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lr205's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.25
Excellent sci-fi. Significant foul launguage is my only complaint.
caddyh301's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
caitsparks's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
abeier's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
josephbraun's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
todd_bissell's review against another edition
3.0
John Scalzi, in his forward for the reprint of Joe Halldeman's "Forever war", said that he had written his first novel "Old Man's War" completely oblivious to the many side-by-side comparisons to the much more famous (and really, better) book by Halldeman. There's something to be said for writers unintentionally delving into the same topic via different paths -- Halldeman was a Vietnam Era vet while John Scalzi was still pooping his drawers, but both independently came up with the similar conclusions within the same confines.
Even still, the fact that I was able to blow through this book in just under 7 hours of flight time between Norfolk VA and San Diego CA tells the tale that I knew where this book was going the second that I cracked it open.
Not bad, but only fresh and unique for folks who have never cracked open a single sci-fi/military novel, ever.
(Edit: the fact that this book led a to plethora of sequels is.... let's just say "curious", in my opinion)
Even still, the fact that I was able to blow through this book in just under 7 hours of flight time between Norfolk VA and San Diego CA tells the tale that I knew where this book was going the second that I cracked it open.
Not bad, but only fresh and unique for folks who have never cracked open a single sci-fi/military novel, ever.
(Edit: the fact that this book led a to plethora of sequels is.... let's just say "curious", in my opinion)
ldawg4545's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.75
keen23's review
4.0
I'm not sure why it took me so long to pick up this series, but I am so happy that I did.
melissa_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic sci-fi book that is accessible for people who only dabble in the genre.
Looking through the reviews for the book, it seems to be written in homage to Robert A. Heinlein (whom I have not read) so I may read some of his books in future. Although it is the first of a series, it definitely be read as a stand alone.
I really loved the concept of old (65+ year olds) signing up for military service. I wasn't sure how it was going to work but I was intrigued all the same. The world of the CDF and its various alien antagonists was well formed and told. Quite a bit of the novel was told in a humorous manner which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although it can be funny, the horrors of war are highlighted at times without the tongue-in-cheek voice.
There were a few moments like which I thought were a bit 'bloke-ish' for lack of a better term. When it happened I thought, you can tell this is written by a dude.
Overall, there was very little I didn't like in the book and will definitely be recommending to people who want to start reading some sci-fi.
Looking through the reviews for the book, it seems to be written in homage to Robert A. Heinlein (whom I have not read) so I may read some of his books in future. Although it is the first of a series, it definitely be read as a stand alone.
I really loved the concept of old (65+ year olds) signing up for military service. I wasn't sure how it was going to work but I was intrigued all the same. The world of the CDF and its various alien antagonists was well formed and told. Quite a bit of the novel was told in a humorous manner which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although it can be funny, the horrors of war are highlighted at times without the tongue-in-cheek voice.
There were a few moments like
Spoiler
after all the new recruits get their new green bodies and they just boink each others brains out for 2 weeksOverall, there was very little I didn't like in the book and will definitely be recommending to people who want to start reading some sci-fi.