This is the first sci-fi book I’ve ever read and omfg it’s hilarious as a starting point. My favourite character was Centurion Graves because not only does he repeatedly sacrifice himself, but he can be so sassy/sneaky - love him for that. Harris and McGill are a close second in iconic with many McGill quotes highlighted in my kindle - but also, poor Carlos 🤣 the poor bugger is so annoying but also keeps getting dragged into virtual suicide missions - and normally ends up dying. This book’s themes of war in the understanding that it’s rare to experience perma death was so interesting, as was the aliens and how they operate. The portrayal of women in this book is somewhat lacking (probably because it’s meant for the male gaze) with the only notable women: Vivi (horny), Natasha (horny but  smart and becoming a tech), Anne Grant (a bio specialist who has her head on her shoulders), Primus Turov (hate that fucking bitch), Centurion Thompson (also hate that fucking bitch OMFG). I did like that the author put consenting statements in the book (the bar is in hell guys). Will be reading the second book sometime this year as it’s good for a laugh 🤣