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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Spin-off series of the first four books in Old Man's War. The book is composed of 13 episodes, like tv show episodes, that take place after Zoe's Tale. The stories are tied together -- moreso than the average collection of short stories, but do not really form a traditional novel arc.
This bundle also contains 'After the Coup', a short story prelude featuring/introducing the same characters as the episodes, which still takes place after Zoe's Tale.
This bundle also contains 'After the Coup', a short story prelude featuring/introducing the same characters as the episodes, which still takes place after Zoe's Tale.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is the 5th book in the series and with a new set of characters, it does not quite feel like the same series anymore. The context continues, but that by itself does little to sustain interest. The first 3 books were excellent, and disappointment I felt with “Zoe’s Tale” continues with this one.
This book apparently first came out in a serialized form. The stories though are fairly well connected to an overall theme. The Colonial Defence Forces have burnt their bridges with Earth, and are now not getting fresh recruits. The conflict among species continues as each try to occupy new habitable planets. Wary of the dangers involved, diplomacy is given a chance. The plot meanders through various complications involving a completely new set of characters.
It is almost as if Scalzi felt pressured to find a way to continue the series, and settled on this half-baked option. I somehow struggled to stay engaged with this book. I might go to the next one in the series having reached thus far, but probably after a few weeks.
Fun story, interesting characters. The story moves along quickly mainly through dialog. Originally published as a series with each "chapter" released weekly (I think?), I read the collected stories. Each one stands alone, but builds on what happened before, it fits together well as a complete story arc.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It is not surprising that I enjoyed reading another John Scalzi book. I find the books easy and fun to read (which was a delight after the previous book that I gave up on). It is true that all of his books are led by sarcastic and witty people, but the plots and the characters are enjoyable, even if they are all similar.
This was a good continuation of the series. Be warned, that very little gets resolved in the course of this story (unlike previous books which are fine as stand alone books, even if you should still read them in order). I'm immediately reading the next one because it'll probably feel like one long story instead of, well...
One of the interesting things about this book (and its sequel) is that it was published serially. Each chapter is actually its own short story but with an over-arching mystery/plot. I really liked this format for a book (or two?). It was novel and different (for modern times).
This was a good continuation of the series. Be warned, that very little gets resolved in the course of this story (unlike previous books which are fine as stand alone books, even if you should still read them in order). I'm immediately reading the next one because it'll probably feel like one long story instead of, well...
One of the interesting things about this book (and its sequel) is that it was published serially. Each chapter is actually its own short story but with an over-arching mystery/plot. I really liked this format for a book (or two?). It was novel and different (for modern times).
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Yes.
It is a joy to see how Scalzi goes ever deeper into his own material and makes it ever more lovable.
It is a joy to see how Scalzi goes ever deeper into his own material and makes it ever more lovable.
Most of John Scalzi's characters make me laugh. The situations that they are put in and their sarcasm when dealing with them are fun. The political hijinks also add humor to what could be a depressing connection of short stories.
I know that this series is going to end soon and I will miss the characters personalities. On to the next in the series.
I know that this series is going to end soon and I will miss the characters personalities. On to the next in the series.