55 pages 1 hour read

Old Man's War

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

John Scalzi

Old Man's War

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

318

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

Fantasy

Action & Adventure
Setting

Space • Futuristic

Theme
Space

Colonialism

War
Topic
Military & War
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

Old Man's War by John Scalzi follows someone who joins the Colonial Defense Forces at age 75, finding youth restored through advanced technology. The individual is thrust into a universe of space warfare, defending humanity from various alien species. The narrative explores themes of identity, survival, and the complexities of war in a futuristic context.

Adventurous

Exciting

Humorous

Emotional

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

John Scalzi's Old Man's War impresses with its engaging storyline and witty dialogue, offering a fresh take on military science fiction. Readers appreciate the blend of action and humor, while some critique predictable plot points and underdeveloped secondary characters. Overall, it’s celebrated as a thought-provoking and entertaining read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Old Man's War?

A reader who enjoys Old Man's War by John Scalzi likely appreciates military sci-fi and speculative fiction. Fans of Robert A. Heinlein's Starship Troopers and Joe Haldeman's The Forever War will find Scalzi's blend of action, humor, and philosophical questions compelling and satisfying.

Character List

John Perry

John is the main character and narrator who joins the Colonial Defense Force on his 75th birthday. He is pragmatic and becomes a skilled soldier, advancing in rank and grappling with the complexities of military life.

Jane is a genetically modified soldier and love interest of John, serving in the Ghost Brigade. She is intelligent and skilled in combat, exploring her humanity through her relationship with John.

Harry is John's friend and a former physics teacher who joins the CDF for a new life and scientific curiosity. He provides scientific insights and raises questions about the Colonial Union's operations.

Viveros is John's first commanding officer in the CDF, originally from Peru. She is tactically savvy and offers John insight into the complexities of the CDF.

The Consu are an alien species and adversaries of the CDF, described as technologically advanced and motivated by religious beliefs. They engage in combat with humans as part of their own colonization efforts.

Book Details
Pages

318

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

Fantasy

Action & Adventure
Setting

Space • Futuristic

Theme
Space

Colonialism

War
Topic
Military & War
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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