I find complex political intrigue hard to follow myself. I don't know whether liking it is a measure of sophistication.

You might like T A Pratt's Marla Mason novels. They're a mix of humor and horror, and intelligent. The battles are quite dramatic.

I've liked the most recent two Pratchett novels Unseen Academicals and I Shall Wear Midnight.

What's frustrating is that I recently read some urban fantasy/paranormal romance which had a small unit battle rather than individual combat, but I can't remember what it was. It might have been Skinwalker by Faith Hunter, but even if not, it's a pretty good book.