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malatek's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
sashaknits's review against another edition
4.0
I got this as part of the first Humble eBook Bundle so it was a bit of pot-luck that I had it on my Kindle, rather than a specific decision to buy it. Luckily, I was more than pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
The main premise of the story is that in a future where the human race has spread widely into space looking for new planets to colonise, Earth needs extremely specialised armed forces in order to claim or maintain their presence on many alien worlds. This problem is solved by inviting pensioners to sign up for service (on the understanding that they may never return to Earth) and then... well I shan't spoil it for you ;)
What struck me strongly about the book was the believability of the main characters, even when they were put into such extreme and speculative circumstances. The book had a great sense of humour, mainly evidenced through our hero's affectionately sarcastic outlook on life, and was painfully touching in places as well. A great emotional rollercoaster.
The only problem was that it was over too soon! I'll definitely be looking up some more of Scalzi's books in future.
The main premise of the story is that in a future where the human race has spread widely into space looking for new planets to colonise, Earth needs extremely specialised armed forces in order to claim or maintain their presence on many alien worlds. This problem is solved by inviting pensioners to sign up for service (on the understanding that they may never return to Earth) and then... well I shan't spoil it for you ;)
What struck me strongly about the book was the believability of the main characters, even when they were put into such extreme and speculative circumstances. The book had a great sense of humour, mainly evidenced through our hero's affectionately sarcastic outlook on life, and was painfully touching in places as well. A great emotional rollercoaster.
The only problem was that it was over too soon! I'll definitely be looking up some more of Scalzi's books in future.
tondola's review against another edition
4.0
I had been reading Mr Scalzi's Whatever blog for some years before I finally decided to have a go with his novels. I was therefore somewhat familiar with the themes presented in the book, and I really enjoyed it. The comparison to a young Heinlein is not unfounded and for those who like him it's a nice book to read. Thumbs up all the way
crowfood's review against another edition
3.0
Old Man's War is the enjoyable military sci-fi story that Starship Troopers failed to be.
While this was no doubt largely inspired by the aforementioned book, it seemed to improve on the template in most every way. The aliens are more nuanced, the military less beloved, the technology and initiation of the soldiers more interesting, and the characters more witty. Maybe too witty, every member of the "old farts" was cracking jokes every other sentence.
It was quite different from Redshirts, the only other Scalzi novel I've read. This is much more in the vein of an old school sci-fi story while Redshirts felt more modern.
Do not mourn me, friends
I fall as a shooting star
Into the next life
While this was no doubt largely inspired by the aforementioned book, it seemed to improve on the template in most every way. The aliens are more nuanced, the military less beloved, the technology and initiation of the soldiers more interesting, and the characters more witty. Maybe too witty, every member of the "old farts" was cracking jokes every other sentence.
It was quite different from Redshirts, the only other Scalzi novel I've read. This is much more in the vein of an old school sci-fi story while Redshirts felt more modern.
Do not mourn me, friends
I fall as a shooting star
Into the next life
zevhowls's review against another edition
4.0
God that was amazing. I just loved it. It was entertaining, fast and had the Scalzi humour that I came to love after reading Red Shirts. Its a must read for any science fiction lovers. John Perry is a character that every single person out there is bound to fall in love with.
This book paints a universe that is both intriguing and immense. Would love to embark on more adventures in this universe.
This book paints a universe that is both intriguing and immense. Would love to embark on more adventures in this universe.
bewchacca's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.75
lewistheeditor's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of fun. It didn't strike me as much as it seems to strike many people, but I enjoyed it. Loved the fact that the main character was in his 70s, though. We need more senior citizen heroes!!
deepthoughts10's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
tim_52's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Great sense of humor, interesting situations and an appealing view of a future. Old Man's War was the first I've read by John Scalzi and it led to all the others, most of which I also loved.