Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
I did two things on my seventy-fifth birthday. I visited my wife’s grave. Then I joined the army.
It’s Sci-Fi Experience time and the first book too make it to the top of the reading pile, is one I’d seen warmly received and 
commented on all over the place since I joined the book blog-o-sphere, enough times that a few weeks ago – and in anticipation of reading some decent Sci-Fi this January and February – I mooched a copy of Old Man’s War by John Scalzi.
Old Man’s War, tells the story of 75 year old John Perry, who after a few years of mourning his beloved wife, visits her grave one last time, then heads over to the recruitment office to sign up, and head off to war.
The Colonial Defence Force, defend humanities interests out there in the universe, and defends them vigorously, the mortality rate is high. The CDF place a lot of value in the attitude and experience gained from decades of living, and once you join up and leave earth, you can never return.
Rumours of science and medical abilities far beyond that on earth, and the prospect of simply being young again – even if your life expectancy may even be shorter that it would be by staying on earth, is such a tantalising prospect that the CDF is never short of volunteers.
At first I was worried, when he advancements that allow a 75 year old to go to war are revealed. My first reaction was to roll my eyes. Because, well, at first glance it appears to be an easy way to allow the author some wriggle room with his book title, but I was pleased to find, that even though, Perry, may be physically young again, the fact that he and the other recruits still are 75 years old maintains it’s importance and prominence throughout the book.
One thing that can sell almost any tale to me, is when an author gets the interaction between friends, absolutely spot on.
Friends, banter with each other, insult each other, drop sarcastic comments any chance they get, and in a lot of books this would be superfluous and would get in the way, thankfully that is not the case here, Scalzi’s dialogue, is not only, snappy, but it is often used to impart information that drives the story along, it is also fantastically witty, I’ve not chortled so much in reading a book in ages (and remember that two of my recent books have been Pratchett’s!).
It’s a fast paced thrill of a read and the techno-babble mumbo-jumbo that might scare non Sci-Fi fans away, is kept to a minimum. And for the most part you won’t even notice it because you’re having too much fun to care.
Very much looking forward to the other books in the series.
[rating:90/100]
Other Reviews to Consider:
Giveaway!
I somehow managed to mooch two copies of this one 
So I’m going to hold my first giveaway away of the year! If you’d like to have a chance to read the book yourself, then simply say so in the comments below. It’s that easy! I’ll draw the winner on Saturday 24th!
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This sounds fantastic, and I’ve been meaning to check Scalzi out for a while…so I’d love to be entered please!
Nymeth´s last blog post: Three Picture Books
I’m sure you will enjoy it, he’s a very entertaining writer.
Obviously you don’t need to include me in the drawing but it is very cool that you are doing a giveaway with this book. Whoever receives it will really be in for a great experience.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I have not been disappointed with one of John Scalzi’s books yet. Each has been a richly rewarding experience. John Perry is a great character as are others who enter the series as it goes on. I really appreciated the fact that the characters’ ages meant something in the story as it really added an important element.
I hope you continue on in the trilogy (plus one) as I look forward to reading your thought on those.
Carl V.´s last blog post: Out of This World Mini-Challenge
Well, I did manage to somehow end up with two copies, so this seemed the most fun way of passing it on.
I certainly will continue with the series, in fact I tried my local bookstore with no luck last night
still there’s always the online version 
Ok, so I’m totally just skipping this post because I’m about to read it myself! But I’ll be right back when I’m done!
Chris´s last blog post: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Hey, I’m good you know, I did my best not to spoiler anything!
Can’t wait to see what you think if it.
I’ve heard a lot about Scalzi, I’d love to win this!
Fate Fortuna´s last blog post: Review: Waiter Rant by The Waiter
I would like to be entered please. (=
i’d love to be included for the draw on this, I love Scalzi.
nice giveaway thanks much
Sounds like my kind of reading. Thanks very much for the giveaway opportunity!
I’m not a sci-fi reader, but I have a friend who is seriously ill & is a big sci-fan, so I’d give it to him.
Thanks for the giveaway.
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d love to read this.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com
Please include me. I would love to read it.
I’d love to read it. Thanks for including me.
As an avid reader this book would thrill me. I have not read any thing by John Scalzi so this will give me the opportunity to start.
Sounds like a great read. Thank you