Book Review: Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

September 16, 2011 § 2 Comments

I also read this book on vacation, in the two days after the two days I spent reading The Warded Man (what can I say, reading is relaxing to me). It follows 75-year-old John Perry as he starts a new life in the army, defending humanity and it’s colonies from hostile aliens, in exchange for a rejuvenation that leaves him in a suped-up 25-year-old version of his body.  Basically the exact opposite premise of Enders Game.

I’ve always been a big fan of Heinlein in general, and Starship Troopers specifically (the book, not the movie), and Old Man’s War takes all the best parts of that and trims the long chapters that feel like lectures (or at least hides them better).  A great read that’s well-written with a fascinating plot and some interesting twists for good measure, I loved it and would recommend it to anyone interested in science fiction.

As an interesting aside, he originally published it as a free serial on his web site, though he doesn’t recommend you try the same.  In an even more interesting aside, Cherie Priest, author of Boneshaker, was discovered the same way.

Book Review: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

September 14, 2011 § Leave a Comment

If you haven’t already read the book, you’re probably either sick of hearing about A Game of Thrones, or planning to skip the book and watch it on HBO.  All I have to say is read the book.

I have to admit that it took me two tries to get into it because there were so many characters up front (and the only reason I gave it a second shot was because the HBO trailers looked so awesome) but I would have been so disappointed to have missed it.  Martin proves time and again that he’s not afraid to send his characters through the fire (and worse), and the result is the most intense, on-the-edge-of-my-seat reading experience that I can remember.  If you’ve already watched the first season, I’d still encourage you to get on board with the books.  As good as the series is, the books are better and the sequels are just as big a roller-coaster ride (except for A Feast for Crows, which was like a long stroll through the countryside).

It’s a story of politics, friendship, love, war, betrayal, and just about everything else.  Martin creates some amazing, intricate characters and a fascinating world, and I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series is headed.

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

September 9, 2011 § Leave a Comment

Loved this book!  A great read.  I read this back in January, but I still can’t say enough about it. Set in a future where the world has been ravaged by nuclear war and North America has been divided into twelve districts all ruled by the elitist capital, each year two children are chosen from each district to fight to the death in the Hunger Games. Loved the setting, loved the characters, loved the tension. I checked it out at noon and didn’t sleep that night until I finished it. It’s a great example of a young adult book that appeals to all ages. The sequels don’t quite capture the magic of the first, but it’s a book you don’t want to miss. Here’s hoping the movie doesn’t ruin it.

For other Young Adult books you shouldn’t miss, check out the reading recommendations.

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