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  • Old Man's War

  • Old Man's War, Book 1
  • By: John Scalzi
  • Narrated by: William Dufris
  • Length: 9 hrs and 55 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,155 ratings)

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Old Man's War

By: John Scalzi
Narrated by: William Dufris
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Summary

At 75 years old, John Perry is after a fresh start - so, naturally, he joins the army. Earth's military machine can transform elderly recruits, restoring their lost youth. But in return, its Colonial Defence Force demands two years of hazardous service in space. This is how Perry finds himself in a new body crafted from his original DNA. A genetically enhanced and upgraded new body, ready for battle. But upgrades alone won't keep Perry safe. He'll be fighting for his life on the front line as he defends humanity's colonies from hostile aliens. He'll pay the price for his choices, and he'll discover the universe is even more dangerous than he imagined.

©2007 Audio Renaissance (P)2017 Pan Macmillan Publishers Ltd
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Critic reviews

"Clever dialogue, fast-paced story and strong characters." ( The Times)
"Though a lot of SF writers are more or less efficiently continuing the tradition of Robert A. Heinlein, Scalzi's astonishingly proficient first novel reads like an original work by the late grand master.... This virtuoso debut pays tribute to SF's past while showing that well-worn tropes still can have real zip when they're approached with ingenuity." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Solid...[Scalzi] sidesteps most of the cliches of military science fiction, delivers fast-paced scenes of combat and pays attention to the science underpinning his premise." ( San Francisco Chronicle)
"Thought-provoking!" ( Entertainment Weekly)
"Smartly conceived and thoroughly entertaining, Old Man's War is a splendid novel." ( Cleveland Plain Dealer)
"Gripping and surpassingly original. It's Starship Troopers without the lectures. It's The Forever War with better sex. It's funny, it's sad, and it's true." (Cory Doctorow)

What listeners say about Old Man's War

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Story
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A good exciting listen.

A very good listen, the story is action packed and engaging. The only downside is the conversations, too many he said, she said I asked she replied, it gets very very annoying, the narrator must have been really fed up of it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Pretty good and a different spin on the aged.

Started off good and got better. loved the humour not over the top and quite dry.

The only gripe I would have is too much of the "I said" "he/she said"

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A fantastic emotional and action packed romp.

I have tried reading this book three or four times with no success. But I am glad I listened to it on Audible. It is a great story, sometimes funny, sometimes sad; the a good dose of action and drama thrown in.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable!

A good simple story well told. A bit derivative at times (Starship Troopers??) but still enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent book

a great story, lovely characters, funny and emotionally deep. The world building is excellent too. really just a great read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

fantastic book and incredible engrossing story. I highly recommend for those who enjoy sci-fi.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Better than expected

This book appeared on a few of my friends lists. I totally understand why. Great story, excellent performance, deep story that doesn't take itself too serious. It could have gone down the silly or grim dark path but it stays on that fine balanced line that makes an exceptional story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Simple and entertaining




Liked it. Laughed a lot. Touching how John Parry describes his wife. Interesting concept.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Really Nice

The concept and the first half of the book are stellar. The second part from the special forces introduction is slower but ok. All in all, I really enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

interesting

An interesting take on aging, war and the galaxy. I wasn't totally blown away but definitely worth a listen.

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