Old Mans War- John Scalzi

In this future war is no longer the area of the young and fit. At the age of 65 people apply for the position which they will get upon their turning 75. Between 65 and 75 a new cloned body is grown for the soldier. Into which their mind is "downloaded" when they turn 75. This way they get a fit and healthy soldier with a lifetime full of experience.

Much of the book deals with John Perry, an old man, coming to grips of once again having a youthful body; he also comes to grips with the loss of his wife, whom he had planned to enter this service with, but who had died prior to her 75th.

The story is interesting. The concepts are fresh and new. The take on war is brutal and uncompromising. It is obvious that Scalzi is a big fan of Robert Heinlien as the general feel and tone of writing is reminiscent of some of the best of Heinlien. Particularly Starship Troopers. Of course if all you know about Starship Troopers is the movie, you have no idea what that means.

The story is full of twists and turns. Perry falls in love. He has many battles and really is able to grow and develop as a character. Above all though this character keeps his essential human side despite some of the horrors he sees.

This sets up further stories in the series, Most notably Ghost Brigades and The Last Colony. Which deepen the storyline of Perry and those he cares for. The whole series is excellent, but the first book is particularly powerful and majestic. A must read for anyone who is a fan of science fiction and a particular must read for anyone who is a fan of the sub-genre of military science fiction.