Are there any proper books with mastermind but still realistic protagonists? Either spy or military setting with plenty of politics and strategy thrown around?
I've tried with anime and its always too childish or a power fantasy, best I could find is Youjo Senki and 86. Death Note is also great but that one's not military.
I'm trying my luck with books, already read All Quiet on the Western Front and Storm of Steel. Anything better or with more schemers?