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fishbelly's review against another edition
4.0
John Scalzi tickles that sweet nostalgic spot for me that yearns for the fun and adventure of science fiction when I was in junior high school. His novels are a wonderful 21st century version of Heinlein's juvenile sf romps, and I've found something else--Scalzi is great for pulling me out of a reading rut.
From the moment I began The Last Colony I was happy and content. The story of John Perry and Jane Sagan beginning a new human colony perfectly straddled that fine line between surprise and predictability. There troubles beginning that colony are typical of many sf novels, but Scalzi does just enough to make it feel fresh.
Sure, Sclazi's characterization is sometimes a bit bland, and his aliens often don't seem much different than humans, but it's never something that bothers me too much when reading his novels. His main characters are typically well written. I feel I have gotten to know John, Jane, and Zoe fairly well in the last three books. But characterization is not necessarily the point. Sclazi's stories are all about the adventure and wonder of the future, and he pulls that off with ease.
Could I read nothing but a steady diet of similar books? No way. But when I feel like curling up in a comfy chair and reading for hours on end, Scalzi works admirably.
From the moment I began The Last Colony I was happy and content. The story of John Perry and Jane Sagan beginning a new human colony perfectly straddled that fine line between surprise and predictability. There troubles beginning that colony are typical of many sf novels, but Scalzi does just enough to make it feel fresh.
Sure, Sclazi's characterization is sometimes a bit bland, and his aliens often don't seem much different than humans, but it's never something that bothers me too much when reading his novels. His main characters are typically well written. I feel I have gotten to know John, Jane, and Zoe fairly well in the last three books. But characterization is not necessarily the point. Sclazi's stories are all about the adventure and wonder of the future, and he pulls that off with ease.
Could I read nothing but a steady diet of similar books? No way. But when I feel like curling up in a comfy chair and reading for hours on end, Scalzi works admirably.
bradenadam's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
An incredible cap off to the first three books of a series I'm loving to bits.
lucasbrooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Good story, but the plot felt a little overstuffed for the length.
jamesonforan's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
bookishlibrarian's review against another edition
3.5
3.5 In this entry, we return to John Perry and Jane Sagan from Old Man's War, who are tasked with helping to settle a new colony, Roanoke. (Hmm, that doesn't portend that something might go wrong, does it?) I enjoyed being back with these characters, the dilemmas they encounter, and the ingenuity involved in resolving them, alongside many of the secondary characters introduced as fellow colonists. It also fills in a lot more about the Colonial Defense Forces and what they are up to. I enjoyed this, with a few quibbles (what seemed to be a major storyline inexplicably dropped, and the very minor reappearance of a minor character at the end reinforced one of my problems with the first book.) Still, really enjoying this series.
kevlar's review against another edition
4.0
On my first read of this book, I wanted more action, more military sci-fi mixed with Scalzi's humour. This isn't that book, it's about colonisation of a new planet and the politics involved. And on this read that was fine, I went in with less expectations and let the story take me along for a ride.
And it's still very good Scalzi, humour, intrigue and big ideas. Enjoyed it a lot.
And it's still very good Scalzi, humour, intrigue and big ideas. Enjoyed it a lot.
en0jad0's review against another edition
4.0
An enjoyable and satisfying (apparent) conclusion to the story arc of the Perry character in the Old Man's War series.
adr_enne_rose's review against another edition
5.0
These Old Man's War books are popcorn. Delicious, entertaining, quick reading popcorn with a tiny little of good old fashioned ideas about sci fi - "aliens", human expansion, family and love, culture. Most of that is glossed over in the salty, tasty popcorn, which is still worth every tasty bite.
Therefore, the last book in this trilogy was even more delicious than the first two.
Therefore, the last book in this trilogy was even more delicious than the first two.