Old Man's War Boxed Set I: Old Man's War, The Ghost Brigades, The Last Colony

Having previously read the entire 5-volume sequence in this series, and the excellent companion book Zoe's Tale, I purchased this set for my son, a fellow SF aficionado. Scalzi's competent but unadorned prose has all the qualities that draw me to SF: a riveting plot, credible characters I could really care about, and mind-bending big ideas. It was a nice surprise to find an unconventional but believable romance introduced in a manner thoroughly consistent with the premise. Although Scalzi is not bound by current scientific orthodoxy in the manner of The Martian, he does offer plausible explanations for the departures from that norm (like faster than light travel). He manages to do so without resort to intimidating physics like another recent series I nevertheless enjoyed, Liu Cixin's Three-Body trilogy. As a senior citizen and veteran of my own war of dubious morality (Vietnam), I could identify pretty closely with the protagonist, but I'm sure that my son, or any connoisseur of traditional science fiction, will wholeheartedly enjoy this series.

I simply could not put these books down. To make my point further, I read these on a Caribbean Cruise two weeks before Christmas. I bought them, then devoured them.Only con? I want more!!! And it will be a couple months before I will have time to purchase and read the rest of the series.Pro? I have more books in this series to read! Hallelujah!I read the first three in this series. I purchased them through Amazon.

I like this story very much. The characters are very real and rich in personality and the carry over from one book to the next is almost seamless. The only reason that I did not award five stars is that there are three more books to the series and I thought that I was getting the whole thing. I am getting the nest three books, but would have rater gotten the "whole" set even for a higher price (of course).

I've never read a story like it. I've been absolutely entranced by these books. One of the best book recommendations I've received in a long time. I would not call myself much of a science fiction reader. This story is set in space and becomes more progressively set in space, so naturally, it comes along with science and technology theme. If that's not for you, I would still recommend the first book, "Old Man's War", since part of its story takes place on Earth. It's a very different take on a human recolonization and I'm enjoying it immensely.

Entertaining. Makes me think of Heinlein. A certain amount of predictably, bit how one gets to the point that one knows is coming is pretty cool. I think I'll end up reading all of the series.Halfway through Book 1 and the main character, a writer, used "I" instead of "me." That usually forces me to toss the book and stop reading. I'll forgive him this time.

I read "Redshirts" by Scalzi a couple years ago, and have made other rounds through sci-fi since then (most recently wrapping up the Ender's quintet). I'm only halfway through Ghost Brigades so far (50% of the way through this set) and will buy the next part once I'm done. I love all types of sci-fi books and Scalzi has a particular writing style that blends in humor very well. I'd definitely recommend this series to anyone who has an interest in sci-fi novels.

This series is criminally overrated.Lackluster characters and plot based on a "old man" gimmick, with little to no impact on the story.It's sad that this is classified as a "hard scifi" space opera; because it isn't. It's a juvenile action story reminiscent of a cheap first person shooter video game. Hard pass.

I read all these books when they were first published. Prior to this, in my entire life, I've only read 3 stories twice. Stranger in a Strange Land, Lord of the Rings, and Dune. I hope you can tell how much I adore this set of stories by John Scalzi. It's about many things including great science fiction themes and in most importantly he writes about a man's eternal love. Somehow John can write about it in a way that touches my heart.

This set comprises the first three novels in John Scalzi`s military-based science fiction series.Scalzi`s imaginative world has the echoes of Haldeman`s "Forever War" and Heinlein`s "Starship Troopers" that this vein of science fiction is almost bound to have, but Scalzi easily holds his own with those classic authors; his writing style is witty, intelligent and at times quite moving, the plot-lines are thoughtful, plausible and well thought-out and his characterisation strong and believable.Though there are six novels based within this world-frame, these three make a nicely related trilogy, as the author himself practically affirms in his acknowledgements section of the third novel.The novel that follows on from this trilogy - "Zoe's Tale" does relate to the third book, but I've yet to read that myself... this however, makes a satisfying introduction, with the rest of the series available should you wish to read on - I know I will.Currently - at time of writing - the set is available at less than £12 which is a good saving on the individual books; well worth picking up if they appeal to you; I enjoyed them greatly as fast-moving, entertaining and imaginative genre pieces. They certainly are quite recommendable as such.

I borrowed these before, they were a great read.No flannel, just story line.So I purchased the lot, years later, to read again.

This is a really interesting boxed set, well worth a read. Clever concept of using elderly people to become rejuvenated soldiers.One thing that annoys me though, is the number of books that contain mis-spellings or poor grammar. You'd think someone would read the book and point those mistakes out. Or is that what an editor's for?

Real ripping yarns, write for speed reading and a good sense from the author of why a reader of sci-fi needs to have a classical such as Starship trooper re-write in the modern context.

I love this series of books, read them all as a kid and revisiting them now is great. Read the lot and in order.