I liked it. Yes, it was a rough start due to some things happening that I didn't like but when they finally started being soldier and especially after John met Jane it picked up and I liked it a lot.

I like John and think that he's an interesting character. He has his flaws but sometimes he also kind of is a Marty Stuart. But, I like him and am able to overlook the things I'm not quite happy about.

I liked that not Earth but its colonies are the major power here and that Humans aren't the major power in the universe. Like John I'm a bit sad that humans always fight and don't go exploring but that's this universe and I accept it.

The idea of genetically enhancing people isn't a new one but I like that Scalzi took it that far and gave them green skin and cat's eyes. Also, I think I want to have my own BrainPal. ;)

I like the "Old Farts" and was sad reading about the deaths. :( I hope that Jesse and Harry stay alive for a while.

Jane - I'm a bit torn about her. I like her character and the idea that she's only six and doesn't know anything else but war. But on the other hand - having the body of John's dead wife and now there's something like a lovestory hinted at. *eyetwitch*

In general - I love the idea of the Special Forces. I'm curious from where the consciousnesses come from because the original ones are dead. Are they artificial? Are they from soldiers who were mortally wounded and the consciousness was transferred to the first soldiers? Were they realborn once and with every transfer the memories get wiped out every time to have a clean slate to work with? A lot of questions and I hope some or all of them get answered in the next book.

My favourite scene of the book was when John first met all the Special Forces in the messhall on board the Sparrowhawk. The questions about how it is to live with/withour memories, a past live and knowing something else than war? Great!

All in all a good book.