Tom Kratman

Tom Kratman is an American military science fiction author and former United States Army officer whose works are published by Baen Books. His military background, including service in the Panama invasion and Gulf War, heavily influences his writing style and themes. The "Desert Called Peace" series represents some of his most notable work, featuring detailed military action and explorations of warfare philosophy. He has also collaborated with John Ringo on multiple novels in the Legacy of the Aldenata series, and his novella "Big Boys Don't Cry" received a Hugo Award nomination in 2015. Kratman's career spans both military service and law, having graduated from Boston College on an Army scholarship before later attending law school. His final military position was at the United States Army War College as Director of Rule of Law for the Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute. Kratman's writing is characterized by military themes, political commentary, and detailed battle sequences. His works often incorporate his right-wing political perspectives and military experience, drawing both praise for their tactical authenticity and criticism for their ideological stances.

Reader reviews reflect strong political polarization around Kratman's military science fiction works. His books average 3.8/5 stars on Goodreads and 4.2/5 on Amazon across all titles. Positive reviews praise: - Technical accuracy in military tactics and equipment - Fast-paced combat scenes - Complex geopolitical worldbuilding - "Gritty realism" in depicting warfare - Character development of military personnel Common criticisms include: - Heavy-handed political messaging - "Stilted dialogue" - "One-dimensional" female characters - "Excessive" violence in some scenes - "Predictable plots" Multiple reviews note the books appeal most to readers who share the author's political views. On forums like r/Fantasy and r/PrintSF, discussions frequently focus on the politics rather than story elements. The Carrera series generates the most polarized reactions, with reviews ranging from "brilliant military fiction" to "thinly-veiled propaganda." The most reviewed title is A Desert Called Peace with 2,800+ Goodreads ratings.

The Tuloriad - A science fiction novel following the surviving Posleen aliens as they search for their gods and meaning after a devastating defeat on Earth, featuring religious and philosophical themes alongside military conflict.

A Desert Called Peace - First entry in the Carrera series about a grieving widower who builds a military force to fight terrorism on a colony world that parallels Earth.

Caliphate - Set in a future where Islamic forces control Europe, following both a US special operations soldier and a German slave girl as they navigate this altered world.

Yellow Eyes - Co-written with John Ringo, depicts the defense of Panama against alien Posleen invaders through the eyes of both human and AI tank commanders.

Watch on the Rhine - Co-authored with John Ringo, tells the story of rejuvenated SS veterans defending Germany against alien invasion in the Posleen War universe.

Big Boys Don't Cry - A novella exploring the consciousness and memories of a dying AI war machine as it reflects on its service and the nature of warfare.

Carnifex - Continues the Carrera series as the protagonist expands his military organization while dealing with both external threats and internal politics.

The Amazon Legion - Set in the Carrera series, focuses on the development and deployment of an all-female infantry battalion on the colony world of Terra Nova.

John Ringo writes military science fiction with detailed combat scenarios and future warfare technology. His experience as a veteran informs storylines about alien invasions and military operations, particularly in the Posleen War series and Troy Rising series.

David Drake combines military experience from Vietnam with science fiction and historical elements in his works. His Hammer's Slammers series focuses on mercenary warfare and combat operations with detailed tactical descriptions.

David Weber creates complex military space operas with emphasis on naval combat and military strategy. His Honor Harrington series features detailed military organizations and technological warfare across multiple novels.

Jerry Pournelle wrote military science fiction incorporating political themes and military strategy from his defense industry background. His CoDominium series examines future military conflicts and societal changes through a military perspective.

Michael Z. Williamson draws from his military service to write about special operations and military cultures in science fiction settings. His Freehold series explores themes of military service and political systems through detailed combat sequences.