The Ghost Brigades (Old Man's War Book 2)

Picking up the story following one of the characters in the cryptic special forces, this is once again action packed sci fi page turner with excellent character development. Despite the portrayal of bittersweet nature of difficult choices in life and death, is ultimately heart warming.

I'd bought Old Man's War on a recommendation from some friends as I'm a big sci-fi fan and enjoyed it a lot so getting the second book in the series, The Ghost Brigades was a no brainer. I actually enjoyed it slightly more than it's predecessor.Though set in the same universe the second book follows a completely different set of characters, Jane Sagan from the Ghost Brigades and a new recruit Jared Dirac. This isn't any standard recruit though. He is made from the DNA of a traitor who sold out humanity to hostile alien forces. His conciseness however was transferred over from a scan to this newly created body, this procedure has never been done before though and it doesn't seem to have taken. He is being watched carefully in case it does as they don't know if it's a friend or foe that will come out....I really liked the story and the development of Dirac and the extra universe building this book brought to the series. It goes in a slightly different direction to Old Man's War and I think it's better for it. There are some interesting philosophical moments of what makes a person who they are, but there is still plenty of action scenes involving the hostile aliens the first book set up though there are fewer races this time and each one gets a little more background development rather than just another hostile force.Much like the first book I like John Scalzi's writing style. It's easy to read, clear with good pacing. If you're a fan of Robert Heinlein or Joe Haldeman then this series is definitely for you. It's (so far) one of the better military sci-fi novels I've read in recent years.Recommended.+ Interesting story.+ Some interesting philosophical moments and great action scenes.+ Some more background in the universe John Scalzi created.+ Easy reading, with good pacing.

The numerous reviews of John Scalzi's 'The Ghost Brigades', his follow up to the excellent 'Old Man's War', pretty much cover most of the points I would wish to raise so I'm not going to waste time repeating them.What I will say is that, as someone who is highly selective about the science-fiction novels they read (the works of Peter F. Hamilton, Toby Frost's hilarious Space Captain Smith series and the odd dip into Steam & Cyber Punk territory is about it) I would not hesitate to recommend The Ghost Brigades and its prequel to fans and non-fans of Sci-fi alike.Not only has Scalzi created a fantastically well realised possible future for humanity in these books, he has done it without the need to sacrifice plot or character to make way for huge chunks of descriptive prose or by creating a doorstep sized tome of a novel. As with all the best sci-fi the universe on show is there to service the plot, and not vice versa. Non-sci-fi fans need not fear being overwhelmed by vast reams of explanatory text intended to provide almost geeky levels of detail designed to prove how much time and effort the author has put in to create his vision of the future.Instead Scalzi concentrates on the two most important elements of what makes any successful novel, be it science fiction or another genre entirely; namely character and plot. Despite the fact that its set in the future and some of the characters are only partially human or not human at all they all jump off the page and feel very real. The emotions on display here, as with Old Man's War, be they love, fear, betrayal, excitement or wonder, feel very real. This is not the cold science-fiction where technology is more important than people. The Ghost Brigades is all about what it is like to be human (or inhuman), what people feel and the decisions they make, and for it to work the reader has to associate and feel for the characters, and Scalzi's ensures that we do.Before you begin to fear however, that this may be some long meditation on the himan condition don't worry, its not. Its a very exciting tale of one unique man's struggle to save the human race. Whereas 'Old Man's War' was a very simple and linear tale told from one person's perspective and really served mostly as an introduction (albeit an immensely enjoyable one) to Scalzi's universe, The Ghost Brigades is more of a conventional thriller in terms of structure and is more satisfying dramatically than its predecessor for that reason. In fact if you ignore the fact that the book is set in the future it is at heart just a very good example of a tale about one man's quest to uncover the truth behind a conspiracy.So whether you're a lifelong sci-fi fan, dip into the genre from time to time like me, of have never even seen Star Wars, I would recommend The Ghost Brigades. I would also recommend reading 'Old Man's War' first. You will not be disappointed if you do.

John Scalzi's "The Ghost Brigades" delves deep into the intricacies of identity and humanity within a futuristic setting, captivating readers with its thought-provoking narrative and dynamic characters. This gripping science fiction novel seamlessly combines action-packed scenes with philosophical musings, earning it a well-deserved five-star rating.Set in a universe where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, the story follows Jared Dirac, a special forces soldier created from the DNA of a deceased traitor. As Jared grapples with his unique origin and struggles to define his own identity, he becomes embroiled in a galactic conflict that threatens the very fabric of humanity.One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of identity. Scalzi masterfully examines what it means to be human, posing questions about nature versus nurture and the essence of consciousness. Through Jared's journey of self-discovery, readers are prompted to reflect on their own perceptions of identity and the factors that shape individuality.The character development in "The Ghost Brigades" is exemplary. Each member of the Ghost Brigade, despite being genetically engineered, possesses distinct personalities and motivations. From the enigmatic Jane Sagan to the morally conflicted Charles Boutin, every character adds depth to the narrative, drawing readers further into the story's intricacies.Scalzi's world-building is equally impressive, immersing readers in a future where humanity has colonized distant planets and formed alliances with alien species. The political intrigue and interstellar conflicts add layers of complexity to the plot, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn.While the novel is replete with thrilling action sequences, Scalzi also explores deeper themes such as ethics, loyalty, and the consequences of technological advancement. He deftly balances these weighty topics with moments of humor and introspection, ensuring that "The Ghost Brigades" appeals to a wide range of readers.Moreover, Scalzi's prose is engaging and accessible, making the complex concepts within the story easily digestible without sacrificing depth. His sharp wit and clever dialogue inject energy into the narrative, driving the plot forward at a relentless pace."The Ghost Brigades" is more than just a sci-fi adventure; it is a meditation on the human condition and our place in the universe. Scalzi's masterful storytelling forces readers to confront their own beliefs and prejudices, challenging them to consider the implications of scientific progress on society.In conclusion, "The Ghost Brigades" is a tour de force of science fiction literature, deserving of its five-star rating. With its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and gripping plot, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they have turned the final page. Scalzi has crafted a masterpiece that transcends genre boundaries, earning its place among the classics of speculative fiction.

Amazingly written, totally engrossing. It tread on a fine line on what makes us human. In actual life without our soul we are just like these soldiers of ghost brigade.

The book continues from the first in the series, plan to read them all

Buena lectura

Jumping straight into the action and not really letting go till the end, this book captured the essence of the Ghost Brigade as both humanity and the equivalent of a sack a spanners, and while operating in the same universe we've already discovered in book one, gives enough new variety and food for thought. Further, there's a fairly epic macro-plot the story weaves through to keep the politics fans happy as well.