Reviews

Old Man's War by John Scalzi

Only show reviews with written explanations

ryanwhitley's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

This was a pretty fun read. It started off super interesting, the middle was formulaic while trying so hard not to be, and then the end was super interesting as well. I have a little bit of a hard time understanding how it’s a “classic;” I don’t see that. But it is an entertaining novel that doesn’t ask a lot of the reader and some days that is a very fine thing indeed.

nealo's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny relaxing fast-paced

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

4.25

rowlandcw's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny informative sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

fgjemison's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

I really enjoyed Old Man's War. It wasn't groundbreaking, as these things go, but it was a fresh new sci-fi IP that helped fill the space opera gap where Ender's Game and Leviathan Wakes previously resided.

Also, for some reason, the (potential spoilers) new bodies for the soldiers reminded me of Avatar (the James Cameron movie, not the TV show).

Anyways, I'd recommend the book to anybody who likes the genre. It is however, rather short, so make allowances for that.

magnus597's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I can see the inspiration Scalzi took from Heinlein's Starship Troopers, and that's all good to me. I loved both books. The premise of going to war as an old man once you've lived your life is a good one, and while maybe not as interesting as you might think once you realize how they get around the issues of old age, it's still a very good start. I think John Perry was well developed as a character, and grew throughout the novel. The adventures he had in "meeting" new species were entertaining, and the book never felt dull. I'm glad there are more books in the series cause while at the end of the book, the adventure concludes, it feels like there is so much more to explore. I can't wait to read the next one!

P.S. If you haven't read Starship Troopers, I highly recommend it! It's nothing like the movie (which I also love), so you end up appreciating both iterations.