The Red Knight

The Red Knight and the Traitor Son Cycle it begins are the most historically-accurate depictions of medieval-era warfare that I've ever read. In fact, if you want to continue enjoying military fantasy as a whole, don't read this book, since it will make everything else seem silly (Where is that knight's squire and retinue of retainers? How the hell did that guy get into his plate armour so fast? Why does that army have no camp followers? What about their supply lines?). Miles Cameron is actually a pen-name for Christian Cameron, a man almost ridiculously qualified to write military fantasy. He has a BA in Medieval History with honors and served in the United States Navy. As if that wasn't enough, he is an experienced re-enactor of medieval and classical battles. This is a man who knows what it feels like to cop a sword-blow to the helmet, and his writing shows it. Even the depiction of magic is based upon how people once thought magic might actually work. The novel follows the titular Red Knight, the leader of a mercenary company that is hired to defend an Abbey from the monstrous forces of 'the Wild'. Cameron is dedicated to depicting warfare realistically (even if it is against monsters), and when you hit someone with a mace, he demonstrates that the results are not exactly pretty. There are plenty of splintered bones, snapped tendons and torn-out throats.Read this book if:you like historical fiction, or want a story about how a medieval army would actually work. Also, cool monsters.