Nerd in Another City

John Scalzi’s ‘Old Man’s War’ series

At Comic Con this past October, as I passed the TOR publishing booth, I happened to stop by to see if there was any Ender’s Game swag. (I love to show my support to my faves, and I l-l-love Ender’s Game.)

I asked at the booth and the lady working at that particular moment quickly suggested to me John Scalzi’s ‘Old Man’s War.’

She told me that if I loved Ender’s Game that I’d love this. And she was right.

In a dystopian future, you sign up to join the war being fought on far away worlds. But it isn’t until you turn 75 years old that you actually get to join the fight. The idea being that young men, while lithe of body and full of energy, are foolish and headstrong. On the otherhand, our seniors may be broken of body, but are at their mental peak of wisdom and discernment.

It’s very much the opposite of Orson Scott Card’s ‘Ender’s Game,’ in which children are the ones relied upon to fight the good fight. Their innocence and quick-learning are what makes them an asset.

I’m now halfway through book 2 in the series, ‘The Ghost Brigades.’

I am loving this series! The writing is solid and the story captivating. Plus, if that isn’t enticing enough, this little jem from book 2 should compel any self-respecting nerd to pick up this book.

-“After watching Star Wars everyone wanted a lightsaber and was irritated that the technology for them didn’t really exist. Everyone also agreed the Ewoks should all die.”
Plus Scalzi even takes a beat to pay homage to Ender’s Game, the series in which he clearly found inspiration.

If you enjoy Sci-Fi by any degree… pick up this series!