Reviews

Old Man's War by John Scalzi

adamargyle's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful 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? No

4.75

oddbodkins's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

3.5

kitaabinomad's review against another edition

3.0

A satisfying science fiction book. I believe if I had read this book when it was first published, I would have enjoyed it a bit more. Due to the movie like "Avatar" and the TV show like "Altered carbon", the concept of a new body for a mind seems familiar. However, apart from this similarity, this book stands on its own. There are not many surprises in the book, even when there are some, they are not very effective. But I must say that the pace and the writing of the book are very good. I was actually surprised by how quickly I got done with it.

woollymanda's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ironmanz68's review against another edition

5.0

Truly an amazing book. Scalzi has crafted a unique universe and new to me explorations of the human psyshe.

colechristian's review against another edition

4.0

4.0 / 5.0

arwainian's review against another edition

competently written but I disliked it

roguehireling's review against another edition

4.0

I listened to this on audio book and though the reader was not my favorite, I did quite enjoy the book.
Having read Red Shirts first, I still notice Mr Scalzi's penchant to overuse the word said, even in this story driven book.

The story itself was entertaining and I enjoyed learning about his universe. IT did get a bit wordy around explaining battles and scientific reasoning sometimes. Also the romance was...disturbing.

I was actually quite surprised there was a romance in the book. Its really what made me put this book the romance for guys category.

gatofish's review against another edition

5.0

Give me fantasy any day. I prefer swords and magic. I have read some sci-fi and both enjoyed and disliked various novels. Add this one to the amazing pile.

I received this novel as a freebie by signing up for the Tor e-newsletter. I think I've read another of Scalzi's novels previously, but my brain is Swiss-cheese nowadays and I just can't remember.

Anyway, I was immediately hooked into this book. The main character is likeable and relatable. The various environments are described in plain language, without a lot of space jargon (one of the reasons I avoid most sci-fi), and the plot is interesting. The premise was original and I could visualize the space aliens readily.

I want to find out what happens to Perry. It might not end well for him or his compatriots, but hey, we're all humans here, rooting for each other.

m_rtinklmn's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5