Reviews

Columbus Day by Craig Alanson

elzabetg's review against another edition

5.0

I am not a fan of military science fiction. Hm. Correction. I WAS NOT a fan of military science fiction. This book changed my mind. The story itself was great. The writing and plotting was tight, straight and to the point. The humor made me laugh out loud in public. I was listening to it (h/t Audible) and the narrator's delivery was perfect. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Five stars: 5 (story) + 5 (narration)

ericbuscemi's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this first entry in the series, and am very much looking forward to seeing where it goes from here. It kind of feels a bit like a John Scalzi series, if Scalzi took things a bit more seriously and did more research into military bureaucracy and jargon.

The highlight is definitely the strong voice of the protagonist, who is human, flawed, and fleshed out into three dimensions. He is easy to relate to, as he seems just as baffled as the reader as to why this alien invasion is happening and what to do about it. While lucky, and in the right place at the right time more than once, he also never feels invincible, or loses his humanity.

nearly_empty_nesting's review

5.0

I have been dipping my toes in Science Fiction, and this is my latest dive into the genre.

This book reminded me a bit of The Martian, where the main character has that dry wit about him that comes out as he is facing impossible situations.

And Skippy? I think Skippy is one of my favorite characters of all time.

I loved this book. It went straight to my top shelf and I plan to continue the series to find out what happens next.

auburnaggie's review

4.0

I don't know how much my review is influenced by the fact that I listened to it on audiobook, but R. C. Bray does an amazing narrative job of this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it- good pacing, funny, and the book wrapped up so you didn't feel like there was a cliffhanger, but you can appreciate where they're headed next.

sorrowdeth's review against another edition

adventurous funny tense medium-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

5.0

defaultnamespace's review

adventurous funny medium-paced

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

3.0

djb2spirit's review

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.25

series is a lot of fun to read

dabrit's review

4.0

This book is bawdy, irreverent, very funny and almost cartoonish in nature. Borderline jeuvenile in its writing style but exceedingly funny and rocks along at a cracking pace. I lived the relationship between skippy and Bishop. Very much looking forward to more.

shonari's review

3.0

Laugh out loud funny with a protagonist you can't help but relate with.

khower's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.5