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troutgirl's review against another edition
I've owned more than one copy of this book, but people kept "borrowing" it from me before I could read it! Finally I had to resort to a much-thumbed and somewhat stained in the final chapter paperback copy from the library, and I'm glad I did.
I should just mention here that Mr Scalzi is a college alum of mine, although we have never crossed paths. And actually I am pleasantly astonished that anyone who graduated from the University of Chicago could write something as delightful as this space opera -- because frankly we never studied fiction writing in school, and in fact I don't think I ever read a novel except in one class my senior year. I suspect that this book is Exhibit A for the age-old argument that being forced to write A LOT (however miscellaneously) and having great bookstores around are far more determinative of writing success than MFAs or genres or all that mess.
The genius of the "old man's war" concept is obviously that you get all the naive exposition of your typical space opera -- enlisting, training (nobody knows the drill sergeants I've seen!), seeing the elephant, red badge of courage etc -- with the far greater depth of characters who are not just mature but positively decrepit. As our protagonist points out matter-of-factly in explaining his enlistment: "People can live longer, and do live longer, but they still live those years as an old person." Next time you read about some medical research that promises to extend your life, remember this line.
Here I must confess I had a hard time differentiating between the squad members introduced early in the book -- why so many? -- especially the females. Also my favorite characters are a race of aliens that could not-uncharitably be described as "Buddhists TO THE MAX". Net-net, I'm grateful for a novel entertaining enough to -- with the help of a pitcher of iced green tea -- help me entirely forget the discomfort of the hottest day of the summer this year.
I should just mention here that Mr Scalzi is a college alum of mine, although we have never crossed paths. And actually I am pleasantly astonished that anyone who graduated from the University of Chicago could write something as delightful as this space opera -- because frankly we never studied fiction writing in school, and in fact I don't think I ever read a novel except in one class my senior year. I suspect that this book is Exhibit A for the age-old argument that being forced to write A LOT (however miscellaneously) and having great bookstores around are far more determinative of writing success than MFAs or genres or all that mess.
The genius of the "old man's war" concept is obviously that you get all the naive exposition of your typical space opera -- enlisting, training (nobody knows the drill sergeants I've seen!), seeing the elephant, red badge of courage etc -- with the far greater depth of characters who are not just mature but positively decrepit. As our protagonist points out matter-of-factly in explaining his enlistment: "People can live longer, and do live longer, but they still live those years as an old person." Next time you read about some medical research that promises to extend your life, remember this line.
Here I must confess I had a hard time differentiating between the squad members introduced early in the book -- why so many? -- especially the females. Also my favorite characters are a race of aliens that could not-uncharitably be described as "Buddhists TO THE MAX". Net-net, I'm grateful for a novel entertaining enough to -- with the help of a pitcher of iced green tea -- help me entirely forget the discomfort of the hottest day of the summer this year.
njyx's review against another edition
3.0
Decent story line and some interesting ideas but... the story could have been a bit more subtle and nuanced.
Still - fun, quick read. May try some others in the series.
Still - fun, quick read. May try some others in the series.
jofgood's review against another edition
5.0
"Starts really well and interesting. First book of a new author (to me). Hope its another Richard Morgan..."
And ends fine as well.
Alien cultures, humanity fight for a place on the galaxy.
Lives after lives, an opportunity for old people,
a dream at the end of the road.
Nice read!
And ends fine as well.
Alien cultures, humanity fight for a place on the galaxy.
Lives after lives, an opportunity for old people,
a dream at the end of the road.
Nice read!
jennderqueer's review against another edition
4.5
This was pretty awesome; the premise is that there's an interstellar war and people over 75 are being recruited to be de-aged and go fight in the war. What happens after our wonderful MC joins up is... wow. The missing half star is for the big section of middle that just felt like a brief recounting of battles.
janet_page's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book - it made me laugh out loud at times and almost brought me to tears at others.
I made my non-sci-fi loving partner this to read, and he enjoyed it too - says it all
I made my non-sci-fi loving partner this to read, and he enjoyed it too - says it all
perusal's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
etmarks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
philibin's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
(4.0 Stars)
This was a very good book and story. The Narrator was excellent and Scalzi is a true gem of a writer.
Vibrant characters, exquisite world building, captivating plotlines, and natural humor when appropriate. If you are looking for a scientifically plausible sci-fi series to pick up, start here!
This was a very good book and story. The Narrator was excellent and Scalzi is a true gem of a writer.
Vibrant characters, exquisite world building, captivating plotlines, and natural humor when appropriate. If you are looking for a scientifically plausible sci-fi series to pick up, start here!
twenty_two_coffees's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the ideas and writing style of this book, although I thought it ended rather abruptly and without really resolving much. I guess I'll just have to read the rest of the series.