardshagrin

richardshagrin 🚫

@Nizzgrrl

Carl's bad. He has a cavern. Carlsbad cavern.
"Carlsbad Caverns National Park is in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. It features more than 100 caves. The Natural Entrance is a path into the namesake Carlsbad Cavern. Stalactites cling to the roof of the Big Room, a huge underground chamber in the cavern. Walnut Canyon Desert Loop is a drive with desert views. Rattlesnake Springs, a desert wetland, attracts reptiles and hundreds of bird species. ― Google"

Replies: Nizzgrrl

Nizzgrrl 🚫
Updated:

@richardshagrin

Hey Carl, call the Doc. richard may be off his meds again.

Replies: StarFleet Carl

StarFleet Carl 🚫

@Nizzgrrl

richard may be off

See, that's all you needed to say.

Also, Collins Bus, Kuhn-Kraus Farm equipment, and Siemens all really DO have manufacturing facilities in Hutchinson, in addition to the Cargill and Morton Salt facilities, and one of the bigger directional drilling equipment companies makes their drill bits there. They make something called a backreamer, which probably we should use on Richard as well.

Replies: Nizzgrrl

Nizzgrrl 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

oohhh That sounds like it would hurt. Is richard into BDSM?

Replies: StarFleet Carl

StarFleet Carl 🚫
Updated:

@Nizzgrrl

That sounds like it would hurt. Is richard into BDSM?

I don't think it would hurt either of us in the least if we used it on Richard.

At the very least, he's obviously into sadism, since he continues to subject all of us with what he considers a sense of humor.

Replies: ralord82276

ralord82276 🚫
Updated:

@StarFleet Carl

since he continues to subject all of us with what he considers a sense of humor.

THAT's his sense of humor?? I always feel more like it is a wikipage for a partial entry into google that was auto-filled by something that made no sense....

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Forum: Story Recommendations

Respect

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