Old Man's War

John Scalzi
Old Man's War Cover

Old Man's War

Thomcat
10/24/2014
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Picked this up years ago, didn't realize it was the first book in a series. I greatly enjoyed this story, and here is why.

The author was inspired by the works of Robert A Heinlein, and delivers a bootcamp that is better than Starship Troopers. His universe building is interesting - remember that right now we are seeing that only through the eyes of a soldier and his superior officers, the colonial marines. There is likely a LOT more going on here, and hints are provided. I am fairly sure the attack on the Whaidians is foreshadowing a future direct attack on Earth, which is clearly unprepared for it.

The other aspect I see here is a nod to Joe Haldeman's The Forever War, a novel written in 1974 in direct response to the author's service in Vietnam. The protagonist wrestles with what this all means, coming to a head in fighting Lilliputian soldiers. 

The story is told with humor and philosophy and fairly interesting science, especially the discussion of the Skip drive towards the end of the novel. I particularly liked the relationships between friends and the main characters undying love for his wife. All of this leads to the second book of the series, The Ghost Brigades. Speaking of series, this book is solid as a standalone novel, and yet I am drawn to read more from this universe in particular and this author in general. Well done!

(Read in 2012 and again in 2023)

http://goodreads.com/arcathia