[Loki]

Does any body else realise that basically the only tactic "generals" come up with in books is attack from all sides and not when there expecting it. The only author IMHO that doesnt use that tactic almost the entire time is GeorgeRRMartin but he still does. You would think that now the most likely time is at night and an attack in the middle of the day would catch them asleep.

[Cannon Fodder]

I'm not sure that all authors do this. Off the top of my head David Gemmell seems to use a variety of battle tactics in his books different to the one you mentioned. I could probably think of a few more given time. Anyone else?

[Cadfael]

I think a good example is the running battle commanded by Hile Troy, in Donaldson's The Illearth War.

##########SPOILER#############

No attack from all sides here, just a desperate chase to Doom's Retreats, and then on to Garroting Deep, to let some other guys pull your fat from the fire...

[FitzChivalry]

Tell you the truth, i don't really remember tactics i read about in fantasy books. I don't take it too seriously considering that fantasy authors are not exactly trained generals.

[Pluvious]

I think you are right to a degree, and fantasy writers could do with a little more variety and creativity in large scale battles.

[wynnyelle]

they should study military tactics before they attempt to write battles. It just seems logical to me.

[Rob B]

I've said it in other posts, but check out the Tyrants and Kings trilogy by John Marco. That man knows how to write battles and fights.

[azaz]

I will highly Recommend 'Deadhouse Gates' by Steven Erikson. Which you follow several people and one is - The Chain of Dogs. The ideas and battles in this book are amazing, and are totally different from other books.

Its got the best battles I have ever read. I also love the Assasin Kalam fighting, the Empires Claws. Just excellent