Picture a Canadian naval officer turned storyteller, weaving thrilling tales of interstellar warfare—meet Bennett R. Coles! This award-winning science fiction author has captivated readers with his Virtues of War trilogy, blending pulse-pounding military action with deep questions about duty, ambition, and humanity’s future among the stars. With a knack for crafting believable worlds and flawed, relatable characters, Coles has carved a unique space in the sci-fi genre.
From his naval roots to his rise as a literary star, Coles’s journey is as compelling as his stories. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this visionary author who’s redefining military science fiction!
The Making of Bennett R. Coles
Born and raised in Canada, Bennett R. Coles spent 15 years as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving as a bridge officer, navigator, and UN Military Observer in the Middle East. His naval career, filled with both high-stakes missions and long, quiet flights across the Pacific, sparked his imagination. During those reflective moments, Coles began dreaming up stories of space battles and interstellar intrigue, inspired by his deep understanding of military tactics and human nature. After retiring in 2005, he founded Promontory Press, a publishing house dedicated to uplifting new voices, before fully embracing his calling as a novelist.
Bennett R. Coles’s Unforgettable Stories
Coles’s breakout work, Virtues of War (2015), introduces readers to Lieutenant Katja Emmes, a young officer thrust into a mission to crush a colonial rebellion in the Centauri system. This fast-paced military sci-fi thriller, which won the prestigious CBR Cygnus Award, blends gritty combat with psychological depth, earning praise for its realistic portrayal of warfare and complex characters. Critics hailed its “crisp writing style” and “believable weaponry,” rooted in Coles’s naval expertise and study of physics.
The trilogy continues with Ghosts of War (2016), a slower-burn sequel that dives deeper into political intrigue and the psychological toll of conflict, culminating in a shocking twist. March of War (2017) wraps up the saga, following Katja and her comrades as they infiltrate the Centauri homeworld amid escalating tensions and moral dilemmas. Coles’s signature style—high-stakes action paired with nuanced explorations of loyalty and sacrifice—sets his work apart. He also contributed a short story to the 2017 anthology Infinite Stars, further showcasing his versatility in the genre.
Coles’s narratives avoid the clichés of military sci-fi, offering flawed heroes and morally gray conflicts instead of simplistic heroics. His focus on human nature, informed by years observing people under pressure, makes his stories resonate with readers who crave both thrilling battles and thought-provoking themes.
Why Bennett R. Coles Matters
Bennett R. Coles has left an indelible mark on military science fiction, proving that the genre can be both action-packed and introspective. His Virtues of War trilogy has been praised by luminaries like William C. Dietz for its “pulse-pounding” energy and by readers for its fresh take on interstellar conflict. By drawing on his naval background, Coles brings authenticity to his depictions of strategy and camaraderie, while his willingness to tackle tough questions about war’s cost elevates his work beyond mere escapism.
As a Canadian author, Coles also contributes to the global sci-fi landscape, offering a perspective shaped by his diverse experiences. His stories inspire readers to ponder humanity’s future while delivering the kind of gripping adventures that keep them up all night. Coles remains a vibrant presence at sci-fi conventions, particularly in his hometown of Victoria, Canada, where he connects with fans and aspiring writers.
- Occupation: Former naval officer, author, publisher
- Key Works: Virtues of War, Ghosts of War, March of War, Infinite Stars (contributor)
- Awards: CBR Cygnus Award (2013) for Virtues of War
- Hometown: Victoria, Canada
Ready to blast off into a thrilling sci-fi adventure? Grab Virtues of War and dive into Bennett R. Coles’s electrifying universe of interstellar battles and human drama!