Author Dan Thornton’s debut novel, Fleet of the Forgotten, dives into the high-stakes world of military science fiction with gritty realism, heart, and a galaxy full of intrigue. We sat down with Dan to discuss the inspirations behind his universe, what makes military sci-fi unique, and how he approaches worldbuilding, character development, and realism in combat. From orbital treaties to the psychology of command, Dan shares insights that any fan of the genre – or aspiring writer – will find invaluable.

“We remember the explosions, but the real tension comes from what those moments leave behind—orders given, friends lost, and the weight you carry afterward.”

Interview with Dan Thornton:

Q: What drew you to military science fiction as your genre of choice?
Dan Thornton: I’ve always loved science fiction, but I was especially drawn to stories where the stakes were high, the chain of command mattered, and the characters had to make tough calls under pressure. Military sci-fi lets you explore big ideas—war, duty, sacrifice—but also make it personal and grounded.

Q: Fleet of the Forgotten doesn’t shy away from the theme of sacrifice. How do those personal stakes shape your story?
Dan Thornton: For me, military sci-fi isn’t just about ships and strategy, it’s about what people are willing to give up to protect others. Ryan, for example, didn’t grow up with a stable family, but that loss fuels his choices. He wants to protect what he never had. Sacrifice in this universe isn’t always about dying, it’s about staying behind, making the hard call, or walking away from something you love because the mission demands it. Family, in all its forms, becomes both the motivation and the cost.

Q: Do you base your military structures on real-world forces?
Dan Thornton: Yes, absolutely. The ISA is modeled on modern multinational coalitions like NATO but taken into a spacefaring future. The Columbia-class ships reflect not just strategic needs but political symbolism. Every ship has a story and a purpose even if in my own head.

Q: How do you approach writing battle scenes in space?
Dan Thornton: I try to make space combat feel brutal, fast, and unforgiving. It’s not all about flashy maneuvers, it’s about who’s prepared, who adapts, and who cracks under pressure. Space is so vast and terrifying, especially when you realize nobody could save you even if they wanted to given the distances involved.

Q: What’s something about military sci-fi that you think readers often overlook?
Dan Thornton: The emotional cost. We remember the explosions, but the real tension comes from what those moments leave behind. Orders given. Friends lost. It’s about carrying the weight – and still moving forward.

Dan Thornton’s take on military sci-fi brings together the tension of war with the humanity of those who fight it. In Fleet of the Forgotten, he delivers more than space battles – he gives readers a vision of the future forged through alliances, personal sacrifice, and the unyielding will to survive. As he continues building the Exile’s War series, one thing is clear: Dan Thornton’s universe is as emotionally resonant as it is tactically sharp.