Old Man's War (Old Man's War, 1) Mass Market Paperback – January 15, 2007

"Old Man's War" by John Scalzi is a tour de force in the realm of science fiction literature, a riveting narrative that seamlessly blends action, philosophy, and profound human emotion. In this sprawling space opera, Scalzi introduces readers to a future where humanity has spread across the cosmos, forging alliances, waging wars, and confronting existential threats from alien civilizations.At the heart of the story is the protagonist, John Perry, a seventy-five-year-old widower who decides to enlist in the Colonial Defense Forces on his 75th birthday. Little does he know that this decision will lead him on an epic journey of self-discovery, camaraderie, and sacrifice. Through Perry's eyes, readers are thrust into a universe teeming with alien species, advanced technology, and moral ambiguity.Scalzi's narrative prowess shines as he explores themes of mortality, identity, and the ethics of warfare. The concept of elderly individuals being rejuvenated into superhuman soldiers adds a unique twist to the age-old trope of space warfare. As Perry undergoes the transformation process and joins his fellow recruits in the interstellar battlefield, the novel delves into the moral implications of trading one's humanity for the promise of extended life and adventure.What sets "Old Man's War" apart is Scalzi's ability to infuse humor and wit into even the darkest moments. The banter among the soldiers, their gallows humor in the face of danger, serves as a stark reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Amidst the chaos of intergalactic conflict, Scalzi crafts moments of genuine camaraderie and warmth, grounding the narrative in the emotional bonds forged between comrades-in-arms.Furthermore, Scalzi excels in world-building, painting a vivid picture of a universe populated by a kaleidoscope of alien species, each with their own unique cultures, technologies, and motivations. From the enigmatic Obin to the fearsome Rraey, each alien race Perry encounters adds depth and complexity to the narrative, challenging both his preconceptions and the reader's assumptions about the nature of conflict and diplomacy in the cosmos.As the plot unfolds and Perry finds himself embroiled in a larger conspiracy that threatens the stability of the entire galaxy, "Old Man's War" hurtles towards a breathtaking climax that is equal parts heart-pounding action and profound introspection. Scalzi masterfully juggles multiple plot threads, weaving together personal drama, political intrigue, and cosmic spectacle into a cohesive and satisfying whole.In conclusion, "Old Man's War" is a triumph of science fiction storytelling, a gripping adventure that transcends the genre's conventions to deliver a poignant meditation on what it means to be human in a universe teeming with wonders and horrors. Scalzi's sharp prose, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes make this novel a timeless classic that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page.

This book bears a strong resemblance [though not a copy, by any stretch] to Heinlein's Starship Troopers. If you liked that, you'll like this.Old Man's War is, in essence, about a bunch of senior citizens signing up for the space marines. Scalzi does a nice job of setting up the protagonist, with his wry-and-unappreciated sense of humor, in the first chapter or two. Unfortunately, two things happen almost immediately upon leaving Earth:First, everyone John Perry meets talks just like him and has the exact same sense of humor. This is incredibly common nowadays, particularly with new authors, so maybe it won't bother you. Also, if you have the same sense of humor as everyone in the book, you should be fine.Second, as soon as the seniors get together, they basically all begin speaking like 30-somethings, even before they become young again in fact. Later, they get rejuvenated as part of their service, but even so, this wouldn't change one's speech patterns. I don't know a single 75-year-old who is ironic. That is the hallmark of a younger generation.Initial dialogue between the characters is somewhat forced, in my opinion. But none of it really matters once the plot thickens. The story is gripping. The protagonist's narrative is engaging, and the action is well-paced. Fight sequences are excellent. Premise aside (old people are the only military recruits) the universe is believable and you settle into it comfortably, almost immediately. You know just about as much as you need to know, and not a lot more. [The sequel, Ghost Brigades, reveals more details.] "Hard" science, when given, is explained at a high-school level. Take that as you will.Other than the fact that none of the characters seem "old" at all--most speak, act, and feel straight out of mainstream TV targeted at 27-35 year olds--the book is essentially a fun, well-written story that leaves you wanting more.For a first-time author, this book deserves 5 stars. The book is very good when compared with the work of established authors, but not quite up to the 5 star level, which gets overused on Amazon, at least in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy field. Five stars would be a tie for works by Bradbury, Aasimov, and Heinlein, for example. 4 stars is an amazing achievement.[VERY MINOR SPOILERS OCCURRING IN THE FIRST 10% OF THE BOOK]As a pet peeve which I save for the end of the review, there is a memorable scene with a drill sergeant in which it is determined that the protagonist--John Perry--is neither a believer nor an atheist...what exactly is he then? I could care less what Perry's religious views are, it just seems very unlikely that he would have absolutely NO box to check under a "Religion" block on a form. Incidentally, in the modern world, your religion goes on your dog-tags for burials, so it is kind of relevant when the survival rate of the old man soldiers is less than 10%.This belief/non-belief annoyance is further compounded because earlier, Perry quotes the bible word-for-word to the point of alienating his roommate. This is just incredibly unlikely for someone professing (?) to be a complete agnostic or whatever he's supposed to be/not be.

This is an ideal read for folks looking to enter the world of science fiction. It's a story as old as time wrapped in a world of fantasy. Scalzi tells a mean story and he keeps it moving. Enjoy!

What to say?19 years later this book has already become a classic and rightly so.A fantastic sci-fi novel where the "military" subgenre is correct but just the tip of the iceberg.Action-packed, full of inspirational parts that push the reader to ponder on and investigate the nature of war and morality.An amazing novel.

Super histoire

Die Idee des Buches lässt sich in wenige Zeilen verdichten, weshalb ich das hier lieber unterlasse, denn es wären ein paar Spoiler enthalten, die dem Buch die Spannung nehmen würden. Nicht dass ich Spannung für so wichtig halte. Dune ist ja auch nicht spannend.Das Tolle bei Ancillary Justice ist, dass ich nach wenigen Seiten nach Alternativen zu suchen beginne. Schon ein paar Mal. Zuletzt landete ich Old Man’s War, das ich in der Originalsprache gelesen habe (was ich nur empfehlen kann). In 2-3 Tagen ist man locker durch, wenn man es gar nicht lassen kann, reicht ein Tag.Einfaches Strickmuster, eine gute Grundidee, gut zu lesen. Passend für einen heißen Sommertag.Eines vielleicht: Ich höre mir die Bücher oft auch als Hörbuch an. So auch dieses Mal. Die Häufung von “I said”, “he said”, “said Harry” ist - speziell im Hörbuch - etwas mühsam. Würde ich ändern, wenn ich was ändern könnte.Zurück zu Ancillary Justice. Vielleicht - nach vielen guten Büchern - werde ich auch dort das Ende erreichen und eine Rezension schreiben.

Si te gusta la ciencia ficcion militar este libro te va a gustar mucho.

A 21st century version of Heinlein. Well done, with lots of action, strong characters, moral and ethic issues, intriguing concepts of science and the universe that surrounds us. Reading about the loss and partial rediscovery of a loved one tore my heart.