jaysbookishthoughts's review against another edition
5.0
"Old Man's War" by John Scalzi is a captivating science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a distant future where humanity has expanded into the stars. The story follows the journey of protagonist John Perry, a 75-year-old widower who joins the Colonial Defense Forces (CDF) to fight against alien species threatening the human race.
Scalzi's writing style is crisp, witty, and engaging, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. The world-building is imaginative, with vivid descriptions of advanced technologies, intergalactic travel, and the alien species encountered by the CDF. The plot is fast-paced, with plenty of action, intrigue, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the highlights of "Old Man's War" is its exploration of the moral and ethical implications of interstellar warfare. As John Perry learns more about the true nature of the conflict he is involved in, he grapples with questions of loyalty, sacrifice, and the value of human life. These themes are handled with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, "Old Man's War" is a must-read for fans of science fiction. It combines high-stakes action with thought-provoking themes and memorable characters, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience. Scalzi's skillful storytelling and imaginative world-building make this a novel that is sure to stay with readers long after they've turned the last page.
Scalzi's writing style is crisp, witty, and engaging, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the story. The world-building is imaginative, with vivid descriptions of advanced technologies, intergalactic travel, and the alien species encountered by the CDF. The plot is fast-paced, with plenty of action, intrigue, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the highlights of "Old Man's War" is its exploration of the moral and ethical implications of interstellar warfare. As John Perry learns more about the true nature of the conflict he is involved in, he grapples with questions of loyalty, sacrifice, and the value of human life. These themes are handled with sensitivity and thoughtfulness, adding depth and complexity to the story.
Overall, "Old Man's War" is a must-read for fans of science fiction. It combines high-stakes action with thought-provoking themes and memorable characters, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience. Scalzi's skillful storytelling and imaginative world-building make this a novel that is sure to stay with readers long after they've turned the last page.
w1ckedn0nsense's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sporkshire's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
angelofthe0dd's review against another edition
4.0
John Perry, a 75-year-old man, enlists in the Colonial Defense Forces (CDF). He's given a young, completely bio-engineered (and green) body. He proves himself as a strong leader in his first major combat. As he grows in his military career, he comes across people that die in combat against various Intergalactic alien races. It's these deaths that the author uses to illustrate traditional stances for or against combat in general. Early in the book, one soldier gets killed because he gets too excited by a combat victory, and he underestimates the firepower of the remaining enemy forces. Another soldier thought he could bring peace and goodwill to an alien religious ceremony. They filled him with about 20,000 small needles fired from ceremonial sticks. He was liquefied. The most poignant part of the book is where John is rescued by a group of Special Forces. One of the special forces soldiers he recognizes as his wife. That's because his wife's DNA was used by the CDF to create clone soldiers. The woman looks and sounds like his wife, but isn't really his wife in mind or actually having led a life. Her name is Jane. She understands that she's an engineered DNA construct, but she wants John to tell her all about his wife so that she can understand the woman she was made from.
John Scalzi did an amazing job weaving a story with so much philosophical depth. I would love to read this book in a classroom or online forum where everyone chimes in with what the book means to them.
John Scalzi did an amazing job weaving a story with so much philosophical depth. I would love to read this book in a classroom or online forum where everyone chimes in with what the book means to them.
evesn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
rick2's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining space war SciFi. Basically space Doom. I know Doom is already on Mars, but this is like Doom if we could go outside the solar system.
I can't remember who said it, maybe Kafka or Camus (google is no help), but it was to the extent, "Whenever you allude to a more interesting story within your story, you have to justify why you didn't tell that one."
I think it applies aptly here. This book is a fun romp through space war with some interesting sci fi concepts. But there was a lot of "oh yeah, punching and kicking and shooting" with what I imagined as heavy metal music playing.
I couldn't help but think of this as a text version of Doom with weird chicken/insect aliens. I would have appreciated a bit more worldbuilding and character development. I wanted more. There were a lot of "oh yeah, this persons only purpose is exposition" and "of course theyre going to do it that way to advance the plot." As such, I thought the nuance was lacking, but the space punching and kicking really carried the day, again a lot like Doom.
I can't remember who said it, maybe Kafka or Camus (google is no help), but it was to the extent, "Whenever you allude to a more interesting story within your story, you have to justify why you didn't tell that one."
I think it applies aptly here. This book is a fun romp through space war with some interesting sci fi concepts. But there was a lot of "oh yeah, punching and kicking and shooting" with what I imagined as heavy metal music playing.
I couldn't help but think of this as a text version of Doom with weird chicken/insect aliens. I would have appreciated a bit more worldbuilding and character development. I wanted more. There were a lot of "oh yeah, this persons only purpose is exposition" and "of course theyre going to do it that way to advance the plot." As such, I thought the nuance was lacking, but the space punching and kicking really carried the day, again a lot like Doom.
snowbenton's review
4.0
Outrageous in the most Starship Troopers look-over-there-just-pretend-this-is-science way, this is a fun adventure. I love that the main characters are all older people; it adds depth that the story really needs.