Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
John Scalzi begins Old Man’s War with a fascinating premise. At the age of 75 the people of earth can have their youth restored in exchange for serving two years in the colonial military. Nobody on earth knows how this technology works. Many won’t survive however, because the galaxy is a dangerous place.
John Perry, the main character in this story, is a likable fellow. He and his late wife had a good relationship. He quickly forms friendship with a group of fellow recruits. He is a man of down-to-earth wisdom, in a setting that is anything but down-to-earth. It was a nice change to have an older protagonist, who brings with him the sensibilities of one near the end of his life. This is combined with one who has the physicality of youth. As one who has experienced aging, this physicality is fully appreciated, rather than taken for granted. All this combines to create a fascinating character.
The book features some fun sci-fi concepts. Enhancements to the human body are explored, including a very cool green tinting of the skin for extra energy through photosynthesis.
We are introduced to a variety of alien races in this book – each with their own unique cultures. They truly feel alien.
There are one or two other surprises along the way, which I won’t spoil, but suffice it to say that Old Man’s War is a great set-up for the rest of this series.
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