Review: Old Man's War

Title: Old Man's War

Author: John Scalzi

Date Completed: 16 June 2016

Narrator: William Dufris

I decided to dip into science fiction again and Old Man's War didn't disappoint. In this alternate future, 75 years old is the minimum age to sign up for the Colonial Defense Force. The CDF has found a way to make the old young again and make use of their vast life experience and give them physically fit bodies again--best of both worlds. The protagonist is widowed and decides to sign up on his 75th birthday to defend human colonies throughout the universe. Naturally he is in for more than he bargained for because space is a rather large place and CDF technology is so far advanced from anything on Earth.

As expected the main character turns out to be an exceptional soldier with a natural talent for leadership. This first book shows his quick rise through the ranks. There were space battles, heroics, friendships, and light romance. Plus some hard science fiction elements that went into quantum physics...but to quote one of the characters: "I don't have the math for that." Although there are sequels, the book wrapped up satisfyingly. Next time I get a hankering for science fiction, I may pick up the next book in this series.