Old Man’s War
by John Scalzi
Publisher: Tor Science Fiction
Publication Date: January 15, 2007 (Mass Market)
ISBN: 9780765348272
320 Pages
Science Fiction
Old Man’s War had such a compelling beginning: old people can go off planet and become soldiers – getting a new lease on life. The only drawback is that they can’t return to earth, and since no one has ever returned it isn’t certain exactly what will happen to the soldiers when they enlist.
John Perry is 75 and his wife is no longer alive so he decides to join the army. Old Man’s War is the story of John’s transformation into an interstellar soldier, and it is quite a ride! It’s filled with action, humor, and new weird discoveries as he learns how he is going to change as he progresses through training.
Normally I would discuss the plot more, but to discuss anything past the first chapter or two would take away from the fun experience in store for someone reading the story for the first time.
I highly recommend this book for fans of science fiction; it has a lot of good twists, turns and surprises for the reader.
Rating: 5/5
The Ghost Brigades
by John Scalzi
Publisher: Tor Science Fiction
Publication Date: May 1, 2007
ISBN: 9780765354068
384 Pages
Science Fiction
*Possible spoilers ahead for Old Man’s War (the first book in the series)*
This sequel to Old Man’s War is about the special forces division of the army, and they are quite unusual soldiers to say the least. There are several layers to this story, and some of the issues that are raised are:
- What makes up identity in the brain?
- Can identity be saved from one brain and transferred into another?
- If any part of personality can survive such a transfer, then what about the past emotional connections?
All of these come into play when a scientist with important military secrets defects to the enemy. If the army can’t solve the mysteries of identity then they may never figure out what the rogue scientist has planned – and the entire race of humans across the galaxy could be wiped out.
Even though this story had a great fast-paced plot and a lot of food for thought, it didn’t have the same charisma and surprises that Old Man’s War did, (and that is really the curse of the sequel). Evaluated on its own though it was quite a fun read. I would recommend reading the books in order, especially since this one has major spoilers concerning the first book.
Rating: 4/5
© 2012, At Home With Books. All rights reserved.
I’m glad you liked these–they’re kind of mainstream, for SF, and the author can spin a good yarn. There’s a third in the series, you know!
Sounds a bit like Starship Troopers for the elderly!
I read Zoe’s Tale which I think as I recall is Old Man’s War from another perspective. It was very cute.
I really need to get back around to Scalzi. I have only read Old Man’s War and that was ages ago now!
As I’ve grown older I’ve realized that I like Sci-Fi more and more. I enjoyed your review and have put these books on my TBR list! Thanks!
Both of these are great books, and I’ve loved reading them a couple of times now.