If you like things with a solid base of realism, but still told as a legit "story" - try some of the historical fiction by Jeff Shaara. I like how he uses as many primary sources as he can to know the factual history of the person/event he is writing - but is also very clear that his goal is to convey the "story", so the book is indeed fiction in the conversations, combined experiences, etc. while sticking with historic events.