Picture a battle-hardened soldier turned storyteller, weaving tales of interstellar wars and magical battles—meet J.F. Holmes! A retired U.S. Army veteran of 22 years, Holmes channels his military grit and boundless imagination into military science fiction, space opera, fantasy, and even detective stories. His knack for crafting thrilling narratives has earned him a loyal following and two Dragon Award finalist nods in 2017.
From the chaos of 9/11 to the deserts of Iraq, Holmes’s real-world experiences shape his vivid, authentic worlds. His stories aren’t just about laser battles or dragon fire—they’re about the human spirit, camaraderie, and the chaos of conflict, all told with a wink and a nod to military life.
The Making of J.F. Holmes
J.F. Holmes enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1991, serving in both the Regular Army and National Guard. His 22-year career spanned roles from artillery section leader to division-level planner, with deployments in Cuba, Iraq, and a pivotal response to the 9/11 attacks in New York City. Between 2010 and 2014, he created the beloved military cartoon strip Power Point Ranger, poking fun at army life in the style of Beetle Bailey. This creative spark hinted at the storytelling career to come. After retiring, Holmes turned his restless imagination to writing, publishing his first of over 18 books and two novellas by 2017.
J.F. Holmes’s Unforgettable Stories
Holmes’s bibliography is a genre-hopping adventure. His Fae Wars series, starting with Onslaught, pits a ragtag U.S. Army against dragons and wizards in a magical invasion of Earth. Readers praise its blend of military precision and fantasy flair. The Irish Brigade, a standout in his Fallen Empire series, follows a mercenary unit in a fractured galactic empire, earning comparisons to David Weber and Jerry Pournelle for its political intrigue and action. Joint Task Force 13: Origins dives into a shared universe where soldiers battle supernatural threats, showcasing Holmes’s collaborative spirit as founder of Cannon Publishing in 2018.
Holmes’s style is gritty yet accessible, infused with military jargon that feels authentic without alienating readers. His characters—often soldiers, mercenaries, or underdogs—shine through dialogue and action, reflecting his disdain for info-dumps. Themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience echo his own military ethos, making his stories resonate with fans of David Drake and John Ringo.
Why J.F. Holmes Matters
J.F. Holmes has carved a niche in military science fiction by blending real-world experience with boundless creativity. His work captures the chaos and camaraderie of soldiering, offering readers an escape that feels grounded. Through Cannon Publishing, he champions new voices, expanding the genre’s reach. His Dragon Award nominations and active engagement with fans on platforms like Facebook highlight his growing influence. Holmes proves that discipline and imagination can turn a soldier’s tales into stories that endure.
- Born: Not publicly disclosed
- Key Works: Fae Wars: Onslaught, The Irish Brigade, Joint Task Force 13: Origins
- Awards: Two Dragon Award finalists (2017)
- Notable: Founded Cannon Publishing in 2018
Ready for a thrilling ride through alien wars and magical battles? Grab Fae Wars: Onslaught and dive into J.F. Holmes’s action-packed universe!