The best stories to transport you across time and space

The story of the 300 Spartans is one of the oldest in recorded history, and it stands tall today as an account of courage and conviction. The story was sensationalized by Frank Miller with his graphic novel turned feature film, but Pressfield pens a unique perspective and a far more in-depth look at this fascinating warrior culture. Told from the eyes of a willing slave in Sparta, the book follows several characters as they rise through the ranks, but more than that, Pressfield expands our knowledge of the powerful role played by the women of Sparta. From training to sport to battlefield, this novel paints each picture in vivid detail. Prepare to both weep and cheer at this thrilling rendition of these legendary soldiers.

The “Halo” games are the stuff of legend and the exploits of Master Chief have grown to staggering proportions. Despite all the various forms of media, Eric Nylund’s novelization is a story worth its salt. With introspective passion, we learn the origin of John 117, and not just that, but what makes him tick. We experience the events that shaped him into Master Chief, and we feel the pain of loss for those who failed to complete the Spartan program. Each step of progression demands more of him, both physical and emotional, but how he reacts and feels makes this book worthwhile. Games and short films have shown us Master Chief the warrior, but here we learn about the fire and hammer that forged him.

The Vietnam War was a painful conflict filled with contradiction and a hard learning curve for American forces. Faced with a jungle battle like none before, Vietnam desperately attempted to control the ground from the air. The A-6 Intruder was designed for low-level bombing but had no defensive weapons (guns) and the crews that flew them were a rare breed. The film based on this novel butchered the story of Jake Grafton and his struggle to focus between orders and loyalty. After the loss of his bombardier, Jake sees the war with new eyes, blurred by the unexpected passion found with a woman on the Naval Base. His inner conflict runs deep as he debates risking his career for revenge but is unprepared for the vast consequences that follow.

The BattleTech universe is a complex one that spawned many novels, but out of that list by various authors, this one stands out as my favorite. Set in the distant future, a long, bloody conflict between clan warriors and inner sphere soldiers spans multiple solar systems. They take to the battlefield in enormous walking tanks called Mechs where the outcome can be swift and brutal. The interesting part of this book is how it focuses on one soldier, and his diverse heritage as he tries to find his place in a regiment steeped in ancient traditions. Striving to prove his worth both to himself and his new unit, he digs deep for the skill and courage to stand against a ruthless enemy in an inhospitable world.

“Sassenach” is a Scottish slang term meaning “outlander.” Gabaldon has crafted an incredibly original take on historical fiction and time travel. Witness to an ancient ritual at a stone circle near Inverness, Claire unexpectedly falls back through time 200 years. One moment she was a WWII nurse in 1945, enjoying a 2nd honeymoon in Scottish Highlands. Then after a rush of wind and the touch of stone, she finds herself in the middle of the English/Scottish conflict of the 1740s. She is rescued by a Highlander patrol, but they suspect her to be an English spy. Her medical skills cause others to believe she could be a witch. After meeting a dashing, young clansman, she struggles between her newfound passion and finding a way back to her own time.